Today I’m going to invite you to do a different but very interesting exercise. Go to the image of the juices below and try to find at least one apple on each of the labels. Some are quite easy. Others are a true work of art in the form of marketing. The thing is, most of them contain apple, even though they are made from something completely different, like grapes and oranges. The apple acts as a natural sweetener and also reduces the cost of producing the drink.

When this happens, producers must, by law in Brazil, include the image of an apple. This is arguably to show the consumer that the juice contains more than one fruit. The rule, however, doesn’t specify exactly how. So, brands have found ways – sometimes wonderfully cunning – to meet this requirement. Go back to the image of the little fish below and pay attention to the fins. Not even if Van Gogh, Brueghel and Manet got together would they create a still life of this quality.

But sometimes what’s not on the label is just as important as what’s on it. That’s the case with the – not so much – new Glenmorangie 16 The Nectar. Previously called Nectar D’Or – a NAS expression – the whisky was matured in American oak barrels, and then finished for a few years in barrels previously used for French Sauternes. More specifically, Chateau D’Yquem. On the label of the 16, the term “Sauternes Cask” was replaced by “Sweet Wine Casks.”

And even though the label doesn’t state it, the information isn’t hard to find. Instead of finishing exclusively in Sauternes barrels, the whisky now combines four different sweet wines: Sauternes and Montbazillac from France, Moscatel from Spain and Tokaji from Hungary. According to Glenmorangie, each contributes distinct notes to achieve maximum balance. In fact, The Nectar doesn’t just seem like a more mature Nectar D’Or. It’s actually a different whisky.

Sensorially, it’s sweet, with notes of brioche, apple, almonds and honey. It’s undeniably sweet, but not to the point of being cloying. This is largely due to Glenmorangie’s new-make spirit, which is quite light and allows the finish to shine through without being too heavy. In fact, compared to the old one, it’s even lighter, more floral and less fruity.

The biggest surprise, however, is in the wallet. Despite having become an older whisky, Glenmorangie 16 The Nectar has had a considerable price reduction. The whisky can be found for approximately 600 reais in points of sale, here in Brazil. Much less than the seven hundred and something charged for the previous no-age-stated version. This was also reflected in other Glenmorangie labels, such as Lasanta and Quinta Ruban.

For those looking for a floral, light single malt with excellent drinkability, Glenmorangie 16 will be a great choice. Not only because of its profile, but also because it costs less than its previous version. Perhaps, in the end, the discreet changes in appearance are less important than the changes that really matter. And without a little apple on the label.

GLENMORANGIE 16 THE NECTAR

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Distillery: Glenmorangie

Region: Highlands

ABV: 46%

Tasting Notes:

Nose: citrus, floral. Licorice, white chocolate, coconut.

Taste: slightly citrus, with white chocolate and coconut. Quite sweet. Medium to long finish, spicy and floral.