Last Updated on: 9th August 2024, 12:12 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore this comprehensive review of the Glenmorangie Original 10 Year, where all your questions about this whisky will be answered in detail!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Glenmorangie The Original: Smooth Introduction to Single Malt Scotch
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Glenmorangie Original (10 Year Old) offers a welcoming introduction to single malt scotch.
Effortless Sipping:
This release offers a smooth and easy-drinking character, free from strong flavors like smoke, peat, or intense heat.
Ideal for Newcomers:
For those new to scotch or seeking a fuss-free whisky, The Glenmorangie Original is a perfect choice. Its approachable flavor profile avoids any unpleasant surprises.
A Stepping Stone to Exploration:
While not overly complex, The Glenmorangie Original serves as a solid entry point before venturing into more adventurous and flavorful single malts.
Budget-Friendly Single Malt:
The Glenmorangie Original is attractively priced for a single malt with an age statement, making it an accessible option for those new to the brand or single malts in general, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Discover the Smoothest Single Malts
- Learn more: Glenmorangie 10 The Original Website
What’s unique about Glenmorangie 10?
Glenmorangie 10 is an entry-level whisky from the Glenmorangie distillery, known for its smooth and straightforward character.
It undergoes aging in bourbon barrels and is bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), offering an enjoyable and affordable option for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Lemon, nectarine, apple
- Palate: Vanilla, citrus, caramel, oak
- Finish: Long, smooth, malty
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
The Glenmorangie 10 greets the senses with delightful and fruity scents of lemon, nectarine, and fresh apples.
Upon sipping, it delights with a velvety texture and a wealth of flavors, including vanilla, caramel, and a subtle touch of oak.
The finish is of moderate length, accentuating the caramel and oak notes, with a smooth and easily approachable quality and just a hint of warmth.
Also read: How to Drink Glenmorangie
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your inquiries:
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest), the Glenmorangie scores a perfect ZERO, making it entirely devoid of any smoke and peat flavors.
This absence of harsh notes makes it an appealing choice for many consumers.
How to drink it?
- Glenmorangie 10 is a smooth and easy drinker that can be enjoyed neat without any harsh notes.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, Glenmorangie 10 is a chill-filtered whisky, a common process in the Scotch Whisky industry to prevent haziness. Some purists argue it may remove flavors.
Does it use caramel coloring?
- Yes, Glenmorangie 10 is artificially colored.
- While acceptable for an introductory bottle, it feels deceptive.
Aging
- Aged for 10 years using 1st and 2nd fill American ex-Bourbon barrels sourced from the distillery’s own oak forest in Missouri.
Alternatives
- Similar easy-drinking whiskies include Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12.
- Others with a bit more complexity are Balvenie 12 and Macallan 12.
Price
- Prices vary by country: US ($32), Canada ($70), UK (£37), Ireland (€60), Australia ($90).
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), providing a bit more body than Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.
Accolades & Awards
- Silver at the Distillers’ Single Malts 12 years and under in the 2014 International Spirits Challenge.
- Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire. Proper storage in a cool, dark place ensures longevity.
How is it made?
- The barley is fermented and then twice distilled through copper-pot stills by the Sixteen Men of Tain, resulting in a lighter and more polished whisky.
How did I review Glenmorangie 10?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Glenmorangie Original 10 Year: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 10Y |
| Proof | 86 |
| ABV | 43% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |