Glenmorangie’s new “friendship” whisky launched

The fifth annual offering from its award-winning Private Edition range

This is the release from +Glenmorangie Whisky so lets see how it fairs, upcoming tasting notes will follow soon.

Glenmorangie has released its eagerly-awaited 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. 

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. 

Glenmorangie Companta is Scots Gaelic for friendship and celebrates Glenmorangie and distinguished French vineyards’ shared pursuit of perfection. 

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: “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.” 

On the nose, 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 including Royal Mile Whiskies and the Whiski Rooms with an RSP of £69.99.  

A refined balance between bold spice and rich, smooth sweetness, Companta is the result of a careful assemblage of Glenmorangie extra-matured in both renowned Burgundy Grand Cru Clos de Tart casks and sweet fortified wine casks from Côtes du Rhône. 

Lumsden explained: “Selecting parcels of Glenmorangie which had been matured in traditional American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, I transferred the spirit into casks having previously contained one of my personal favourites – the full-bodied Grand Cru wine from Clos de Tart, one of the most celebrated vineyards in Burgundy. 

“After a period of extra-maturation, the casks imparted additional body and deep berry-like flavours to the trademark elegant, floral character of the Glenmorangie.” 

“To complement the bold, spicy character imparted from the Grand Cru casks, I selected a parcel of Glenmorangie which had been extra-maturing in casks having previously contained a lusciously sweet fortified wine from Côtes du Rhône. It took some time, but with careful fine tuning we reached a harmonious assemblage which proved the perfect balance; neither too bold nor too tame!”