Description

Glenmorangie The Original 12 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 40%           Age: 12 Years Old           Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Experience “perfection reimagined” with the Glenmorangie 12 Year Old “The Original”. In a bold move that shook the whisky world in mid-2024, the Highland distillery officially retired its iconic 10 year old flagship, replacing it with this 12 year old expression as the new cornerstone of their range. This 700ml single malt isn’t a new recipe; rather, it is the classic “Original” spirit given two additional years of maturation in the distillery’s legendary designer ex-bourbon casks.

Presented at 40% ABV, the decision to increase the age statement was led by Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, after discovering that the extra time “turns up the volume” on the spirit’s natural elegance. By remaining in the slow-grown, air dried Missouri oak for longer, the 12 year old achieves a silkier, creamier texture that moves beyond the floral lightness of its predecessor into a more indulgent and complex territory.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Uplifting, fresh, and remarkably vibrant. You are greeted by a “kaleidoscope” of citrus—specifically mandarin orange and zesty lemon—layered over a sweet heart of vanilla fudge and butterscotch sauce. As it breathes, the extra age reveals deeper notes of juicy ripe peach, honeyed honeycomb, and a subtle, nutty hint of toasted coconut.

Palate: The mouthfeel is the true revelation; it is silkier and more tongue-coating than ever before. It opens with a decadent burst of vanilla custard and white chocolate, which quickly evolves into a mid-palate of poached pears and apricot jam. The signature Glenmorangie orange and honey notes are amplified, accompanied by a soft, “pillowy” texture of creamed coconut and malted biscuits.

Finish: Medium to long and exceptionally clean. The finish lingers with a final flourish of orange fondant and sweet oak spice, finally tapering off with a warming, sophisticated trail of gingerbread and a touch of white pepper.

The Distillery

Glenmorangie, based in Tain, Highland, is the “Home of the Giraffe.” A unique factual detail: Their stills are the tallest in Scotland, standing at 5.14 meters (16 feet 10 inches)—the same height as a fully grown adult giraffe. These towering necks ensure that only the lightest and most delicate vapours reach the top, creating a spirit of unparalleled purity. Furthermore, Glenmorangie is a pioneer in “designer wood,” sourcing slow-growth American white oak from the Ozark Mountains to ensure the highest possible vanillin content. This 12 year old “Original” is the purest expression of that wood science, allowing the spirit to age gracefully without the influence of finishing casks.

Overall Review

The Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original is globally reviewed as a “triumph of evolution,” having already secured a Gold Medal at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Critics have lauded its “increased creaminess and elevated fruit profile,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for those who loved the 10 year old but desire a more robust, “high-definition” version of the classic Highland style.