WE WOOD, WOULD YOU?

To celebrate the wooden casks, which help create Glenmorangie’s unnecessarily well-made whisky, Glenmorangie and master craftsman Pierre Cronje, hosted a unique whisky and wood three course dining experience.

Wood is integral to the process and the flavour of Glenmorangie it is for this reason that the brand takes wood management seriously. Time, care and respect for the wood used in Glenmorangie casks gives the whisky its unique character. It is this process and painstaking dedication to creating a distinct and quality whisky derived from the finest oak casks in which to mature the whisky, which gives the brand its alluring Glenmorangie taste.

Glenmorangie partnered with Pierre Cronje whose philosphy and passion for hand-made craftsmanship set apart by quality taps into the whisky brands affinity with wood. It is this deep harmony with wood which contributes significantly to the final products for both the whisky and furniture than any other ingredient or process which was celebrated during the bespoke dinning experience held at Pierre Cronje’s showroom on Wednesday.

The evening followed up Glenmorangie International’s pioneering collaboration with Finlay & Co., manufacturers of unique wooden-framed sunglasses. In a first for the Scotch whisky industry, the British eyewear company has worked with oak wood from casks only ever used twice to age Glenmorangie Original for ten years. The bespoke sunglasses fashioned from these casks, honour Glenmorangie Original’s perfect balance and alluring complexity.

Marketing Director for the Really Great Brand Company, Craig Dore and Pierre Cronje himself were seated at the heads of the big yellow oak dinner table. The dining room décor – including the table set up – was inspired by wood, which allowed guests to see, smell and touch wood. For the starter guests were treated to a biltong tartlet served with a 10-year-old, while the main course was a braised flat rib served with the Quinta Ruban.

Whilst guests were enjoying their food Craig and Pierre led a fascinating conversation around wood; such as the effect of the climate/season when it comes to wood, slow growing European Oak and wood craftsmanship to name a few.

During dessert – orange and almond torte serve with Signet – Brand Manager for Glenmorangie, Stef Kondylis, shared some of the international awards that Glenmorangie has received and gifted guests with bespoke Glenmorangie gifts including Finlay & Co. sunglasses (worth around R6000), Glenmorangie Signet cufflinks and a Glenmorangie Pocket Square.