Glenmorangie Unveils New Whisky Inspired by Ice Cream in Its ‘A Tale Of’ Series

Glenmorangie , the renowned Highland whisky distillery owned by Moët Hennessy, has released its fifth expression in the popular ‘A Tale Of’ series. This latest release, titled A Tale of Ice Cream, draws inspiration from the delectable flavors of a classic ice cream parlor. This imaginative limited-edition whisky combines the sweet indulgence of ice cream with the craftsmanship of whisky-making to create a unique and flavorful experience.

Image credit: Glenmorangie

A Dessert-Inspired Creation

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s director of whisky creation, played a central role in crafting A Tale of Ice Cream. The idea behind the whisky was to encapsulate the joy and indulgence people feel when enjoying ice cream, which is often considered a universal treat. "Ice cream is an irresistible indulgence," Lumsden said. "Inspired by the flavors you might find on an ice cream parlor menu, we imagined creating a whisky of melting decadence and lavish swirls of flavor."

To achieve this, Glenmorangie turned to high-vanillin new oak casks—the first time the distillery has used such casks. These specially treated barrels were selected to enhance and elevate the natural vanilla flavors already present in Glenmorangie’s single malt whisky. The whisky was then blended with liquid aged in bourbon casks, further amplifying its sweet, creamy profile.

Master blender Gillian Macdonald explained the thought process behind the choice of casks. “We wanted to dial up the vanilla notes in this whisky,” she said. "Through our suppliers, we were able to acquire these unusual casks that allowed us to really intensify those vanilla, peach, and coconut flavors."

Image credit: Glenmorangie

A Carousel of Sweet and Creamy Flavors

The tasting notes for A Tale of Ice Cream highlight its rich and indulgent flavor profile, which mirrors the delights of a dessert parlor. Lumsden describes the whisky as offering a "carousel of flavor," featuring sweet and creamy notes that whisky drinkers are sure to savor. Expect hints of peach melba, lemon sorbet, coconut flakes, and rich vanilla swirling together in each sip.

Macdonald believes that the whisky’s connection to ice cream will resonate with consumers on an emotional and nostalgic level. “Everyone has an ice cream memory—it’s very evocative,” she noted. “It reminds me of specific holidays, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t really like ice cream. I think this release is going to be a hit with a lot of people.”

No Age Statement for Focus on Flavor

Like other whiskies in Glenmorangie’s A Tale Of series, A Tale of Ice Cream carries no age statement. This decision was made intentionally, allowing the distillery to put the spotlight on the flavors and the storytelling behind the whisky, rather than the age. Macdonald emphasized that the series aims to break away from traditional cues typically associated with whisky.

“We’re trying to create something fun and a little different with this series,” Macdonald said. “The packaging is playful, and the focus is on flavor and enjoyment rather than sticking to convention. Not having an age statement just made sense for this release.”

Part of the A Tale Of Series

The A Tale of Ice Cream expression joins an already impressive lineup in Glenmorangie’s A Tale Of series, which first debuted in 2020 with A Tale of Cake, a whisky inspired by birthday cake and celebratory desserts. Subsequent releases in the series include A Tale of Winter, A Tale of the Forest, and A Tale of Tokyo. Each whisky in the series has its own distinct personality and flavor profile, but they all share a common thread of creativity and storytelling.

This latest release continues the tradition of pushing boundaries in whisky creation, blending the craftsmanship of distillation with the joy of dessert flavors. Like its predecessors, A Tale of Ice Cream is expected to become a collector’s item, available only in limited quantities.

Available Now for Whisky and Ice Cream Lovers

Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream is now available for purchase through the distillery’s website, at select retailers, and at Glenmorangie’s visitor center in Tain. Priced at £76 (approximately $101 USD), this whisky will appeal to both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers looking for something a little more whimsical.

In addition to the whisky itself, Glenmorangie has partnered with Scottish knitwear designer Donna Wilson to create a limited number of A Tale of Ice Cream-themed lambswool sweaters. These sweaters, available for purchase at the distillery’s visitor center, further enhance the experiential nature of this release.

More Than Just Whisky: An Emotional Experience

What sets A Tale of Ice Cream apart from other whiskies is not just its dessert-inspired flavor profile but the emotional connection Glenmorangie hopes to foster with its consumers. Macdonald emphasized that whisky, much like ice cream, has the power to evoke personal memories and experiences. The hope is that whisky drinkers will indulge their sweet tooth and be transported back to fond memories of childhood treats and special moments.

To complement the launch, Glenmorangie has also created a menu of specially crafted cocktails designed to explore and enhance the whisky’s ice cream-like flavors. This allows consumers to experiment with the whisky in different ways, adding to the playful and indulgent nature of the release.

TLDR

Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream is a creative and innovative addition to the distillery’s beloved A Tale Of series. By blending the rich tradition of whisky-making with the fun and indulgence of an ice cream parlor, Glenmorangie has crafted a whisky that is as flavorful as it is imaginative. With its notes of peach, coconut, vanilla, and sorbet-like freshness, this whisky invites both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers to enjoy a sweet, nostalgic experience.

Available for a limited time, A Tale of Ice Cream is sure to delight those who appreciate both fine whisky and the simple pleasures of a scoop of ice cream.

My Glenmorangie Top Picks:

1. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2. Glenmorangie Signet

About Glenmorangie Distillery

Glenmorangie Distillery, located in Tain, Scotland, is renowned for producing some of the world's most elegant and complex single malt Scotch whiskies. Founded in 1843, Glenmorangie has a rich history spanning nearly two centuries. The distillery is situated in the Scottish Highlands, an area known for its pristine natural environment and abundant natural resources, including pure spring water and barley.

Glenmorangie is celebrated for its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in the realm of whisky maturation. The distillery boasts the tallest stills in Scotland, which contribute to the light and floral character of its whiskies. Additionally, Glenmorangie is known for its use of a variety of cask types for aging, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and wine casks, allowing the whiskies to develop complex and nuanced flavors over time.

One of Glenmorangie's most iconic expressions is its Original 10 Year Old single malt, which serves as the foundation of the brand's portfolio. This whisky is characterized by its smoothness, citrusy notes, and hints of vanilla, making it an approachable and versatile choice for both novice and seasoned whisky drinkers alike.

Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old

In addition to its core range, Glenmorangie offers a variety of limited-edition and special-release whiskies, showcasing the distillery's creativity and experimentation. These expressions often feature unique cask finishes or innovative aging techniques, providing whisky enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore new flavor profiles and experiences.

Glenmorangie's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world. The distillery's picturesque location, coupled with its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques, makes Glenmorangie a destination for whisky enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable tasting experience. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in cocktails, Glenmorangie whiskies offer a journey of discovery and delight for the senses.