The genesis began in October 1981, when the original whisky of Pride 1981 was distilled and selected to mature in Glenmorangie’s finest oak casks. As the years of maturation progressed, this whisky was marked out as being very special. By 1999, the liquid had transformed into an exquisite vintage 18 Year Old, a single malt Scotch whisky of serious distinction. Dr Bill was inspired by the very quality of this whisky and decided to push himself further to craft an even more outstanding liquid. He proceeded to acquire an extremely limited number of Sauternes ‘Barriques’ from the vineyard of Château d’Yquem – and thus conceived the plan to create this masterpiece.

Often the subject of fame and fable, the Château d’Yquem Sauternes is celebrated for its exceptionally heavenly taste and renowned for its complexity, concentration and sweetness. Château d’Yquem is the only wine from the Sauternes region to be awarded the Premier Cru Supérieur rating, a classification for Bordeaux wines, and is deemed to be a class above the rest.

Glenmorangie Pride 1981 was extra-matured in these Sauternes casks for a further ten years - the longest period any Glenmorangie whisky has ever undergone extra-maturation. The resulting liquid is a rich, opulent deep gold colour.

Dr. Bill Lumsden comments, “The opportunity to age this superb 18 Year Old for ten years in Château d’Yquem casks was too exciting to pass up. The resulting liquid, one of our most mature to date, is characterised by rich flavours of sumptuous desserts, and undertones of oak tannins, resulting from the extra-maturation process. We are always looking to push boundaries and innovate, and Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is the pinnacle of those efforts.”

Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is a truly beguiling whisky with captivating aromas and flavours. The influence of the Sauternes casks produces the delectable scent and full texture of desserts such as apple tart, with sprinklings of Demerara sugar, nutmeg and aniseed. These are underpinned by rich oak tones, reminiscent of antique furniture.

A splash of water releases a myriad of exotic fruits and spices – sherbet lemons, melon, kiwi, with background notes of liquorice and roasted chestnut. Glenmorangie Pride 1981 leaves a long, lingering finish, succulent and sweet with sultanas, toasted almonds and the memory of lemon and coconut desserts.

To celebrate the release of this exceptional whisky The Glenmorangie Company has commissioned two design talents to create a unique objet d’art as packaging. Just as the liquid of Pride 1981 fuses the traditions of whisky creation with viniculture, the packaging unites the contrasting crafts of glass crystal and wood design.

The curvaceous Baccarat crystal decanter is the work of talented French designer Laurence Brabant. It is encased in a wooden box conceived by the Dutch designer, Wouter Scheublin, a rising star of furniture design. The case has a classic beauty that fuses form with function and glides open, revealing a sensual crystal decanter which holds the deep gold whisky.

Designers Brabant and Scheublin were commis- sioned after a long, in-depth international search. Dozens of portfolios were reviewed, but ultimately these two were selected, not only because of the compelling and exciting contrast of their styles, but for the values they share with Glenmorangie: A deep passion for innovation, a dedication to craftsmanship and the ambition to constantly strive for the best.

Due to the rare nature of this precious whisky, only 1,000 decanters of Glenmorangie Pride 1981 will be available worldwide, starting in April 2011.