Glenmorangie “Companta”
Sometimes the Scotch Gods smile upon you. After first encountering this whisky at a Merlin’s Rest tasting in 2014, it quickly sold out in the state and we didn’t think we’d ever encounter it again. Therefore, it was quite a pleasant surprise when we stumbled upon it while driving to Madison, Wisconsin to retrieve another hard-to-find dram, the Glen Breton Rare 10 year. When presented with such an opportunity, the last thing you do is not seize upon it. Glenmorangie’s Private Edition series are yearly releases, with the Companta spirit matured in 60% Burgundy wine casks from Clos de Tart and 40% Rasteau casks from the Côtes du Rhône region of France. As with others in this range, like the 2013 Elanta, the Companta has also won multiple whisky awards.
Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve
The 1797 is the essential Glen Garioch (pronounced geery in the local dialect), the 1797 denoting when the distillery was founded. They have a lot to be proud of, despite some setbacks along the way. Though owned by the large spirits company Suntory, this distillery continues making its whisky in small unique batches as it has done for over two centuries. The Glen Garioch 12 year was one of our first reviews, so we were eager to see what time and experience has wrought.
Ardbeg Auriverdes
This site may have an Ardbeg problem. And let us tell you, that’s the kind of problem you want to have. Ardbeg has made a regular habit of releasing limited offerings every year or so over the past decade. Some are bigger hits than others, but they’re all No Age Statement (NAS) bottlings that each have a unique character. Some get brought into the regular line up, like the Uigeadail, while others remain hallowed and elusive (hello, Ardbog). This year’s name is a tip of the hat to the 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil. Auriverdes means “gold” and “green,” which are the colors of Brazil. Ardbeg claims that the whisky is gold and the bottle is green – also very true. Will this Ardbeg Auriverdes be able to stand tall on the Ardbeg team?