Glenmorangie Lasanta Shelf Review

Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

Over the last few years, Glenmorangie has enjoyed immense popularity being ranked in 2017 as the 4th most popular single malt in the world. They have expanded their core range far beyond their entry level 10 year expression and now offer a range of whiskies finished in sherry, port, and Sauternes casks. Dr. Lumsden, Head of Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie, has truly transformed the brand into a dominating whisky world power.

But if you’ve never experienced Glenmorangie, which one should you choose? I grabbed a mini (50ML) of Glenmorangie’s sherry finished Lasanta expression to see if all the hype was well-founded. Lasanta is a 12 year old whisky that has rested for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks and then finished for an additional 2 years in sherry casks. Readily available, and with a strong brand name behind it, is Lasanta worth the plunge? 

Age: 12 years

ABV: 43%

Cask: Ex-bourbon and finished in ex-Olorosso sherry

MSRP: $50

Distillery Name: Glenmorangie

Review Date: 1/10/21

Nose: The whisky starts off with light raisins, plums, and a bit of toffee. Musty fruits, with a bit of rancio is on the nose. A splash of honey and fried dates. Underneath these smell notes is the slightest puff of smoke, well hidden under the sherry influence.

Palate: First impressions is that this is going to be full of sweet, syrupy goodness. A bit of apricot and orange start off but halfway through a strong spice starts to overtake the mouth. The spice is stronger than I was expecting with clove and cinnamon taking center stage. Then comes the wood. Big, bold wood flavors mix with the strong spiciness, making for an interesting balance of flavors. The mouthfeel is good, but not incredible, and the spice brings more heat than I was expecting for 86 proof.

Finish: The wood and spice continue into the finish with the drying spice lingering on the palate to create a short to medium length finish. There’s more nutmeg and clove with citrus playing somewhere in the background. As with the palate, there is more heat than expected at 86 proof. 

Score: 87

Would I buy again? This is a good sherry finished whisky, but not my favorite. The sherry influence is balanced and strategic, never taking over the experience but ultimately leaves me wanting something more. It’s a pretty whisky, but when I want something sherry, I tend to like to be hit over the head with it like in a Glendronach or Macallan. Maybe a slightly proof would have helped, but for $50, I would rather pick up a Glendronach 12 to get my sherry fix.