I bought this bottle of Glenmorangie Signet single malt Scotch whisky as a gift for John’s 50th birthday. Somehow, despite all our good intentions, it sat unopened in the whisky cabinet for three years before we finally decided it was time. Looking back, I wish we’d opened it much sooner.
The Glenmorangie Signet is unlike almost any other single malt Scotch whisky on the market. It is renowned as the world’s first single malt made using high-roasted chocolate malt barley, giving it an incredibly rich profile packed with coffee, dark chocolate and roasted malt flavours.
If you’re looking for a luxurious after-dinner dram or a whisky that genuinely stands apart from the crowd, this Highland single malt deserves a place on your shelf.
The Story Behind Glenmorangie Signet
The Glenmorangie Distillery, located in the Highland town of Tain, was founded in 1843 by brothers William and John Matheson. Today, Glenmorangie is one of Scotland’s most innovative distilleries and was among the first to successfully pioneer the use of different oak cask finishes, helping shape the modern single malt industry. It is part of the LVHM Group of companies together with Ardbeg.
Released in 2008, Glenmorangie Signet quickly became one of the distillery’s flagship expressions. The name “Signet” comes from the intricate emblem that appears on Glenmorangie bottles. The design is inspired by the ancient Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a beautifully carved Pictish monument dating back to around 800 AD.
The whisky itself was created by the legendary Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Master of Whisky Creation.
Coffee Inspiration Meets Single Malt Whisky
One of the most fascinating stories behind Glenmorangie Signet comes from Dr Bill Lumsden’s university days. While completing his PhD in Biochemistry, he developed a passion for speciality coffee, becoming fascinated by single-origin beans, roasting techniques and how different roast levels transformed flavour.
Years later, that same fascination inspired him to experiment with highly roasted chocolate malt barley in whisky production. The result is a single malt that delivers remarkably rich espresso, mocha and dark chocolate characteristics while still retaining Glenmorangie’s signature elegance.
Matured in a combination of carefully selected oak casks, including American virgin oak, Glenmorangie Signet whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, is non-chill filtered and carries no age statement.
It sits proudly within Glenmorangie’s Prestige Collection alongside the acclaimed 18 year old and 25 year old whisky expressions.
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Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky
REGION: Highland
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Dark gold
NOSE: An incredibly inviting nose filled with marshmallow, vanilla and creamy butterscotch, balanced by crunchy toffee brittle. Rich, roasted coffee beans and gentle baking spices are layered with bright hints of lemon peel. I could happily sit and nose this whisky for hours.
PALATE: Luxuriously rich and full-bodied. Sweet malt combines with dark chocolate, cinnamon and roasted coffee beans before honey sweetness and ripe fruit begin to emerge. Gentle notes of ginger and cracked black pepper add balance without overpowering the sweeter flavours.
A splash of water reveals even more sweetness and complexity, although I honestly think the Glenmorangie Signet whisky is magnificent neat.
FINISH: Long, warming and beautifully lingering. Toffee sweetness, roasted coffee, citrus peel and gentle spice slowly fade away, leaving you wanting another sip.
RATING: EXCELLENT
The Glenmorangie Signet whisky completely lived up to its reputation. The coffee and dark chocolate notes are unmistakable without ever dominating the whisky. Everything feels beautifully integrated, creating a dram that is rich, luxurious and incredibly easy to enjoy.
I genuinely can’t believe we waited three years before opening this bottle. This is a whisky made for slow evenings, comfortable chairs and great conversation. It’s the sort of bottle you bring out to celebrate a special occasion or simply because life is too short to save the good whisky forever.
If Glenmorangie ever released a candle with the aroma of Signet, my entire house would smell like it. For me, this is easily my favourite Glenmorangie expression to date.
If you enjoy the innovative side of the distillery, I can also highly recommend Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest, another imaginative and memorable creation from Dr Bill Lumsden.
It is a premium whisky with a premium price; however, it is totally worth it. The Signet single malt is available on Amazon.
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