Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Quinta Ruban Aged 14 Years Port Cask Finished
46% ABV
$45-$55
Website
What the Distillery Says
A voluptuously silky spirit, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is aged first in bourbon casks for smooth, fruity notes. We then finish this single malt whisky in ruby port casks to create velvety depth.
Our Quinta Ruban port cask finish brings chocolate boldness to Glenmorangie’s renowned smooth style. Non chill-filtered for additional aroma and mouthfeel, it is savoured all over the world.
Aroma: Dark mint chocolate, tangerines and Seville oranges mingle with sandalwood and walnut before giving way to a spicy finish of pepper and nutmeg.
Taste: Mint chocolate and walnuts envelop the palate like velvet, laying the foundations for rose, Turkish delight and sweet Seville oranges.
Finish: Long lasting silky aftertaste leaving dark chocolate mints and traces of orange.
What Gary Says
Nose: Mellow malt with rich notes of port, hints of milk chocolate, berries, smoke and leather.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel to start with green apples, pears, chocolate covered cherries; a sharp bite in the mid palate with some pepper spice.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with dark fruit notes, oak and some pepper spice.
Comments: I tasted this side-by-side with the original Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, which is 12 yrs old. I found the nose on this to be similar but with more depth and richness. On the palate, the mouthfeel was creamier at the start, but then got sharper with more depth in fruit. The finish was the most similar, maybe a tad longer. 2 yrs may not sound like a lot, but it was a bigger change than I expected. While a bit more sharp, I don’t mind that as Glenmorangie’s house style tends to be on the smooth side. The fact they’re offering this at the same price I think is outstanding. If you’re a Glenmorangie fan, and in particular a fan of the 12 yr Quinta Ruban, I’c consider this a must try.
I have loved the 12 year Quinta Ruban for many years as my stepfather and I both made it our favorite for probably around ten years. We go through it slowly on purpose. Smooth as the day is long! Several months ago in late 2019, I bought another bottle- probably the 14 year as I’m not sure when they discontinued the 12 year! I ended up enjoying it a bit, but the taste was definitely different and definitely had a stronger peat taste – which is not at all my cup of tea and the previous versions never had in my estimations. So I bought another 14 year bottle the other week and opened it today, looking forward to getting back to that smooooth taste! It was not to be – peaty taste again! Not sure why they changed a wonderful favorite like that, but they have lost two customers and I have to find a new favorite; probably one of the Balvenies!
Not sure what Paul is finding to describe as peat but there is no peat in either the 12 or 14. They are both a long way away from anything like peat.
They are relatively similar, the 12 sightly thinner, more ethanolly, slightly sweeter but probably lighter as well. The 14 thicker, and a more natural rounded sweetness.
I have never gotten ‘peat’ personally, but get that folks associate flavors and aromas differently. And for this one, while there is some difference in the 14 r to the 12 yr versions, I found them to be subtle. I’m surprised that anyone who liked the 12 wouldn’t like the 14, but to each their own.
Hello,
I agree with Paul, Quinta Ruban 14 years old is slightly peated, it was one of my favorites for at least 6 to 8 years and I am very familiar with what the 12 years old used to be, not anymore, sadly, because at that price range it is hard to find another single malt that is portwood finished 🙁
I think I will move/return to The Balvenie or a Macallan for consistency.