Tastes

On this frigid winter dusk [also Blizzard 2016], sitting by the fire listening to Beck, I decided to finally open this bottle and I am glad I did. A warm and wonderful sweet brown sugar and peaty nose starts on the nose. Vanilla notes dance around with the ocean sea. Espresso, leather patiently wait their turn to appear. The more it opens, the sweeter it becomes. Thick, oily, malty, the dram arrives on the palate. Creme brûlée, oak, vanilla, black pepper all exquisitely dance together and all compliment each other. No one flavor dominants. As it makes its final exit, cigar tobacco, brown sugar and mint remain and remain for a generous length of time, which is perfect since you want that mouthful of flavors to stay as long as possible. But when it does, you thankfully have another sip to look forward to. One of the best drams I have tasted. Why did I wait so long for you to come my way? [$68][94/100]. [Opened: 2/15/15][Revisited: Blizzard 1/23/16]

Dark chocolate sweetness and orange peel nose. Smooth, rich body of bakers chocolate and darker fruits. Finishes, like a good chocolate, sweet and slightly bitter. Hints of oak and spice. A good dram, but I expected more. [89/100]. [Tasted: 1/30/15]

Sweetness of honey and vanilla. Light body with the dry oakyness and honey sweetness. Very balanced that finishes slightly bitter and slightly spicy. The Original version that shows its age (in a good way). [88/100]. [Tasted: 1/30/15]

Sweet, ripe fruits of pear and apricots on the nose. Orange zest, honey sweetness on the palate and finishes along the sweetness theme. This is my favorite along the Original line. [85/100]. [Tasted: 1/30/15]

Coming from the base Original, similar nose of sweetness with honeydew fruitiness. That same profile carries onto the palate that fades quickly. Finishes short and slightly hot. [83/100]. [Tasted: 1/30/15]

Light and fruity nose of apples or pears with honey with a touch of cashew and milk chocolate. Simple and straightforward. Arrives on the palate soft and lightweight with brown sugar, oak, orange rind. An oaky dryness with white pepper finishes the dram. The sweetness, tartness and oakiness are nicely balanced. The addition of water affects the nose very little but definitely sweetens the dram drawing out brown sugar notes. A dram that will not blow your mind, but a nice, simple, excellently priced whisky. Generally speaking, I find Glenmorangie line average and don't have the same palate towards this family as others do and I always expect more. [84/100]. [Opened: 1/10/16; Tasted: 1/30/15; 2/26/16; 6/18/16]

Hay/straw on a humid summer's day with citrus and honey notes open on the nose. A slight metallic prescence lurks. As it continues to open, a malty sweetness arrives. The malty sweetness carries onto the palate within a thin, but soft, body. Vanilla, honey and lemon-tea notes all appear at varying times. Mild tongue burn arrives late, leaving a peppery, spicy finish and ends with a slight bitterness. Finishes quickly. With the addition of water, a toffee nose is more prevalent as well as on the palate. The bitterness is diminished on the finish. A much more enjoyable spirit with a splash. Nice and easy (on the wallet too) and perfect for sharing and recommend with water. No surprises. Simple and straightforward. [$30 ltr][83/100][Opened 1/23/15][Revisted: 1/24/16]

Opens on the nose to orange and nutmeg with toffee sweetness on the periphery. Creamy texture which delivers brown sugar and spice. Burn is extremely late to the party but hangs around for some time. As the burn makes it's exit, orange peel stays on the palate. This orange finish is slightly bitter but not unpleasant. Overall, a pleasant dram. Somewhat complex and much more balanced than the 12 year sibling. For an 18 year old, the cost makes this accessible, which is a good thing. Wish the other mature malts were relatively more affordable. [$89]

Tasted 10/17/14 : A light, smokey nose that is pleasant. Like a small campfire. Sweet notes can be found. A creamy, soft and smooth palate. Sweetness with a slight peppery note. Medium finish that ends slightly dry. Very good, enjoyable dram that will not overpower you with smoke or peat. A nice balance of smoke and sweetness. The only real negative is that it is somewhat costly and you may find equal or better malts at a lower price, like their own 12 year old malt.

Been looking for a blend malt in lieu of JW that is a bit on the cost conscience side with some quality (burning through my collection faster than I want). This blend piqued my interest. Nose is light, floral and malty with a bit of marine salt air. Rather pleasant. Sweet honey notes on the palate initially arrive then tranisitions to mild tongue burn. Medium body and easy sipping. Slightly sweet honey finish with some bitterness of orange rine with a bit of spice. The addition of water thins the body and diminishes the sweet nose, tongue burn and spicy finish but instead finishes sweeter and more of the orangey zest. Good either way. Easy dram with a splash or a cube or two. [82/100]. [Opened 1/4/15]