Let me begin by stating that a bottle like this is far from an everyday indulgence for me, so it’s worth putting the price of the Glenmorangie Signet into context. At $250, it’s roughly half the cost of a decent large-screen TV, equivalent to a high-quality set of headphones, or enough to run your air conditioning all day, every day, for an entire month during the heat of summer. The man behind this exceptional whisky is Dr. Bill Lumsden, the head of Glenmorangie and, yes, his PhD is in whisky production. Signet is his brainchild, and it represents more than simply slapping a 20-something age statement on the bottle and letting consumers assume the whisky’s quality.
Rather than taking the easy route, Signet is a bold exploration—a demonstration of Lumsden’s pursuit to determine which traditions to honor and which rules to break in creating a truly remarkable whisky, made on his terms. Since its debut in 2008, Signet has earned a devoted following, with glowing reviews accompanying each release. When I first encountered it, I admit a part of me was hoping it would be merely “good”—pleasant but unremarkable. But that was not the case … the Signet is nothing short of outstanding.
Glenmorangie uses a distinctive strain of barley known as “chocolate malt” in Signet, and the description proves to be spot-on. The whisky offers a rich, velvety chocolate flavor that runs through the entire experience, serving as its defining feature. The nose presents a Nutella-like richness, mingling with a delightful nuttiness, evoking the warmth of a sweet, carb-heavy breakfast—essentially dessert by another name. The process begins with filling approximately 270 toasted oak barrels with a spirit aged at least for over 10 years. However, this particular batch differs from the typical 10-year-old whisky, as it contains the chocolate malt. The whisky matures in these toasted barrels for at least two years, during which a portion of the liquid, known as the “angel’s share,” evaporates. This evaporation process, a natural part of maturation, results in a reduction of the whisky to roughly 167 full barrels before it is transferred to a blending tank.
Once blended and allowed to briefly marry, the whisky is then placed into a variety of barrels for further maturation, a process that lasts anywhere from six months to three years. After this period, the barrels are emptied and the contents are blended together. While the whisky is generally understood to hover around 15-20 years of age, no specific age is indicated on the bottle, as the focus is on achieving a desired flavor profile rather than adhering to a particular age statement.
This exceptional whisky is the result of blending malts from two distinct types of barley: the single-estate Cadboll variety and malted chocolate barley, which is typically used in craft beers. The Signet is distilled twice through Glenmorangie’s copper pot stills by a dedicated team of 16 distillers, known as the “Sixteen Men of Tain,” and is then aged in specially crafted American virgin oak casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV with no chill filtration, preserving the whisky’s full flavor profile.
Although it carries no official age statement, it is believed that some of the whisky in the Signet comes from Glenmorangie’s rare and oldest stocks, with some expressions dating back 35-40 years. This Highland single malt is beautifully packaged and stunningly presented, embodying a level of quality and sophistication that sets it apart. Lumsden himself has described it as the culmination of a lifetime of experimentation and innovation in whisky making.
The hard work paid off, as Signet earned Whisky of the Year honors in the same year that Lumsden was named Master Distiller of the Year at the 2016 International Whisky Competition. The name “Signet” is derived from the intricate square design that adorns most Glenmorangie bottles, inspired by the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a Pictish artifact dating back to around 800 AD.
So, what will I do with this newfound appreciation for Glenmorangie Signet? As much as my wallet may protest, I know that I will inevitably return to this exceptional whisky in the future. Like all the best whiskies, there comes a point when mere memories can no longer satisfy the desire. A quiet voice in your head starts to ask, “Do you remember how incredible that whisky was?” And eventually, that voice becomes impossible to ignore.
I can also tell you this: The initial sticker shock does fade, provided you’re able to afford a bottle like this on occasion. Long after the money has been spent, the whisky remains—always ready to be enjoyed on a special day, whether you’re sharing it with a loved one, a great friend, or even just savoring it alone because you truly deserve the indulgence.
Nose: The nose opens with chocolate raisins and sugared citrus peel, accompanied by toasted spices, bread and butter pudding, and golden syrup. There’s a delicate coconut and toasted marshmallow undertone, with coffee, caramel and honey. A chocolate-mint note tempts you to sip, while a cherry dessert and forest honey evokes festive warmth. A captivating nose.
Palate: The whisky delivers on its promise with a chewy malt, balanced by cocoa and cinnamon. It then reveals chocolate, graham cracker and mint, like a rich chocolate mousse pie. A truly indulgent experience.
Finish: Medium to long, with a subtle warmth from the spices, complemented by a soft, lingering sweetness that rounds out the experience. The balance of sweetness and spice persists, leaving a lasting impression that invites another sip.
Final Thoughts: Amazingly consistent flavors from nose to finish. This whisky is not overly complex, but it’s beautifully balanced, with sweetness, spice and a touch of saltiness. The use of wood and smoke is masterful, and the combination of char and liqueur-like qualities works surprisingly well. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Given more time and a larger pour, you’d likely uncover more flavors. This whisky is both complex and satisfying, a true testament to its craftsmanship.
Distiller: Glenmorangie
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Region: Highland
Age: N/A
Cask Type: New Charred Oak and ex-Bourbon
Abv: 46%
Volume: 750ml
Price: $250
This chocolate-flavored Scotch whisky can be beautifully connected to Jewish traditions through its craftsmanship and complexity. The rich, indulgent flavors of cocoa and spice mirror the deep cultural heritage of Judaism, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Just as Jewish celebrations often center around sharing food and drink with loved ones, this whisky offers a luxurious experience that complements festive meals, creating a moment of connection and reflection. Its balance of sweetness and warmth evokes the sense of community and togetherness that is central to Jewish gatherings.
