Launched towards the end of January 2016, Glenmorangie The Tayne is not a brand-new expression but just like its predecessor in the travel retail Legends series, Glenmorangie Duthac, it seems to have received little exposure.

However they don’t seem to be temporary series but part of the permanent travel retail line-up of the distillery (which, like most travel retail offerings, is also available from many traditional shops). They replace Nectar D’Or, Lasanta and Quinta Ruban in airports.

Glenmorangie Tayne pays homage to a galleon of the Spanish Armada, that has sunk in Dornoch Firth, formerly known as the Firth of Tayne, in 1588. The spirit was taken from bourbon barrels and then finished in Spanish Amontillado sherry casks – not the most common choice when it comes to sherry finishing.

The series was completed with a third expression Glenmorangie Tarlogan.

Glenmorangie The Tayne
(43%, OB 2016, Amontillado sherry finish)

Nose: quite sweet and floral, marked more by the classic Glenmorangie character of tinned peaches, red apples and toffee. There’s some vanilla and raisin, as well as hints of fresh oak shavings. Underneath there are light nutty notes (cashews, almonds) with a faint roasted edge. Mouth: medium bodied, still a bit of sweetness but more of the typical tangy nature of an Amontillado. More nutty notes as well (walnuts, chestnuts), including some smoky bitterness and zesty citrus. Seville oranges. There’s also a slightly rough alcoholic edge, too bad. Finish: not too long, spicy with some bittersweet elements and a drier note in the end.

A decent dram, interesting to see the influence of the Amontillado. Like Duthac, not entirely great though. Around € 70 for a litre bottle duty free, closer to € 95 in regular shops.

Score: 83/100