Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 year old (46%, OB, 2nd Edition, Port Finish, 2011)

• Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Glenmorangie Distillery
• Bottling: Luis Vuitton Moet-Hennessy
• ABV: 46%
• Cost: £49.43

What they say:

The darkest and most intense whisky in the extra-matured range, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban has spent 10 years maturing in American white oak casks, before being transferred into specially selected ruby port pipes from the Quintas or wine estates of Portugal. Extra maturation in these port pipes develops Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban into a voluptuous spirit with a complex balance of sweet and dry flavours and an intriguing contrast of smooth and crisp, cooling textures. Non chill-filtered for additional aroma and mouthfeel.

Aroma

Dark mint chocolate, tangerines and Seville oranges mingle with sandalwood and walnut before giving way to a spicy finish of pepper and nutmeg.

Taste

Mint chocolate and walnuts envelop the palate like velvet, laying the foundations for rose, Turkish delight and sweet Seville oranges.

Finish

Long lasting silky aftertaste leaving dark chocolate mints and traces of orange.

Colour

Sunlit rose gold

What I say:

I purchased this as I was impressed with the basic Glenmorangie 12 and was intrigued with  the Port finish. I found this again on offer in the supermarket [Morrisons I think] with around £8-10 off RRP so no more than £30 – bargain!

Colour:

Copper red.

Nose:

Strawberries and Port.

Taste:

Red berries and cream giving way to cereal and barley sugar, super smooth throughout.

Finish:

long and sweet with spicy notes

Would I buy it again:

Probably yes, the standard Glenmorangie offerings are all good, this is an affordable and very drinkable port finished whisky. I have tried more port finishes as it seems there was probably a glut of port pipes arriving at whisky distilleries a few years ago and everyone is bringing out a port finished version of their whisky around about now! This tastes both expensive [rich and smooth] and like something you would bring out only on special occasions, but your wallet tells you that you can drink it everyday.

Score 83/100

Don’t take my word for it:

http://www.whiskeycatholic.com/2013/09/30/scotch-review-glenmorangie-quinta-ruban/

http://smokybeast.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/review-glenmorangie-quinta-ruban-port.html

Whisky Review – Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban

http://www.tomswhiskyreviews.com/review.php?articleid=349