Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve Whisky Packs a Punch (Review)

It's time to take a closer look at the Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve. Most recent releases from Glenmorangie tend to carry a fairly steep price tag. Therefore, we're glad to get our hands on something more reasonably priced. Curious how it tastes? Find out in this Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve review.

Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is a marriage of whiskies from three different types of casks. These are ex-bourbon casks, new American oak, and rye whisky casks.

The whisky has matured separately in these casks and was later blended. What we're particularly interested in is the influence of the rye casks, as these should give this drink a spicy depth. As a result, this whisky is distinctly different from the other whiskies in Glenmorangie's core range.

Usually, the whiskies from there mature in ex-bourbon casks before they spend a few years in a different kind of cask for finishing. Think of the 12-year-old Lasanta that finally matured in sherry casks. Or how about the 14-year-old Quinta Ruban with a finish in port casks?

The Triple Cask Reserve breaks this pattern and is considered an introductory expression with an accessible price tag.

By the way, this is not the first time that Glenmorangie has experimented with ex-rye casks. Spìos, released in 2018 as part of Glenmorangie Private Edition series, was a single malt that matured entirely in ex-rye casks.

At the end of the day, the whisky’s taste is what matters. So let's try this beautiful Highland dram. We pour a glass and notice that the nose opens up subtly, making the influence of the rye barrels immediately noticeable.

A pleasant spiciness combined with ripe plums and pears is prominent, while in the background, woody and earthy aromas are to be discovered.

We take a sip and notice that the texture is somewhat oily. The taste is deeper and richer than the nose suggests. The spiciness is found here too, along with earthy flavors, such as tobacco and leather filtered through plums and nectarines.

The finish is brief with flavors of bitter chocolate surrounded by a palette of spices. This whisky is bottled at 40% and thus, we do not add any water for further tasting. The whisky tastes good as is.

Glenmorangie's new Triple Cask Reserve is an excellent addition to their core range. The combination of different cask types has created a beautiful profile, and as an 'entry level' whisky, it surpasses all expectations. Especially the influence of the rye casks is noticeable, without being overwhelming.

If you are not a fan of rye whisky, this whisky may not appeal to you. But for those interested in rye whisky, this Glenmorangie expression gives a mild introduction to its typical flavors.

While it may not be the most elegant dram, for around 35 euros per bottle, it offers excellent value for money and something unique among Glenmorangie's other expressions.

+ Fragrance and flavor naturally complement each other

+ Interesting combination of casks

+ Beautiful colour

+ Excellent value for money

-Rye flavors may not be everyone's cup of tea