With two extra years in cask since 2024, the Highland single malt received 91 to 93 points from three critics
Glenmorangie The Original is the entry-level single malt from the Glenmorangie distillery, in Scotland's Highlands. For decades it was sold as a 10-year-old; in early July 2024, the brand announced it would bottle it at 12 years old, according to the Scotch Malt Whisky website. The whisky is aged in American oak casks that previously held bourbon, first- and second-fill, comes from stills the distillery presents as the tallest in Scotland and is bottled at 40% ABV. Below is what named critics have published about the new version.
William Morrison, of the Scotch Malt Whisky website, gave it 93 points in October 2024. He found creamy vanilla, orange and peach on the nose, with toffee, honey and oak in the background; on the palate, spiced vanilla, orange, toasted oak, honey and, at the end, peach and almond. For him, the two extra years brought a more bourbon-like side, with more wood and spice, without losing the orange and vanilla. He said the 12-year-old will replace the old 10-year-old as his everyday whisky.
Jonny McCormick, of Whisky Advocate, gave it 91 points in the Fall 2024 issue. He describes ripe orange and peach, honey, vanilla cream, wood spice and floral notes on the nose, and lemon, apricot, peach, orange, cinnamon and banana bread on the palate. Compared with the old 10-year-old, he writes, the ripe fruit and creaminess come through more, and the floral and vanilla notes less.
Aaron Goldfarb, of VinePair, also gave it 91 points, in September 2026. He notes a citrusy nose, vanilla and sweet stone fruit on the palate and a mildly spicy finish reminiscent of cinnamon candy. He also observes that the whisky has a creamy texture despite its lower strength.
All three critics mention orange or citrus, vanilla and stone fruit, such as peach and apricot. The two who compared it with the old version note a change with the extra years: more ripe fruit and creaminess, for McCormick; more wood and spice, for Morrison.
Sources: Scotch Malt Whisky (October 7, 2024), Whisky Advocate (Fall 2024), VinePair (September 9, 2026).
