Review #284: Glenmornagie Signet

Highland - NAS - Probably E150* - NCA - $230 - 40% 

Glenmorangie is Highland distillery that is known for their 10 year whisky which has readily available and a potable entry level malt. Signet is one of their high end, no age statement expressions.  There is next to no transparency into what goes into it except that it is a "blend of our oldest whisky" (why NAS then?) and oak from the cheaper side of the Atlantic.  They do claim to have a "chocolate" barley malt that they put into this.  The ABV seems extremely low for the price and this may venture into "smooth whisky" territory.  I am being a little cynical but I will do the tasting open minded. I have heard people speak very highly of this whisky and not just the Johnny Blue crowd.   

Color - Tawny

Nose - Big fresh apples, nutmeg, chocolate, pie crust, lemon zest, meringues 

Palate -  Starbucks Americano, spice, vanilla, custard, citrus
Finish - Medium - Custard, malty, citrus, cocoa powder, sandalwood, ginger, a whole lot of new wood

Overall - 5 5.5 - This is not what I expected at all.  The nose is great, I thought maybe I would be pleasantly surprised by the nose.  It was complex, and smelled great.  Then the palate and finish came and it was enjoyable but nothing special.  Amazingly, I didn't think it suffered that much from the low ABV.  However, it does not compete at the price point it is at.  This actually reminds me strongly of the Linkwood ex-bourbon IBs that I have picked up.  It is enjoyable, spicy and nice to drink.  I am happy to have tried it but would be so much happier with two teenage Linkwood IBs for the same price. 

Edit
OK, this is interesting, I tried this, set is aside for another 60-90 minutes and picked up again. I let it rest probably about 20-30 minutes prior to tasting.  After this time, (80-120 minutes) it transformed.  It got super chocolaty on the palate and finish.  The spiciness is much more muted.  Like it is almost straight cocoa powder, graininess and all.  I am getting more of the appeal of this.  Interesting that it took so long to open up, 80+ minutes.  Fine Drams has this for ~$160 plus shipping.  Even at this price, I still don't think I would buy a bottle.  If I was to pour another dram of this, I would for sure let it sit a very long time before drinking.  

* They do not say no-color added so I am assuming so

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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
5.5 I enjoyed it but will never be priced at where I would buy a bottle

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 6.2

Standard Deviation 0.96

Skew 0.51

Kurtosis -0.28