1. Glenmorangie Signet
Glenmorangie Signet is a premium product within the Glenmorangie lineup, renowned for its unique coffee and chocolate flavors. The process of making Signet involves using roasted malt for distillation, followed by aging in bourbon casks and then further maturation in Oloroso sherry casks. This whisky undergoes non-chill filtration and has an alcohol content of 46%.
In 1995, Bill Lumsden joined Glenmorangie. He was tasked with maintaining the distillery’s traditions while also introducing innovative improvements, which led to the creation of Signet. Lumsden, a fan of coffee and chocolate, often bought coffee beans to roast himself, engaging with baristas and chocolatiers. Inspired by his passion, he envisioned creating a whisky that resembled the complex flavors of coffee and chocolate.
Lumsden used his coffee roasting machine to roast barley, creating what he called “chocolate malt.” This chocolate malt was used to produce whisky, which was then blended with other whiskies to create Glenmorangie Signet. The whisky includes chocolate malt whisky aged in bourbon casks, whisky aged in Ozark Mountain wood casks from the United States, and whisky that has been further matured in Oloroso sherry casks or finished in sherry casks after aging in bourbon casks. The average age of the whiskies used in Signet ranges from 15 to 21 years.
2. Glenmorangie
1) Glenmorangie Story
Glenmorangie is one of Scotland’s distilleries, renowned for its luxury status and part of the LVMH group. It stands alongside brands like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Macallan in terms of sales volume and brand recognition, marking it as one of the top-tier brands in the industry.
Located in the Highland region, in the town of Tain, Glenmorangie is famous for having the tallest stills in Scotland, which contributes to its distinctive, smooth spirit. Unlike most Scotch whisky production that uses soft water, Glenmorangie utilizes mineral-rich hard water.
For drying the malt, Glenmorangie does not use peat, which is common in some Scotch production. Instead, it primarily uses bourbon casks from Ozark Mountain wood in Missouri, USA (like Jack Daniel’s and Heaven Hill), for aging its whisky.
2) Tasting Notes
The color of Glenmorangie Signet is a deep, beautiful gold. On the nose, there is virtually no alcohol burn, presenting a sweet aroma with the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans and a hint of citrus, reminiscent of a roastery cafe.
The taste initially reveals a light sweetness and nuttiness, with a subtle alcohol presence and a hint of spicy warmth, creating a complex yet smooth experience. The flavors of chocolate and coffee are noticeable and carry through to the finish, continuing the delightful sensation.
As someone who enjoys both dark chocolate and coffee as well as whisky, the luxurious blend of these elements in Glenmorangie Signet impresses me. Often, spirits with added ingredients can feel cheap, but Signet manages to feel sophisticated and worth its price, showcasing a well-crafted balance.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Glenmorangie Signet
Food Type: Whisky
Manufacturer: The Glenmorangie Company
Origin: Scotland (UK)
Ethanol Content: 46%
Volume: 700ml
3. Overall Review
In conclusion, Glenmorangie Signet is an exceptionally attractive whisky. However, its price can indeed be a bit daunting. I believe it would have taken me much longer to decide to purchase a bottle outright.
As with the miniature Glen Garioch reviewed earlier, tasting a small amount before making a purchase decision seems wise. Glenmorangie Signet offers a flavor and aroma profile distinct from traditional whiskies. While there are whiskies with hints of chocolate and coffee, none possess the richness of flavor that Signet does.
For those seeking a unique and luxurious taste experience, I recommend trying Signet. However, it’s noted that Signet’s characteristics, particularly its aroma and taste, tend to diminish more quickly over time once opened. Therefore, it’s advisable to consume it relatively quickly after opening, especially past the halfway point of the bottle.
4. Link
The Scotch Whisky– Criteria, Types and Product Region