The original Glenmorangie Astar was released in 2008. This is the re-release and you can think of it as a cask strength version of The Original 10, but with a twist. That twist being the exact casks used.
The wood used for the Glenmorangie Astar comes from trees in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The staves from these trees were open-air seasoned for two years – far longer than the traditional three to six months. This extra seasoning breaks down more of the fibers and makes the wood softer, and lends a different profile to spirits aged in it.
To keep from overpowering the single malt, the Glenmorangie Astar barrels made from these staves were toasted, compared to the traditional heavy char, and then filled with bourbon. After four years in these toasted casks, the American whiskey was dumped and the barrels shipped to Scotland. Once they arrived in the Highlands and left to mature for 5+ years. Bottled at cask strength, the Glenmorangie Astar is experimental Glenmorangie in all of its bespoke ex-Bourbon cask greatness. and from our tasting, it is as good as you may believe.