I may not have a favorite scotch, but I know that if Glenmorangie and Ardbeg are in the lineup, I'm going to like it just fine.
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I’m lucky enough to have tried many different brands and expressions of scotch since I’ve started paying attention. While I’m quite willing to try unfamiliar drams (how else do you get familiar with them, after all?), I do know that when a known quantity comes along I’m willing to set aside impartiality and just savor the sip.
Such is the case with Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. I just know that I’ll like what I’m going to try. It’s just a matter of degrees as to how much.
Glenmorangie is a Highland scotch (as in sweet, heathery, and pine). Ardbeg is an Islay scotch (think beachy), so the qualities of both those regions are well represented by their lineups.
At a recent tasting at Gordons DTX, I was not only treated to the standards, I was able to sample some new releases as well. Boy, were they good!
Time to sip!
My Tasting Notes
Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Scotch Whisky
At Gordon's DTX, March 28, 2018
Glenmorangie Original
43% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Highland, Scotch, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Honey, peaches, brown sugar, vanilla
- Taste: Pepper, cinnamon and honey, oranges
- Finish: Slides into cloves and long caramel
Comments
The spice is balanced by the sweetness. A solid Highland sip.
Glenmorangie Spios
46% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Highland, Rye Cask Finish, Scotch, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Caramel candy, fresh bread, citrus, slightly toasted pecans
- Taste: Soft entry, oily, navel oranges, cayenne and cloves
- Finish: Baking spices linger at the back of the throat
Comments
The rye finishing really gives a unique flavor profile. It’s sublime and very interesting!
Glenmorangie Extremely Rare Aged 18yr
43% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Bourbon Cask Finish, Highland, Scotch, Sherry Cask Finish, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Peaches, grilled pineapple, soft vanilla
- Taste: Light body, cinnamon and white pepper rises quickly, menthol and white chocolate, oak overtones
- Finish: Fades to mint and oak
Comments
For an 18yr aged scotch, it’s not as soft as I’d thought. It’s nice though.
Ardbeg 10yr
46% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Islay, Peated, Scotch, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Minty smoke, light beach smoke, seaweed
- Taste: Medium body, oily, bonfire flavors are thick and heavy, almost lemony
- Finish: The medicinal iodine lasts long and fades slowly
Comments
A good smoky dram, and a good entry to the lineup.
Ardbeg An Oa
46.6% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Bourbon Cask Finish, Islay, Peated, Scotch, Sherry Cask Finish, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Beachy, slightly sulphurous, driftwood
- Taste: Thick body, oily, ashy
- Finish: Ends on eucalyptus
Comments
Such an easy sip to savor.
Ardbeg Uigeadail
54.2%ABV, Pronounced "Oog-a-dal"
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Islay, Peated, Scotch, Sherry Cask Finish, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Standing over the bonfire, inhaling the smoke
- Taste: Big smoke, thick and rich, citrus and smoke, chewy
- Finish: Thick smoke and lemon rests on the tongue
Comments
<< comments >>
Ardbeg Grooves
46% ABV
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Islay, Peated, Scotch, Single Malt, Whisky, Wine Cask Finish
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Light nose, faint smoke
- Taste: Thick, oily, the smoke climbs up and takes hold, lemon curd tartness underneath
- Finish: Lemon curd and campfire, fades to ash
Comments
Like a campfire in the distance, then you approach. It climbs and holds on - no-nose all-flavor. It wasn't an official part of the tasting (hence no picture), but I was lucky enough to get a sample before heading home.
Final thoughts
I don’t have a favorite whisky brand, but I do gravitate to the ones I know and love like Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. Familiarity is comfort, like wearing your sheepskin slippers after a day of trying on shoes.
Familiarity also allows me to savor the individual qualities of a lineup from a tried and true brand without hesitation or bias.
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to point to one distiller, one scotch, one expression and say that’s my favorite because they’re all unique. And that’s a notion I can cherish.
I hope you like this review! If you've tried any of the expressions and have your own tasting notes, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Slainté! L’chaim! Cheers!
- Tammy
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