Single Malt Review #5: Glenmorangie 12 Quinta Ruban

Welcome back, this time we've got two reviews for you! This review is of Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban (aged 12 years), but we're simultaneously posting a review of Glenmorangie The Original (10 years).

Glenmorangie's "Core expressions" series is made up of The Original and three other single malts that each take The Original and then age it for 2 more years in a different type of cask to impart a specific character. The Quinta Ruban is one of these 12 year "Core" whiskies aged for the final 2 years in used port pipes (large port casks). Let's see what those extra 2 years do.

Here's the rundown:

Region: Highland
Distillery: Glenmorangie
Style: single malt Scotch
Age: 12 years old (the 10-year old is aged an additional 2 years on port pipes)
ABV: 46%

Steven's notes:

Nose:
vanilla, oak, soft spice, raisins, prunes, solvent
Taste:
oak, wine (port?), raisins, honey
Finish:
oak, vanilla, molasses
Verdict:

It's pretty amazing how much more mature the 2 extra years make the Quinta Ruban taste compared to the Glenmorangie 10, especially since those 2 years are spent in large port pipes (about 3x the size of the bourbon casks used for the first 10 years). The oaky vanilla flavors associated with older whiskies are strong, and there's a distinct wine flavor. It's not as complex in flavor or refined as a cohesive experience as some other single malts, but it's definitely a step up from the 10 year (which isn't bad itself, especially for the price).

Rebecca's notes:

Nose:
sweet, toasted oats, wine🍷, allspice, cloves, ginger
Taste:
raisins, ginger, pears, molasses
Finish:
molasses, spices, toasted cinnamon bread
Verdict:
I enjoyed this one a good bit more than the 10 year old. After a direct comparison, I was surprised with the difference an additional 2 years makes. This one is much sweeter and deeper in flavor than the 10-year old. It lacks any hint of bitterness that the 10 year has. , I think that much of the complexity of this Scotch comes in the nose. I kind of think that it smells better than it tastes, but don't let that fool you. There is certainly an increased flavor complexity compared to the 10-year old.