Restaurant India News: Glenmorangie Enhances The Original with 12-Year Maturation, Launches Across India

Glenmorangie, the Highland single malt Scotch whisky brand known for its precision and innovation, has reimagined its flagship expression, The Original, with an extended 12-year maturation. After years of research and tasting experiments, the distillery’s whisky creators found that aging the spirit for 12 years instead of 10 enhanced its smoothness, depth, and overall flavour balance.

To mark this development, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at The Glenmorangie Company, is visiting India this October — his first visit in six years. His return coincides with the launch of the Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old, which he describes as a richer, creamier, and more complex version of the brand’s classic expression.

The Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old showcases enhanced layers of orange, honey, vanilla, and peach, taking the brand’s signature notes to a new level of refinement. The whisky has already been recognised with a gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards 2024, affirming its position among the world’s most refined single malts.

For nearly two centuries, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have pursued craftsmanship through experimentation. Their tall copper stills — the tallest in Scotland — allow for a lighter, more aromatic spirit, while only select bourbon casks are used for maturation. The Original has long represented this dedication to quality, but the Whisky Creation Team recently questioned whether it could be made even more refined.

Through a series of controlled trials, they concluded that an additional two years of aging introduced more silkiness and depth without altering the whisky’s distinctive character. The result is a modern evolution of The Original, designed for both long-time Glenmorangie enthusiasts and a new generation of whisky lovers.

Dr. Bill Lumsden said, “In 1984, when I was studying for my PhD in Edinburgh, I tasted single malt Scotch whisky for the very first time. That whisky was Glenmorangie. I’ll never forget that magical sip and how I became beguiled by its complex flavours. Throughout my years at Glenmorangie, I’ve always strived to keep the whisky true to that memory. Recently, my team and I asked ourselves whether we could reimagine The Original for even more deliciousness. The result is The Original 12 Years Old - smoother, creamier, and more complex. It’s as though we’ve taken the classic notes of orange, vanilla, peach and honey and ‘turned up the volume’.”

Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy India, said, “Indian whisky drinkers are seeking premium, aged expressions more than ever before. The arrival of Glenmorangie Original 12-Year-Old is a testament to our commitment to serving evolving palates and crafting unforgettable luxury experiences. This richer, more nuanced whisky honours Glenmorangie’s storied heritage while embracing innovation for a new generation of connoisseurs.”

It is priced at Rs 6,602 in Mumbai and Rs 5,190 in Delhi, targeting discerning consumers seeking quality and craftsmanship in the premium single malt segment. Bottled at 40 percent ABV, The Original 12 Years Old retains its hallmark profile of citrus, honey, and vanilla while adding more body and texture. The aroma opens with notes of citrus and ripe peaches balanced by vanilla, while the palate transitions to floral fruitiness and creamy sweetness. Its bright gold hue reflects the influence of high-quality bourbon casks used for aging.

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers continue to build on their 180-year legacy, blending tradition with innovation. The brand uses only five core ingredients — wood, water, barley, yeast, and time — to produce whiskies that express both delicacy and depth. Under Dr. Lumsden’s leadership, the team continues to explore new dimensions of flavour, positioning Glenmorangie as one of the most forward-thinking distilleries in the single malt category.

Beyond the whisky, Glenmorangie’s universe extends into hospitality and experience-led branding, including its boutique hotel, Glenmorangie House, and visually distinctive campaigns shot by photographer Miles Aldridge. Through these efforts, the brand aims to blend craftsmanship with modern luxury, reinforcing its ethos — “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful.”

With this new 12-year-old expression, Glenmorangie strengthens its appeal among India’s growing community of whisky enthusiasts. The move not only signifies an evolution in taste but also reflects a broader shift in the Indian market toward premium, well-aged spirits that combine heritage with innovation.