Glenmorangie Releases Pride 1974 in a Limited Edition

Glenmorangie Distillery recently announced the release of its oldest ever whisky, Pride 1974 from the Moët Hennessy collection. Bottled at 52% alcohol by volume, this rare liquor was distilled over four decades ago, and stored in ex-bourbon casks and ex-Oloroso sherry butts. Priced at £7,200 (about US$9,000), only 503 decanters of this scotch whiskey will be available for sale worldwide.

This whiskey will be contained in a crystal decanter with metallic and gold detailing, specially crafted by the glassware expert Laurence Brabant. In addition, the decanter will be placed in a cherry-wood box with mirrors on its interior walls. Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third in the series that Brabant has designed—Pride 1981 released in 2011, and Pride 1978 released in 2013.

Glenmorangie's director of distilling, whisky creation and whisky stocks, Dr. Bill Lumsden mentions what to expect from the “oldest and deepest” whiskey ever released by the distillery. He says, “Its age lends the whisky an enriched intensity, borne only of a slow, patient maturation.” He also adds that the flavour profile will range from baked apples, toffees to oranges and brown sugar, with rich salty and spicy aromas.

Commemorating the release, piano maker Steinway & Sons, pianist Aaron Diehl, and Glenmorangie composed a music piece which debuted in New York on March 23.