Glenmorangie, renowned for its pioneering spirit in Scotch whisky innovation, has challenged conventional wisdom regarding yeast's role in flavor development. While the industry traditionally attributes 70% of whisky character to the cask and 30% to the new make spirit, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation, believes yeast contributes significantly more to the final profile. Holding a PhD in microbial physiology and fermentation science, Dr. Lumsden initiated a groundbreaking yeast experimentation program a decade ago, seeking wild yeast strains beyond commercial varieties. This led to Allta (Gaelic for 'wild'), a unique single malt created using wild yeast harvested from barley fields near the distillery. Released in February 2019 at 8.5 years old and 51.2% ABV, Allta represents the distillery's commitment to exploring terroir and fermentation's impact on flavor. The distillery's production capabilities are expanding significantly with new equipment including a 10-ton full-lauter mash tun and 12 stainless steel washbacks, scheduled for commissioning in December 2019. This upgrade will increase annual capacity to 7.2 million liters of pure alcohol. Glenmorangie's core portfolio features the flagship 10 Year Old and 18 Year Old expressions, while the 25 Year Old has been discontinued. The wood finish collection includes three distinctive bottlings: Quinta Ruban, now aged 14 years in port pipes ranging from 225-liter barriques to 670-liter pipes; Lasanta, a 12-year-old matured in 75% Oloroso and 25% Pedro Ximénez sherry casks; and Nectar d'Or, finished in Sauternes wine barrels. Signet, featuring 20% chocolate malt in its mash bill, has been elevated to the core range. The annual Private Edition series, launched in 2009 with Sonnalta PX, showcases experimental cask finishes and innovative production techniques, with Allta being the latest release. For the travel retail channel, the Legends series offers exclusive expressions including Duthac (bourbon, PX sherry, and toasted virgin oak), Tayne (Amontillado sherry casks), and Cadboll (bourbon casks finished in Champagne and Burgundy wine casks). Recent limited releases include a 16-year-old single cask bottling in 2018, followed by the Grand Vintage Malt 1991 in spring 2019, a complex vatting of ex-Oloroso sherry casks, ex-Burgundy casks, and new toasted oak. In July 2019, Glenmorangie debuted its first distillery-exclusive single cask (#1784, 16 years old), with three additional cask releases planned.
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