A SYMPHONY IN GLASS- GLENMORANGIE 18 YEARS

From Features Desk

In a move that will delight Indian whisky enthusiasts, Glenmorangie has introduced its celebrated Infinita 18 Years Old single malt whisky to the Indian market. Known globally for its refined elegance and richly layered character, the Infinita is already a decorated member of the Glenmorangie family, with over two dozen international awards to its name.
Now, Indian connoisseurs have the chance to experience this complex Highland single malt, which has consistently been praised by some of the most authoritative voices in the world of spirits. From the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whiskies Awards, Glenmorangie Infinita has collected accolades including Double Gold, Gold Outstanding, and Best Highland Single Malt.
The decision to bring this whisky to India speaks volumes about the growing appetite among Indian drinkers for premium and finely crafted spirits. And Glenmorangie is not holding back. It offers not only the whisky itself but a refreshed and elegant packaging that reflects the expression’s multi-dimensional soul.
The Art of Complexity
At the heart of Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old is an intentional and nuanced approach to  whisky-making led by Dr. Bill Lumsden, the brand’s long-serving Director of Whisky Creation. Known for pushing the boundaries of what single malt can be, Dr. Lumsden has helped define Glenmorangie’s contemporary identity.
The Infinita is distilled in the brand’s distinctive copper stills, famously as tall as a giraffe.
These unusually tall stills help to produce a lighter and more fragrant spirit, which is ideal for capturing the subtle complexities that Glenmorangie aims for.
Maturation is key to the Infinita’s profile. The whisky spends 15 years in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks before a portion is transferred into Oloroso sherry casks for an additional three years. After 18 years of patient ageing, the two parts are reunited, yielding a single malt with layer upon layer of flavours – delicate florals, deep fruits, gentle spice, and subtle wood smoke.
“For me, Glenmorangie Infinita encapsulates every element of our house style in perfect harmony and is our most deliciously complex creation,” said Dr. Lumsden. “A favourite with whisky lovers old and new, it seamlessly unites subtle sherry-cask hints and woody notes from its great age with our Distillery’s signature soft and fruity character. The result is a beautifully balanced single malt so multi-layered, it’s as if you are drinking a different whisky every time.”
A New Look for a Modern Classic
With the whisky’s Indian launch comes a striking redesign, one that captures both its heritage and its modern appeal. The bottle now features a copper label that complements the golden hue of the liquid inside. It is housed in a bold blue gift box, dramatically emblazoned with an infinity symbol, an elegant nod to the whisky’s name and the boundless nature of its taste.
Glenmorangie has paid close attention to detail. The box opens to reveal a vivid orange interior, a surprise splash of the brand’s signature colour.
The bottle’s base includes a subtle swirl inspired by the Tarlogie Spring, Glenmorangie’s water source, and its copper closure mirrors the brand’s towering stills. Beyond aesthetics, the new design also emphasizes sustainability: the bottle is now 12 percent lighter and the gift box is made from a single material to enhance recyclability.
Welcoming Indian Palates
India’s growing appreciation for premium single malts has been hard to ignore. As the country’s whisky culture matures, brands like Glenmorangie are finding eager audiences beyond traditional whisky strongholds.
Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy India, believes this moment represents more than just a new product launch. “The arrival of The Infinita 18 Years Old in India marks a significant moment for whisky enthusiasts,” she said.
“This bold new edition not only reimagines the packaging but elevates the sensory experience of the original, amplifying Glenmorangie’s dedication to craftsmanship.”
She added, “The Infinita beautifully balances floral, honey, and spiced notes, offering a whisky experience unlike any other. We are eager to share this exceptional single malt with Indian connoisseurs, inviting them to delve into its infinite layers of flavour, and experience a new chapter of Glenmorangie’s legacy.”
Where to Find It Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old is now available at select retail outlets in Haryana and Maharashtra, priced at 9,500 and 15,841 respectively. This limited-edition expression will soon expand its reach to travel retail stores across the country, making it accessible to globe-trotting enthusiasts and collectors alike.
It is a timely release in a market where curiosity and knowledge about single malts have reached new heights. From at-home collectors to luxury hotel bars, Glenmorangie’s new release is expected to gain a strong following among those who appreciate a dram with depth and story.
What’s in a Sip?
Every whisky has its tale, and Glenmorangie Infinita tells one with every glass. Its nose opens with tangy, caramelised citrus aromas, layered with a bouquet of honeysuckle, narcissus, and jasmine. The palate brings forth a silky texture, revealing flavours of toasted nuts and spices, followed by notes of dates, figs, and just a touch of wood smoke. The finish is long and evolving, with a dried fruit sweetness gently offset by the dryness from the Oloroso sherry influence.
This sensory richness is not accidental – it is the result of decades of refinement and a commitment to quality.
Legacy in Every Drop
Though recently renamed “Infinita,” this expression has roots going back over 30 years. The original 18-year-old Glenmorangie was beloved for its sherry-forward profile. When Dr. Lumsden joined the distillery in 1995, he began to refine the whisky’s character further, eventually shaping it into the complex, multi-dimensional spirit it is today.
Since 2011, this whisky has accumulated 23 global awards. Among the most prestigious are:
• IWSC Gold Best in Class, Gold Outstanding, and multiple Golds
• Double Gold and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Best Highland Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards (2015)
• ISC Golds and IWC accolades, including Best Single Malt Scotch 18 Year Old (2021)
With this pedigree, it is little wonder that the Infinita is often spoken of as one of the most finely tuned single malts in Glenmorangie’s range.
More Than a Whisky: A Philosophy
Glenmorangie has always sought to elevate whisky-making to a form of creative expression. The team uses just five core ingredients – wood,barley, yeast, and time – but through skill and imagination, they continue to reinvent the potential of single malt.
Whether it is the experimental series like A Tale of the Forest or the dessert-inspired A Tale of Cake, Glenmorangie views whisky not just as a product but as a canvas for storytelling. Their approach has brought them loyal followers across the globe, and now, India has joined the fold.
The Man Behind the Magic
Dr. Bill Lumsden, the mastermind behind the Infinita, is more than a master blender, he is a visionary. With a PhD in biochemistry and a passion for pushing the boundaries of whisky, Dr. Lumsden has shaped some of Glenmorangie’s most memorable expressions over the past 25 years.
His inventive spirit has earned him industry-wide recognition. He has been inducted into the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame and has won the International Whisky Competition’s Master Distiller of the Year award more times than any other figure in the field. Twice, the International Spirits Challenge has named him Master Blender/Distiller of the Year.
His favourite phrase – “What if?” – perfectly sums up his approach. It is a mindset that turns creative inspiration into liquid craftsmanship.
India’s Growing Taste for the Exceptional
The arrival of Glenmorangie Infinita comes at a key moment for India’s whisky market. While the country has long been known for its deep-rooted whisky culture, the segment dominated for decades by blended whiskies and local brands is undergoing a marked transformation. An emerging generation of consumers, shaped by travel, global exposure, and a thirst for refined experiences, is now seeking out more nuanced and premium spirits.
This shift has not gone unnoticed by international distillers. The past decade has seen a steady uptick in the availability of single malts in India.
Retail experts also suggest that Infinita’s appeal may extend beyond whisky enthusiasts into the realm of luxury gifting and collectable items. With its premium presentation, rarity, and storied lineage, it stands out as a meaningful gift for milestone occasions, one that reflects both taste and cultural discernment.