Glenmorangie releases Pride 1974

LVMH's Glenmorangie has revealed what it calls one of its most presitgious single malts. The release builds on the exclusive bottlings of Pride 1981 (released in 2011) and Pride 1978 (2014) with the launch of Pride 1974.

Crafted by Bill Lumsden, the new 41-year-old edition was laid down on 30 October 1974 in combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-oloroso sherry butts then left to mature until Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s director of distilling and whisky creation deemed the whisky had reached its very peak more than four decades later.

Lumsden says: “Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the oldest and deepest Glenmorangie ever to be released. Its age lends the whisky an enriched intensity, borne only of a slow, patient maturation. The result is an exquisite blend of deep, rich, salty and spicy aromas – aged balsamic vinegar, salted caramel toffee and oranges, leading to tastes of baked apples, toffee, oranges and brown sugar.”

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third limited-edition release in the Pride collection, which showcases the distillery’s rare and treasured malts. There will only be 503 crystal decanters available worldwide.

To mark the release of the distillery’s oldest whisky, Glenmorangie and piano maker Steinway & Sons, have collaborated with Steinway artist Aaron Diehl, to compose a piece of music.

Diehl found inspiration at the Distillery where Glenmorangie’s exceptional whisky has been crafted since 1843. Diehl, a world-renowned pianist, premiered his work in New York.

Bottled at 52% ABV, Glenmorangie Pride 1974 will be released in May with an RRP of £7,200. Only 503 decanters of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 will be available worldwide.

31 March 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor