In my inaugural The Scotchman Chronicle column, I had the pleasure of sampling and introducing you to the Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old. I mention this because, in many ways, I find it very similar to our Scotch whisky of today, the Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old (in reference to the famous Nectar D’Or). I’m not telling you that a product costing just over $150 can compare with one costing around $1,300, but there are some striking similarities between the two products!

Discovering Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old

In both instances, I found myself encountering whiskies with aromas reminiscent of butter, honey, and warm brioche freshly baked. This led me to draw a parallel between the two specific bottles mentioned in the intro. While the latter boasts a complex, layered flavour profile, the former takes a more direct and uncomplicated approach.

Aspect

The golden colour, more rosé than gold, is mouth-watering. With an alcohol content of 46% (apparently standard for the distillery’s signature offerings), the viscous legs that form on the glass are lengthy and sticky.

Aroma

The nose is very straightforward, effortlessly revealing notes of butter, candied fruit, almonds and honey with a discreet hint of vanilla, which gives it great balance.

In Mouth

On the palate, the buttery richness of Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old is immediately apparent, leaving a creamy sensation on the sides of the tongue. Delicate flavours of lemon zest, apples baked in pie crust, and a harmonious mix of spices dance on the palate, followed by subtle notes of Bourbon, Sauternes, and Monbazillac, imparted during aging.

The Finish of the Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old

Ultimately, this is an incredibly enjoyable item, evoking strong memories of Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or, but with a unique twist that sets it apart. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a more dessert-style whisky.

Regarding the contrast with Glenfiddich Grande Couronne, I believe this whisky has the potential to attract a larger fan base, as its flavours are uncomplicated and easily recognizable.

Where to buy the Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old  ?

The product is currently available from the SAQ (Code: 15386436), and will be available across Canada this summer.

Additional information about Glenmorangie from the editors of Gentologie

At the start of 2025, Glenmorangie launches a new campaign starring the great Harrison Ford. Known for his iconic roles as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise and Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk in the upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World, Ford takes centre stage in a captivating series of short films directed by Joel Edgerton. Don’t miss it! See it now. The initial video can be viewed below.

To find out more about the brand, read our interview with Brendan McCarron, who was, at the time, responsible for maturing whisky stocks at the Scotch brand belonging to the Moët Hennessy group.