The Duthac comes from Glenmorangie's range of expressions originally released for the Travel Retail market. This particular single malt, name after St. Duthac whose resting place sits at the centre of the Royal Burgh of Tain, has been part finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry and virgin oak casks before being bottled at 43% ABV. Plenty of rich, mellow elements throughout this one (as you'd expect from Glenmorangie), with touches of sticky PX sweetness and herb-y spiciness.
Rich and mellow, with just enough sweetness from the sherry influence, it’s best sampled with a little water to unearth the chocolate and butterscotch. This whisky pays homage both to St Duthac, whose grave lies near the distillery in Tain, and to King James IV, who made an annual pilgrimage to the saint's shrine.
Tasting notes
Nose
Seductive aromas of pear, toffee apple, Brazil nuts in toffee, with an underlying spicy note, some toasty oak. With a splash of water, some creamy vanilla fudge is encountered, along with the classic sherry cask note of linseed oil.
Taste
Mouth-filling flavours of milk chocolate, toffee, Brazil nuts, leather and some aniseed. The spiciness is definite, but gentle, with hints of ginger and clove.
Finish
The aftertaste once again reminds drinkers that this is a Glenmorangie, with vanilla, apricots in cream and some almond marzipan.