Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

As some of you may have seen, I picked a bottle of this up on the cheap. This is the new 14yo Quinta Ruban, upgraded from a 12yo age statement. It is aged in bourbon casks and finished in port casks. As far as other Glenmo whiskies go, I enjoyed the 10yo "original," but was not impressed by the "Lasanta." Let's see how this Quinta Ruban stands up.

Neat in a Glencairn.

Nose: Rich! Chocolate frosting, white leche (Mexican milk cake) baked with extra vanilla extract, drizzled with plum, raspberry and blackberry syrup. Quite a rich, flavorful nose and one that is very enjoyable.

Palate: An interesting balance here. On one hand, there is rich plum, grape, and wine with other notes of milk, coffee and chocolate. On the other hand, there is a rolling dark smoke. Like chocolate covered pablo ancho peppers! It's an interesting combo. Sometimes I think the smoke throws things off, sometimes I think it adds another layer of nice complexity. I can't decide if I like it or not. Right now I like it, tomorrow I might not. Also some Christmas baking spices in there like nutmeg and gingerbread cookies.Very rich and a very silky mouthfeel.

Finish: Chocolate covered plums, sugar, milk, and a dark smooth smoke. Similar to the smoke in the Glenfiddich fire and cane. Sweet smoke, not medicinal Islay smoke. Long finish which pleasantly surprised me considering the proof, although kudos to them for bottling this at 46% instead of something lower. 46% is a very drinkable strength, especially for wine-finished scotches.

Overall: This is a very enjoyable dram. I think I might save the rest for winter, as it is very rich with chocolate, milk, plums, baking spices and sugar. I never had the 12yo Quinta Ruban but I did have a bottle of the Lasanta and this is much, much better than the Lasanta which I didn't care too much for. Give it a shot if you get the chance, especially once winter rolls around.

Find where to buy Glenmorangie whisky