Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Years Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: Initially matured for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a finish in ruby port wine casks from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
Age Statement: 12 years
ABV: 46%
Color: Mahogany, ruby red
Clarity: Un-chill filtered and uncolored
Bottle Design: The bottle design has evolved over time, with older portwood finish bottles now considered collector's items fetching high prices at auctions.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of fruitiness, spiciness, and chocolatey notes.
Unique Characteristics: The finishing in ruby port wine casks imparts a velvety texture and a rich, complex flavor profile that includes tangerine, sweet oranges, spices, dark fruits, resins, dark chocolate, nutty, and sandalwood notes.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique finishing process sets it apart in terms of flavor and aroma.

Production Process: The innovative use of ruby port wine casks for finishing, sourced from the Quintas of the Douro Valley, showcases Glenmorangie's pioneering spirit and dedication to wood management.
Legacy: The Quinta Ruban is part of Glenmorangie's experimentation with extra-matured whiskies, a journey that began in the early 1990s and has since become a hallmark of their range.

Portuguese Influence: The use of ruby port wine casks from Portugal's Douro Valley not only influences the whisky's flavor profile but also its cultural identity, blending Scottish whisky-making traditions with the rich winemaking heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.

Horst Luening's Opinion: Describes the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban as one of his favorite single malt whiskies, praising its intense aroma, balance of flavors, and the smooth, silky character imparted by the distillery and the finishing process.
Quote: "This is very, very well done... one of my really favorite single malt whiskies."

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is a 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, finished in ruby port wine casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with notes of tangerine, sweet oranges, spices, dark fruits, resins, dark chocolate, and sandalwood.
The whisky is celebrated for its innovative use of port wine casks, which contribute to its unique taste and mahogany color.
Horst Luening regards it highly, emphasizing its quality, affordability, and the successful integration of the finishing process.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a penchant for exploring unique cask finishes will find the Quinta Ruban's port wine influence intriguing.
For Collectors: The older portwood finish bottles, now rare and valuable, would be a prized addition to any collection.
For Newcomers: Its smooth, velvety texture and rich flavor profile make it an accessible choice for those new to single malt Scotch whisky.