Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year

57.95 at ABC

Part 4 of the Glenmorangie Pioneering Collection Sample Pack reviews. This is a re-review of this single malt scotch. I first reviewed this one in February of 2016 and loved it then. Like the Lasanta and Nectar D'Or, this is the 10 YO original that is extra matured for two years. This one is spent the final two years in port pipes. It is 46% ABV and is non chill filtered. It is natural color that Glenmorangie claims is ruby red, I would call it an amber bronze, but arguing over a color seems silly. The nose is very fruity. Dark red berries up front. Plums, nectarines, tangerines, and oranges. I'm not sure what the grapes used to make port wine smell like, but I get a strong nose of grapes similar to Concord grapes, though not as overly sweet. It's strong though, like a sparkling grape juice. If you can sift through the intense fruitiness you get some definite bourbon-y notes, think Buffalo Trace. Some light brown sugar/molasses and some oak hiding in the background. A really great nose if you like the strong darker fruits typical of port finished whisky. The palate is quite fruity and sweet. Sweet red wines notes and oranges. Full bodied. Like the Nectar D'Or, there is a spice that bolsters the palate, but not nearly as strong as the D'Or. Very well balanced between the sweet fruits and spice. The mouthfeel is fairly light, typical of Glenmorangie, but it is very mouthwatering. The finish is medium length and more sweet than spicy with more of those beautiful port flavors. I just love these port finished whiskies, and I would love to see an Ardbeg that is port finished. I feel that if the Benriach Solstice was unpeated, it would be very similar to this Quinta Ruban. I gave this a 4.5 rating last year when I was still a whisky novice and I wholeheartedly stand by that rating now. It's that good. The only thing I feel could help raise the rating would be a hint of smoke. Nothing like the Benriach, but maybe 1/4 of that. I know Glenmorangie does not peat their barley but it's just something I think would make it all the better. The price on this one is so friendly too, at around $60 it's hard to knock it. By far the best Glenmorangie I've had. Go get a bottle! Review is a few months old from Barreled