Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Years
For several years now, a selection of longer-matured releases has enriched Glenmorangie's core range, including the Quinta Ruban. This single malt matures for a minimum of 10 years in former bourbon casks before undergoing additional maturation in port wine casks, elevating its total age to 14 years. It's noteworthy that this whisky is bottled without chill filtration. While the design of Glenmorangie's packaging recently underwent a complete overhaul, we still have a bottle from the older series, the contents of which are purportedly unchanged.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Upon the initial nosing, the Quinta Ruban reveals itself with the characteristic Glenmorangie aroma, though noticeably more robust. The sweet and tangy fragrance is interwoven with fruity nuances reminiscent of blood orange, grapefruit, and fig. Spicy notes of ground hazelnuts and a hint of dark chocolate also make their presence known.
Palate
On the palate, the Quinta Ruban presents itself in the manner typical of Glenmorangie: silky-smooth and oily. The influences of the port wine casks fully unfold here. The harmonious combination of citrusy sweetness and chocolate brings to mind a soft cake. A slightly herbal note, most reminiscent of mint, joins the symphony. In combination with the chocolate lingering on the palate, this creates a truly wonderful melange.
Finish
The finish is long and intense. Peppery spiciness, coupled with a generous dose of oak, lingers on the palate. Citrus notes and a subtle hint of baking cocoa or dark chocolate persist in the background.
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To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 76/100
A whisky that simply delights with its fruity-sweet port wine notes and silky texture – perfect for those seeking more intense malts without feeling overwhelmed. Glenmorangie demonstrates here how 14 years of maturation can combine character and drinkability without becoming boring.
Sascha 80/100
The Quinta Ruban impresses with its balanced interplay between fruity sweetness and spicy oak spice, supported by a solid 46% ABV. Its complex structure and long finish make it a successful addition to the Glenmorangie range, although a touch more finesse wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Value for Money: Fair
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87/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the finishing in port wine casks influence the flavor of Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Years?
The finishing in port wine casks gives Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Years its characteristic fruity sweetness with notes of blood orange and fig, along with a velvety chocolate and nutty character that complements and refines the typical bourbon cask aromas.
Why is Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Years bottled without chill filtration, and what does this mean for the whisky?
Bottling without chill filtration preserves all the natural aromas and oils in the whisky, resulting in a more intense flavor experience and a fuller texture. This can cause the whisky to become slightly cloudy at cooler temperatures, but this does not affect its quality.
How does Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Years differ from other Glenmorangie core range expressions?
The Quinta Ruban matures longer than the standard expressions and undergoes additional aging in port wine casks, which imparts a more intense fruitiness and spiciness. It is also bottled at 46% ABV and without chill filtration, making it particularly powerful and aromatic.