Whisky Review: Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old

s in their own names. Glenmorangie certainly evokes specific flavor memories for me, though that may be informed largely by experience. In any case, when I encounter a dram from this Highland distiller I tend to expect clean, crisp, fruity flavors. Just the sound of the name on the tongue gives me images of fresh, ripe oranges and honey. The Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old expression marks entry into what Glenmorangie terms their Prestige Range. As the name would imply, releases in this category are a step above the Core Range in terms of age and pricing. While the Core Range focuses on 10- and 12-year-old single malts, the Prestige Range opens with an 18- and continues up to a 25-year-old bottling. Additionally, non-age statement Signet and extra-aged releases distilled in 1981 (Pride 1981) and 1978 (Pride 1978) round out the category. For Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt, the distillers set aside their signature dram for 15 years in American white oak casks. After this point, approximately 30% of the whisky intended for the finished product is separated out to spend the last three years maturing in Spanish Oloroso casks, while the remainder stays in American white oak. Once a total age of 18 years for all the whiskies involved has been achieved, the isolated parts are reunited and bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof). It should also be noted that the presentation of this whisky is intended to make a certain impression. The box housing the bottle is large and sturdy. This theme is carried forward to the bottle itself. I find Glenmorangie’s shapely bottles to be attractive in general, and this one is a superb example of the aesthetic. The glass is far more substantial than what is used in bottles for the Core Range, particularly in the base. I swear you could just about pound a nail into a 2×4 with this thing. (Note: do not attempt to use this or any other whisky bottle as a carpentry tool.) The stopper capping it all off is nice and heavy. The entire package just communicates quality. Absolute top marks for presentation in this regard. Tasting Notes: Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Vital Stats: 43% ABV (86 proof), aged 18 years, 100% malted barley, available around $95-$116 per 750 ml bottle. Appearance: Deep amber with strong legs. Nose: Sweet and subtle. Not significant alcohol burn on the nose. Cinnamon, apricot, shortbread cookies. Palate: Apricot from the nose transitions into the palate very nicely. Round, full, and silky mouthfeel. Rainier cherries, Lemonhead candies, light amount of malty cereal grain, chocolate-covered raisins, hint of oak. Continued apricot notes through the finish with a flash of cinnamon. Easy and light burn, though makes its presence felt. Balances well with the subtle qualities of the nose and palate. Final Thoughts: The 18-year-old single malt category can be a crowded one. This seems to be a nearly universally agreed-upon age to be considered somewhat prestigious, and thus many distillers charge a hefty sum to acquire their more mature spirits. Read: some whiskies are overpriced simply because they are old, regardless of quality. The price point for Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old places it more in the company of Glenfidich 18 or Johnnie Walker Platinum than, say, The Macallan 18. In terms of quality, however, I would argue that Glenmorangie is more on par with the latter of the three. I am even tempted to suggest that Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old deserves a seat at the table with The Macallan 18-Year-Old and Johnnie Walker Blue Label when it comes to discussing somewhat approachable luxury whiskies. Simply put, this is a fantastic whisky available at what has become a steal of a price. Score: 93/100