Let’s start this month on a high note with a closer look at the Glenmorangie 19 year old single malt Scotch whisky. First released to travel retail in 2017, this long-matured expression sits firmly in the premium end of Glenmorangie’s lineup, promising complexity, finesse, and two decades of patient Highland ageing.
A Distillery Rooted in Tradition
Glenmorangie is one of Scotland’s most recognisable names, located in Tain in the heart of the Highlands. Founded in 1843 by William Matheson, the distillery grew from the humble Morangie Farm into one of the most innovative producers in Scottish whisky. Even its name reflects that spirit; Glenmorangie comes from Gaelic and translates to Valley of Tranquillity, a nod to the serene landscape surrounding the site.
One of the distillery’s most iconic features is its uniquely tall copper stills. At 5.13 metres, roughly the height of a fully grown giraffe, Glenmorangie’s stills are the tallest in Scotland. Their height encourages only the lightest, purest vapours to condense back into spirit, creating the elegant, fruity character for which Glenmorangie is famous.
This quirky connection even led the brand to establish a conservation partnership in 2020 with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to help protect the species in the wild.
Another hallmark of Glenmorangie is its obsession with wood. The distillery sources slow-growing American white oak from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. The tight-grain casks are first used by bourbon distilleries like Jack Daniel’s and Heaven Hill before making their way to Scotland, where they impart vanilla, honey, and gentle spice into Glenmorangie’s whisky.
Also Read: Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 18 year old Whisky
Crafting the Release
The Glenmorangie 19 year old is made from unpeated barley and aged exclusively in American white oak bourbon casks. This is a deliberate choice to highlight the distillery’s signature floral and fruity style. Its retail price varies by market, but it firmly sits in the premium category.
This expression collected a Silver Medal at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards in the 13–20 year Single Malt category, suggesting it’s a respected player in its age bracket.
Tasting Notes for the Glenmorangie 19 year old Whisky
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Golden
REGION: Highlands
NOSE: A delicate and fragrant nose leads with mint, eucalyptus, and orange zest. Soft peach and pear follow, joined by floral notes, vanilla, cereal sweetness, and a pinch of pepper.
PALATE: On the palate, the Glenmorangie 19 year old is smooth and creamy, with the fruity sweetness from the nose carrying through beautifully. Expect ripe pear, peach, and honey, balanced with vanilla, buttery pastry, and a cooling touch of eucalyptus.
Medium-bodied, it introduces hints of drying oak, ginger, and pepper. A splash of water reveals more cereal and wood, but it dulls the honeyed richness, so this is definitely a whisky best enjoyed neat.
FINISH: Medium in length and elegant. Gentle mint intertwines with fruity sweetness, dry oak, and soft peppery spice.
RATING: VERY GOOD
Is this refined Highland single malt worth the money? The Glenmorangie 19 year old is undeniably elegant, refined, and beautifully made, but it’s also a little predictable. The mint and eucalyptus notes add interest, and the fruit profile is classic Glenmorangie. Yet after 19 years of maturation, I was expecting something deeper or bolder. This whisky delivers sophistication and balance, but not surprise.
For fans of light, polished Highland malts, this bottle will feel like slipping into a tailored suit, comfortable, familiar, and undeniably premium. But if you’re looking for a big, memorable statement whisky, this won’t be the dram that blows your mind or shakes up your palate.
Conclusion
At its premium price point, I was hoping for a more pronounced expression of the distillery’s signature character. Instead, the Glenmorangie 19 year old single malt Scotch plays it safe. It is complex enough to feel premium, yet restrained enough to come across as slightly muted.
Is it good? Absolutely.
Is it exciting? Not really.
Is it worth the investment? That depends on whether you prefer your whisky bold or beautifully behaved.
Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky