Glenmorangie Aims to Capture Tokyo’s ‘Beautiful Intricacies’ With Scotch Whisky Finished in Rare Japanese Oak Casks

Glenmorangie’s latest expression is a liquid homage to Tokyo and was finished in Mizunara oak casks. (Photo: Glenmorangie)

On Thursday, Glenmorangie announced the launch of its newest scotch whisky, A Tale of Tokyo. The expression was finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks and is the first of its kind at the distillery. The spirit was the brainchild of Glenmorangie Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden, who took his inspiration from his multiple jaunts to Tokyo.

“I’m lucky to have traveled widely over the years sharing Glenmorangie around the world whilst also gathering new inspiration for whisky creations, and Tokyo has always been one of my favorite places,” Lumsden said in a news release. “I’m fascinated by the contradictions between its bustling streets and tranquil gardens, ancient and modern buildings, its many sensory experiences and its culture. My time there over the years made me wonder whether I could capture my experience of Tokyo, and these beautiful intricacies, in whisky form.”

The expression was bottled at 92 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $109.99 per bottle. The spirit was matured in sherry and bourbon casks as well as Mizunara, which the brand claims adds complexity to the spirit.

The team behind the distillery in the Scottish Highlands chose to work with the Japanese artist Akira Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi is known for blending both traditional and modern styles of artwork and creating brightly colored cityscapes. The Tokyo native’s works have been exhibited internationally, according to the Mizuma Art Gallery.

“I partly matured a proportion of Glenmorangie spirit in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks, which I’ve been curious to experiment with for some time,” Lumsden said. “The influence of this wood is incredibly complex and unusual; it required balance and softening with Glenmorangie matured in bourbon and sherry casks, and the result is a dram as full of delicious sensory contrasts as a trip to Tokyo.”

Glenmorangie is no stranger to pushing the envelope when it comes to aging its whiskies. The brand released an expression aged in barrels that formerly contained Malaga, a fortified dessert wine from Spain, which we reviewed here.

A Tale of Tokyo Tasting Notes, Via Glenmorangie

Nose: Incredibly herbaceous, coupled with toffee interlaced with incense and saddle soap. A resinous touch of cedar wood lingers.

Taste: Peppery, leading to notes of tangy oranges and bitter cherries, coupled with fennel and oak.

Finish: Nutty, long. With bits of almond, mandarin orange, ground white pepper and resin.

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