Glenmorangie – Spios (46%)

Spios is a Glenmorangie single malt without an age statement, matured entirely in American oak casks that previously held rye whiskey. The name is Scottish Gaelic for spice. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is not chill-filtered. It is the ninth release in the distillery's Private Edition series, inspired by Dr Bill Lumsden's visits to the few Kentucky distilleries that were making rye whiskey in the 1990s. It is described as a full-bodied, savoury malt recalling the golden age of American rye. The colour is straw gold. The nose has biscuit and yeast, cloves, Parma violets, soft vanilla, raisins and sweet mandarin. The palate brings a crisp citrus bite, butterscotch, creamy vanilla, orange syrup, mint and a touch of sweet chilli. The finish is long and earthy, with bittersweet orange and peppermint.