Glenmorangie has released its fifth, annual, limited edition single malt whisky: Companta. Its predecessor, Ealanta, was recently named the world’s best dram by Jim Murray, one of the world’s leading whisky experts.
Dr Bill Lumsden
Director of Whisky Creation
Glenmorangie
Created by wood management pioneer and three-time winner of Malt Advocate’s coveted Industry Leader of the Year award Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie Companta is the latest in the Private Edition range – a group of rare and intriguing single malts. The name is Scots Gaelic for friendship and celebrates the distillery’s pursuit of perfection which it shares with distinguished French vineyards.
As Dr Lumsden explains, “having spent over 20 years travelling to some of France’s most renowned vineyards, I’ve had the opportunity to sample many rare and intriguing wines in search of the finest casks to complement the extra-maturation of our whisky.
“Some of my most memorable visits have been to Burgundy, where the dedication and attention to detail that goes into their craft never ceases to amaze me. The smaller vineyards of the region don’t seem to worry about yields, costs, or timings. They work tirelessly, simply to produce the very best wine. In the same spirit as Glenmorangie, they stop at nothing in the pursuit of perfection.
“This shared philosophy inspired me to create the ultimate tribute to my longstanding love for French vineyards and the friends that I’ve had the pleasure to make throughout my travels.”
Companta exudes rich, “autumnal” scents of red berries and damp forest floors, with a hint of fragrant woodsmoke complementing notes of aromatic, nutty oak. Upon tasting, a spicy palate redolent of cherries and stewed fruits is slowly revealed, as notes of sugared plums, blood orange and rose-hip syrup emerge alongside milk chocolate and brown sugar, leading into a mouth-coating finish.
Bottled at a strength of 46 per cent, and non chill-filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Companta is available from independent specialist retailers and department stores.