Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

[Mad Dawg]

I'm not much of a Scotch guy, but damn, is this a tasty pour!

Restrained peat, fruit elements from the port cask finish, and amazingly smoooooth.

[jazznut]

Port casks certainly can work in tandem with malt Scotch whiskies. BenRiach has a lovely 15-year old finished in Tawny Port casks that's just made to be served alongside shortbread cookies (or just about any other dessert). The Distillers Edition of Cragganmore, finished in Ruby Port wood, is tasty as well. Going significantly upward in cost, Balvenie's 21-year old Port Wood (also finished in Ruby Port casks) is incredibly well-knit, complex, smooth and delectable. I also enjoy the Quinta Ruban, though I think I marginally prefer the original Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish version the distillery marketed years ago, as I found that release even silkier in taste. Best Port cask matured whisky that's ever crossed my lips, however, is the 16-year old 1991 Bowmore cask strength. Not insignificantlly, this one spent its entire maturation period in those Port casks (only 24 casks were slated for bottling). Picture below...



On the Bourbon side of 'the pond', don't forget Angel's Envy, which is also finished in Port casks and tastes pretty darn good.

[jazznut]

Forgot to mention... If you (or anyone else) ever come across a 'back-shelf' bottle of Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (finished in Pedro Ximénez, i.e. very sweet Sherry casks), don't hesitate!

Normally, I find Glenmorangie's complex and somewhat delicate flavour profile works best with little or no 'exotic' cask tinkering. In this particular case, however, the richness of those finishing casks melds perfectly with the intrinsic characteristics of the distillate.

It ain't cheap. But it IS delicious.