Name: Glenmorangie Signet
Color: Black, brown
Nose: Espresso, sherry, orange
Taste: Chocolate stout, spices
Review:
In case you are wondering, the word “Signet” is defined as a small seal, usually in a ring used with or instead of a signature. A seal like the kind used in period piece movie with a scroll of paper, feathered pen, and candle wax.
Signet is a blend of whiskies that are 30 years in age but is a non-aged stated (NAS) Scotch. The flavor profile is that of chocolate malt and comes from the 100% roasted barley malt that is used in production. Roasted barely malt is usually reserved for making beer and this gives the chocolate, stout beer, and whisky flavor. It does have a big smooth finish, but has the baseline flavor of Glenmorangie. The bottle is impressive, beautiful ornate square design and does stand out among other bottles.
This scotch is a sweet chocolate after dinner drink and that is fine by me but it is not that amazing and is very expensive. I recently read that in the 1980’s there was a massive overproduction of whisky for predicted future demand. I am sure the roaring 1980’s markets had something to do with that plan. Today, there is a lot of whisky around that can be blended into 25+ year old bottles and with that, experimental flavor profiles can be created. How true this statement is, not sure, but I believe I am using logic so it is probably accurate educated guess.
Flavored whiskies at high prices and sold in fancy bottles remind me of the story of the Emperor’s Clothes. Eventually, you need to step back and take a real hard look at what you are getting for the price. Yes, there are old whiskies in the blend and I know that chocolate and whisky pair up nicely, but whisky is something that should stand on its own. It is not a bad tasting whisky it is just strange to me.
If you need to go to a dinner party and you need to look good at the table, bring a bottle of Signet and open it at dessert. It will be consumed, enjoyed, and you will receive compliments. You and the bottle will both stand out.
Priced at $200 per bottle it is too much money for too strange of a taste profile.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
