Glenmorangie Bottles the Spice Market in Its Most Adventurous Whisky Yet
The Highland distillery’s new limited edition, A Tale of Spices, captures the heat, color, and fragrance of global bazaars in every sip
Close your eyes and imagine walking through a spice market. The air is thick with ginger and saffron, the warmth of nutmeg drifts past, and pyramids of crimson chili and golden turmeric rise higher than your head. That kaleidoscope of scents, colors, and textures is exactly what Glenmorangie set out to capture in liquid form.
The result is A Tale of Spices, the sixth and boldest installment in the distillery’s experimental “A Tale Of…” series. This isn’t just whisky — it’s a sensory passport stamped with flavors from around the world, bottled with the elegance and curiosity that have defined Glenmorangie for nearly two centuries.
A Whisky Built Like a Mosaic
For the sixth chapter in Glenmorangie’s imaginative “A Tale Of…” series, the distillery pushed itself in new directions. The whisky was finished in four cask types, a first for Glenmorangie.
Moroccan red wine casks — rare, French oak vessels never before used at the distillery — lend a deep, fragrant spice.
New charred oak adds structure and fire. Shaved and toasted red wine casks bring a whisper of fruit. Finally, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks fold in lush sweetness.
The result is a whisky that doesn’t just layer flavors, it builds them like a mosaic: bold spices at the base, lifted by floral notes of rose and jasmine, then polished with a distinct eucalyptus freshness.
The Vision Behind the Blend
Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s maverick Director of Whisky Creation, has long drawn inspiration from spice markets. Along with Master Blender Gillian Macdonald, he imagined a whisky that could capture the chaos and charm of those fragrant aisles. “Each sip is like immersing yourself in the sensory delights of a spice market,” he says. “You never know which aroma will hit you next.”
The series itself has always been about storytelling. Past editions riffed on ice cream parlors and winter coziness. This one leans into travel and discovery, echoing the thrill of stepping into a faraway bazaar where colors, textures, and scents collide.
A Feast for the Eyes (and the Bar Cart)
The presentation matches the ambition. A Tale of Spices arrives in a gift-ready box painted with warm, vivid hues that mirror the spice pyramids of global markets. It is the kind of bottle that feels just as at home on a collector’s shelf as it does on a well-set dinner table.
And if sipping it neat is not enough, Glenmorangie has designed a handful of cocktails that lean into its spice-laden personality. Think aromatic serves that celebrate saffron’s golden glow or the earthy kick of cumin, each one available to explore on their website.
The Bottom Line
At $100, Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices is an invitation to drink with your senses wide open. It is whisky as a passport stamp, one that delivers the heat, color, and layered aromas of the world’s great spice markets. Whether you're a collector of every “A Tale Of…” edition or simply seeking a bottle that feels alive and different, this one is worth the trip.
