New Release: Glenmorangie Official 'Astar' 2017 Release 52.5%

The first time I tasted Astar, the sense of wonder returned to me. Glenmorangie GLENMORANGIE OB 'ASTAR' 2017 RELEASE 52.5% The aroma is strong and elegant, with orange oil, vanilla, custard cream, nuts, and pleasant oak. When drinking, it has a pleasant spiciness, a bold flavor with clear contrast, the sweetness of ripe oranges, vanilla, and honey, with a subtle tightening oak finish. The aftertaste is also pleasant. [Very Good] Glenmorangie's official Astar. A release that was meticulously crafted using the designer cask, a specialty of Glenmorangie. "Selected white oak from the northern slopes of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, with 8-12 growth rings per inch. These were sun-dried for 18 months (24 months since 2002) and then heavily toasted in blue glass cooperage. Further, lightly charred for 20-30 seconds, filled with Jack Daniel's whiskey for four years, and then the barrels were used 100% after being emptied." That was the explanation at the time of release. In short, it's a bourbon cask that was painstakingly created independently by Glenmorangie. Indeed, when it comes to current bourbon cask whiskies, this bottle is universally recognized as the best. It had been discontinued for a while and wasn't produced for some time, but it was finally bottled again as a 2017 release. I had the chance to taste it this time. As described above, it has a very elegant and bold flavor with clear contrast. Perhaps due to the thorough sun-drying process, there's no raw wood smell, capturing only the best aspects of bourbon casks. It perfectly retains the impression from when Astar was first bottled, allowing me to once again appreciate the excellence of Glenmorangie's dedication. By the way, it's been quite some time since they officially refer to themselves as Glenmorangie, or rather, they've been using that name themselves. I personally never liked the naming and haven't used it, but considering an upscale company's choice... doesn't it feel a bit tacky? As a scotch, it feels quite flashy, especially as a Highland malt. The addition of the 'i' makes the dash look somewhat clumsy. And just considering katakana notation, the pronunciation is essentially the same as Glenmorangie. If they really want to use the small 'i', I think Glenmorangie with an 'i' feels more concise and refined without the elongated feel. Well, that's just my personal opinion. It's probably unnecessary for Glenmorangie (laughs). #Glenmorangie (GLENMORANGIE)