Glenmorangie Debuts 15-Year-Old Lasanta Expression at Kolkata Tasting Event
David Blackmore introduced Glenmorangie's latest single malt iterations to a Kolkata audience at Olterra. The event showcased the aged Lasanta alongside mature 18-year-old expressions and peated Islay spirits.
A Study in Wood and Time
In a demonstration of how barrel aging defines character, Moët Hennessy India and Glenmorangie hosted the 'Cask and Conversation' session at Kolkata's Olterra on June 11. David Blackmore, the global brand ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, led attendees through a portfolio that emphasized the slow maturation process inherent to the Scottish Highlands. The centerpiece of the evening was the newly unveiled Lasanta 15-Year-Old, a spirit defined by its specific finishing process.
The Lasanta and Highland Profiles
The Lasanta, which translates to warmth and passion, represents a significant shift in flavor profile through secondary maturation. After a 12-year foundation in American oak, the spirit undergoes an additional three years in Spanish sherry casks. Blackmore identified key tasting notes of hazelnut, chocolate, and orange marmalade produced by this transition. The collection also featured:
- Glenmorangie 12-Year-Old: Recognized as the house style, this floral expression offers honey, vanilla, and citrus notes.
- Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old: A sophisticated blend where 30% of the liquid is aged in sherry casks while the rest remains in bourbon barrels. Blackmore cited this elegant, layered malt as his personal choice for a desert-island scenario.
Blackmore advised guests that while drinking neat is a starting point, adding a small amount of water allows the spirit to bloom and reveal hidden aromatic layers.
Contrasting Peat and Smoke
The event concluded with a stylistic departure via Ardbeg, a non-vintage Islay single malt known for its polarizing intensity. Unlike the floral Highland Malts, the Ardbeg profile focuses on elemental flavors including sea spray, wet earth, and salt. Blackmore noted that while the peated style often divides opinions, its unique combination of fire and smoke represents the specific coastal weather of its origin island. The evening served to illustrate the geographic and technical diversity of Scotch production, ranging from citrus-heavy floral notes to heavy peat.
Source: The Hindu — Food
