Scotland, Northern Highlands. Distillery operational. Owners: LVMH, Diageo

Selling all of its shares (52% of the Glenmorangie PLC group) to the leading international luxury goods brand LVMH in 2004, the Macdonald family brought to an end over 80 years of work to develop the distillery and its brand.Like the distilleries that managed to maintain their independence throughout the 20th century, Glenmorangie was a true pioneer for many. Whether for the release of its malt in the 1920s, for producing bottlings upon request across the world, for doubling its production capacity in the middle of the crisis (1980) or for launching a research programme looking into oak and its properties (Wood Finishes), Glenmorangie has always benefited from its owners long-term vision and sharp business acumen. In October 2004, The Glenmorangie swapped its tweed jacket and corduroy trousers for a bespoke three-piece suit. Decked out in its new attire, it entered the world of private collections, revealing an authentic, haute couture malt.

A Glenmorangie Ealante—Gaelic for “skilled and ingenious”—a 19 year old distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2012. This is the fourth edition of the Glenmorangie Private Edition range. Aged entirely in new American oak casks. The oak was sourced from the Mark Twain forest in Missouri, the author’’s home town and the setting of many of his books. After slow growth, the trees from the north flank of the forest are left to dry in the open air for two years. The casks are built according to Glenmorangie’’s specifications, in this case with heavy toasting. Glenmorangie and its master distiller Dr Bill Lumsden love these sort of experiments. The trees were chosen by Lumsden in the 1990s when he visited the Ozark Mountains.