Glenmorangie Signet

I’ve done my best to hit all of the expressions in the ever-evolving Glenmorangie core range (I was caught up I’ve fallen behind again with the recent changes.) I got around to the tail end of the Nose: Gala apple, apricot, pear, and black cherry. Raisin and grape. Date and fig. Sultanas. Toasted almond and walnut. Shortbread cookie. Some cinnamon bun and buttered roll. Butterscotch and caramel. Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. Palate: Plum, date, fig, grape, raisin, and cranberry. Milk chocolate and orange citrus. Mocha and caramel. Vanilla, toffee, and malt. Toasted almond and walnut. Banana and sultana. Apple, pear, and apricot. Macadamia. Vanilla frosting and graham cracker. Clove, nutmeg, pipe smoke, and oak. Finish: Dark chocolate. Caramel, milk chocolate, mocha, vanilla, and toffee. Sultanas and orange citrus. Walnut, almond, and macadamia. Plenty of heat with cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t too impressed with my first few pours out of this bottle. It took some number of months to open up, but I’ve really warmed up to this one. The dark, rich, mocha roast element of this expression has eventually revealed itself, and it’s a profile that I really dig. I’m glad that I waited to review this one. Is the juice worth the squeeze? On paper, Glenmorangie claims that there is some verify old stock in here, but until they start throwing out some ages and percentages, an NAS remains an NAS. However, given the evolution of the profile as I’ve worked my way down, I’m going to give this the benefit of the doubt. Other than that, it’s the “chocolate -roasted” barley that sets this apart. And I didn’t even know that about the whisky until I did a little research to write this post-tasting portion of the review (I bought on reputation.) The notes I got closely mirror the distiller’s notes, so mission accomplished on that front. At $230, expectations are lofty. This bottle started as a dud but has emerged as a contender at this point. I’ve got this as a 4-star whisky, but I’m going to have to dock a quarter star due to VFM. When you consider that you could get 2 bottles of premier whisky for the cost of one of these, it’s hard to say this hits its mark on value. Still, it’s a very, very good whisky and a fun one to try if you can get your hands on it.

The aroma is velvety smooth, beginning with a blend of rich stout beer, dark chocolate-covered orange caramels, and old books, followed by candied nuts and sweet pipe tobacco. Then come mildly tart fruits like lemon zest, nectarines, and pineapple, transitioning to toasted coconut, gentle baking spices, and antique polished furniture, with minimal alcohol burn. The palate has a medium texture, starting with creamy tropical fruit and rich chocolate ganache before shifting to a moderate bitter spice that slowly gives way to stout beer, candied nuts, and freshly lit pipe tobacco. This is followed by moderately tart fruits of pineapple, nectarines, and lemon zest, transitioning to toasted coconut and antique polished furniture, with a medium alcohol burn. The finish is lengthy, beginning with creamy tropical fruit that swiftly fades to rich, earthy sweetness from dark chocolate, espresso, and candied nuts, along with dusty leather-bound books and polished antique furniture. This is a very intriguing expression. The nose presents sweet yet earthy scents initially, underscored by mildly tart citrus and well-aged oak. However, the palate doesn't quite match this balance, starting creamy and sweet before a moderate spice and tartness emerge, eventually fading into the long finish. The finish itself is simply wonderful, with creamy fruits, sweet earthy notes, and aged dusty oak. Overall, a dram I would happily drink anytime, featuring one of the best finishes I have ever experienced. However, the nose and palate lean more towards sour and spice than I prefer. At over $200, this is not something I would consider purchasing a full bottle of, but it could easily become a favorite for those who don't mind sour and spicy notes as much.

Nose: Sweet whipped cream, mocha frap, creme brûlée, tiramisu, roasted coffee beans, honey, vanilla, floral notes. Palate: Whipping cream, espresso, tiramisu, orange peel, vanilla, manuka honey, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, marshmallow. Finish: A long, oily, creamy finish with oakiness, hints of semi-bitter crushed almond skins, and tobacco leaves. Overall, this was an exceptional whiskey. I always keep three bottles in my collection. Drinking this is akin to experiencing a layered and complex liquid tiramisu. The flavors evolve and mingle as you savor it. The ABV is very well-balanced, and while the sip is smooth, it possesses enough character to suggest an exquisite and aged whiskey. Based on what I've heard, this NAS might contain components over 30 years old? I wouldn't be surprised. A definite must-try!

I had wanted to experience Signet for a long time but found it difficult to justify the cost. I finally had the opportunity to try it during my anniversary dinner at an upscale steak restaurant. The aroma of this excellent whiskey begins with smooth milk chocolate and hints of orange zest. A subtle sweetness from nuts tempers the citrus. The palate starts with a slightly nutty and sweet character, reminiscent of peanut brittle. Flavors of sweet brandied cherries mingle with milk chocolate, building to a rich taste before subsiding into a faint essence of peat smoke and a touch of leather from a smoking jacket. The ending is prolonged and gratifying, concluding with a whisper of baking spices. This is truly one of the superior options. It's a significant reason why Glenmorangie remains among the finest.

One of the finest after-dinner dessert drams I've ever sampled! The initial pour is pure chocolate fudge, orange marmalade, plums/raisins, and vanilla custard/crème brûlée tiramisu. The tiramisu pastry is on the edge of raw coffee bean grounds before the mocha espresso shot is brewed. Behind the barrel tannins/tobacco smoke and cinnamon spices, some dark stone fruits linger in the background, but they are quite muddled and faint. It remains a delicious dram! Certainly worth the high price for rare occasions only.

Had I not known the cost, I would have considered it a rather good dram. It's incredibly distinctive, and I've never encountered this particular flavor profile before. I genuinely appreciate the chocolate and coffee notes. However, given the price point of a bottle, I don't anticipate purchasing one anytime soon.