Glenmorangie is often overlooked or not talked about, by whiskey enthusiasts, because of the big brand association. I think they do an excellent job delivering quality at a good price. It doesn't exactly market itself as super premium, even though some of their offerings are a bit odd. I agree they focus on quality casks to deliver good products.
I think Two Stacks Distillers Cut is a good example of how you were saying high proof isn't everything. I'd much prefer a Powers Gold or Jameson Black Barrel, and the 40% Bushmills 12 or 14, all of which pack more flavor at more than 20% less proof. While I do tend to favor that 45-47% range, if I find 40% is too thin and weak, I take that as an indication to take a dry break.
It is always good to go to a lower abv bottle at times. Gives my pallette a rest or break and still allows me to enjoy a decent, reliable dram, before getting the urge for something stronger and more complexity. I have yet to try the 12 and will probably pick one up this year. Thanks again
I now use this whisky to introduce whisky curious but not whisky drinkers to Scotch. Used to be Balvenie Doublewood, but that 12 year old costs close to $90 in my neck of the woods. I agree this is a very pleasant whisky that offers a lot of flavor without challenging them to get past the ABV that newbies struggle with.
Great review. I always love Glenmo it’s kind of the standard to which I compare others esp for sherried whiskies. For wine I think Alsace Reisling is often great for food with a lower abv.
Erik, love the content. Glenmorangie and Glenlivet were my intro to Scotch and I quickly went down the Glenmorangie line and absolutely loving the Quinta Ruban. Now that I have may more bottles (actually out of room), I like to go back to GlenMo as a a familiar old friend. $60 is a bit more than I remember, but I did the check and yes, unfortunately, that is the local Bay Area rate, but Quinta is about the same price, so personally, I will purchase the Quinta Ruban (57 vs 58.. One dollar more for the Quinta.. no brainer for me). Slainte Erik .. As always, great review
Erik video Erik. I just reviewed the 10 over on my channel. I have yet to find anyone who likes the new packaging. To your point, it what on the inside that counts. That being said, the 10 could benefit from 43 or 46% ABV but again it’s an entry level scotch. All in all a good dram.
Solid review as usual! Well done Erik! I just noticed that locally (Japanese market) has both 43 and a 46% versions -- I would not have known this except your review motivated me to check Glenmo 12 pricing which is reasonable here.
Nice episode. However, I think what you are describing use case-wise for me is a "background whiskey." Something to pour a small glass of while I watch the game, bring to the table to play cards with for (Non-whiskey enthusiast) friends, etc. Maybe something to fill a nice decanter with on a table. For those I personally gravitate to a reasonably priced, but higher ABV dram. Maybe not a full on cask strength, but a bit more oomph, because some of my guests are going to want to splash some water or soda, or have a couple of ice cubes with their pour as well as sip neat. Value priced, but versatile with lots of flavor. Cheers.
Another great video. A perfect analysis of watered down whiskey. (Unfortunately, there is a bad example: a gift Bowmore 15 blew the fuse. It was the worst whiskey experience of my life. I have never met such a badly made 15 year old. I know you see this differently, probably because you've already drunk good old Bowmore and you're tying it somewhere) Of course, there are drams that work well even with such a worse spec. It is also a fact that distillers in this 43% alc. level (Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Glenmo, etc.) so they make a product that can be enjoyed by many people, sometimes at a more affordable price, which will be in the TOP 10 in terms of the number of sales :-D. What do you choose from an infinite number of options - good question!
So, what you’re saying, is that the new labels are for those of us over 50 whose eyesight, as well as our lower backs, are going south? 😂 It’s fun to circle back and revisit the “basics” as we often go down many interesting paths in our whisk(e)y journeys.
I like BIG bold fonts which is why I always use IMPACT font on the thumbnails for my videos. It makes them easier to see ands read! If I was designing whiskey labels and packaging, I'd do the same!
I have to agree abv isn't always the case to have nice whiskey. I had some high abv whiskey which didn't had that big flavour and was sharp. This red label looks like cola bottle 😅
I answered that question in the video. LARGE BOLD letters are easier to read from a distance on a store shelf. That is the reason I tend to use IMPACT font on my thumbnails.
As I explained in the video - larger, bolder lettering that is easier to read from a distance on a store shelf. It is the reason I use IMPACT font on the thumbnails of my videos.
