A legacy born in the Highlands
In the rolling hills of Tain, Scotland, tucked along the windswept shores of the Dornoch Firth, sits one of the most respected names in single malt Scotch: Glenmorangie. Established in 1843 by William Matheson, Glenmorangie has come to symbolize the intersection of Highland tradition and quiet, consistent innovation. From the beginning, the distillery sought to create a whisky that was both elegant and approachable—a spirit as welcoming as the landscape around it.
Glenmorangie’s stills are famously tall—the tallest in Scotland, in fact. Originally repurposed gin stills, they now define Glenmorangie’s house style by producing a light, delicate, and floral spirit that’s instantly recognizable. These towering copper stills allow only the purest vapors to rise, leaving behind heavier compounds and ensuring a smooth, refined whisky. Add to that the crystal-clear waters of the Tarlogie Springs, rich in minerals and drawn from a private source above the distillery, and you get a recipe for a whisky that's deeply tied to its place.
A pioneer in wood finishing
When it comes to cask experimentation, Glenmorangie wasn’t just ahead of the curve—it helped shape the curve. Long before barrel finishing was a mainstream practice, Glenmorangie was already aging whisky in port pipes, sherry butts, and Sauternes wine casks, layering flavor and aroma in creative, controlled ways. This approach brought an entirely new vocabulary to Scotch: one that included chocolate, berries, spice, and even floral honeyed notes.
This legacy of innovation continues today under the guidance of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation. With a background in biochemistry and an obsessive approach to flavor, Dr. Lumsden has helped push the distillery even further—from pioneering yeast strains to launching annual experimental releases that toe the line between science and art.
And yet, despite this technical sophistication, Glenmorangie never loses sight of its roots. It’s a brand that respects time and patience. It’s also one of the few distilleries that has maintained control over its entire production process, from barley sourcing to barrel selection and maturation.
Expressions we carry at Ace Beverage
We carry a rotating but always solid Glenmorangie lineup that showcases the house style—from the citrus-forward to the wine-cask-finished to the boldly experimental. Here’s what you’ll find on our shelves:
- Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve – Aged in bourbon, new charred oak, and refill barrels. Creamy vanilla, soft spice, and a silky finish.
- Glenmorangie Original Bourbon Cask 12-Year – The signature Highland dram. Delicate, floral, with bright citrus and vanilla.
- Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14-Year – Finished in ruby port casks. Dark chocolate, orange peel, and velvety mouthfeel.
- Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or – Sauternes-cask finish. Rich, golden, and gently spiced with honeyed fruit.
- Glenmorangie “A Tale of the Forest” – Limited edition made with botanically kilned barley. Notes of pine, mint, and roasted nuts.
- Glenmorangie “The Infinita” 18-Year – Elegant and mature. Ripe stone fruit, toasted almonds, and a silky, slow finish.
Each bottle has its own mood. Whether you're looking for something easygoing or something contemplative, Glenmorangie offers a spectrum of flavor that remains unmistakably Highland.
Glenmorangie's quiet revolution
The beauty of Glenmorangie is that it doesn’t need to shout. Its reputation isn’t built on gimmicks or celebrity endorsements. Instead, it’s built on consistent craftsmanship, a relentless pursuit of flavor, and a willingness to take quiet risks. You’ll find that spirit in every bottle.
And that subtle confidence has helped Glenmorangie reach drinkers around the globe. It’s now one of the most recognized names in Scotch, yet it remains firmly rooted in its Highland community. From supporting local ecological projects to sustainable wood management in its barrel program, the distillery continues to push for balance between progress and preservation.
Why we love it
At Ace Beverage, we’re always looking for brands that balance heritage with curiosity—Glenmorangie nails that. It’s for the seasoned Scotch drinker who wants something elegant and nuanced, but also for the curious newcomer ready to take their first step into the world of single malt.
We also love how Glenmorangie makes Scotch feel personal. You don’t need a fireplace and leather-bound books to enjoy it. Just a quiet moment, a curious palate, and maybe a friend to share it with. And if you’ve never tried a port or Sauternes-finished whisky before? This is the best place to start.
Final thoughts
Glenmorangie isn’t just a Scotch—it’s a lesson in balance. Between tradition and invention. Between Highlands and the wider world. Between approachability and depth.
Whether you’re after the silky warmth of the Original, the dessert-like richness of Nectar d’Or, or the woodland mystery of “A Tale of the Forest,” Glenmorangie always delivers with subtlety, clarity, and craft.
Come by the shop. We’ll help you find the one that suits your palate—and maybe even surprise you with a new favorite.
Cocktail suggestion: Glenmorangie “Golden Dram”
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Glenmorangie Original 12-Year
- 0.5 oz honey-ginger syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Lemon peel (for garnish)
Method:
- Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
- Express lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.
Why it works: Light, floral Glenmorangie meets warm honey and a zip of citrus for a clean, elegant sipper.
