GLENMORANGIE 'SIGNET' - DISTILLERY BOTTLING

Those who reads this page on a regular basis knows that this distillery has a bit of sentimental value for me, as Glenmorangie was my first malt ever - the old 10yo expression. Along the way, I've picked up a couple of older expressions from the 70's, but those are tucked well away in a secret location, but someday I look forward to enjoying them.

I've always enjoyed the (North) Highland style of whisky, that little hint of peat, the earthy notes and mellow fruitiness and slight coastal hint.

Now, Glenmorangie is one of the pioneers when it comes to maturing whisky in other cask types than just bourbon and sherry. Some of the first was Port, Madeira, Burgundy/Claret, Cognac and later more exotic oak types like Burr- and Truffle oak... Some more successfull than others, IMHO.

Sadly today, I steer clear of most Glenmorangie bottlings unless offered for free or trying at fairs, since I think its not as good as it used to be... sad to see for a distillery I otherwise hold in such high esteem... which is also maybe why my expectation didn't run that high when trying the 'Signet'-release, although I thought the partially heavy roasted malt recipe is appealing as I like my beers dark too... and its a bottling at 46%, which is a huge++

Glenmorangie Distillery, HDR edited photo, 24th August 2009 © The Malt Desk

Glenmorangie 'Signet' 46%, bottled +/- 2008, Distillery bottling

Colour is amber

Nose:
Heavy malt, a sherry like character to the nose, caramel, coffee, ginger, milk chocolate and toasted oak

Taste:
Delicious thick and creamy malt, burnt toast, cappuccino, oak, nutty, orange peel, ginger and grated nutmeg and assorted (oak) spices.

This was a very pleasant surprise. Fun to find a 'Morangie that sometimes show almost dark rum-like qualities. Lovely stuff!

87/100!

GLENMORANGIE 'ASTAR' - DISTILLERY BOTTLING

Like the Glenrothes Distillery in Rothes in Speyside, Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain north of Inverness is another distillery that has a very almost Cathedral-like still room.

They also have the tallest stills in Scotland at 5m 14cm (thats 16ft 10 1/4 inches) which very much contributes to this very impressive look in the still house.

Now, The Glenmorangie 10yo was my very first malt-love, so its always gonna be something special for me, but I must admit that after LVMH took over I've lost some passion for the place. Its become -like some other distilleries- a bit too 'streamlined'. Only one of their recent of their bottlings I really like, is the 'Signet' which I will be reviewing another time...

This time its the 'Astar'... a no age statement bottling and a replacement of the older 'Artisan cask'-bottling they used to do.

Glenmorangie still house - picture taken on 23rd August 2012 © The Malt Desk

Glenmorangie 'Astar' 57,1%, Distillery bottling (bought 2008)

Colour is straw

Nose:
Huge on vanilla and spices, fresh grounded pepper and a little varnish/paint thinner, pencil shavings and custard.

Taste:
Alcohol stands out, white pepper, maritime notes, spices galore.
Water calms it down to also reveal citrus fruits, more vanilla and maybe coconut.

Good, but certainly rough around the edges...

83/100!