A couple of months ago a beautiful press drop arrived. It was the Glenmorangie Spios whisky, the 10th release from the Glenmorangie Private Collection series.
While doing research on the Private Collection and the Spios whisky, I realized that I have another bottle from the series, one of the first Private Collection releases to come out. It is the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX single malt Scotch whisky.
Background and history of the Glenmorangie were covered in the Glenmorangie 18 yo whisky and the Glenmorangie Lasanta posts, and you can read all about it in these posts.
With its Private Collection series, in particular, Glenmorangie can explore the possibilities present in whisky production. The Glenmorangie Director of Distilling, Dr Bill Lumsden, travels across the world to find and experiment with different casks, grains, and flavours.
Also Read: Balvenie Portwood whisky
Released in 2009, Sonnalta translates to “Liberal” in Gaelic. This name honours the generous amount of time that the whisky spent in Pedro Ximénez (PX) casks. This gives the Sonnalta PX a significant sherry influence.
The Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX single malt spent 10 years maturing in American white oak casks and was then transferred into Spanish ex-Pedro Ximénez casks for its final two years of extra-maturation. Pedro Ximénez Sherry is traditionally known for its very sweet taste with notes of candied fig and dates.
The Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX whisky is a limited release and not available any more.
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Whisky Review
REGION: Highland
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Dark gold with red hints
NOSE: You can’t mistake the sherry influence on the nose. The sweetness of sun-dried raisins, hints of oak, vanilla, fruits and spices. Rich and complex, it promises much.
PALATE: The sweetness continues on the palate, but it is nicely balanced with hints of pepper and vanilla spice, red berry fruit with green floral notes, nutty creaminess and toffee. Hints of malty goodness and dark chocolate. Adding water softens the spice and make the Sonnalta very drinkable. It has a medium body and mouthfeel.
FINISH: Long and lingering with sweet notes
RATING: VERY GOOD
The Sonnalta is a lovely dram. Delicious and easy drinking, but I was hoping for a bit more. After 2 years in PX casks, I was expecting more of the sherry richness to come through. A great release, but comparing it to a few other PX releases, such as the Three Ships PX Cask, it lacked the last bit of sherry boldness and depth.
I have paired the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX with some Wensleydale cheese over here, and it was delicious! It made for a wonderful whisky cheese pairing.
Also Read: The Glenlivet Alpha Whisky
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