Glenmorangie Ealanta

One of the most renowned Glenmorangie expressions that i have never had before, was the famous "Ealanta". Part of "The Private Collection", this one always goes for a lot of money in auctions (around 200-300) and it is the flagship dram that Glenmorangie shares with the visitors of the distillery. I have always wonder if this one is worth the price. Well, i visited Glenmorangie and i finally had it, now let me tell you about it. Ealanta means "skillfull" or "genius" and it is a 1993 vintage dram, an has been matured in misouri american white oak, where Glenmorangie happens to own a forest where this trees exist. Bottled at 46%abv. On the nose, this is very special. Ripe bananas. A citric complexity is the only way to describe it. Bananas have intensified after a first sip. Vanilla and Coconut Raffaelo bombons (from Ferrero). Fancy. On the palate, it is delicious. Vanilla ice cream, grated coconut. It is the most refined glenmorangie ever. The Signet is chocolate/coffee but it is not as fancy as this (and that is quite the statement). Aftertaste continues the elegance. Salty, super fancy. Ginger, clove, hay; verything very well delivered. There is this very, very dim salty and earthy flavor which is fantastic. Overall, this is a breathtaking dram. When i hear "american white oak maturation" i immidiately expect something classic and maybe boring. This wasn't the case. Ealanta is the best that this type of maturation can offer. Absolutely surprising, my score for it is 96 over 100.

NOSE Creamy vanilla, oak, spice, malt, citrus, caramel, light butterscotch and banana taffy. Wow, the nose on this Glenmorangie Ealanta is wonderful. Robust and full of french pastry elegance. PALATE Same creamy vanilla starter but with a heavier caramel, malt and banana (banana caramel malted shake anyone?), fresh pastries, oak, cinnamon and some butterscotch and citrus. The “oak” note is a bit more subdued here and it’s a bit sweeter than the nose on the whole, but retains its beautiful balance. FINISH Long -> Creamy vanilla, caramel, oak, spice and honied graham on a birthday cake fade.

A piña colada like flavor profile with some chocolate, honey, cherries, peaches, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cloves. Nose: Honey, Vanilla, Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, Raisins, Banoffee Pie, Pears, Green Apples, White Chocolate, Coconut, Tangerines, Pineapples Palate: Vanilla, Honey, Toffee, Milk Chocolate, Raisins, Cherries, Raspberries, Bananas, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Cloves, Oranges Finish: Vanilla, Piña Colada, Honey, Caramel, Bananas, Mocha, Chocolate