Glenmorangie's A Tale of the Forest: A Botanical-Infused Whisky Experience

Glenmorangie presents a groundbreaking creation, A Tale of the Forest, characterized by its lush and herbaceous profile, marking the brand's inaugural whisky crafted from barley dried using woodland botanicals. Inspired by the captivating, ever-changing beauty found in the woods near Dr. Bill Lumsden's residence, Glenmorangie's Director of Whisky Creation, this experimental limited edition transports enthusiasts into the heart of the forest with its delightful blend of pine, juniper, and woodsmoke flavors, encapsulated in a whimsical forest-themed packaging designed by illustrator Pomme Chan.

For over 175 years, Glenmorangie's whisky creators, led by the imaginative Dr. Bill, have tirelessly pursued the quest for exceptional single malts. Driven by the idea of capturing the essence of a forest stroll, Dr. Bill delved into historical Highland whisky-making practices, experimenting with various forest botanicals for barley kilning. The chosen combination of juniper berries, birch bark, heather flowers, and a touch of peat resulted in a unique batch of spirit imbued with rare aromas of pine needles, juniper, and delicate wisps of smoke. This exquisite spirit was then meticulously aged in bourbon casks, including numerous refill casks, to allow its distinctive flavors to shine.

Collaborating with Glenmorangie to visually encapsulate the whisky's essence, Thai illustrator Pomme Chan embarked on an artistic journey into her beloved northern Thai forest. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and conversations with Dr. Bill about Scotland, she crafted a fantastical forest that serves as the inspiration for the packaging's design. Bursting with vibrant colors, her artwork mirrors the whisky's botanicals and flavors, featuring blossoming heather, fragrant juniper, and the whimsical dance of oranges and pine cones on the breeze.

Dr. Bill shared, "Every time I venture into the woods near my home, I discover something new, whether it's the fragrance of last night's rain or the rustling of leaves in a particular way. I envisioned how we could infuse the forest's essence into a whisky by kilning barley with woodland materials, following the tradition of our ancestors. After numerous experiments, we settled on juniper, birch bark, and heather, which would have been used traditionally in the kilning process, to craft a Glenmorangie as lush and verdant as the forest itself. With aromas of pine needles, woodland moss, the sharpness of juniper, and flavors of eucalyptus, mint, bitter orange, and distant smoke, A Tale of the Forest is a whisky that envelops, delights, and surprises, whether savored deep in the woods or in cocktails at home."

Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy India, remarked, "Glenmorangie once again takes a bold step with A Tale of the Forest, infusing botanical elements into their single malt. This exceptional blend, herbaceous and fruity, promises to enhance moments of consumption, be they intimate or grand, making it a captivating choice for all occasions."

From connoisseurs to collectors, this limited-edition malt is set to become a sought-after gift option in the coming months. Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest will be available at select locations, including World of Wines at Nariman Point and Mansionz in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and Gurgaon, starting September 2023. Priced at Rs 11,500 in Mumbai and Rs 7,500 in Gurgaon, whisky enthusiasts can anticipate a unique and botanical-infused delight.