By the time this evening rolled around I was looking forward to dinner and afterwards a nice scotch.Glenmorangie is made at one of the most northern distilleries in Scotland. The 18 yo version that I'm reviewing is 86 proof and costs $85 here in Pennsylvania but can be found for $65-75 most other places. The Glenmorangie distillery makes a number of "finishes" on their 12 yo offerings, Scotch stored in Port, Sherry or Madiera wood casks but the 18 yo is aged in Ozark Mountain Oak casks only.
This scotch noses very well with aromas that remind one of Butterscotch and some chocolate in the background. Very nice. Glenmorangie has a light taste and because of this takes very well to water. The dilution of the alcohol lets the more subtle flavors emerge. Personally, I would recommend a 50% cut to start with. 2 shots of whisky and one shot of distilled water seem to work best for me but some may like a 1:1 cut.
Once diluted to your preference, Glenmorangie will give you that chocolate first noticed during the nosing. After a bit, a hint of mint a dry sweetness envelop your tastebuds before dissappearing in a fairly quick finish. This is not a "drinking" scotch but more of a sipping desert style scotch, one that should go well with a number of cigars due to the light taste.
For me this is not a great scotch but may be a good one for a beginning scotch drinker because it cuts so nicely with water. Not a "must have" but a "nice to have" in my collection.
Edited by AVB, 22 January 2007 - 10:25 AM.
