Whisky Review: Glenmorangie “The Original” 10 Years Old

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When you think Scotch whisky, you usually think “peat.” The Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt “The Original” Ten Years Old is a nice alternative if you are not a big fan of peat, and has the perfect set of fresh, light flavors for the summer. This Scotch whisky has been aged for ten years in designer casks brought in from Missouri. When you see the bright golden liquid in the bottle, it even looks light and refreshing.

Opening the bottle, I half-expected peat just out of habit, but the aroma is largely citrus and a hint of peach. There is also a slight creaminess which I think is coming from vanilla. On the palate, vanilla is the first thing I taste. The body of the whisky is very light, just as I had guessed when I swirled the bottle. The next thing I taste seems to be either peach or pear juice with a hint of citrus (not as strong as I’d expected from the aroma), and something that reminds me of dessert, possibly cake. There is just a dash of salt which mellows out the sweetness and rounds out the flavour profile.

On the long, malty finish, the citrus emerges again—grapefruit or possibly lemon. There is a slight tingle on the tongue that almost makes me think of mineral water or champagne or something else with a bit of a sparkle to it. All in all, very satisfying and again, just what I had hoped for on a hot summer day. Can’t complain about the price either—I paid around $40 for my bottle. I wish I’d discovered it earlier in the year!

Summary: Glenmorangie “The Original” 10 Years Old

Colour: Warm, bright gold.

Nose: Grapefruit, nutmeg, peach, vanilla, almonds, something floral.

Palate: Pear, vanilla, cream, cake, wheat, hint of salt.

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