Glenmorangie Signet

I’ve done my best to hit all of the expressions in the ever-evololving 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 chocolateand 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 nose is velvety soft starting with a mix of a rich stout beer, dark chocolate covered orange caramels and dusty leather-bound books then candied nuts and sweet pipe tobacco followed by mildly sour fruits of lemon zest, nectarines and pineapple that transitions to toasted coconut, mild baking spices and antique polished furniture with low ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruit and rich chocolate ganache before veering towards a moderate bitter spice that slowly fades to stout beer, candied nuts and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by moderately sour fruits of pineapple, nectarines and lemon zest that transitions to toasted coconut and antique polished furniture with medium ethanol burn. The finish is long, starting with creamy tropical fruit that quickly fades to rich earthy sweets of dark chocolate, espresso and candied nuts along with dusty leather-bound books and polished antique furniture. This is a very interesting expression that the nose brings sweet yet earthy aromas upfront that are then underscored by mildly sour citrus and well-aged oak that fails to deliver the same balance on the taste which starts creamy and sweet before a moderate spice and sourness that eventually fades to the long finish that is simply wonderful with creamy fruits, sweet earthy notes and old dusty oak. Overall, a dram I’d be happy to drink anytime with one of the best finishes I’ve ever experienced, but the nose and palate lean heavier on the sour and spice notes than I prefer. At a price of $200+, this isn’t one I’d be interested in splurging for a full bottle, but could easily see this be a favorite for those less averse to sour and spice.

Nose: Sweet whipped cream, mocha frap, creme brûlée, tiramisu, roasted coffee beans, honey, vanilla, floral Palette: Whipping cream, expresso, tiramisu, orange peel, vanilla, manukau honey, dark chocolate, coco powder, marshmallow Finish: Long, oily, creamy, oaky, semi bitter crushed almond skins, tobacco leaves Overall this was an incredible whisky. I have 3 bottles at all times in my collection. Drinking this is pretty much like a layered and complex liquid tiramisu. The flavor evokes and winds as you chew on it. ABV is very balanced and while the sip is smooth it also has enough to remind you this has some exquisite and old tasting whisky. From what I’ve read this NAS contains some 30+ year old stuff? I wouldn’t doubt it. A must try!

I've wanted to try Signet for a long time but could not ever really justify spending the green on a bottle. I got my chance at a taste during my anniversary dinner at a nice steak house. The nose of this superb whiskey starts off with creamy milk chocolate along with some orange peel. A sweet nuttiness softens that citrus as well. The taste begins a tad nutty and sweet, like peanut brittle. Sweet brandied cherries swirl with milk chocolate as the decadent taste crescendos then fades into a faint hint of peat smoke plus a bit of leather smoking jacket. The finish is long and satisfying, ending with a kiss of baking spices. Boy this is one of the better ones. And a huge reason why Glenmorangie is still one of the best.

One of the Best After Dinner Dessert Drams I’ve ever Tasted! First Pour is Pure Chocolate Fudge, Orange Marmalade, Plums/Raisins, and a Vanilla Custard/Crème Brûlée Tiramisu.. The Tiramisu Pastry is on the Verge of Raw Coffee Bean Grinds before the Mocha Espresso Shot is Brewed. Behind the Barrel Tannins/Tobacco Smoke and Cinnamon Spices there’s some Dark Stone Fruits lingering in the back, but very muddled and faint. It’s still a Delicious Dram! Definitely worth the Steep Price Tag on Rare Occasions Only.

If I didn't know the price I'd say it's a pretty good dram. It is super unique and I've never had anything with this flavor profile. I really enjoy the chocolate and coffee notes. However at the price a bottle goes for I don't think I'll be buying one anytime in the near future