Whisky Review: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Highland Single Malt Scotch

Introduction

We’re revisiting an old favorite this week: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, a Highland scotch finished in Ruby Port casks, now boasting a 14-year age statement. Back in 2019, we reviewed the then-12-year version as part of a Glenmorangie sampler pack, and Quinta Ruban stood out as an incredible value. With the upgrade to 14 years and a retail price of around $70, we’re eager to see how it holds up after all these years and whether the added aging gives it even more character.

This Highland single malt clocks in at 46% ABV and is made from 100% malted barley. After its initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, it’s finished in Ruby Port casks, which we expect to bring fruit-forward richness and depth.

Let’s dive in.

Nose

Brad:
The nose has all sorts of really nice fruit flavors going on. It’s got a bit of a peach vibe. There’s a lot of raisins from the port influence and a honey drizzle I really like. The longer I sit with it, the more it reminds me of milk chocolate-covered toffee. It's a really beautiful note. 9/10

Bob:
Sometimes I try to pair nosing notes with mental images. This one takes me to the glowing coal Jiminy Cricket pulls from the fireplace to warm himself at the beginning of Disney’s Pinocchio—that warm, amber glow. Or the mosquito in amber from Jurassic Park. It’s rich and decadent, with toffee, dark stone fruit like plum and raisin, and cascades of butterscotch. 9.5/10

Taste

Brad:
I’m sticking with a 9/10 on the palate. This reminds me of light roast coffee, with honey still present. The peach turns more stone fruit, like pear. It’s less sweet than the nose but has this freshly made simple syrup vibe. A warm, gentle sweetness envelopes the palate.

Bob:
I’m at a 9.5/10 too. This is perfect for someone getting into scotch. It has tons of sweetness and just slightly bitter fruit, like when you're trying to get the flesh off the pit of a plum or apricot. I get a little red wine character, some butterscotch, and even a note that reminds me of yogurt-covered raisin. It’s not overly complex, but it’s incredibly well-executed.

Finish

Bob:
The finish has a touch of that unsweetened barley note—herbaceous, a little dry—but not bitter. The main flavors are still there, and it’s long-lasting. This is the weakest of the three categories, but still solid. 9/10

Brad:
It turns into a sour, tart cherry. The pear sticks around, and the finish develops a salted butter richness for me. That bit of fattiness is really pleasant. 8.5/10

Balance

Brad:
I'm at an 8/10 here. It nails the handful of flavors it's going for. The reason it's not higher is just because it’s not super complex. We’ve had more dynamic scotches, but this one executes its simplicity very well.

Bob:
Balance is tricky. Youre right that it’s not super complex, but what it does, it does really well. There's no dramatic drop-off from nose to palate to finish. I’m at a 9/10.

Value

Bob:
At $70 in Ohio, this is an 8.5/10 for me. If it were still $80 like a couple years ago, I might come down a bit. But I can’t think of many scotches that deliver this much for the price.

Brad:
In 2019, it was $52. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $68 today, so it’s barely risen. That makes me happy. I think it’s a stunning value for single malt scotch at this quality. 9/10

Final Scores

• Bob: 45.5/50
• Brad: 42/50
• Average: 43.75/50

Final Thoughts

Anything that scores above a 35/50 from us typically gets a recommendation. A 40+ means it’s great. Above 45 is elite.

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year hits that sweet spot. If you're just getting into scotch and want something accessible yet complex enough to grow with you, this is it. The combination of Highland malt and Ruby Port cask finishing creates something warm, sweet, and refined. For around $70, it's one of the best values in single malt.

Definitely a two-thumbs-up bottle, and one we’ll continue to recommend for years to come.