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.

This edition launched in 2002 was matured for twelve years—as indicated on bottles for the American market—including one year’’s finishing in Burgundy wine casks. It reflects the distillery’’s work on original maturations spearheaded by Bill Lumsden, who ran the distillery from 1995 to 1998 and then took charge of new editions for The Glenmorangie Company as a whole, including its Glenmorangie and Ardbeg distilleries. Glenmorangie Finish was the last edition in a series launched with the Port Wood Finish in 1994, followed by the Sherry and Madeira Wood Finish in 1996. It was replaced by a new range in 2007 that included new versions of the port and sherry finish, released respectively as The Lasanta and The Quinta Ruban.