Raising a stir in the world of whisky is an exclusive collaboration between two of the world’s most revered houses: the famed distillery Glenmorangie and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco of the House of Grimaldi.
A famous lover of single malts, and one of the richest royals in the world, Prince Albert visited the Glenmorangie distillery in Dornoch Firth for an immersive taste of the processes that go into creating the iconic Scotch whisky. Together with the expertise of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, the Prince selected but a single cask from which this rare release has come.
The chosen ex-bourbon cask bears the coat of arms of His Serene Highness’ House of Grimaldi, and will produce only 180 bottles of non-chill filtered ‘beautiful, pale gold whisky…[r]eflecting nature’s gifts in its notes of heather, honey, bananas, peaches and lime,’ according to Dr Lumsden.
And it’s for a good cause, too. The very exclusive 12-year-old single malt will raise funds for the Prince’s environmental charity, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – a charity committed to environmental protection, sustainable development, climate change and the promotion of renewable energy.
The first two have already been sold, and for a royal price of $52,000. Both fell under the auctioneer’s hammer at the Monte Carlo Whisky Society’s annual festival in support of Glenmorangie’s environmental partner, the Marine Conservation Society – the UK’s leading marine charity that actively protects the very shores that Glenmorangie has called home since 1843.
And with each bottle securely identified with a Prooftag Bubble Seal that guarantee the origin and veracity of each whisky with a unique reference and fingerprint, this rare whisky is undoubtedly one for the collectors.
Tasting Notes:
After being bottled at 56.5% ABV, the Glenmorangie HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco 12 Year Old is described as:
Colour: A bright, pale gold single malt.
Nose: Bursting with a floral and citrus bouquet, underscored by creamy vanilla and white chocolate, with distinct notes of heather and honey.
Taste: A peppery mouthfeel is followed by tastes of vanilla, peaches, banana, lime and menthol.
Finish: A gentle aftertaste featuring vanilla, coconut ice cream, marzipan and ginger.