Some bottles are bought for tasting. Others are bought for collecting. But every now and then, a bottle enters your life with a purpose far more meaningful. A couple of years ago, my wife and I purchased one such whisky—Glenmorangie Signet—not for review, not for display, but to mark a milestone.
At the time, I was deep into a Glenmorangie phase (a fondness that still holds strong, though my whisky world has expanded significantly since). I first encountered the Signet on The Three Drinkers on Amazon, where its rich profile and luxurious reputation instantly captivated me. It felt like a bottle worthy of something special.
So we made a pact: my wife would open the Signet on the night we found out we were expecting our first child.
Last May, that moment arrived.
I poured a quiet celebratory dram, posted a cryptic “If you know, you know” message on Instagram, and returned the bottle to the shelf—saving the second pour for the day our child would finally be here. And on January 29th, that day came. I became the proud father of a beautiful baby boy.
And so, with a heartfelt toast to my son—may life bring him all the joy and wonder it can—let’s dive into my long-awaited Glenmorangie Signet review.
Tasting Notes: Glenmorangie Signet
Whisky Stats
- Age: NAS
- ABV: 46%
- Distillery: Glenmorangie
- Natural Colour: No
- Chill-Filtered: No
Nose
Bringing the glass toward your nose feels like stepping into a traditional dunnage warehouse—cool, earthy, and rich with evaporating malt. Immediately, deep notes of red fruits rise from the Oloroso influence, joined by dark vanilla from the American white oak. Then comes what Signet is famous for: those luxurious freshly ground coffee aromas from the chocolate malt.
It is a nose full of depth and warmth—layered, inviting, and unmistakably Glenmorangie.
Palate
The first sip lands with an elegance that stops you for a moment. Mocha, candied tangerines, and nutmeg-infused kumquats (yes, they’re really there) swirl together before evolving into a richer wave of dark chocolate, warming spice, and Turkish delight.
There’s a gentle lift of mint that keeps things fresh, followed by a subtle lemon-drop zing that brightens the entire mid-palate. It’s a dance—graceful, refined, and beautifully choreographed.
Finish
The finish is long, yet soft-spoken. Mint leaves, liquorice root, and a soothing ginger-honey tea expression slowly fade over time, drifting away in a calm decrescendo of warmth and spice.
It’s the kind of finish that invites reflection—fitting for the moment I opened it.
Verdict
A whisky as elegant as Glenmorangie Signet deserves tasting notes that honour its depth, and I hope I’ve captured at least a glimpse of the magic inside this bottle. Going into this second dram, I’ll admit I had my doubts. Since buying the Signet, several higher-priced “top tier” bottles have found their way onto my shelf, and part of me wondered whether this one would still shine—or if I should’ve chosen something else for such a meaningful moment.
But I needn’t have worried.
Glenmorangie Signet is nothing short of outstanding. It delivers complexity without chaos, luxury without pretension, and elegance without sacrificing intensity. It is the rare whisky that feels both indulgent and balanced—rich, layered, and impeccably crafted.
The Good
- A flavour profile of incredible depth and harmony.
The interplay of chocolate malt, mocha, spice, citrus, red fruits, and Turkish delight creates a multi-layered palate that evolves beautifully from nose to finish. Few whiskies manage this degree of complexity while remaining so graceful and approachable. - Exceptional balance and elegance.
Every note is purposeful, nothing dominates, and the transitions from aroma to taste to finish feel seamless. This is craftsmanship at its finest. - A genuine “occasion whisky.”
It’s a dram that elevates moments, not just palates.
The Bad
- The price tag—though not unreasonable—sits firmly in premium territory.
Signet is undeniably expensive, and that may give some whisky fans pause. But here’s the truth: for what it offers, the price feels justified. It’s a whisky that tastes every bit as luxurious as its cost suggests, and then some. If you’re looking for a bottle that genuinely delivers on its promise, this one does.
In short, even with its premium price, Glenmorangie Signet remains a remarkable whisky well worth experiencing. It has been a joy to review—both as a whisky lover and as a new father celebrating one of life’s greatest gifts.
So here’s to Glenmorangie, here’s to Signet, and here’s—once more—to my beautiful son.
