Comparing the old and new Original Glenmorangie
The Glenmorangie Distillery is making waves in the world of single malt whisky. First they attracted renowned Hollywood star Harrison Ford as the new (old) face of the brand. The campaign is funny, even though as a modern whisky drinker I would not soon associate myself with a grumpy old man drinking Scotch in a kilt. But hey, smarter people than me probably thought it was a good idea, and see: I am writing about it. And write we do, but with more pleasure about the whisky itself. The fact of the matter is: the warehouses in Scotland are filled to the brim, and mature whisky is not so hard to come by anymore. So, when visiting a specialist whisky festival in Amsterdam a few months ago, I found myself stumbling upon a stand with new Glenmorangie whisky. A fresh new look for the already handsome bottles, and age statements on the various expressions. The trusted port wood, sherry matured and sauternes influenced expression remain, and also The Original is still there. The latter one is actually updated from a 10 years old to a 12 years old. My darling friend Emy thought it would be nice to compare them, and arranged two samples for me, for which I am eternally grateful! Here we go! (Also: a bonus in the shape of the Quinta Ruban.)
Glenmorangie 10 years old, The Original, bottled at 40 % abv
Glenmorangie 12 years old, The Original, bottled at 40 % abv
First things first: The 10 years old expressions mentions it was matured in first and second fill American white oak, while the information with the 12 years old is shorter: bourbon!
Upon Sipping: First of all, the “10” seems to be a shade lighter in colour, but both are light yellow or straw, as they say. We start nosing the youngest first: fresh mint and vanilla, and not much else. Candy gummi bear. Hints of cardboard, for which I blame the low abv. The “12” stays close to the profile, but seems to introduce a bit more tree bark. The mint is here too. Both expressions stay on the straight and narrow towards vanilla-town.
A sip from the “10” offers a fruity and sour experience, but stays comfortably in the arms of the vanilla notes. Hints of wood, a tad bitter, with an ultra-short finish. Some honeyed notes do find their way through. The finish carries some alcohol hotness, which is weird considering the 40 %. Then the “12”, and here is where the newer expression really departs, with a lot more luscious notes of honey and clove, some oranges, and still with this bitter hint from the wood. Really a step up from the unassuming Glenmorangie 10 years old. These two extra years on the Glenmorangie 12 years old adds a juicy layer to the overall experience. Sadly, with another sip, the cardboard note is stronger, which I really do not care for.
Word to the Wise: If Glenmorangie would really want to get noticed with this flagship bottle, they should up to at least 43 % abv. As it is, the new Glenmorangie 12 years old of The Original is an improvement. We tasted the Glenfiddich 12 years old recently, and that one is still superior to this Glenmorangie, but at least they are creeping closer together.
Score: 77 points for the 10 years old, 80 points for the 12 years old.
Glenmorangie 14 years old, Quinta Ruban, bottled at 46 % abv
First things first: Matured in bourbon and port casks, bottled at a decent abv! The return of the port wood Glenmorangie but now with an age statement. According to sources, this matured for around 10 years in bourbon casks, before being enhanced for four more years in port wood.
Upon Sipping: I tasted the original Glenmorangie Port Wood in my birthday blog, but this is the newest instalment. A very soft nose, with influences of peaches and warm croissants straight from the oven. Very relaxed, as a good whisky friend of mine would say. The taste puts this Glenmorangie firmly in the arms of the port casks, with a dry, leathery mouthfeel, but nothing too overpowering. I believe the Glenmorangie on this particular cask type works well, probably one of the best port influenced whisky out there. While the finish lingers, the tongue tingles with sweet hints of strawberry marmalade. Still, the original bourbon influenced spirit is noticeable under the “red” layer, with hints of apricot and vanilla. Water gives the nose a more fruity character, which is quite nice, but the taste bows for a bitter note that is a tad too much for pleasure. I guess the bottling strength is exactly hitting the right spot of this single malt.
Word to the Wise: Glenmorangie at middle age and from an influential cask makes for an interesting drinking experience. Everything is there: the balance of the maturation, the impact from the cask, and the combination of the two. Good, modern and appealing single malt from the tallest stills in the highlands.
Score: 83 points.