Glenmorangie Pride 'pinnacle' of whisky creator's efforts

Glenmorangie's chief creator, Dr Bill Lumsden, has unveiled what he says is his finest whisky yet.

Almost three decades in the making, 2,500-a-bottle Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is the product of a marriage to one of French wine's most famous names.

Having matured it for 18 years in Glenmorangie's oak casks, lesser men may have been tempted to call the dram ready, but not Lumsden. The drink was extra-matured in Chteau d'Yquem Sauternes "barriques" for a further ten years.

The resulting golden liquid is said to have scents of apple tart, nutmeg and aniseed.

Lumsden said: "We are always looking to push boundaries and innovate, and Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is the pinnacle of those efforts. It is my personal pride and joy. Creating this whisky felt like bringing together two legends in their respective fields."

Just 1,000 bottles of the rare malt will be made available worldwide, and many have already been snapped up by connoisseurs.