Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 vs. 14 Year...Old vs. New

Scott and Bart take a look at the new Glenmorangie 14 Year Quinta Ruban vs the old 12 Year Quinta Ruban. Both Port finished and 46% abv.
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Scotch It! You scotch gods.

[@TheShredfest89]

I think the 14 is the refill barrels of the original first filled 12 yo port casks. The refills weren't maturing the 12 like fresh filled casks- so they extended maturation by 2 years. The 14 had a lighter cask influence. But more time for the wood oils to infuse- more oily mouthfeel. It's a bit closer to the glenmorangie character. The 12 is first filled port bomb. Both are great. Both are way better after a bit of bottle oxidation time. The 14 was disappointing for me initially. After 1/3 of the bottle was gone after a month- it was way better. You have to think.. what are they doing with those casks? They aren't throwing them away. They are reusing them for the 14 year.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

great point! thanks Durpurz89!

[@Frikkieman]

Interesting thought. I was wondering what they could possibly have changed (from the 12 to the 14) seeing as the price jump from the 12 to the 14 is so little. I was expecting a 20 - 30% price increase but it's closer to 10%. I was thinking maybe they increased the bourbon cask aging from 10 in bourbon (with 2 years extra in fresh port) to 13 in bourbon (with 1 year in port). However, your explanation seems a bit more plausible with the use of second fill casks instead of first. I shall have to pick up a bottle here in SA and see what's up.

[@germantarapow9112]

@@Frikkieman in the case of QR 12the aging barrel time was 10y on ex-bourbon and 2 years on the ruby port casks. The QR14 12 years and 6 months on exbourbon and 1 year with 6 months on the ruby port casks

[@catnapgee5357]

thanks for doing this video, I've been waiting for someone to do a back to back compassion of the 12 and 14. Scotch it dummies!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Catnap!

[@andysanchez1]

Great video! Thanks, I really appreciate your tasting notes

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Andy!

[@Vesbolk]

One of my favorites! This is my all-time, bang-for-the-buck scotch. Thanks guys

[@ScotchTestDummies]

i can see why!

[@fredmauren5301]

You guys are great. I drained a bottle of the 12 about 6 months ago and loved it. As I write I’’m sipping Highland Park 18 Viking.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

very nice, thanks Fred

[@kevinbryant2367]

Nice review guys, I think they have just done the same with the Lasanta which is now a 14yr. I have just picked up a bottle of Laphroaig Brodir Port finished and was thinking of getting the Quinta Ruban 12yr or Tomintoul 15yr Port Wood. Keep up the good work, cheers Kev

[@ScotchTestDummies]

interesting will have to look for the LaSanta.

[@BlindWhiskeyReviews]

Great review! I was just looking at these two. Might need to pick up the 12 before it is gone.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

definitely! thanks Jon!

[@benwelch7728]

My local liquor stores still has quite a few of the 12 in stock, definitely going to have to pick some up now!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

definitely!

[@markmlinar1511]

Just scored a 12 for $50. One note on the color is that the 12 only states non chill filtered, so maybe a bit of coloring. The back road Liquor stores have been good to me on an odd ball here and there.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Very nice

[@Jameus01]

I'm really loving my bottle of the 12. It's about 2/3 gone now sadly. I was really hoping somebody would review side by side with the new 14 and your review didn't disappoint! Thanks for doing this one guys. It's really makes you ponder just how much influence barrels have on the final product. Maybe these barrels were on the bottom 1/4 during aging and they decided to let them go another 2yrs before transferring to the finishing barrels. Or Like Durpurz mentioned, maybe the juice in the 14 went into refill barrels. Would LOVE to know!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

sounds like they're reusing the port barrels from the 12 and giving an extra two years to try to make up for it.

[@jaychung6622]

Thanks for doing this one Dummies! The Quinta Ruban 12 was, and still is, one of my favorites. Glad the new 14 isn’t too far off but guess it’s stock up a bit on that 12!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

stock up on the 12!

[@bourbonbuddies836]

We just had the 12 last night with a nice stogie. Delicious stuff. Need to grab the 14 for sure! Cheers gents!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

now i want a cigar! thanks Buddies!

[@djbeacon6895]

Enjoyed this review. Had the 12 as part of 4 pack sampler and enjoyed but found the new 14 year a bit more balanced and more round. Looks like they are about the same price too so something is "up". I think Glenmorangie says they both start these with the 10 yr original and then in the port for the last 2 for 12. And into bourbon and then port for the 14? Maybe the quality of the port barrels are not as good quality now compared with the original 12?? So how does this 14 compare with the Tomatin 14 year Port Wood? Cheers!!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks DJ, that would be interesting to see between this and the Tomatin.

[@thomasbuck303]

I really enjoyed the 14 yr, was an instant buy for the price. Very easy drinker with some elegant nuance.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

especially for the price!

[@skippyvanpob2762]

Quite enjoyed the 12 myself! Nice job boys!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Skippy!

[@SippersSocialClub]

Great Review! Coins look good guys!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Jeremy!

[@7percentSolution]

I enjoyed the Quinta Ruban 12 I had a couple of years ago. Reminded me of a hotter version of Aberlour A'bunadh (batch 53, I think). Lots of dark red fruits, nuts and hints of dark chocolate. . .and at about half the price. Great stuff for around Christmastime!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

great point Se7en!

[@LuisSanchez-iw7bi]

Haven't tried the 14 year old, but still have plenty of the 12 sround these parts, just got one at a little mom-pop shop. They had ir lying there In a bottom shelf, because it didn't sell, got it fo 40 dollars. Thanks a lot Scott, thanks a lot Bart.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

very nice find Luis. Thanks!

[@sowlegwhiskyreview5501]

Great comparison - one of my favorite bottles :) According to Glenmorangie lots of the whisky in the 12y was already aged 14y, so the differences are bound to be pretty subtle.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks guys!

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

I had a similar experience with The Balvenie 12 Triple Cask recently, expecting it to surpass the DoubleWood, my great love. However, it felt flat to me, and I realised the third 'traditional whisky cask' didn't necessarily improve the whisky, but perhaps dilute the taste I fell in love with in the first place?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

dilutes the sherry influence more likely. same thing happens with the Macallan Triple Casks over the standards.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

@@ScotchTestDummies Nice to know that more cask influence isn't necessarily better. Just like age, as you mentioned!

[@WhiskeyQuests]

I’ve gotta try this.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Quests!

[@franklampard6316]

Many years ago a friend gave me a dram of the old Glenmorangie Portwood that he had kept in his bar. It’s was wonderful, so I went and bought the Quinta Ruban thinking it would be the same. It wasn’t. Not even close really. Since then, I’ve always preferred the Lasanta instead. Just a personal preference.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

been awhile since we had the LaSanta too, need to pick one up. thanks Frank.

[@4829168]

Yes Dummies , its 10-12 years in Bourbon and both 2 years in port after, I loooove the 14

[@ScotchTestDummies]

it is still good! thanks Shimon!

[@WineLightMedia]

90 on both, nice I was routing for that. Lol. Both great but different. Like Bart says, age might not matter but they are both great...Scott’s score definitely reflects this notion. Great review guys.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Winelight!

[@TripleBerg]

Good for Glenmorangie! I liked the 12. May try to find a bottle before they are gone.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

definitely!

[@Aqvavitae]

Been curious to try this new 14yo. Age is never a guarantee of quality, but it is a testament of investment on the producer’s part. Good to see Glenmo bringing this. Perhaps the 14 will get closer for Bart as the bottle drops and complexities appear(?).

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Thanks Roy! Still a good whisky!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Bart playing the copy cat game repeating Scotty. Great review boys. I want that 14.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

its a good whisky!

[@thebrotemarkles]

The color on the 12 vs. the 14 tells the story.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thats what i was thinking before the tasting even started!

[@QuayDawgg]

The psychic whisky overlords must be hard at work. I just picked up a bottle of the 12yr after enjoying it in a sampler pack. Naturally I went to see if some of my favorite whisky-tubers had reviewed it and it was like your 5th video ever lol, my how the times have changed! I was hoping that you'd review it again soon and bam here it is! Cheers!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

nice! best comment all day! thanks Quay Dawgg!

[@QuayDawgg]

@@ScotchTestDummies Hell yeah gentleman, keep up the good work.

[@elfarinn]

Great review gents! Love the old 12 version. But have not tried the 14 yet. My journey with the 12 did not have a great start but after the bottle got lower and aired out i really am enjoying it. And it can even take a little water! Bart stop drinking ice water it kills the palate and imo the whisky tastes better warmer.... Gotta get the them oils warmed up.... Just sayin!!! Love and peace! Slainté....Dummies.....

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Viktor, good call on the ice water.

[@brandonmctaggart5901]

I just bought the 14, I didn't get the chance to try the 12... little disappointed. I like the 14 but I think I'm more like Bart looking for the peat or something with a bite. its delicious but not really my preferred style. bang on the review Dummies thanks!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks brandon, keep your eye out in different liquor stores you can probably still find the old version

[@Mark-xg8ug]

I love you both, Bart's palate is not mine but I do enjoy his commentary

[@ScotchTestDummies]

please dont' encourage him lol

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

Are these whiskies Colored and Chill Filtered? The 12 year looks darker on video. Maybe the 12 year is casked in 1st fill vs refilled port casks?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

that's exactly the case from what we're hearing, first fill vs. second fill.

[@gabrielgvs0619]

When Ralfy discusses the subject of maturation, he typically points out that the quality of the cask makes all the difference. So a 12 year scotch aged in better casks may have been matured better than an 18 year with lesser casks. Example -Chivas has a 12 year age statement and I sometimes enjoy the dram. That said, I can immediately taste the reconditioned casks they have to use in order to push out that kind of volume at the price point they want.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

great point gabrielgv0619!

[@michaelawomack]

The 14 year is 10 year bourbon and 4 years port. There is no extra time in bourbon barrels

[@ScotchTestDummies]

nice, thanks !

[@utoobia]

Both 10 years in oak. The 14 is 4 years in port casks

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks utoobia!

[@foodquig]

Could it be that Glenmorangie is re-using the casks that were first used for the 12 to make the new 14?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thats what we're hearing.

[@foodquig]

@@ScotchTestDummies I won't be surprised when the Quinta Ruban 18 hits the market in a few years LOL

[@marksaliba4194]

My guess is that glenmo had a bunch of refill port casks left over after finishing the 12yo. So they decided the finishing needed to be extended 2 years to achieve similar results in the 14yo as the old 12yo. Cheers gents.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

i think thats what they did too, but most of the Port was gone!

[@unsightlyaesthetics]

I must admit that I liked the 12 year Quinta Ruban & it was my favourite for a moment. Definitely preferred over the 14 year. In my opinion the 12 year had a smoother, more caramel fruity rounded finish than the 14. I recently tried the 12 year sherry finish Tomatin and was pleasantly surprised with the full flavor and smooth end it had at a price point $20 less than the Quinta Ruban.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

nice Amber, Tomatin is doing some good stuff as well!

[@dermothoyne2393]

Scott and Bart, as much as I'm aware of -- The 14 is making due with blending, of various port finished durations. So instead of forced 10Y Bourbon / 2Y Port sequence, they're working up other finish combinations (13-1,12-2,11-3), looking to reach that desired experience. If it means they can assure stock to the Q.R., its [still] a welcoming approach.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

very nice, thanks Dermot!

[@WineLightMedia]

I love the 12 QR, but I always found it s bit thin and hot. Flavour profile is incredible. If the 14 had added body and smoothed it out, I think it’s a win! Looking FWD to purchasing the 14. Cheers guys!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Winelight!

[@gohabs365]

I've been waiting for this one. Sounds like I should pick up the 12 while I can. Cheers.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

definitely pick one up.

[@Gachain]

I have the 12 yr. old and enjoy it. My next GLENMORAINGE bottle will be the LaSanta. Very nice comparison as always Guys!! Thanks!! Tonight was an Irish night for me with POWER'S Signature and REDBREAST 15. I am well into both bottles. THE POWER'S was malty and Creamy with un-Malted Barley Spice in the Finish. The REDBREAST 15 had more fruit notes, with the unsalted Barley Spice in the Finish. Both are very nice. SLÁINTE Mike

[@ScotchTestDummies]

both good! thanks Mike!

[@bigbud6842]

The lasanta is a very friendly one, i very much enjoyed it.

[@danielmcevoy976]

Maybe the 14 now has or a higher percentage of white port casks? Or just simply more refills.

[@TheShredfest89]

Refills. Yes

[@ScotchTestDummies]

must be the refills!

[@marcwhiskey]

I really like the 14yr but was expecting more of a Port Finish. One local store still has the 12yr old I might have to get that now.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

i like the 12 better.

[@bigbud6842]

Ive never tried the 12, the 14 suckered me right in like the age statement junkie i am, i like the overall bottling better of the twelve, but im eager to crack open the 14 and try it tonight after i close the inn down, especially after this review no matter what was said lol. It really is at a great pricepoint. Cheers from the state with the highest consumption of alchohol per capita!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Big Bud! which state is that?

[@thewhiskyphoenix]

Do I smell a port shootout? Teeeeeeesssst Iiiiiiiiiiittt! 🥃

[@ScotchTestDummies]

i smell something!

[@FSAS]

Interesting, although I've heard batches of the 12 have varied a decent bit as well. - Patrick

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Two Siblings Patrick!

[@thebrotemarkles]

New drinking game! Every time the dummies knock their whiskey hat off-everyone drinks fireball. Upside..everyone’s got nice cinnamon breathe. :)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

do we have to do it too!?

[@martinmalia7228]

You guys should totally do a podcast! Maybe a different kind of whiskey show, not necessarily reviews.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

it could happen in the future!

[@aukemist]

Man, I just picked up the 14, thinking better than the 12. That was last week. Oh well.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

its still a good one!

[@utoobia]

Most people prefer the 14

[@stevem8535]

I did this myself a while ago. Agree the 12 is superior

[@ScotchTestDummies]

nice, thanks Steve.

[@Mark-xg8ug]

I prefer the 14. I've got a few 12's I'll keep for people who collect. However, the 14 is better

[@ScotchTestDummies]

both good! thanks Mark

[@Mark-xg8ug]

The "I'll keep for people who collect" part was sarcasm. I like the LaSanta a little less so that's what I'll share with friends after golf. Cheers, boys!

[@Dankzzz]

The portvine producers has changed to bigger casks, that's the difference. The old port pipes was smaller, and had more interaction.. Glenmorangie was clever enough to upper the aging hence to the different port casks.

[@jimidrammer4187]

My market is holding out on the 14 until they sell off the 12 I guess, I'll compare when I can. Talking of age statements they dropped the age on the Nectar d'Or. In other news Ardbeg is coming out with a new 19yo and Laphroaig a 16yo so stocks are building in some places and some distilleries seem to be listening.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

very nice Jimidrammer. The Ardbeg 19 is pricey will be interesting where the Laphroaig 16 sits.

[@jimidrammer4187]

@@ScotchTestDummies Word is the 16 is

[@WhiskyJason1]

Thanks guy - I guess you would have to taste them blind to REALLY know :-)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

hmmmmm...

[@billyhughes9776]

Quinta ROO-BAN! I enjoyed the 12yo -- a lot of the reviews are saying the 12yo is superior to the new 14yo. Interesting, would love to know what they did different w/this new 14yo. BTW, you guys are WAY over due for a shootout of some sort.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

good call on the shootout! thanks Billy!

[@aimee2234]

It seems age is just a number... How can it be a tie if you like the 12 year old better?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Aimee, good question!

[@aimee2234]

@@ScotchTestDummies blind comparison?

[@markprice6911]

The original Quinta Ruban 12 was better than the current 12. Haven't had the 14.

[@franklampard6316]

The previous version (Portwood) was even better.

[@Claire_III]

That hotel looks amazing, can I stay for free too???

[@ScotchTestDummies]

bring some Stagg!

[@Claire_III]

@@ScotchTestDummies Thats the only way I travel!

[@davidlavin3492]

Funny to watch y’all disagree a bit. Been a few years since I had a bottle of QR. maybe one day I’ll go back but too much out there yet to explore!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

they are both good, but there's a lot out there agreed.

[@TripleBerg]

Is the 14 more $$?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

same price.

[@TripleBerg]

Scotch Test Dummies That’s surprising! Thought they’d jack up the price. Same ABV too. Good for them👍

[@gregwswartz1964]

My guess is that they couldn't keep up with demand of the 12yo (it was incredible, especially at the price) so they narrowed the audience and volume, but in a genius way that will keep them the most passionate fans. If they went to NAS, they would have lost the hardcore in exchange for noobies.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

sounds like they ran out of port casks, so the reused the ones they had, and matured an extra two years to make up for it. Most of the port ended up in the 12 though!

[@RyanTack1]

Scott’s reviews are starting to sound more and more like Borat. His go-to tasting note is “VERY NICE.” 😂 Hey Scott...HIGH FIVE! pics.me.me/very-nice-high-five-erator-net-35477192.png

[@ScotchTestDummies]

haha! Borat! as long as Bart and I aren't naked wrestling!

[@RyanTack1]

Scotch Test Dummies after that shirt Bart wore for the 12 hours of boom, I wouldn’t feel safe in that assumption!

[@silverlochwhiskyreviews6157]

12 is indeed better than the 14. The new 14 isn’t bad but has a thinner mouthfeel and less of the port characters. It does open up as you work through the bottle to reveal more fruitiness. It’s not bad but given a choice the 12 would be the one!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

agreed. thanks SLWC!

[@Tantrum777]

The 14 is finished longer so its strange that you get less port on the 12, fresher wetter barrels I guess. Over all though the finish time should be better in the 14, They are doin a 4 year finish time now and that is a nice long finish time. It all goes back to the quality of the barrel though. The 14 is a nice buy at 55 bucks for a 14 year old finished Scotch at 46% pretty good value I would say. Nice review Gents.

[@franklampard6316]

It all depends on the casks. 4 years in tired old barrels may not achieve the same impact as 2 years in first fill port barrels.

[@Tantrum777]

@@franklampard6316 I agree and eluded to that in my original comment. Cheers!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

thanks Jamison!

[@germantarapow9112]

Not really. I read lately that the QR12 was 10 years on exbourbon and the other 2 years on ruby port. But the QR14 aged 12 years and six months on the ex bourbon casks and 1 1/2 year on the ruby port casks. Also we should considerate those casks maybe are overused (to create the QR12) so the port influence is slightly weaker

[@4829168]

Bart of course hes on an island , Greece is all islands lol

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Bart is an island!