Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990 Review

In 2016, Glenmorangie started a new line of single malts named after their featured warehouse; The Bond House No. 1 Collection. Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990 was the first release of this set. It has, as one can tell, a very grandiose name! It’s listed at about $600 US. Some have said this is the best Glenmorangie ever released, and I was fortunate enough to get a sample from Bry Wilson, the Canadian Brand Ambassador for the distillery.

Aged for a mature twenty-five years, this whisky doesn’t taste that old (and I mean that in a good way). It’s far subtler, gentler, and more rewarding. It’s smooth, and complex, a duo that’s sometimes lacking in older whiskies. This whisky whispers experience in time from the barrel, and it then delivers on the flavour on the palate.

Now, if only I could afford a bottle. Or find one, for that matter!

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990
Category: Single malt scotch, Premium Priced
Score: 93

Nose: Great spicy oaky notes, like freshly cut timber. Loads of sweet honey. A fresh and clean whisky that hint of grassy notes in the background. The zest is lemony, hard-candy that’s melted on your tongue. Nice fig notes, verging on a raisin note. Freshly squeezed oranges. Hints of cinnamon. On first nosing I’d have been fooled to think this was a young whisky, but with that age comes complexity, and there’s plenty here!

Palate: Nice bubbly ginger notes, with sweet caramel, and peppery spice. Cinnamon spice is present, but mellowed by a lovely buttery tart note that carries through the back of the palate. The finish is beautiful with black pepper and butter, and a touch of caramel sweetness rounds everything off.

Conclusion: A memorable single malt from a terrific distillery, at a price point I can’t afford!