Glenmorangie – The Men of Tain

In 1843, William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Guided by founder William Matheson’s vision, the know-how has been passed down from century to century by the Men of Tain.

The Highland region is known for the most delicate and floral whiskies, and a land of incredible natural resources. The Tarlogie Springs, Glenmorangie’s own water source and most prized asset, is the product of rain that has been forcing its way through layers of limestone and sandstone for a hundred years. These natural minerals give it its ‘hard’ water qualities and provide Glenmorangie with a raw ingredient unique amongst Highland distilleries. The hard water produces fruity and floral notes during fermentation, and contributes to Glenmorangie’s distinctive house style.

Every bottle of Glenmorangie is crafted by the Men of Tain. Since the beginning, 16 craftsmen – known as the Men of Tain – were entrusted as the guardians of the Glenmorangie spirit, working together to craft Glenmorangie’s whiskies through the centuries. There was a time when the Men of Tain would line up for a daily dram of whisky with their lunch. Huddled together they would pass around a metal cup – blackened through constant use – and share a joke at the expense of one of the lads.

Today, Glenmorangie’s whisky continues to be handcrafted by the Men of Tain, who use time honored traditions, skills and expertise that have been passed from generation to generation. To keep up with the increasing demand for Glenmorangie’s award-winning Single Malts, there are now more than 16 Men of Tain, and even a few women, employed at the Distillery who help to craft their signature whiskies.

The heart of the Glenmorangie portfolio is the Original, matured for ten years in the finest ex-Bourbon casks. Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team travels to the Ozarks in Missouri to hand-select the trees used for their American White Oak casks, which are left to air dry for two years and seasoned with American bourbon for another four years before making their way to Scotland to be filled with Glenmorangie. At Glenmorangie they use each cask only twice, to ensure maximum depth of flavor and character in each whisky. Glenmorangie’s whisky creators pioneered the art of extra-maturation, transferring spirit first matured in ex-bourbon casks into ex-wine casks, imparting new flavors into Glenmorangie’s famed Single Malts. Glenmorangie has transformed the category with its exceptional Extra Matured Range.