Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 12 Year is the original black label, port cask finished expression that helped define the modern wine cask finished single malt category. Distilled at Glenmorangie's Tain distillery in Ross shire using the tallest pot stills in Scotland, this single malt spends its first 10 years maturing in American white oak ex bourbon casks before a 2 year extra maturation in hand selected ruby Port pipes imported from the finest Quintas, the wine estates of Portugal's Douro Valley. The result is Glenmorangie's signature honeyed, fruity Highland character lifted with red and dark fruit, mint chocolate, and a velvety port driven richness. Bottled non chill filtered at 46% ABV with no artificial colouring, this is the discontinued 2 year port pipe finish version, replaced in summer 2019 by the 14 Year green label edition with an extended 4 year port finish, making the original 12 Year increasingly collectible.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Glenmorangie |
| Distillery |
Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, Ross-shire |
| Type |
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Region |
Highlands, Scotland |
| Age |
12 Years |
| Cask |
10 years American White Oak Ex Bourbon, finished 2 years in Ruby Port Pipes |
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Filtration |
Non Chill Filtered |
| Colouring |
No Artificial Colouring |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Packaging |
Bottle in Black Gift Carton |
| Status |
Discontinued, replaced by Quinta Ruban 14 Year in 2019 |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with reddish copper highlights from the ruby port maturation.
Nose: Sticky dried dark fruit, raisin, cherry, and copper, layered with caramel, vanilla taffy, cocoa, and a hint of mint.
Palate: Smooth and rounded, showing dried orchard fruit, dark chocolate, gentle oak, roasted malt, and a touch of orange peel against the signature Glenmorangie honey sweetness.
Finish: Long and warming, with dried fruit and citrus peel fading into baking spice and a soft chocolate mint close.
FAQ
What is the difference between Quinta Ruban 12 Year and 14 Year? Glenmorangie upgraded Quinta Ruban from 12 to 14 Years in summer 2019, extending the port pipe finish from 2 to 4 years and changing the packaging from black to green. The 12 Year is the original, now discontinued version, slightly lighter, fresher, and crisper than the deeper, more port forward 14 Year. Compare with the current Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year if you prefer a heavier port profile.
What does Quinta Ruban mean? The name combines Portuguese and Gaelic. Quinta refers to the wine estates in Portugal's Douro Valley where ruby port is produced, and Ruban is Gaelic for ruby, the style of port wine used to finish this whisky.
What are ruby Port pipes? Port pipes are tall, tapered casks from Portugal traditionally used to mature ruby port wine. At roughly 130 US gallons each, they impart a measured, elegant fruit influence that adds red and dark fruit notes without overpowering the underlying single malt.
Where can I buy Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
