Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 years old

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old is the current version of the "Extra Matured" series from the Glenmorangie distillery (Highlands). It is characterized by a combination of initial maturation in bourbon and subsequent maturation in ex-port wine casks from Portugal (ruby port casks), which gives it a darker, more layered and more distinctive character compared to the basic edition.

Glenmorangie uses tall copper distillation columns (called giraffe stills) with long necks, which allow only the lightest and purest vapors to pass through, resulting in a smoother distillate.

The whisky first matures for about 10 years in bourbon barrels (American white oak). It is then transferred to ex-port wine barrels ("ruby port pipes") imported from Portugal (Quinta / wine regions), where it matures for several more years to acquire the color and character of port. Alcohol: 46 % ABV.

The aroma features darker fruit tones (cherries, blackcurrants) combined with chocolate, mandarin, nuts, and delicate spices. Accents of mint chocolate, orange peel, and walnuts are added.

The taste is smooth, with rich layers of chocolate, orange, nuts (almonds/walnuts), a hint of spice, and dark fruit (cherries, currants). The development leads to a combination of sweet and dry tones with a touch of citrus freshness. The finish is relatively long, with dark chocolate, orange, and subtle spice, as well as hints of nuts and oak.

Best enjoyed neat or with a very small drop of water to release the subtle notes of port fruitiness. Thanks to its intensity, it is suitable as a whiskey for slow tasting after a meal. It goes well with dark chocolate, orange desserts (e.g., chocolate orange cake), nut pralines, or desserts based on sour cherries or red fruits.