Glenmorangie's Signet with Java Bonbon and Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 Cigar

Remember the Reese's television advertisements that proclaimed "You got peanut butter in my chocolate"?  Well thanks to Glenmorangie there is chocolate in my scotch, or chocolate malt in my malt whisky to be exact!  With the release this year in the United States of their new expression Signet, this distillery unveiled a spirit that was the culmination of decades of flavor experimentation.  Chocolate malt refers to the darker color of this particular barley kernel commonly used in the brewing of Porters and Stouts.  The flavor itself is decidedly nutty until roasted.  It is the carmelization from a long roasting process that is primarily responsible for the toasty coffee bean and chocolatey taste.  Extended roasting also adds significant depth to the aroma and overall flavor dimensions of the whisky.

Glenmorangie has revealed little of its secret process other than to indicate that 15- 20% of Signet uses this special chocolate malt which is distilled in a single batch each year then matured in ex-bourbon and new oak casks.  The other 80+% of whiskies are from valued stock, some rumored to be up to 35 years old and matured in a variety of casks including Oloroso sherry casks.  Cadboll barley is used in some of these whiskies perhaps explaining the creaminess.  Most certainly the maturity of this vatted combination is evident in the finished product.  Dr. Bill Lumsden's near fanaticism with "wood management" has been rewarded with a velvety smooth dram whose flavors are complex, layered and ultimately very satisfying.

The richness of your Signet encounter begins with the artistry of the box and bottle, befitting the treasure inside.  You will notice this spirit's rich color and wonderful syrupy legs sliding down your glass with each swirl.  The chocolate aroma is immediate and unmistakable, followed by orange citrus notes and lightly roasted coffee emerging upon further aeration.  On the palate, chocolate and orange flavors repeat with a growing cognac effect.  The sherry cask influence is evident but well integrated, as is the growing ginger spice, coffee and tobacco toastiness.  This dram ends in a spicy, rather dry finish.

JAVA – The biggest diffculty in pairing this whisky was deciding which bonbon was our favorite match.  Java won out for its dark beauty and rich chocolatey-coffee buttercream goodness.  The texture is velvety giving a luxurious combined mouth feel.  Enrobed in fine bittersweet chocolate it strikes the perfect "not-too-sweet" note for this dram. (Click on picture to go to bonbon collection.)

Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 – This beauty is an incredible match for the Signet and Java combination. Just the scent coming off the wrapper alone will get your mouth watering with its chocolatey-cinnamon scent. The Cojonu perfectly matches the creaminess of the Signet and adds notes of caramel, vanilla and spices to the equation. Share with your guests after a fine dinner as it is a great dessert experience. (Click on picture to go to cigar collection.)

Is intrigue and marketing magic worth such a hefty price?  We say absolutely, to those desiring a novel, luxuriant and collector worthy whisky.  Signet, along with other recently released expressions, has shown that Glenmorangie is at the top of their game.  If you also happen to have a chocolate's lover palate, this dram is not to be missed.  It is truly a one of a kind in both taste and overall pairing experience.

The back story on the Signet's packaging is just as interesting as the liquid inside.  The beautiful gold interlaced spiral pattern on the box and bottle provides a replica and tribute to the ancient Pictish monument found on the distillery property in 1811, long before Glenmorangie was born.  This massive stone slab is believed to have been carved between 800 and 900 A.D. and is one of few surviving artifacts of an ancient tribe that mysteriously vanished, leaving little but myth and legend behind.  The original slab eventually made its way to the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh where it is now on display.  A reproduction was commissioned and installed to stand on the original site.  This picture here shows in exquisite detail, the work of Sculptor Barry Grove on that very spiral panel.  More of the interesting background on this artifact named the "Hilton of Cadbol" can be found at www.pictishstone.freeuk.com.