Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo Scotch Whisky
Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo Scotch Whisky is the Highland distillery's first-ever use of Japanese Mizunara oak: single malt part-aged in rare Mizunara casks alongside whisky matured in bourbon and sherry casks, bottled at 46% ABV. The fourth release in Glenmorangie's annual limited "A Tale of…" series, created by Dr. Bill Lumsden with packaging art by Japanese artist Yamaguchi Akira — a 2023 release that took Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling)
- Age: no age statement — Mizunara + bourbon + sherry cask recipe
- Origin: Glenmorangie Distillery, Highlands, Scotland (est. 1843)
- Edition: limited 2023 release; fourth in the "A Tale of…" series
Glenmorangie's First Mizunara
Mizunara oak is famously difficult — small twisted trunks, high moisture, years of stave drying — which is why so few Scotch distilleries attempt it. Lumsden's recipe layers that incense-and-sandalwood character over Glenmorangie's unpeated house style: bourbon-cask citrus, sherry-cask depth, Mizunara spice. The result is, per the distillery, "powerfully herbal" whisky with a Japanese soul. Browse the store's Glenmorangie shelf or explore more Scotch whisky.
Tasting Notes
Aroma — powerfully herbal: toffee against incense and saddle-soap, resinous notes, a touch of cedar. Taste — peppery mouthfeel into tangy oranges and bitter cherries, fennel, chewy oak. Finish — long and gently nutty: almond, mandarin, ground white pepper, wood resin (official notes).
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip glass to catch the incense and cedar. This is a contemplation dram — water optional, rushing it not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mizunara oak?
A rare Japanese oak species with long drying times and difficult cooperage; it imparts sandalwood, incense and spice notes unlike any European or American oak.
Is A Tale of Tokyo age-stated?
No — it carries no age statement. The recipe blends whisky matured in Mizunara, bourbon and sherry casks.
What awards has it won?
Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, widely cited by retailers including Fortnum & Mason.
Scotland meets Japan in the glass — get Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo delivered from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.