When I first laid eyes on the Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest, I was hooked. The bottle’s striking artwork, created by illustrator Pomme Chan, features bold, vibrant colours that practically shout from the shelf.
Glenmorangie released A Tale of the Forest in 2022. It is the third instalment in the annual Glenmorangie Tales series (after A Tale of Cake, 2020; A Tale of Winter, 2021).
The packaging artwork features Pine greens, birch whites, and heather purples that echo the colours of the forest floor.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, revived the ancient practice of kilning barley over an open flame with botanicals. He chose juniper berries, birch bark, and heather flowers—ingredients you can almost smell just by admiring the packaging.
The art isn’t just decorative; it encapsulates the whisky’s aromatic heart. Tales of a Forest was aged ex-bourbon casks and is a NAS release.
Glenmorangie Distillery: A Highland Legacy
Founded in 1843 when William Matheson converted Morangie Farm’s brewery into a distillery, Glenmorangie remains a pioneer in Highland single malt today. Owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) under The Glenmorangie Company Ltd., the distillery also oversees Ardbeg, solidifying its reputation for innovation.
Core Range Highlights:
- Lasanta (sherry cask finish)
- Quinta Ruban (port cask finish)
- Nectar d’Or (Sauternes cask finish)
- 18 Year Old Extremely Rare
- Signet single malt whisky
Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Whisky Review
REGION: Highlands
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Honey Gold
NOSE: Pine needles and fresh herbs dominate, backed by malty sweetness, oily nuts, and a hint of smoke. Subtle anise and “Herbes de Provence” mingle with damp oak to evoke a stroll through ancient woodland.
PALATE: A full-bodied, oily texture bursts with orange zest, vanilla-malt sweetness, and earthy moss. Lightweight smoke and roasted nuts balance the botanical influence of the kiln—wet pine needles and dried orange peel shine through.
FINISH: Long, warming, and engaging. Think lingering pine, oak spice, and barley honey that stays with you.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a lovely release. We shared it with some friends for sundowners, and they all agreed it is an excellent dram. Between the 4 of us, we made a big dent in the bottle.
I am always apprehensive when opening a whisky that has a big marketing hype behind it. So many times, the hype doesn’t match up to the taste. The Ardbeg Day releases are a good example of this. Some are awesome (Auriverdes and Scorch), and some are forgettable and expensive but bland and ordinary (Dark Cove and Drum).
This limited-edition release isn’t just a looker—its flavour profile lives up to the hype. As part of Glenmorangie’s annual Tales series, A Tale of the Forest delivers an aromatic, full-bodied dram inspired by the very woods that surround the Highland distillery.
Whether you’re hunting the next standout release or simply craving a dram that tells a story, Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest delivers. It’s a whisky that looks as good as it tastes.
I have spotted a few on Amazon and although it is not the cheapest whisky, I think it is worth it.
Why You Should Try It
Unique Process: Barley kilned with juniper, birch bark, and heather flowers.
Collector’s Appeal: Limited-edition Tales series—third in the lineup.
Bold Flavour: Complex, forest-inspired tasting journey.
Grab a bottle, pour a dram, and let the forest whispers of Glenmorangie’s A Tale of the Forest take you on an unforgettable Highland adventure.
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