Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Scotch Single Malt Whisky
46%
ABV
The Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery is located in Tain in the Highlands of Scotland. They boast the tallest stills in all of Scotland, which contributes to their distinctive fruity and delicate spirit style, which lends itself well to cask influence. Founded in 1843 they have been making whisky for longer than any of us have been alive for, so they must be pretty good at it.
The Region
Highlands, Scotland
The Whisky Review
Nose 4/5
Dark chocolate, mint, floral bush honey, oranges, oak and pine, blackberry jam, mulberries and a surprising note of nutella, Quite an interesting and captivating nose that changes over time as it opens. Adding water brings out a savoury note.
Palate 3.5/5
Medium body, Habaneros (that unique floral/earthy/fruity taste, not the heat), dark chocolate, oak, malt, caramel, mulberry pie. Adding water brings out a bitterness that i didn’t enjoy.
Finish 3.5/5
Long and dominated by dark chocolate, hints of nutmeg, honey, malty cereals, mint and hazelnuts linger once the dark chocolate fades.
The Verdict
Complex, yummy and different. It gets noticeably better with each sip as it opens up, i highly recommend letting this sit out for 30mins before you get to it for best results. An interesting ride of flavours from the nose to the finish, it begins like a walk through the forest with floral, woody and dark berry notes. The late arrival of nutella on the nose was a welcome surprise.
The palate then takes it down an entirely different route with the distinct habanero flavours mingling with dark chocolate and caramel maltiness. Nice mouthfeel.
The dark chocolate carries on and dominates the finish, bringing out subtle sweeter flavours as it fades off, a nice long finish adds points.
DO NOT add water! Sometimes adding a few drops of water can improve a whisky, other times it diminishes it, this is the latter. Adding water brought out an off savoury note on the nose and turned the palate bitter. Without water it was a very enjoyable dram, so i’d recommend drinking it as is.
I would recommend giving this whisky a try if you can, with such a unique profile it could become your next favourite, or it could skip your alley entirely. Personally i quite enjoy it and reach for it when i’m in a specific mood, but i wouldn’t call it a daily drinker.
The Price
Retailing at $115, you can usually grab this on special under $100 fairly often and worth a go if you can get it for around $95.
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Recent Reviews
1st Place – 2021 MUWC
