Tastes

One of the first Single Malts I sampled, it's surprising to return to this years later with a more developed palate. There's a reason this is so popular... Gentle, balanced, subtle and charming. Nose of pear, vanilla, light nuttiness, almost macadamia nut. Palate reminds me of a rich white-chocolate macadamia nut cookie. Brief but complementing finish. As for it's fellow green bottled rival; What The Glenlivet has, this lacks, namely tropical fruits, but what The Glenlivet lacks, this has, a light delicious waft of sweet bacon-like smoke. Dry glass: chocolate and faint peanut butter...

Interesting and a tiny bit of a let down at the same time... I will readily admit, this is welcome improvement on the already delicious original Glenmorangie, but there is no real addition to the flavor profile, merely a lovely exaggeration of already classic notes (except for a touch more sulfur on the nose?). The nose is noticeably enhanced, and the palate, intensified. Probably from the extra 3% abv. Sauternes casks seem to help enlarge the citrus, spice and slightly unripe fruitiness, but I'm afraid does little beyond that... After much consideration, this is just barely worth the extra $15-20 more... But I do wish "Original" Glenmorangie 10 nosed & tasted like this...

Sea air, sweet cereal and baked green apple. Reminds me so much of Ardbeg, sans peat. Heavy proof needs a healthy splash of water, opens to more apple, banana, and mildly spicy citrus zest. Bold mouth-filling palate, sweet and round. Unpeated, yes, but still a mild smokiness that wafts around.

Very "beer-y" fresh baked bread nose, sticky brewery scent, with peach and baked apple, definitive Irish cereal spiciness. Flavors of green banana through palate and bold, mouth filling finish. I'm not a huge fan of Irish whiskey, but this was fascinating...

[Revisited 8/15] Beguiling Rose-gold color. Complex and unusual on the nose (typical 'morangie). Without water: blatant port notes and various citrus. With water: sharp dark honey, then a layer of vanilla. Some pink grapefruit and pomegranate. A touch of balanced, salty peat-to-malt and even mint cocoa! Down the hatch, it's smooth, generous salty-citrus spices and floral honey that carries through the finish with grapefruit rind, mint and gentle, floral oak. 46% and non chill-filtered? Now that's class. Definitely better than "La Santa", and so unique, it's probably my favorite in the extra-matured range. A possible contender for my top shelf... My father (a port man) would approve. Dry glass: floral malt and mint chocolate...

[Revisited 10/2015] Nose: Rich bold sherry, almost like Madeira. Medjool dates, dried figs, banana bread, baking spices, touch of marzipan and milk chocolate. The first few pours also had a distinct bell pepper note that's faded. Palate: Rich, but not too sweet, even a bit savory. Fairly smooth, but assertive. Finish: Medium length, more sherry and wood spice. Hint of charcoal and cocoa at the end. A brilliant affordable dram, not too simple or complex, easy to appreciate! still my go-to sherried malt. Dry glass: more dates and cereal.

Neutral. Clean, toasted hazelnut nose, light pear and applewood/oak notes and a satisfying nutty-cereal flavor. Hint of lemon. Finish is medium length with an unexpected bittersweet element, not off putting, just a point of character in a mostly neutral lowland malt. Usually priced well, worth trying. Beautiful bottle shape...

The whisky that started my journey. Simple, easy to drink, classic Single Malt. Excellent for first-timer's as it's easy to appreciate. Aromas of ripe bananas, cereal and marzipan. smooth on the palette with balanced pineapple and banana that carries through the finish. As the distillery describes it, an "old friend". Drowns easily with added water, I'd leave it as is.

Lucious, the only whisky my father-in-law ("hmm... I prefer rum...") actually enjoys! Given 10-15 minutes with a little water, it opens up nicely with sweet rummy vanilla and bold (typical Balvenie) oak. New leather, dark honey or molasses unfold with some ripe brown banana and even hints of coconut! Smooth on the palate, medium sweet and more oak. Medium finish with leather and bitter honey or molasses. On the pricey side, but so interesting and rich, it's worth recommending! Dry-glass: memories of neopolitan ice cream...

[Revisited 11/2015] Natural pale color, dated presentation, which only serves to conceal this under-appreciated malt... Beautifully smooth and fragrant with notes of gentle honey, vanilla frosting (but not too sweet), lemon zest, fresh orange blossom, pineapple, nutty cereal, gentle salt air and distant, welcoming smoke. An old favourite and an excellent dram for new single malt explorers. Added water dampens the sweetness and draws out the smokiness. Dry glass: cocoa and green pepper.