The sixth release from the award-winning Private edition collection, Glenmorangie Tùsail is built on the unique taste of the barley, which was almost lost to the world if it weren’t for the efforts of a few.
Since 2010, Glenmorangie has every year released a rare single malt specifically crafted to inspire and intrigue whisky connoisseurs and collectors.
The latest release, Glenmorangie Tùsail, invites aficionados to explore a distinctive variety of barley's influence on Glenmorangie single malt.
First commercially harvested 50 years ago, Maris Otter barley has a depth of flavour, which projected it to become a cornerstone of England’s craft-brewing industry. However, the demand for the barley began to drop when producers moved over to varieties with greater efficiencies, leaving its distinctive taste in peril.
Realising the potential for the flavour to be lost, two British seed merchants formed a partnership, saving Maris Otter barley for future generations.
Their efforts attracted the attention of Glenmorangie's Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. Renowned for his commitment to well-made whiskies, Dr. Bill Lumsden ordered a batch of the barley and used it to create Glenmorangie Tùsail (Scots Gaelic for 'originary').
He said: "When we heard the story of those determined to preserve such a flavoursome grain, their ethos – and the barley itself – seemed the perfect match for a Glenmorangie single malt.
“I knew its deep flavour profile would provide an intriguing contrast to Glenmorangie's more delicate house style, creating a whisky to enchant connoisseurs.
“The result pays homage to the Maris Otter variety, with rich, rustic flavours of nut toffee, sweet barley malt, ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and dates, complementing the more familiar Glenmorangie notes of peaches, oranges and smoked pears."
Glenmorangie Tùsail will be available in specialist whisky shops and through Moët Hennessy Collection, retailing for $165.00, from 13 April 2015.
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