washeewashee_reviews
Glenmorangie Astar 2017 Edition
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
August 25, 2020 (edited April 21, 2021)
Nose - (w/o water) Rich vanilla, toasted coconut, buttery vanilla, caramel, vanilla cream, sharp sweet toffee (w/ water) Pretty much the same, but a tiny addition of fresh cut anjou pears
Taste - (w/o water) Rich vanilla, sweet spicy white pepper heat/warmth, buttery caramel & toffee syrup, light toasted/dried coconut flakes, faint bitterness but not off putting (w/ water) Less heat, appearance of pear & apples, vanilla cream caramels, toasted coconut flakes
Finish - (w/o water) Lingering sharp sweet vanilla/toffee, white pepper heat, coconut flake sweet (w/ water) Very little heat, very clean, nice pleasant apple/pear, vanilla cream caramel, wisp of fresh coconut
Score - 87/100
Final Thoughts - This newer 2017 release (at least to me) tastes significantly different from their original 2008/2009 version in that this seems less fruit forward & more vanilla/cream/caramel forward. The biggest takeaway from this release is that the typical fruity bitterness I get from the base Glenmorangie spirit is gone & that's what typically is off putting to me for most of the Glenmorangie releases. A tiny bit of water really enhances & opens this up and makes it a much more enjoyable experience.
Would I drink it if offered? - Yes
Would I specifically order it? - Maybe
Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe
111.0
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@Anthology - My personal tastes lean towards the newer release, but that's also because I detect less of Glenmo's traditional apple/pear bitterness that I get from their 2008/2009 release. That being said, if you can find the older release for ~$100, that might be worth picking up just as a good comparison of just how different 2 expression of what theoretically should be the "same" thing are.
@washeewashee Nice review! If you were to rank them, which release gets your nod (2008/09 or 2017)? I ask because I found a local (ish) store that has the 2008/2009 release in stock for $100...and I’ve been eyeing it for purchase.