Friday 25 April 2014

Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban Review

Glenmorangie - The Quinta Ruban - 12 Years Old - Extra Matured in Port Casks - 46% abv.

As discussed previously, you come across gems in tastings from time to time - in fact, probably most tastings yield something new and exciting. This Glenmorangie was revealed to me in a tasting focussed on different cask maturations.

This particular Glenmorangie was matured in american oak and then evolved further, or "finished," in Port casks.  Thankfully, it is non-chill filtered and served up at 46% alcohol.  

Colour: dark amber with a pinkish hue.

Nose:  soft with grape juice and maybe even overripe strawberry. A hint of chocolate and salt.

Palate: definitely has flavours of the darker purple ports rather than a tawny port. Sweet with hints of fruit and a little chocolate. Some salty tang there too. Quite nice balance of soft and tart and sweet. Simple and good. Upon further reflection, I get what I believe is a nice note of the lighter maple syrups - the nice natural stuff. Sugary and viscous.  Not necessarily something I would expect from a port cask but I'm guessing this is coming from the bourbon barrels this would have started out in.

Finish: some spices without substantial heat - just a little warmth - and stays richer rather than drying much.

When would I drink this? For sure this is a night cap. Easy to drink, should please anyone, and is honestly good whisky. Glenmorangie should present a greater percentage of their whisky this way. I'll be moving on to the Nectar D'Or next as the weather appears to be moving into Spring conditions.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Springbank 12 Year Old Single Cask - Gold Metal Marketing Cask Review

Springbank 12 Year Old Single Cask - Gold Metal Marketing Selection - Refill Sherry Cask - 58.1% abv.

Springbank produces produces very flavourful products. From time to time you come across cask strength versions, single casks, or special editions.  This one is one of 522 bottles from  a refill sherry butt (a refill barrel is one that has previously held at least one different run of scotch whisky).
click photo to enlarge

Colour: Gold with copper highlights (not the darker brown typical of first fill casks)

Nose: Light smoke with butterscotch and raisins. Orange marmalade. Honey. Water brings out more fruit like raisins and dates. Orange zest with even more water.

Palate: This is punching its weight. A little hot but sweet with butterscotch flavours. Medium to light smoke and slightly minty peat.  

Water brings out more butterscotch and makes the heat become more spicy than hot with some back palate warmth. This can take quite a bit of water and become what you want that day.  Add some more and move from butterscotch flavours to more orange marmalade type flavours and orange zest.  Some mint in there too.  Time in the glass seems to develop the spiciness into more a white pepper.

Finish: Warm down the throat and past the Adam's apple. Pretty long persistence.

When would I drink this? Its gotta be a colder day.  Perfect time is doing a project in the garage with a buddy and you need something to keep warm but want good flavours and quality.

My opinion is that this benefits from adding water to reduce heat and show the typical Springbank flavours.