Glenmorangie The Original 12 Year Review: A Bourbon Drinker’s Bridge to Single Malt Scotch

For bourbon drinkers, the leap into single malt Scotch may seem like a big one. With that big, bad, and scary word—peat—standing between them and the category, whether for good reason or simply because of preconceived notions (hint: a lot of Scotch is unpeated!), many bourbon drinkers never give Scotch a fair shot. But for those who are malt-curious, the question then is this: where to begin? There isn't really a right way to bridge this gap, but there are perhaps wrong turns that could have a bourbon drinker running back toward the comforting blue grasses of Kentucky.

If this is starting to feel less like a whisky review and more like a pseudo-therapy session for bourbon drinkers, well, you're not too far off. As someone who wholeheartedly admits to taking a completely wrong turn upon first journeying amongst the malts, I can confidently say that I did find my bridge, eventually. It took some time and convincing, but I found it, and, as such, I'm always on the lookout for easy bridges to traverse into the land of malts—with the sole purpose of harassing my fellow bourbon drinkers out of their comfort zone.

And what better way to take the leap than with a Scotch whisky that spent 12 years maturing in used bourbon casks? Glenmorangie did just that with the latest release of their reimagined signature single malt titled 'The Original'.

Love vanilla notes? Come closer. Enjoy those whimsical honey tones? Lean in a little further. Worried that the lower ABV will leave the mouthfeel watery and the flavor lacking? Prepare for a paradigm shift. Ready to taste the familiar while witnessing an intricate dance of silky fruit and pot still malt? Then perhaps it's time to cross that bridge.

Before I dive into this tasting, I’d like to thank the folks at Glenmorangie for the opportunity to experience The Original. In accordance with Amongst the Whiskey's editorial policy, this review comes with no strings attached. I tasted on three separate occasions on a sober palate, allowing myself the time and space to experience the whisky thoughtfully and independently.

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Company on Label: Glenmorangie

Whiskey Type: Highland single malt Scotch whisky

Mash Bill Percentages: 100% malted barley

Proof: 80° (40%)

Age: 12 years

MSRP: $110.99

Further Identification: This expression was aged for 12 years in a used bourbon cask

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Nose: Silky and sweet, with a distinct cereal note that reminds me of what lingers at the bottom of a bowl of Frosted Flakes. There’s also a quality of sea air here—slightly briny, lightly floral, and threaded with lovely tropical fruit, particularly orange and peach. It’s remarkably approachable, with a wisp of waxiness and the sticky sweetness of honeycomb. Deeper inhales reveal something slightly synthetic, perhaps a cotton-like quality or an extension of the waxy character I noticed earlier. Overall, the nose is beautifully balanced, moving between sweet vanilla, tropical fruit, and the faintest hint of saltiness.

Returning after a few sips only amplifies the aromas in my nostrils. Each note I initially found seems richer, as though someone has turned the dial to high definition. It’s velvety and luscious, and I find myself wishing the palate could deliver that same silky texture. As I continue to sip and explore, an earthy quality begins to emerge, evoking tropical flowers and a coarse, sandy peach on an overcast day—humid, but cool. It’s an intriguing evolution, with each return to the glass revealing something a little different.

Palate: Hm, that’s nice. Silky on the tongue, just as the nose suggested, with a lively and welcoming effervescence. Vanilla and honey lead the way, quickly transforming into sweet orange candy and fresh slices of juicy peach before finishing with a touch of oak spice, expressed here through cinnamon and tongue tickles. Additional sips remain remarkably consistent, with the peach note taking center stage. Think grilled peaches slowly caramelizing as their natural sugars begin to ooze and intensify. Gosh, I sure do love a whisky that stands strong and true to its tasting notes, and this is absolutely one of them. Nothing feels disjointed or difficult to tease apart. Instead, each flavor arrives with clarity, making the experience all the more enjoyable. My final taste remains beautifully balanced while offering a little more than I initially experienced, leaving my tongue with pops of black pepper tucked between bursts of juicy peach and sweet vanilla.

TL;DR: A satisfying whisky that delivers exactly what it promises, sip after sip

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Rating: 4/5

Really good. I want one of these on my shelf.

If you're a bourbon drinker who has yet to venture into single malt Scotch, Glenmorangie is a great place to begin. It may not taste like bourbon, but it offers enough familiar territory to make bridging the gap feel a little less daunting. It may even leave you wondering why you waited so long to explore the category in the first place.

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WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH

With what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the industry's passion, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose, expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

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