Glenmorangie Celebrates 100 Years in USA

NEW YORK, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Glenmorangie celebrates the 100 year anniversary of what may be the first purchase of single malt Scotch whisky in the U.S. made on May 31st, 1910 by a commercial retail establishment, the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver. In commemorating the heritage of single malt Scotch whisky in America, Glenmorangie also celebrates the sophisticated and discerning taste of Coloradans a century ago.  

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The significance of the first order placed by the historic Brown Palace Hotel lies in the fact that the complex flavors of single malt Scotch whiskies were little known beyond the borders of Scotland prior to the 1960's. Up to that point only blended Scotch whisky was commercialized in the U.S. Although no one knows for sure why the hotel chose to order Glenmorangie Single Malt in particular, many believe the answer lies in noted cattle baron Murdo Mackenzie. A native of Tain, Scotland, the birthplace of Glenmorangie, Mackenzie came to Colorado in the 1880's and frequented the Brown Palace Hotel, a hub for influential visitors and Denver dignitaries alike.

The historic journey of the whisky began at the Glenmorangie Distillery in northern Scotland. Over the next few months, two casks filled with 36 gallons of Scotch whisky made a lengthy voyage by land and sea – first sent by train to Liverpool and then shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to Galveston, Texas where they were eventually loaded onto a railroad carriage for the final leg of their journey to Denver, Colorado.

To commemorate the original date of delivery to the Brown Palace hotel a century ago, a month-long series of promotions and events are due to kick off late August/early September, to be hosted primarily in the Denver area.

For further information or to schedule an interview with Master Distiller, Dr. Bill Lumsden, please e-mail Brian Cox, Glenmorangie U.S. Brand Director, at [email protected].

About Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the 16 Men of Tain. The distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its fields, uniting tradition with innovation. Most recently, at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Glenmorangie was awarded the prestigious title of "Distillery of the Year."

Today, the company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered near Edinburgh, Scotland, the company produces two main single malt brands – Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

SOURCE Moet Hennessy USA