Glenmorangie, a name that resonates with prestige in the whisky world, embodies a rich history of craftsmanship and tradition. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmorangie has been a purveyor of fine single malt Scotch whisky since 1843.
Known for their exceptional distilling process and aged in a variety of bourbon, sherry, and port casks, the best Glenmorangie whiskies begin with their superb 10 Year Old Whisky offering, and you will discover that the collection gets richer and more refined as you move up in age.
Exploring Glenmorangie’s Finest
Rich in taste and Scottish whisky know-how, the best Glenmorangie Whiskies will take you on a flavoursome journey of fruits, wood, spices and more.
1. Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year Old Whisky
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotlamd
- Colour: Peach
Review
The Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old is the cornerstone of Glenmorangie’s range. Aged in first and second-fill American white oak casks, I found its subtle sweetness and complexity make an excellent introduction to Glenmorangie’s overall style.
On The Nose
Soft peach, vanilla, and a hint of citrus.
On The Palate
This whisky opens with a light, floral sweetness intertwined with hints of citrus and peach. The vanilla from the oak casks adds a comforting warmth, ending with a subtle, ever-so slightly earthy finish.
Best Served
Enjoy neat or over ice with a modest splash of water to open it up. It also works well in a whisky and coke or a Rusty Nail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12 Year Old Whisky
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Orange
Review
The Lasanta, matured in sherry casks, is a splendid example of Glenmorangie’s skill with wood finishes. It’s richer and more robust than The Original, offering a fascinating contrast. This whisky’s depth, sweetness and warm spice are its standout traits.
On The Nose
Rich sherry, spices, chocolate, toffee
On The Palate
A fanfare of flavours, brimming with raisins, chocolate, spice and butterscotch sweetness mid-palate. Its sherry cask finish imparts a rich, sweet sophistication with a slight nuttiness.
Best Served
I recommend you enjoy this beauty neatly or in a classic ‘Rob Roy’ cocktail if you are feeling fancy.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old Whisky
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Amber
Review
The Quinta Ruban, with its port cask finish, takes you on an exotic journey. Its 14-year maturation results in a layered and luxurious dram. The bourbon and port cask influence is evident, adding a unique twist to the Glenmorangie profile.
On The Nose
Dark chocolate, mint, orange zest, wood, spice.
On The Palate
Dances with rich, velvety textures of dark chocolate, mint, and orange. It’s a bold blend of sweet and savoury, with the port cask adding a fascinating layer of complexity to the fruity, woody finish with lingering chocolate.
Best Served
It deserves to be sipped neat, or if you fancy something special, in a flavoursome John Collins or an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Whisky
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Amber
Review
The 18 Year Old is where Glenmorangie’s craftsmanship truly shines. This whisky, aged initially in American oak and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, is mature, elegant, and commands attention.
On The Nose
Floral aromas with honeyed fruits and almonds.
On The Palate
Rich honey, malt, and dried fruits dominate the opening, followed by a wave of floral nuances. The balance between the sweet and dry elements is impeccable, resulting in a sophisticated and layered experience with a fruity flourish on the smooth finish.
Best Served
This 18 year old should be savoured neat or with a splash of water. Perfect in a ‘Whisky Sour’ so its inherant fruitiness can flourish.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Glenmorangie Signet Whisky
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
Signet is Glenmorangie’s bold foray into uncharted territories. Made with a high-roast chocolate malt, it’s a departure from the traditional. It’s an innovative expression that challenges and rewards both whisky beginners and experts alike.
On The Nose
Orange peel, chocolate, coffee, ginger, cinnamon.
On The Palate
A robust and full-bodied dram, Signet surprises with rich chocolate and coffee notes intertwined with spices and a hint of orange. The finish reveals layers of rich coffee and dried fruity flavours.
Best Served
Glenmorangie Signet Whisky needs to be sipped neat. I’d also try it in an ‘Espresso Martini’ with an extra coffee twist.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Glenmorangie Sonoma Cutrer Reserve 25 Year Old
Overview
- Distiller: Glenmorangie
- ABV: 50.4% (100.8 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
For those with deep pockets, the Sonoma Cutrer Reserve 25 Year Old is a rare gem in Glenmorangie’s crown. It represents the zenith of their ageing expertise, with a remarkable complexity and depth that’s subtle, refined and ever-so elegant.
On The Nose
Floral aromas, vanilla, oak, peach, pear, and a whisper of smoke.
On The Palate
Opens with sweet mandarin, lemon zest and sweet pears, with lush vanilla and smooth oak mid-palate. The finish is seductive, revealing toffee, rich and slightly bitter cocoa, coconut, and orchard fruits.
Best Served
Of course you need to enjoy this refined whisky neat, at room temperature. Also, try it in a fancy Sazerac.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12 Year Old Whisky
My top pick is the versatile Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12 Year Old Whisky because it’s rich with dried fruits, spice and butterscotch.
The Sherry cask ageing makes a real difference.
Glenmorangie Whisky Cocktail Ideas
Here are some flavoursome cocktails to try with your Glenmorangie whisky.
| No. | Glenmorangie Whisky | Cocktail Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Original 10 Year Old | Highland Fizz: Lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, and a lemon twist |
| Glenmorangie Sour: Lemon juice, sugar, egg white, and a cherry garnish | ||
| Apple Orchard: Apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and a slice of apple | ||
| 2 | The Lasanta 12 Year Old | Lasanta Old Fashioned: Sugar, bitters, orange zest, and a cherry |
| Spiced Cranberry: Cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and a rosemary sprig | ||
| Highland Coffee: Hot coffee, brown sugar, whipped cream, and grated nutmeg | ||
| 3 | The Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old | Ruby Manhattan: Sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry |
| Quinta Collins: Lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, and a lemon slice | ||
| Port Side: Port wine, honey syrup, and an orange twist | ||
| 4 | Glenmorangie 18 Year Old | 18 Year Neat: Enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity |
| Elderflower Highland: Elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water | ||
| Aged Highland Smash: Muddled mint and lemon, simple syrup, and crushed ice | ||
| 5 | Glenmorangie Signet | Signet Espresso Martini: Espresso, coffee liqueur, and coffee beans |
| Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned: Chocolate bitters, orange zest, and a cherry | ||
| Glenmorangie Martini: Dry vermouth and an olive or lemon twist | ||
| 6 | Sonoma Cutrer Reserve 25 Year Old | 25 Year Reserve on the Rocks: Enjoyed on ice to savour its aged flavours |
| Sonoma Sazerac: Absinthe, sugar, bitters, and a lemon peel | ||
| Cutrer Toddy: Hot water, honey, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick |
History of Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie’s journey into the world of whisky began in 1843 when William Matheson and his wife Anne established a distillery in the remote Scottish Highlands.
Selling their whisky for mere shillings per gallon, they laid the foundation for what would become an iconic Scotch whisky distillery. Glenmorangie, meaning ‘Valley of Tranquility’ in Gaelic, reflects the brand’s deep connection to the Scottish land.
Over almost two centuries, Glenmorangie has redefined whisky-making with innovations like Scotland’s tallest copper stills and a commitment to sustainable wood policies.
The distillery has seen many devoted team members, including Gordon L Smart, who managed the distillery for fifty years, and the ’16 Men of Tain,’ whose expertise and skills contributed significantly to its success.
Conclusion
Each whisky in the Glenmorangie range brings something unique to the collection. From the approachable The Original to their coffee-rich Signet Whisky and the heady heights of the Sonoma Cutrer Reserve 25 Year Old, the best Glenmorangie whiskies are undoubtedly well worth discovering.
Also Read: Monkey Shoulder vs Smokey Monkey: A Whisky Duel
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Glenmorangie has a dram that will captivate, leaving you longing for just one more sip. Plus, although I should not be swayed by the presentation, I do find myself drawn to their vibrant bottle designs, too!
Also Read: 5 Best Maker’s Mark Whiskies: A Bourbon Love Affair
Further Reading
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