Signet

Soft and Gentle Ease After Dinner With a Cigar

Photo: Courtesy John DeMato

Whiskey Reviewed: Glenmorangie Signet
Distiller: Glenmorangie
Region: Highlands
Suggested Retail Price $200+
ABV: 46%
Distiller Rating: 93
USC Rating: 91

Mark’s Review

My watch read 8pm on the FIDI roof of the Club Quarters; FTNYC’s meet up for cigar and whisky fans. Our fearless leader, Matthias, bamboozled Food and Bev manager Nicholas into sharing Glenmorangie Signet. His kind heart meant the crowd owed both of them, big time.

As we drank, a group of folks shared views. Carol led our discussion, dauntless in her love of a good stick coupled with fine spirits. At once the silky nose of sweet sherry forged the path. It also was a tad confusing. We smelled a single trait without other scents. But the mouth feel gave us soft and gentle ease. Nothing rude rose to the top and, in fact, Signet charmed one and all.

The palate had those same Spanish oak flavors; uni-dimensional but balanced. The mid-length finish mirrored all aspects up to that point resulting in a pleasant sample… errrrr… three samples. We didn’t realize we refilled our glasses so many times. No after burn attacked, no smack upside the head. Just a Scotch gift that kept on giving.

It didn’t hurt that our chief’s wisdom picked the evening’s featured smoke, (Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro). More than a few wrote down notes to recall the pairing.

You’ll find this even handed dram is a great way for the Apprentice to begin their slide to Sherryland. The Enthusiast who detects that unique flavor will relish the memory. This label does what it’s designed to do and that very well.

Enjoy this non-age statement spirit after supper. A mixed drink would crush the smooth effects and such richness before a meal is unfair to the menu. Your senses want the ride to go on forever. Don’t interrupt the trip with food. Wait till dinner’s end and bring out the decanter. It won’t surprise you and your friends if you polish off the contents before the night’s done.

Where’s Carol? What did she do with the rest of the bottle?

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to:	Optimal Client Type	Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado	Apprentice	Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer	Enthusiast	Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee	Adventurer	With Food
Chameleon Lover	Hedonist	Dessert or Afterwards

Distiller rating: Freshly zested orange peels, dark malt, and winter spices take over your senses on the nose. The whisky is sweet and chocolatey and continues on the sweet side with dried fruits. The finish ends dry and not cloying. Skip the espresso; this is the whisky you want at the end of your meal.

USC Rating: A seductive nose filled with roasted cherries, french vanilla, and wisps of smoke lifts from the glass. The mouthfeel is opulent and smooth with complex flavors of cloves, marzipan and hot clay being revealed in waves. The finish is persistent.