I decided to spend my only night off of work this week by riding up to the big city (Richmond, VA) and hit up my local big whisky bar and grill which, ironically, is called McCormack’s Big Whisky Grill. A big platter of homemade mac & cheese with pulled pork bbq piled high on top fit the bill for my grumbling stomach and I decided to try this new, NAS Glenmorangie in case I found out it was worthy of a buy. Much to my delight, call it Christmas spirit, Mac (the owner/bartender) decided to give me the original Astar from 2008 instead of the new release. A $28 pour (the 2008) for $12 (the 2017) price. Merry Christmas to me. This original version was matured in ex-bourbon casks from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. There’s no indication which bourbon distillery they were sourced from but if the nose is any indication I’d guess they were possibly from Four Roses. The nose here is amazing: tropical fruits, marzipan sweetness, very perfume-y before revealing lightly toasted oak. I could smell this one all day long and be delighted. The palate is initially buttery smooth. Orange cream and vanilla start things out very well- almost dessert-like. But then a wonderful, hot cinnamon note appears and puts the entire palate experience in check. There’s a bit of harshness as it finishes. The finish is medium in length, oaky and sweet. I feel like some caramel or toffee rounds out the final tasting notes and leaves you really satisfied and happy. If all NAS whiskies were like this one I don’t think you’d hear as much complaining- I’d certainly welcome them with open arms. All this said, I have to say this may end up being my favorite Glenmorangie to date. I haven’t been a big fan of this distillery but this one certainly changes my overall take. Now I have to begin searching for the older bottles of Astar so I can add 1 to my collection. I hear they are going for somewhere north of $200. The new release is close to $100, so maybe I should give that one a try to see if they reclaimed any of this 2008’s glory. As is, this bottle is a resounding 4.25-4.5 stars. If you see it out in your travels I’d recommend giving it a try. Solid, good stuff for sure. Cheers, my friends.