Glenmorangie Astar Missouri Ozark Oak Casks 57.1% 700ml

The Glenmorangie Astar is a single malt Scotch whisky that was first released in 2008 and discontinued in 2012 due to the scarcity of the specific casks used in its production. 'Astar' is Gaelic for 'journey,' reflecting Glenmorangie's pursuit of perfection in their quest for the best oak casks to mature whisky. The whisky is matured in white oak Quercus Alba casks made from slow-growth, fine-grained oak trees from Missouri's Ozark mountains. It is bottled at a robust 57.1% ABV and is non-chill filtered. The Glenmorangie distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, boasts a production capacity of around 6.5 million liters per year, making it the 10th largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland. It ranks 5th globally for single malt Scotch whisky sales volumes. The distillery was expanded to its current 12 stills in 2009 and has recently added two more stills for a separate experimental distillery onsite. Originally released as a follow-up to the Glenmorangie Artisan cask, the Astar was the first bottle to be branded under Glenmorangie's Private Collection Range. This whisky exudes a deep, rich, silky, and creamy profile with a 100 Proof. Presented in an elegant box, Glenmorangie Astar is a unique and highly sought-after expression in the world of single malt Scotch whisky.

FAQs

• What does 'Astar' mean?

  'Astar' is Gaelic for 'journey,' representing Glenmorangie's quest for the finest oak casks to mature their whisky.

• What makes Glenmorangie Astar unique?

  The Glenmorangie Astar is matured in white oak Quercus Alba casks from Missouri's Ozark mountains, which imparts a distinctive flavor profile to the whisky.

• Is Glenmorangie Astar still being produced?

  No, Glenmorangie Astar was discontinued in 2012 due to the scarcity of the specific casks used in its production.

• Can Glenmorangie Astar be enjoyed with added water?

  Yes, adding a little water can open up the malt, revealing more complex flavors and aromas.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: Vanilla, apple, banana, sweet lime, almond, honey, tree resin, orange, caramel, tropical fruits, coconut, shortbread, honey-laden pastries, white grapes, white pepper, fresh sawdust.
• Taste: Orange, vanilla, apple, banana, caramel, wood, nuts, spices, herbs, scones, almond biscuits, vanilla crisps, honey, baked banana, green apple peel, grapefruit, lime peel, pepper, cinnamon.
• Finish: Long, dry, burnt biscuits, sweet, slight bitterness, grapefruit, pepper, lingering warm spices, oak, sweet raisins, citrus notes, dried apples.
• Overall: Glenmorangie Astar offers a rich, creamy, and silky experience with a balanced interplay of fruity and woody notes. The high ABV of 57.1% adds to its robust character, making it a dynamic and invigorating dram. The complex flavors unfold beautifully, especially with the addition of a little water, revealing a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and oak.

Reviewer's opinion

The Glenmorangie Astar stands out as one of the most remarkable expressions from the Glenmorangie distillery. Its journey from the Ozark mountains to the Scottish Highlands is reflected in its intricate and balanced flavor profile. The whisky’s high ABV and meticulous maturation process in specially selected casks result in a truly exceptional dram. Its combination of rich vanilla, creamy fruits, and subtle spice makes it a must-try for any whisky enthusiast.