Reviews #51-54: Glenmorangie SbS Quinta, Nector, Bacalta, Astar

Glenmorangie was the second scotch I have ever had, I also haven't had it in 13 years. Tonight I am going to SbS four of them. The light and fruity segment has never really been my thing but I am looking forward to trying them.

Quinta Ruban is the port finished, Nectar D'Or is the Sauternes finish, Bacalta is Madeira finished and Astar is American Oak high proof.

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

Highland - 12 Years - NCF - Color Added - Sample ($57 at the local) - 46%

Color - Auburn

Nose - Sweet stewed figs, orange and a hint of tarragon

Taste - Orange, orange and more orange. I wish I ate oranges so I could pick them up. A little bit of nuttiness.

Finish - Medium - Orange mingled with hints of chocolate

Overall - 6 - This is one of the most one note scotches I have ever had. While it is pleasant it just isn't interesting. This I would put in the gift scotch category, easy drinking, approachable and goes down easy. However, at its price point there are so many great entry level scotches at this price point that I would pick over this.

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Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or

Highland - 12 Years - NCF - Color Added - Sample ($75 at the local) - 46%

Color - amontillado sherry

Nose - Citrus, key lime, mint, whip cream

Taste - Thin feeling, nutty, citrus

Finish - Short - Lemons, vanilla toffee

Overall - 5 - This just isn't up my alley. The nose is fun and deserty but past that, it just falls flat. The palate is undefined, the finish is short. Once again, I would say it is approachable, easy drinking, but it is not my cup of tea. It was my least favorite of the night.

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Glenmorangie Bacalta

Highland - NAS - NCF - Color Added - Sample ($100 at the local) - 46%

Color - Deep gold

Nose - Stewed fruit - apricots, lime, honey, mint

Taste - Sprite, orange, lots of citrus, mint

Finish - Medium - Cinnamon, figs, limes - cinnamon wasn't present after first few sips

Overall - 5 - While this is perfectly pleasant dram, it just isn't enough to keep me interested. The mouthfeel was thin and disappointing. While light, fruity and easy to drink like all the others, for the money there arejust so many other great choices.

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Glenmorangie Astar

Highland - NAS - NCF - Color Added - Sample ($100 at the local) - 52.5%

Color - Old gold

Nose - Green apple, key lime pie, mint, honey

Taste - Apples, pears, honey, hint of oak and mint

Finish - Medium Long - Vanilla, honey, nuts

Overall - 5.5 - This one stands up well above the rest of these. Lovely mouthfeel, bright, fruity. While light and fruity is not my personal preference, this does a wonderful job of showcasing this style. The nose is fun and pleasant and it follows through to the end. The price seems high to me but at a more competitive price point, I could see me owning a bottle.

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.1

Standard Deviation 0.95

Skew 0.60