Glenmorangie’s The Original 10-year-old highland Scotch whisky is a key player in the single malt scene. This Glenmorangie 10 review shows how it has changed yet kept its core spirit.
Once priced at $29, The Original now costs about $36. This shows its growing fame. Even with a higher price, it’s still a great way to start with highland Scotch whisky. It’s bottled at 43% ABV, giving a strong taste without being too much.
Glenmorangie is all about quality. They use oak casks from the Ozark mountains for their whisky. The water from Tarlogie Springs adds subtle flavors of clover and heather.
With LVMH owning them, Glenmorangie has grown its offerings. The Original is still a hit in Scotland. But they’ve also introduced new flavors like Nectar D’Or and Quinta Ruban to attract more fans.
The Legacy of Glenmorangie Single Malt
Glenmorangie single malt has a long history, starting in 1703. It has grown from a small farm brewery to a famous distillery. The distillery is in Tain, where only 16 men worked, keeping the brand’s traditional craft alive.
In 2004, Glenmorangie was bought by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. This led to a new look, with unique curvy bottles and French names. Now, Glenmorangie is seen as a luxury brand, with some bottles costing over $10,000.
Even with its high status, Glenmorangie keeps its Original 10-year-old expression affordable. It costs about $45, making it a good choice for those who love single malt. This highland scotch whisky has 43% ABV. It offers a balanced taste that has won over whisky fans for years.
- Year of establishment: 1703
- Acquisition by LVMH: 2004
- Original 10-year-old ABV: 43%
- Approximate price: $45
Glenmorangie single malt’s legacy is strong, mixing old traditions with modern luxury. It’s known for its quality and new ideas. This highland scotch whisky is a top pick for both experts and new fans of single malts.
Glenmorangie 10 Review: A Timeless Classic
Glenmorangie 10, also known as The Original, is a top choice in single malt Scotch whisky. It has a long history, starting in 1843. With 86 proof (43% ABV), it’s strong yet smooth.
The distillery’s tasting notes show a great flavor mix. You’ll smell sweet malt, fruits, and vanilla. The taste brings warm fruits and a sweet touch. The finish is long, with fruit, honey, and malt flavors.
Wine Enthusiast gave it a 90 rating. It’s great for any event. Its flavors are deep, considering its age and price. Now at $44.99, it’s a great deal for whisky lovers.
The Glenmorangie distillery is known for its unique whisky-making. Their special distillation and choice of casks make the whisky stand out.
- Nose: Honey, malt, orchard fruits, vanilla
- Palate: Warm, fruity, soft dark sweetness
- Finish: Medium length, fruit, honey, malt
Glenmorangie 10 is perfect for those new to single malt Scotch. It’s easy to try yet has complex tastes. This classic continues to lead in quality and consistency in Scotch whisky.
The Art of Ex-Bourbon Cask Maturation
Glenmorangie is known for its innovative use of ex-bourbon casks. This method has made them stand out in the whisky industry. They mature their Original 10 Year Old in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, which gives it a unique taste.
The aging process in oak barrels is an art. After two years, up to 12% of the spirit can soak into the oak. This interaction is key for creating complex flavors. Glenmorangie’s use of ex-bourbon casks brings out fresh fruit flavors, creamy elegance, and balance.
Glenmorangie’s range includes expressions finished in various casks:
- Sherry casks
- Portuguese Port pipes
- Sauternes wine barriques
This variety in cask selection leads to many different flavors. The Original 10 Year Old, with its ex-bourbon cask maturation, has aromas of tropical fruits, floral notes, honey, and spices. These flavors are present in the taste, making for a long and fulfilling finish for a 10-year-old whisky.
Tasting Notes: Then vs. Now
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old has been a favorite for many years. Its flavors have changed over time, making it interesting to compare. The distillery’s tasting notes show a consistent core flavor, with some slight changes.
Older Glenmorangie 10s are known for their deep and rich taste. These vintage bottles often have tropical flavors that make them stand out. Modern bottles keep the original taste but also have their own special touches.
A typical nose of Glenmorangie 10 includes:
– Malt
– Hayloft
– Pineapple
– Tinned peach
On the palate, you’ll find:
– Light arrival
– Creaminess
– Sweet orange
– Pineapple notes
Glenmorangie has kept its 10-year age statement, even when others moved away from it. This tradition, along with its ex-bourbon cask aging, keeps the whisky’s flavor consistent over the years.
Priced between £35-40, Glenmorangie 10 Year Old is a luxury that’s easy on the wallet. Its lasting popularity comes from being widely available, consistent in taste, and having a taste that many enjoy. It’s a favorite among both seasoned whisky lovers and newcomers.
The Smooth Flavor Profile of Glenmorangie 10
Glenmorangie 10, also known as the Original, is a top choice for whisky lovers. It has a smooth flavor that many enjoy. The single malt offers a mix of tastes that are pleasant on the palate. Its creamy texture makes way for a variety of flavors to come through.
Citrus notes add a zesty freshness to each sip. Alongside, there are luscious fruit flavors. Think of biting into a ripe peach or enjoying a juicy pineapple. These fruits add depth and complexity to the whisky.
Vanilla undertones bring a subtle sweetness and warmth. This mix creates a clean, easy-drinking whisky. It suits both new and experienced drinkers. The finish is light and fresh, with a tang that makes you want more.
Glenmorangie 10 is Scotland’s top-selling single malt. Its smooth flavor and price of about $32 make it a luxury within reach. Enjoy it neat or in cocktails, and you’ll find it always pleasurable.
Glenmorangie’s Unique Distillation Process
Glenmorangie’s whisky distillation is a standout in the Scotch world. They use 24 unique stills, called “giraffes” because they are so tall. These tall stills are crucial for making Glenmorangie’s classic Highland malt.
The distillery also uses special methods for making whisky. They use water from Tarlogie Springs, which goes through sandstone filters. This gives the whisky a unique taste.
Glenmorangie also has a special way of aging their casks. They get oak from the Ozark mountains and then lend the casks to Jack Daniels for four years. After that, they use them for aging their Scotch. This process makes the whisky taste even better.
- 24 unique “giraffe” stills
- Water sourced from Tarlogie Springs
- Oak casks from Ozark mountains
- Casks loaned to Jack Daniels before use
These special methods make Glenmorangie’s whiskies stand out. From the 10-year-old classic to the French Sauternes cask-finished Nectar D’Or, each whisky shows their dedication to quality and taste.
Affordable Luxury: Glenmorangie 10 in the Single Malt Market
Glenmorangie 10, also known as “The Original,” is a top choice in the single malt market. It’s Scotland’s best-selling single malt and offers great quality at a good price. In the United States, it costs about $35 to $40, making it a great deal for whisky lovers.
The price of Glenmorangie 10 shows it’s an entry-level malt. Yet, it has a 10-year age statement, making it stand out. This quality and honesty have made it very popular.
Glenmorangie is known for its unique way of making whisky. It ages the whisky in oak barrels from the Ozark Mountains for a decade. This gives it a light, fresh aroma with hints of grass and flowers. Its unique taste and good price make it perfect for those new to single malts.
- Best-selling single malt in Scotland
- Priced around $35-$40 in the US
- 10-year age statement
- Matured in Ozark Mountain oak barrels
- Light, floral aroma with hints of vanilla and honeysuckle
Glenmorangie also offers other expressions at different prices. The Lasanta and Quinta Ruban, priced around $48, have special flavors from extra aging in sherry and port casks. For a fancier taste, the 18-year-old and Signet expressions are available at higher prices.
The Perfect Introduction: Why Glenmorangie 10 is a Beginner’s Scotch
Glenmorangie 10 is a great choice for beginners in the world of single malts. It has a smooth and balanced taste, without strong peatiness. This makes it perfect for those new to Scotch.
This whisky is known for its quality and is easy to find. It’s priced well, making it a good starting point for exploring premium Scotch. Many whisky lovers and experts recommend it for beginners.
But there’s more to whisky than just Scotland. For example, Swedish whisky is becoming popular too. It offers unique tastes that might interest adventurous beginners. Yet, Glenmorangie 10 is still a reliable choice for those starting out, offering a solid base for exploring Scotch and other whiskies.
As beginners get more into whisky, they might want to try other easy-to-start-with options like Macallan 12, Glenlivet 12, or Monkey Shoulder. These whiskies, along with Glenmorangie 10, have different tastes. They help newcomers find what they like in the wide world of Scotch.
Whether you like the subtle tastes of Glenmorangie or prefer stronger flavors, your Scotch journey begins with that first easy-to-drink dram.