Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt Scotch
First released over 175 years ago, Glenmorangie's elegant and understated 10 year remains a benchmark single malt. Though the distillery has built their modern reputation among the new guard of whisky drinkers for their cask finishes and older bottlings, the "Original" shouldn't be overlooked, showing fantastic value for such a refined expression of ex-bourbon highland malt.
Aged a minimum of 10 years in custom first and second-fill bourbon barrels from Missouri, the nose opens with classic highland honeyed notes, alongside citrus, vanilla, florals, and pear. On the palate, pear is joined by juicy peach, a light honey-vanilla sweetness, and a hint of oak tannin and spice, elegantly balancing the sweet and fruity notes. The finish may not reach endlessly into the heavens, but it's relative brevity is made up by the gentle caress of orange peel, vanilla, geranium, and honeysuckle that you'll find waving you goodbye. If elves drank single malt, this would be the most likely candidate, and for thoughtful drinkers looking for a great first single malt, you couldn't do better. Bottled at 43% ABV.