In the Spirit is a series exploring the finer flavors of spirits and liqueurs – and where you can find them in Columbus.
I wasn’t planning to write about Glenmorangie’s Quinta Ruban when I initially sat down to enjoy a glass, but then it knocked my socks off and I knew I had to share it with as wide an audience as possible.
Quinta Ruban is a 10 year old highland single malt that is taken from its oaky home and piped into used port barrels to finish its maturation. It is that finishing touch that makes this a special whiskey. When pouring, the first thing you notice is the slight orange coloring that is apparently what happens when you put whiskey in wine barrels and let it rest there for a few years. The color is not at all off putting, instead serving as a bellweather for the unique experience to come. Make no mistake, you will know you are drinking scotch, and a very nice scotch indeed, but there is so much going on here you will be forgiven if you forget for a moment.
With a bouquet of mint, bitter oranges and a hint of jasmine (yes I said jasmine), Quinta Rubin hits the palate with a flash of heat upon which rides a citrusy and nutty flavored whisky. There is definitely some cocoa in there as well hanging out with the smoke. This is a very supple whiskey that plays with your taste buds instead of subduing them.
For me it was enjoyed in a glass with one ice cube. Halfway through I grabbed a square of sea salt infused dark chocolate and proceeded to lose myself in the experience. If it weren’t February I would have added a cigar into the mix, and then I am sure you couldn’t have removed the smile from my face with a pickaxe.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is available at Columbus area Kroger and Giant Eagle liquor stores, as well as Europia Wine & Spirits, Huffman’s Market and Weiland’s Gourmet Market.
Although sacrilege to some, this is a scotch that can really stand up to use in a cocktail, especially the right cocktail. Playing up its citrus nature, I say try it in a Scotch Cocktail, the bitters really brings this already very good whiskey to new heights.
Quinta Scotch Cocktail
1 ice cube in the bottom of a rocks glass
1 sugar cube
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters directly onto the aforementioned sugar cube.
2 oz. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Muddle. Add more ice if desired (not too much I beg of you), stir and enjoy.
creative commons photo credit: csaila
This is a guest post by Gerard Hennelly. Gerard is a native Bostonian who has called the Columbus area home since 1998. A married father of two, he has enjoyed spirits on four continents, sometimes straight from the bottle and more than once in contravention with existing laws. He firmly believes that Johnny Walker Blue should be free.