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As we propel towards the weekend each week, I spotlight a bottle worth your attention — whether it’s one to hunt, one to open, or one to revisit with fresh perspective.
🥃 FEATURE POUR: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year
Region: Highland, Scotland
ABV: 46%
Average U.S. Price: $65–$75 USD
The Quinta Ruban is the after-dinner conversation dram—deep enough for enthusiasts, yet silky enough to win over the “I’m not sure I like Scotch” crowd.
Why This Bottle?
If whisky were a mood, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 would be a late-summer evening on a rooftop — equal parts elegance, warmth, and intrigue. This Highland single malt takes Glenmorangie’s famously smooth spirit (distilled in Scotland’s tallest copper stills for extra lightness) and finishes it in ruby port casks from Portugal’s Douro Valley. The result is decadent but never overwhelming — layers of dark chocolate, ripe berries, and a whisper of spice.
It’s a perfect “bridge” whisky: rich enough for seasoned palates, yet inviting for those just beginning their journey. This pour practically insists you slow down, take a second sip, and notice the shift from bright fruit to velvety depth.
A Brief History Worth Knowing
Glenmorangie, founded in 1843 in Tain, is celebrated for its precision and consistency — but also for its adventurous approach to cask finishing. The Quinta Ruban’s name comes from “quintas,” the Portuguese wine estates where port is made, and “ruban” (French for ribbon), nodding to the whisky’s silky texture. The move from a 12-year to a 14-year age statement in 2019 gave this expression added maturity and complexity.
In a way, Quinta Ruban is a love letter to the art of finishing — a marriage of Scottish distilling discipline with the romance of Portuguese winemaking. Each sip carries a little of both worlds.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Lush dark chocolate, orange zest, and red berries, with a whisper of mint.
Palate: Creamy texture bursting with blackberries, ripe plums, and rich cocoa, layered over sweet spice and toasted almonds.
Finish: Long, velvety, and warming, with lingering notes of dark fruit and nutmeg.
🧠 Dram Index™ Score
Category | Score | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Depth | 🥃🥃🥃🥃 | Multiple layers of flavor unfold, rewarding a slow sip. |
Rarity | 🥃🥃🥃 | Regular release but still less common than standard Glenmorangie expressions. |
Approach- ability | 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 | Exceptionally smooth, inviting for both newcomers and experienced palates. |
Memorability | 🥃🥃🥃🥃 | The port cask influence leaves a lasting impression. |
Overall Spark | ★★★★☆ | A perfect example of how finishing can elevate a core spirit into something remarkable. |
“This dram feels like slipping into a velvet armchair by the fire, with a box of dark truffles and a good novel.”
🍽️ Pair It With:
🔥 Roasted duck with cherry-port glaze
The richness of the duck mirrors the whisky’s depth, while the port glaze amplifies the fruity, chocolatey notes in the dram.
🔥Seared salmon with blackberry-balsamic reduction
The fatty, buttery texture of salmon pairs beautifully with the whisky’s velvety mouthfeel, while the blackberry reduction mirrors its deep berry and cocoa notes.
🎶 "Come Away With Me" – Nora Jones
Smooth, mellow, and romantic, matching the whisky’s texture and mood.
Bottle Hunt Tip
While Quinta Ruban 14 is available in many U.S. specialty retailers, stock can vary. Look to online sellers like Total Wine or The Whisky Exchange, and check local independent shops for occasional deals under $70.
💬 Your Turn
Have you tried Glenmorangie Lasanta? Hit reply and let me know what you thought. Got your own pick for the weekend pour? Share it - I’ll highlight top community recs in next week’s issue.
Santé!
Nick on the Rocks
Editor, The Dram Dispatch
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