July 2019 – Ardbeg & Glenmorangie

For our July tasting The Waterford Whiskey Society were thrilled to host Paul Tuohy who gave us a very lively and animated introduction to our first scotch tasting showcasing the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg ranges.

We started off with the Glenmorangie range located in the Highlands of Scotland. In 1843, William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Inspired by the Distillery’s peaceful surroundings on the banks of the Dornoch Firth, he brought forth a pioneering single malt whisky wonderfully complex and exceptionally smooth. They pride themselves on their unique scotch due to hard limestone water filtering down from the peaty mountains surrounding the distillery. Adding to the taste is the use of old gin stills and twice used casks. Dr. Bill, their master blender is truly a magician in his scotch creations.

Paul started off with the Glenmorangie Original, a ten-year-old single malt matured in ex bourbon cask made from Ozark mountain wood. Next, we moved on to the truly exceptional Glenmorangie 14-year-old Quinta Ruban aged first in bourbon casks and finished in Quinta transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing.

Next Paul introduced us to the Ardbeg range based in Islay, a true ambush on the taste buds after the gentle Glenmorangie range. We started with the Ardbeg 10-year-old, revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. At 55 ppm it definitely packs a punch but gives way to subtle flavours and a sweetness that is unexpected. Finally, we tasted the Ardbey, An Oa a blend of 9 year to 14-year-old scotch from several cask types – including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others.

A lively discussion followed, and the Glenmorangie 18-year-old was voted the favorite of the evening. Thanks Paul for a great night!