Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Highland Single Malt Whisky 750ml
DescriptionDeep within ancient Scottish woodlands, Dr. Bill Lumsden found inspiration for one of Glenmorangie's most innovative creations. A Tale of the Forest brings the essence of the wilderness into the glass through the use of virgin oak casks made from trees specifically selected for their unique properties, creating a whisky that captures the magic of Scotland's primordial forests.
The nose immediately transports you to a forest glen, with aromas that seem to capture sunlight filtering through leaves. Fresh, green notes of pine needles and wild herbs mingle with sweeter elements of honeysuckle and heather. The virgin oak influence is pronounced but perfectly integrated—vanilla and caramel notes are joined by more unusual forest-inspired elements: tree bark, wild mushrooms, and a hint of moss. There's an almost mystical quality to the aromatics, as if the whisky has captured the very essence of the woodland.
On the palate, the journey through the forest continues with flavors that balance the familiar with the wonderfully strange. The texture is notably rich and creamy, a gift from the virgin oak's intense interaction with the spirit. Initial sweetness of honey and vanilla gives way to more complex notes: toasted hazelnuts found on the forest floor, wild berries, and an intriguing herbal quality reminiscent of pine resin. The kilning process used for this expression adds unique flavors—imagine barley dried over ancient wood fires, adding subtle smoke and earthy notes.
What makes A Tale of the Forest truly special is the botanical inspiration that influenced every production decision. The barley was kilned using unique botanicals, while the virgin oak casks were made from trees chosen for their specific flavor contributions. This isn't just marketing narrative but a genuine attempt to capture the essence of Scotland's wild places in liquid form. The result is a whisky that tastes like a walk through an enchanted forest.
The finish is long and evolving, with flavors that shift like shadows through trees. Sweet notes of honey and vanilla gradually give way to drier, more herbal elements—sage, thyme, and a hint of eucalyptus. The virgin oak contributes a pleasant tannic structure that provides backbone without bitterness, while lingering notes of dark chocolate and espresso add sophistication. The very end brings a refreshing hint of mint that seems to clear the palate like a cool forest breeze.
A Tale of the Forest is designed for those who appreciate whisky as storytelling. It's an expression that rewards imagination as much as attention to flavor, creating an experience that goes beyond ordinary tasting. Best enjoyed outdoors if possible, or at least while contemplating nature, this whisky proves that innovation in Scotch can come from looking not forward but around us, finding inspiration in the ancient landscapes that have sheltered distilleries for centuries.
