Glenmorangie Original Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

let’s begin

Glenmorangie Distillery has been nestled in the rolling Scottish Highlands since 1843. It has been producing great malt since then and is one of the sweeter expressions to come out of the Highlands.

They are owned independently by The Glenmorangie Company Ltd. and was the best selling Scotch in Scotland for a good decade or more, until it was overtaken by Glenfiddich.

But that has not set them back and Glenmorangie and they still produce excellent malt. They also have the tallest stills in Scotland, so they have that going for them too!

They are owned independently by The Glenmorangie Company Ltd. and was the best selling Scotch in Scotland for a good decade or more, until it was overtaken by Glenfiddich.

But that has not set them back and Glenmorangie and they still produce excellent malt. They also have the tallest stills in Scotland, so they have that going for them too!

The Original is at the very heart of their range and is created by bringing together malt from those tall stills, with first and second fill American oak barrels.

It is matured for 10 years in these ex-bourbon casks, giving it a good amount of time to soak up plenty of sweet fruity flavours.

On the nose this malt is thick and ripe with citrus fruits. Lemons, limes and oranges are in abundance and give a wonderful zesty tang to the dram.

There are also garden peaches and green apples to give a nice bite. These flavours are brought together by an overriding spicy vanilla that is sweet and creamy.

There is a slight undertone of cinnamon and nutmeg spice that gives the vanilla depth.

The palate is exceptionally creamy and smooth. The vanilla takes over here and gives a wonderfully sweet flavour to the fruit and spices.

As it develops, it become more delicate and aromatic, with a hint of rose petal to it. There is also a slight bitterness that is reminiscent of black coffee. This goes perfectly with the creamy mouth feel.

The sweetness eventually becomes more saccharine in its flavours, with boiled sweets and hard toffees developing.

This is joined by more dried fruit and apples that add a little bit of a tang to the sweetness.

These continue into the finish, where they linger with a little bit of malt.

Tags: DrinkWireGlenmorangie DistilleryGlenmorangie OriginalHighlandsmaltScottish Highlands

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.