Glenmorangie The Lasanta Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Review

When folks come to me and ask, “I’m interested in Scotch, but I don’t know where to start. What do you recommend?” I usually steer them to Glenfiddich or The Glenmorangie. Why? Because they’re easy to find, highly affordable, and offer the new and curious very little to dislike. They’re not only great starter whiskies; they’re ones you can keep enjoying no matter how experienced your palate is.

 

The Glenmorangie comes from Scotland’s Highland region, whereas Glenfiddich comes from Speyside. Considering that Speyside gained autonomy from the Highland region in 2009, the two areas aren’t that far off. The Glenmorangie tends to be a sweeter whisky, something else that newbies often find palatable.

 

The Glenmorangie boasts the tallest stills in Scotland. It calls them giraffe stills. On a side note, the distillery supports the Giraffe Conservation Fund meant to help save the species. Glenmorangie has been distilling since 1843.

 

One of its core single malts is The Lasanta. It begins with the base The Glenmorangie 10, aged a decade in first- and second-fill Bourbon barrels, but then it is aged another two in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts.

 

“In every corner of the world, the setting of the sun is magical, mused Dr Bill, our Director of Whisky Creation and an inveterate traveler. This whisky is Dr Bill’s attempt to bottle the magic of sunset, with its endless horizon of reds, oranges and purples […] Each time you watch the sunset, you see something different – this is how it is to drink Lasanta.” – The Glenmorangie

 

The Lasanta is available from most liquor outlets and has a suggested retail price of $50.99 for a 750ml package. It should be noted that La Santa has recently been upgraded to a 15-year-old expression, which has a suggested price of $66.99.

 

I procured mine by purchasing The Glenmorangie Gift Pack, comprising of 100ml bottles of The Lasanta, The Glenmorangie 10, Nectar d’Or, and The Quinta Ruban.  You can pick one of those up for about $29.99.

 

No matter how you get your hands on one, the only thing that matters is how it tastes, and to do that, we need to #DrinkCurious.

• Whiskey Type: Single Malt Scotch
• Region: Highland
• Distiller: The Glenmorangie
• Age: 12 years
• Mashbill: 100% malted barley
• Cooperage: First maturation in first- and second-fill Bourbon barrels,  then transferred for another two years in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts 
• Alcohol Content: 46% ABV (92⁰)
• Price per 750mL: $50.99

 

Appearance:  Poured neat in my trusty Glencairn glass, The Lasanta was the color of a new, copper penny. A medium rim formed fast, watery legs that crashed back to the pool.

 

Nose:  As I allowed the whisky to breathe, the sherry influence was evident. An aroma of plum and apricot joined sun-dried raisins, honey, caramel, and toffee. Milk chocolate and raisins caressed my tongue when I drew the air past my parted lips.

 

Palate:  A full-bodied texture greeted my tongue, opening the gate for apricot, orange marmalade, almond, and roasted coffee. The middle featured milk chocolate, toffee, nutmeg, and walnut, while the back consisted of clove, cinnamon, dry oak, and cola.

 

Finish:  Dry and medium in length, the finish had flavors of cinnamon, cola, toffee, clove, and oak.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust:  I believe The Glenmorangie has another winner in The Lasanta. There’s something here for everyone and nothing to cause complaint. There’s no astringent, no peat, nothing off-putting, and it is full of flavor. For $51, you’re getting a 12-year Scotch you can enjoy for years to come. My Bottle rating comes without hesitation. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.