Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or

[bolivr]

Here's a new bevvy for me. This is a continuation, perhaps a development of, Glenmorangie's 'finished' single malts. After regular maturation on American white oak casks which reportedly are only used twice, the whisky is transferred to sauternes casks from France for extra maturing.

The result is a drop sporting 46% alcohol content and a nice golden hue. Is it anything special? Will the malt be sweet and fruity?

After opening the bottle and pouring a wee dram (straight up, no ice) a little drop that went on my hand smelt like buttery saffron. This might be interesting.

With my nose well in the wide tumbler I thought the aroma initially was very much like a light cognac. Initial sip confirmed the alcohol content which warmed me up nicely - as you would expect 46% would.

The whisky is light and clean on the pallet. Malt is well to the back and is only obvious at the start of the finish which gives way to lingering light wood.

As some alcohol evaporates out of the warm glass I got lightly spiced cookie dough. Sweetness is kept well in check.

I think this is an ideal beverage to have with a cigar as it refreshes the pallet so much. Good creamy smokes might be the best with it. Out of what I have on hand at the moment I think a Monte 2, a Party 898 and possibly PLPC with plenty of age would be a fine choice. The whisky certainly also has the subtlety to work with perhaps a PL Encantos.

I like to check the aroma of the empty glass and it was a very pleasant light oak timber. With a bit of imagination, a light oak cask warmed by the sun on a dewy morning. A mighty fine drink to me.

Anybody else tried this one? What were your impressions?

[ckgdrums]

Nice review, very descriptive. Makes me wanna rush out and find a 750 somewhere...(or 700, as it were)

[ChanceSchmerr]

My Favorite Glenmorangie! Sonnalta PX is a close second, however....

[kcheek]

Thanks for the review, it sounds great!

[ckearns]

I haven't tries this expression, but you've certainly piqued my interest.

[Puros Y Vino]

Never heard about this one. Thanks for the heads up. I enjoy Sauternes and Scotch. This is an interesting combination, using the Sauternes barrels. Conor, Perhaps we should track this down for the meet & greet?

[maverickdrinker]

I've had this a few times. Very nice dram. Thanks for the review.

[ckearns]

Conor, Perhaps we should track this down for the meet & greet?

Not a problem.

[riazp]

i've sampled this at my local SAQ near my house and it was a very nice dram, thinking about picking up a bottle eventually. Very nice review.

[canadianbeaver]

mmmmmmm... I love this one! Our label looks a bit diff in Ontario.

CB

[frenchkiwi]

tried all the different finishes at the glenmorangie distillery last year (just up the road from my in-laws...;-) and the PX was my favourite followed by the sauternes. i think the sauternes introduced quite a different flavour to the mix so it's possibly the most interesting, but to my taste didn't quite go as well with the whisky itself.

then again, i find glenmorangie altogether too sweet for my liking so not really the best person to comment. Great if you love smooth sweet whisky!

[edlye]

Besides the obvious fruity notes, I also pick up a light smoky peat note on the finish of the Nectar d'Or. It is a very smooth and balanced whisky. I find it a great choice for those making their first foray into peated single malts.

[Duane]

this is one on my shopping list.

drinking the Quinta Ruban at the moment port finished, and you can notice it.

nice and descriptive will have to give the quinta a proper tasting (not half a@#ed)

[investandprosper]

This is a fantastic Glenmorangie. My favorite by far. So smooth, you wouldn't think it was a 12 year scotch.

[BatFastard]

A great review! This single malt has been on my wish list for a while now and I think I've just been pushed over the edge. Gonna pick up a bottle this afternoon. Look forward to trying it!!

Thanks for sharing.

[ChanceSchmerr]

Apparently there is now a 15 yr Nectar D'Or.......never tried it!

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-16443.aspx

[Ken Gargett]

enjoyed it very much. the quinta ruban from port casks is also definitely worth trying.

interesting comment re the similarities with cognac. you would be staggered how many people, experts included, stuggle to pick the difference between whisky, cognac and also armagnac when served blind. try it sometime.

[Chaki]

My Favorite Glenmorangie! Sonnalta PX is a close second, however....

What does "PX" mean?

[Duane]

PX translates to Spanish Pedro Ximenez

[Rogers72]

Thanks for the review! I've seen it on the shelves but am too narrow-minded with my Islays to have picked up a bottle yet. You've got me sold!

[Tan1801]

I enjoy all the Glenmorangie's that I've had including the Nectar D'Or.

Probably drink the lasanta and quinta ruben the most.

[Chaki]

PX translates to Spanish Pedro Ximenez

Thanks!

[fred170]

Sounds yummy!!

[bolivr]

Thanks for your comments folks. I thought I should have another try of this in view of the recent thoughts added. So poured another slug tonight. Caveat - I've had a dinner of chicken kiev, mash and veges washed down with red wine so I am trying to taste around that

The strong spirit on the nose seems to have settled back a bit. What's new is I am getting fleeting impressions of aniseed or fennel, more like fennel as it is more vegetal. The wood is still there as I remember it, quite to the fore and faintly vanillary and yes, I stick by my opinion that this is one whiskey that crosses into the cognac taste for me. I imagine this Glenmorangie might offend the malt purist as it could easily be seen as a novelty, a confection that strays from the long history and tradition we are so fortunate to taste today from many distillers. But for me it's a very fine drink this one and I think it is my favourite at the moment.