Everything about the presentation of the Glenmorangie Signet is alluring, mysterious, and sexy with a hint of menace--in short, good qualities for a bottle of single malt. The monolithic black case and frosted-black vessel offer only a tantalizing hint of what is inside; there are no discursive tasting notes or origin story provided as a guide either. Holding the impressively hefty metal cap which crowns the bottle, it feels as if one has removed a seal designed to contain some ancient and powerful magic. There is a distinct sense of responsibility--anxiety even--imparted here.
Straight away wafts an intoxicating aroma of chocolate and coffee beans, the distinctive signature of the Signet, and the speed with which the bouquet fills the air before even a drop is poured is really quite impressive. This is a whisky that lets you know when it's in the room! For our first tasting, six one-ounce drams were carefully poured out with much anticipation.
Upon direct nosing, the Signet reveals a gentle hint of peach fuzz up front, followed by dark coffee, rich matiness and lots of fresh oak. There are notes of bitter cocoa, orange rind, new leather and gentle tobacco smoke evident as well. The initial palate is richly malty with the chewiness of a good port and an interplay of sweet and bitter that is evocative of a creamy coffee liquor. Some people found hints of aged agave tequila or even dark Caribbean rum to be present, followed by musty wood, caramel, and spices giving way to a delicate chocolate mousse finish, with gentle heat and more baking spices. The second taste presents more orange and nutmeg notes, which were enhanced by a few nibbles of dark chocolate. There is an exceptionally long finish which gives way to candied fruit, especially when opened up with a drop of two of water.
There is not a lot in the way of technical information about the provenance of the Signet. What we do know is that it contains some of the oldest whisky in the Glenmorangie range dating back as much as 35 years, and that a sizable portion of the spirit is distilled from a unique "chocolate malt" barley which is dried longer and roasted deeper than typical cuts of barley, to great effect. What is perhaps most remarkable for a distillery known above all for their innovative use of cask finishes, is that the wood takes a backseat to the malt here, resulting in a scotch with the character of a rich, luxurious stout.
The Glenmorangie Signet is available in the Alberta and duty free markets in Canada for $226.50. It is bottled at 46% ABV, and was recently awarded "Highland Single Malt of the Year" at the Whisky Magazine Icons Awards.
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indeed, one of those drams where you find yourself nosing your recently emptied glass..
Hot damn this is fine whisky. Truly one of the best I've had lately.
I've never come across a scotch that half way through the dram I felt like I was actually drinking a cup of coffee, but this is one unique whisky. It doesn't just taste like coffee, it finishes quite tannic, like coffee. Unique and delicious!
Over the course of the dram the flavours open up and you find yourself contemplating the many nuances of the liquid. Amazing length and complexity in the slightly tannic finish. This is one of the best whiskies I've had in recent memory.