Glenmorangie Triple Cask Matured

This Glenmorangie expression entered the market when they updated their main lineup, increasing the age statement from 10 to 12 years. I haven't heard much about this release, and at the time of this writing, there are only a few reviews available. I've always enjoyed Glenmorangie's selections and was quite enthusiastic about their products early in my whisky journey. How does this new, relatively affordable offering compare? The aroma of this bottling is fruity and spicy. Orange extract, canned pears, and grapefruit pith provide a sweet, slightly bitter, and citrusy character. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and some tannic oak complement the nose. It suggests a very fruity palate, but I've been mistaken before. The taste begins soft and sweet with caramel and almond extract. A noteworthy characteristic of the taste is its surprisingly velvety mouthfeel for a more budget-friendly whisky. Tannins and spice emerge mid-palate, underscored by subtle fruit, which is surprising given the aroma. Oak is very prominent, along with cinnamon sugar and nutmeg. Pear and orange rind are faint background flavors, secondary to the tannins and spice. When first swallowing, breathing through the mouth reveals an interesting clove-like spice. Speaking of spice, the finish is long, tannic, and full of baking spices. More oak, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create a strong finish, with orange rind appearing as it fades. The flavors in this finish don't distinctly appear and disappear; they blend into each other. A soft and rather complex taste, contrasting with the strong notes in the aroma. This selection is a fine budget single malt. In fact, I'd say it's a great whisky to try if you're not entirely sold on single malts yet. The low cost makes it worth a try, in my opinion.

Review #16 - Whisk(e)y #12 Nose - very light, with prominent vanilla aromas, complemented by subtle hints of honey and a faint peppery spice. Palate - exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, with a watery texture that barely feels like alcohol. The dominant flavors are malty and nutty, with a noticeable woody-oaky note as well. The rye cask influence brings a peppery spiciness to the whole, balancing the sweetness. There are also faint fruity and floral notes, though they are barely noticeable. Finish - rather short, perhaps towards medium, but it has a pleasant note of malt with pepper, and a gentle sweetness to it. It is an easy-drinker, not complex in any way but a great introduction to single-malts. For me, it is one of the first of the aforementioned category, and I can say I really enjoyed it. Rating System: 5.0 - Legendary 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - JB

Smell: Grains and blossoms, with notes of vanilla and a whisper of leather, but don't mistake it for bourbon. It possesses a natural sweetness, reminiscent of honey and white flowers/roses, not artificial or baked good sweetness. Taste: The sweetness persists. A touch of tartness appears but doesn't overpower the brown sugar, apple, and baked fruit flavors. It's unmistakably a rye, not something else. Ending: Pleasant and smooth, the baked/stewed fruit notes continue, leaning more towards peach/apple than berries. It's subtle, with hints of vanilla and spice. The finish lingers agreeably, familiar, enjoyable, and reassuring. This dram has many dimensions; acquire multiple bottles. Tasted neat, straight from the bottle, in a tulip glass.

Nose: Sweet rye combines with typical bourbon spice, creating a warm and welcoming start. Palate: Creamy butterscotch pudding leads, complemented by bourbon vanilla and a hint of chocolate richness. Finish: Long and persistent, with black pepper and rye spice balancing the sweetness. Overall: A flavorful dram that expertly blends the lively spice of rye with the comforting sweetness of bourbon.

Aromas of spice cake with orange zest, dried fruit, and light caramel. Flavors include baking spices, orange peel, and spiced apricot. An exceptionally velvety mouthfeel, comparable to a much more expensive single malt. Very, very enjoyable.

Bourbon, oloroso, Pedro Jiménez. Golden color. On the nose, soft floral notes, red apple, banana, and light juniper. On the palate, smooth and direct. Balanced but lacking complexity or surprise.