whisky review 440 - Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban comparison

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Mr. Ralfy, it might be interesting to compare the new release of the fourteen-year-old Quinta Ruban to these previous 12 year old versions. Just saying. Cheers!

[@Yong_Goh]

yes to this as well :)

[@BradKnowsAll]

Amazing review. Brilliant even! I love the way you compare them and are honest about the way they have changed !! I buy to drink, not save, and your reviews are excellent for this!! Thank you tank you thank you ...!!!

[@argelmcastillo]

Ralfy just wanted to get your feed back on the glenmorangie Nectar D'OR

[@JasonDebly]

I will give you my feedback on the Nectar D'OR: It's excellent!

[@nabicus55]

Oddly I was drinking a Glenmorangie Lasata as I viewed this blog good stuff Ralfy, as always.

[@petebrady7235]

as this is my "go to" whisky i was happy you scored it well, its a nice, easy whisky, and can be appreciated by the masses. Another great review Ralfy.

[@pulastyadave5770]

Thanks Ralfy, for yet another stellar & informative vlog. Was waiting for this one patiently as I love the quinta ruban a lot!!! Am so glad that I could relate to all your tasting notes on this one. I also felt that the quinta ruban has a nice hint of marzipan in it as well, what say? Truly a single malt that one will love to savor slowly to enjoy it even more. Thanks & Cheers!!! Keep up the good work Ralfy.

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Was that a Sean Connery impersonation at the 0:49? Hilarious! The way in which you maintain a consistently high standard and varied review simply amazes me. I appreciate many people would like Glenmorangie but I personally cannot stand their sweet sickly syrupy style. I have bought it for presents a few times and will drink “The Original” (with OU Kosher certification) if forced to. Would you recommend the Deanston Virgin Oak? I’d like to see a few more Virgin Oak reviews if you could manage that Ralfy? I suggested a while back a Malt mention of “Malty Merlin Engines”. You obviously didn’t like it. Ah well. Back to the drawing board...

[@thewhiskybothy]

better with the Deanston 12yo your M-mention is still on the (Long) list.

[@stevethompson9615]

That guy is awesome. Truly ahead of his time!!!

[@richardmasella]

Thanks for the wonderful review. Have you any plans to make a video on Glenmorangie Nectar D'or?

[@BolgOfTheNorth]

Great video Ralfy, I’ve been waiting and hoping for years for you to review Quinta Ruban, although I don’t think I’ve ever requested it (I know you don’t really do requests). I was afraid you were going to slate it but I’m pleased to see you’ve scored it pretty much the same as I have.

[@willemkilian9563]

Right now, from my perspective, this is an interesting comparison between a whisky from yesteryear and one from yester-yesteryear.

[@davidarmstrong2078]

I had that port wood finish at my sixth form leaving do about fifteen years ago. I'd love to have another go at that.

[@LesWaller]

We have a small store and they stocked the shelves with the Quinta Ruban. I thought to myself, let me see if Ralfy has a review. Sure enough, you did not disappoint. Thanks for the review.

[@DjNarda]

Tuning fork salute for review 440

[@StanislavB]

I find the quinta ruban better tasting neat which is very weird for a 46% but somehow it is more creamy and sweet. With water added I get slight acidity and sharpness coming in that I dislike. Also with water the nose gets sharp and "spirity". At least for me malt mates...

[@amandaclancy6296]

Excellent video as always Ralfy. Just a quick correction though, Glenmorangie did produce Finealta, which was lightly peated. Keep the videos coming... I'm a huge fan!

[@estnobcar]

Ralfy, between the 3 12 year single malt whiskies that Glenmorangie has, my favorite is the Nectar D'Or. Can you do a review of that one? Thanks!

[@allthrerestissilence]

Happy place..nice review.

[@Shane4Bass]

Hi Ralfy! Didn’t think you were into the fancy perfumed bottling’s of Glenmorangie (whisky review 21 & 257). positive review though, I’m glad because I like this one too!

[@slaintemhath7904]

Thank you for this review. Quinta Ruban is on my buying-list and you encouraged me to get a botte.

[@tom87856]

Great review! Ralfy, what are your thoughts regarding the Quinta Ruban's brothers (namely, the sherry-finished Lasanta and the sauternes-finished Nectar D'Or)?

[@thewhiskybothy]

decent but not as convincing as the Ruban and Original. D'Or I consider to be the better of the two you mention.

[@2000toddowen]

I could've reviewed this family line in less than 10 seconds with facial expressions alone. The last two seconds would have been a smile.

[@brennoabrahaoflores9769]

The Quinta Ruban has a new Label, has it changed only outside or is the whisky really different?

[@theskilled99]

Fascinating vid yet again ralfy. Great that the whisky is still of the same standard. I was expecting a notwhatitusedtobe video! Not sure i agree that the more alcohol=more flavour thing applies to the wine world though!

[@philipeagleton8447]

Good review Ralfy. I see the Budget was ok for drinkers, beer down again, spirits and ciders untouched, but wine goes up. Buy in before midnight on Sunday to avoid the price increase if you're partial to the grape!!!!

[@kensanders6241]

Ralphy, have you reviewed the Glenmorangie LaSanta? And in honor of your 440th vlog, here's a malt mention, 440 also being the cubic inch displacement (7,2 liters for you metric types) of the v8 engine in my '67 Chrysler 300....Mopar petrolhead malty mendicants!

[@justacouch]

Hey Ralfy - I'm not a big fan Original but I picked up a bottle of Quinta Ruban after watching your review and yes - it's good! It's priced about the same as Laphroaig 10 in Australia and available in large bottleos. Thanks for the whisky education!

[@derekg2984]

love the Quinta Ruban! Ralfy, any chance a La Santa or Nectar d'or review? Anyway keep it up love the reviews. Cheers!

[@rossfudd256]

Ralfy, Great review, got me thinking with all these experimentations have there been any experiments with an american oak barrel used to age rye whisky? What do you suppose that would impart to a un-peated standard whisky?

[@thewhiskybothy]

yes, there is ongoing experiments happening in rye maturation.

[@FromWheelerEnd]

Not bad for a "poncy" "perfume bottle" scotch, eh? ;-) I always wondered what you thought about my favourite bottle, Ralfy, and I'm glad to see it rates higher than the 10 year Glenmorangie in your opinion. Keep up the great work, man... I use your reviews as the gold standard!

[@smartass23t]

I love the original glenmorangie 10 yr old. Now I'm thinking about trying this stuff. Thanks Ralphy.

[@texlad04]

If you can pick up a bottle of the old version (packaging), I highly recommend it. Seriously.

[@xiamengbaby]

Do you think you could do a review of the now 14 year old version of Quinta Ruban?

[@newkophile3254]

Found a solitary bottle of the Glenmorangie Port Wood today for the low price of $40 American. Don't know yet whether I'll do my own comparison with the Quinta Ruban or hold on to the Port Wood as a collector's item. I have tried the Quinta and really dig it as well as the Lasanta although I've seen quite a few reviews panning the Lasanta for a perceived sulfur note/taste. Bottled at a generous 46% ABV and priced below $50 (at least where I live in south Florida), the QR and the Lasanta are quite appealing.

[@andrewkim6037]

I've never tried the Portwood, but the Quinta Rubin pleasantly surprised me. I like it much more than the Lasanta. Thanks Ralfy!

[@DMACK1981]

My favourite. I have one bottle opened, and one that I'm saving. An RCAF pilot friend picked it up for me in Scotland.

[@newfoundlander1965]

Ralfy, great review I really enjoy your take on a wide range of topics. Just wondering if you are worried about quality as your demand for volume of reviews increase. I seem to recall you being worried about a 5 minute review and now you are up into the 24 minute range. Just kidding you are definitely hitting your stride.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . all part of the journey !

[@matthewbeddow3278]

Thanks Ralfy , there is a big difference in colour would that just be the casks used?

[@colinmucha9065]

i love rhis video onhave drank glenmorangie for a while now however never heard such an excellent review ralphie you are awesome thx ☺

[@Byeohazard]

Did not see Lasanta on your review list...any chance for that one to round out the Glenmorangie reviews?

[@richardmasella]

He actually did review this one.

[@Byeohazard]

yup..just recently. Caught the review! Was great!

[@wasshannin5921]

Ralfy, if you haven't already, please do a review of Pendleton Canadian rye! Brought to you by hood river distillers from my home state of Oregon.

[@JohnsDrams]

I've been wanting to do a video waxing lyrically on sherry for. while - glad to see more fortified wine fans!

[@0Nick0]

This is now bottled at 43%. Can you do a new review?

[@Spyroman007]

I bought the portwood and sherrywood as 2 for 1 at Heathrow airport in the early 2000s when on a business trip. Sherrywood I finished the port wood still 3/4 full. So probably the Lasanta can be compared with the sherrywood ??

[@brendanr926]

Are both non-chill filtered? Great review. Thanks! I am a big fan of Glenmorangie.

[@thewhiskybothy]

both are chillfiltered to some extent.

[@borismorrison]

***** nope QUINTA RUBAN is non-chill filtered, as well as Lasanta /Nectar D'Or

[@gheorgheman5387]

Hello Ralfy - GMan here in California. I got my very first bottle of scotch just about one month ago. I discovered your vlog shortly after and my collection quickly grew to 6 bottles. I am just now starting to notice much of what you often mention about the different whiskys. I am on my 2nd bottle of Glenmorangie 18 so it must be my favorite so far. No 2nd bottles yet of any other. Any plans to review the 18? I know you favor The Original. Thanks and keep it up please... How about "malty beachbums" - lol?

[@thewhiskybothy]

happy to help with the malt-moments !

[@pdmmdk]

This is funny. I couldn't get the Balvenie Portwood, but found the Quinta Ruban on sale and bought it (just yesterday) out of curiosity. I noted that the "extra matured" is pretty much marketing b.s. but I enjoyed it very much. It poured thick into the glass (thick consistency). I got significant notes of Chocolate in the nose and the taste lasted quite long. It was very easy to drink and very smooth. I added a dash of water too at a point and it actually made it quite a bit better.

[@alistairheys938]

portwood Glenmorangie was the first single malt that I ever bought -incidently from the distillery store after going on a tour in the early 90s.

[@SaltyCuban]

I’ve had both the old and the newer 12 (now both discontinued). This was maybe 6 yrs ago. Based on recollection, I found the older one to be much more subdued. However the QR I found to be hot. A bit harsh if you will. But I found the taste very enjoyable. Bright red berries is what I remember. The old 12 was just a bit too tame and a rather short finish. I still have one bottle left. Perhaps sometime in the future I’ll open it and have a different experience. Time does alter opinions on malts (even same batches) as I’ve found out.

[@guitartricky]

I haven't had a bad Glemorangie yet but I think I like the Quinta best. All the others are not at all far behind. So far I'm very impressed with the Glenmorangie brand and line. The Original is the best bang for the buck Scotch out there IMO. I've had much worse at much higher prices. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@CaffeineInjected]

Um .. Connor MaCleod approves this whisky.

[@GeorgeZakhia]

Raffy just got a bottle of Singleton Of Dufftown 12 yrs and like it wonder if you ever reviewed it.

[@thewhiskybothy]

not yet !

[@iant88888888]

Good to know the quality hasnt dropped on this one.

[@keithkwan7510]

Hey Ralfy, Have you tried Signet? Any comments?

[@thewhiskybothy]

it's fine, but just not on my buy-list for mow.

[@jedfreeman9882]

I've done a similar tasting with Cutty Sark. A recent bottling (well, a few years ago it was) and something from the 60's. Remarkably similar.

[@goncalomatias3506]

So, malt master friend, I'm in the middle of a Glendronach 12 years old to find what is the "sherry cask" all about. I'm thinking about adding to my dictionary a "Port cask". I saw this review and went to invest in this God's nectar. But, when I was about to take it, the seller advise me (because I already went to Lagavulin?) Cragganmore Destiller's edition. So, Ralfy, in your most expertise, which would you choose: this un-chill filtered, uncolored, 46% or this or the 40% unknown filtration/colour Diageo malt?

[@RocasThePenguin]

Ralfy, please stop mentioning Bladnoch. I shed a tear when I hear the name, as I miss it so much. Been stocking up like mad.

[@bbasidium7018]

Ralfy does Scotch Whisky law cover what "Cask" strength? Does Cask Strength mean straight from the barrel strength - or can the distillery add any water to it? I've noticed Cask Strengths in the 50's to the 60's so I'm wondering if water can be added. Thank you sir.

[@thewhiskybothy]

cask strength can mean anything over 40% and not necessarily the strength from the cask.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Hi Ralfy, What is your standard for Islay single malt?

[@moodyplus]

That was a long review! I love long finish and some peat/smoke, should I go for this?

[@thewhiskybothy]

+moody . . . no peat/smoke here !

[@moodyplus]

***** Not many options here, there's only Caol Ila 12 and Ardbeg 10, Glenfarclas 12 is out of stock. I guess I have to settle between Aberlour 12 or Dalwhinnie 16.

[@iant88888888]

Peat fades with age so fairly young whiskeys have more of a punch. I have a Caol Ila 8 year old signatory in my cellar for a special occasion on the market at the moment for about £55 if you google it.

[@moodyplus]

I don't understand what you're trying to say? Peat fades with age?

[@iant88888888]

A 10 year old laphroig will have more peat taste than a 30 year old laphroig because the barrel absorbs the taste/smell of peat.

[@taycheeboon8308]

Hi Ralfy, would you mind voicing your thoughts on the Scottish independence?

[@thewhiskybothy]

proving to be a very responsible decision for a nation of people not used to being responsible for decisions. Interesting times.

[@simontompkins7804]

What about the new 12 year Vs the even newer 14 year?

[@Tenkai917]

A tiny dash of water seems to open up the Quinta Ruban considerably. I found all of Glenmorangie's finishes to be enjoyable, but this one intrigues me the most.

[@kellydrover1994]

Hi Ralfy thanks for another wonderful malt moment. I sit here drinking a dram of Quinta Ruban and find myself put off by huge wafts of cabbage and sulphur on the nose and taste. I have never been intolerant to an occasional waft of sulphur before in whisky or wine, but this I find distracting. Did you or has anyone else found this or maybe I have a bad batch? This really could be a nice experience but the cabbage and sulfur just pull this whisky down. :-(

[@albertmiller3082]

Ouch! Sounds like a bum bottle surely. Don't lose faith, it happens...

[@SaltyCuban]

Oddly enough that touch of cabbage and sulfur note was in an early bottle of Craigellachie 13 I once had. It’s what endeared me to that bottle. Go figure.

[@heyitsmekid]

I have never had the original port wood but the new Quinta Ruban Glenmorangie is one of my favorite scotches. Not too expensive either comparatively speaking. Love the Original 10 year also. Tastes much older than 10 years. I much prefer the Glenmorangie 10 over other 10 year scotches like Macallan for example.

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

I saw the Quinta Ruban and the Lasanta on the shelf same price and % I grabbed the lasanta {which was Great} what gets a higher mark?

[@sstoyano]

Ralfy, you got the charcoal (slight smoke) notes in the newer version right on. Sadly, for me those notes dominated all else. Sharp contrast between nose and taste.

[@RadioLaboratory]

GQR12yo = Port Monster ?? Gud usefull info Ralfy... thnx! L8r

[@ChenderitSchool]

Ralfy. You are the whisky czar. The voice of reason in the forest of whisky mystery. I've had to forswear the nectar for a year. Have you you ever been close to that. There's a strange land where you don't know whether you've had enough and when you have. What's your acid test?

[@WALDAWG439]

Great bottle from Glenmorangie. Really like this and the Nectar D'or.

[@malleyland5112]

Rally. Yer didn't give a score on the older bottle? Would have been a good comparator as it was a comparison.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Mal Leyland . . . additional one point for the older version. The newer bottling is really quite decent.

[@malleyland5112]

Only one point! You seem a lot fonder of the old bottle and seem to remember you saying that the newer Glenmorangie flavours where a bit ponsey. With that in mind should the older bottle not have wiped the floor with it?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I review as I find, there's no other way to do it ! both versions have their individual merits in the experience of smell and taste.

[@chrish12345]

if portwood gives of so much colour, maybe its odd that they don't use that instead of adding caramel? (maybe its too 'red'?)

[@chrish12345]

* I mean distilleries in general

[@Kit_Bear]

I prefer the port wood, it's one of my most favourite memories, it really leaves an impression.

[@someonesdad5986]

Being Scottish you may not recognize this particular flavor note that I got Ralfy: Red Man chewing tobacco. Being that Red Man was the first chew I tried at 14 and it made me vomit, that might seem negative but it ent. I don't chew very often, but when I do I chew Red Man and it is unique. Vegetal, sugary, molasses, and a bit cloying in the pits of your mouth near the lower molars. Great stuff.

[@JohnnyH1982]

I really like the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, the only other Portwood Single Malt I have tried is the Arran Port Cask Finish, which while harsh up front, is a nice dram. It think I prefer Glenmorangie, as it has more Port in the flavour/finish than Arran's version.

[@FromWheelerEnd]

To me, the Quinta Ruban is the quintessential portwood single-malt (and my favourite scotch whisky at that). That said, the Balvenie Portwood is worth a try if you can buy it buy the dram. A little pricey for a bottle, but it's like biting into a dark chocolate cherry cordial.

[@PeatSmokey]

Hello Ralfy. Have you ever seen the movie, "My Own Private Idaho" a wee older movie but one I think you might find oddly entertaining! GQR is on sale this month so I'm convinced I need this chappy in the cabinet. Thanks mate. Peace

[@mirqo9685]

Thx Ralfy.

[@Local.Hammer82]

I thought i smelled something very familiar could not put a finger on it.....dude u nailed it! (BUFFALO TRACE)

[@BJJandBS]

Solid 92 from me. Great dram

[@JETJOOBOY]

They have changed the label... It is now Black and states 12 years old and Non Chill Filtered... I will let you know when it turns up!

[@youngh902]

Love your reviews Ralfy. Very informative stuff! I'm definitely a whisky newbie but I really like the Quinta Ruban. I really enjoy the dark chocolate and dark coffee taste. Can you or other experienced whisky aficionados please recommend similar drams? Or better yet, I want to step up to the big boy leagues, so what should I be trying next?

[@thewhiskybothy]

Glenfarclas 12yo then Springbank 12yo

[@youngh902]

Thank you for the recommendation. I live in Vancouver, Canada which is a scotch wasteland. The one decent scotch bar I went to ran out of Springbank. But I did try the Glenfarclas 17 yo. They also ran out of the 12 yo. The 17 yo is absolutely amazing. I also tried the GlenDronach 12 yo. Wow, talk about first world problems. I love them both equally only reason I am leaning towards the GlenDronach 12 yo is because it is really good value for money. But I definitely wouldn't kick the Glenfarclas 17 yo out of bed!

[@manuelbanda7492]

+ralfystuff interesting. I really love this Quinta Ruban Label, so Glenfarclas 12 is any good? I enjoy Balvenie 12 and Clynelish 14 as well.

[@birstallblue]

Thanks ralfy

[@terrypk1]

Dear Ralfy when you speak of port...i think it's better to not refer it as white vs red port, because wineries like taylor fladgate makes white wine port...which is easily confused with what you said of whtie= tawny port. if i understand correctly. but this is awesome content THANK YOU

[@brunomartins3419]

Tawny port is not a white port. Is the same red wine of the ruby, but maturated in small casks... more wood contact surface...so... more brown and much more oak influence in smell and taste.

[@mirqo9657]

Ralfy malt mate..you have mentioned "2014" for the "Quinta ruban" version. Is that an actuall year of the bottling of that particular bottle of "Quinta Ruban" (code L 14..)? Bye.

[@mirqo9657]

Oh..it is actually written just above..so 2013 version it is! :-).

[@shuboy05]

Ralfy, I've read that Glenmorangie does peat their malted barley (no numbers but it's probably under 2 parts per million). This is, naturally, so miniscule that no one really notices it.

[@albertmiller3082]

My copy of the book Whiskey In Your Pocket (Waverly Bks) page 92 is devoted to Glenmorangie & Ralfy is right, Glenmorangie is unpeated. The bk has a page for each single malt, a color photo of bottle & box, & a series of stats & facts for each distiller.

[@shuboy05]

albert miller Interesting. I seem to recall reading somewhere that Glenmo uses a very tiny amount of peated malt that drinkers wouldn't notice upon tasting. Now I need to go find my source.

[@GeordieSteel]

I may be just nit-picking, but I'm also quite a fan of vintage port and in Portugal, their vinyards are pronounced KIN'TA, ;) Great video though

[@exxocognac]

The Quinta Ruban is a nice change of pace and well made. Consider adding 2 drops of a good port to your dram ( I add Sandeman Founders Reserve). I find this intensifies the experience without compromising The whiskey. Somehow this works very well for Port, but I wouldn't add sherry to a sherried-cask scotch.

[@cstrand29]

I personally found a buttery tequila note, not in a bad way, after months of the Quinta Ruban sitting around.

[@1954BJohn]

For me Ralfy for the last 40 years, being south of the border, its always been pronounced as Glen - more - ran - g.....each to their own though.

[@liljnnaps1]

He dosnt know shet aye

[@MoveOverCasanova]

now even he´s getting cynical - what in the world.......i just say a majority of pissed scotsmen can´t be wrong, so kilts up to the quinta lasanta della d´oré --- great review horst äääh larpfh

[@carywatmore]

My favourite of the 1990s wood finishes was the burgundy wood then followed by the port wood. I wonder if the QUINTA Ruban difference in colour is due to wood? Don't know why glenmorangie still insists on giving their whiskies a fake tan and then try to BS us about the natural colour - see their review on youtube about the 18 yo. The visit any German website selling the 18 yo and notice the coloring added statement. Talk about getting caught with your underpants down :-) rant over

[@freddiet8639]

Couldn't decide between macallan 12 sherry and quinta reuben 14 and i went with the quinta hope I made the right decision Edit: the macallan was 70 and the Glenmorainge was 50 UK price.

[@Cdubp01]

I grew up on Mac 12, even had a bottle or two of Mac 18. But I can tell you, to be honest I think I enjoy the Quinta more! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stephenlucas5002]

At £40.95 from Whisky Exchange that's 2.17 Ralfypoints per £ for the Quinta Rubin. Not bad, but a long way behind the 3.14 points/£ obtainable from Benromach 12yo @43% !

[@MacMichael267]

A bit misty, that picture, innit?

[@carywatmore]

Glenmorangie - 18 YO with Andy MacDonald Andy MacDonald tries to convince us that the 18 yo has natural colour

[@stevewalther9965]

The Qiunta Ruban is delicious.

[@Hogibaer]

Did not think the Quinta Ruban was that good, a very drinkable dram. I only tried & liked the Astar (r.i.p.) and Nectar d'Or before. Fortunately got myself some bottles on sale before the (supposedly quite irrationally big) Glenmorangie price raise a retailer told me about.

[@CaptTerrific]

Despite the name, I somehow feel this whisky may be a bit too strong to enjoy on the beaches of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo

[@texlad04]

I find the Quinta a bit too crude for my taste. Across the board, the old generation of Glenmo was a much more elegant product. I could drink the old 15 every day, but sadly it's just not possible. The older version of the 10 year was a lovely fragrant spirit; side by side, the new one is simpler, rougher, and less complex. Sad.

[@thewhiskybothy]

good point !

[@hess6wi]

White port can be very good!

[@NiallBenzie]

Glenmorangie Finealta is peated.

[@thewhiskybothy]

your right, I forgot about that one, time to amend by annotatiion, Thanks for the flag !

[@shuboy05]

And a pretty good whisky too. Finealta seemed to be emulating Highland Park's taste profile.