Glenmorangie 18 year Single Highland rare malt Scotch Whisky 1990s miniature + tube
Glenmorangie 18 year Single Highland rare malt Scotch Whisky 1990s miniature + presentation tube..
Condition: New. Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary - Some years can vary and as estimations only (example: estimated 1970s/80s).
Lost Distillery/Brand: No.
Fill level: New. In the neck.
Whisky still produced: Yes.
Category: Single malt.
Distillery: Still producing.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Bottling series:
Vintage:
Bottling Year: 1990s.
Stated Age: 18 years old.
Cask type: Mountain Oak Casks
Strength: 43.0 % Vol.
Size: 50 ml.
Colouring: Yes.
Chill-filtered: Unknown.
Bottle code: none.
Country Origin: Scotland.
Region: Highland.
Market: Worldwide.
A rare, sought after miniature bottling of the acclaimed Glenmorangie 18 year Single Highland rare malt Scotch Whisky. This discontinued bottling is a premium Scotch whisky produced by the Glenmorangie Distillery, located in Tain the Highlands region of Scotland. As the name suggests, the Glenmorangie 18 Year Old has been aged for 18 years in Mountain Oak Casks, this extended maturation period allows the whisky to develop complex flavours and aromas that are synonymous with the Glenmorangie distillery.
Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Bronze.
Nose; Caramel, vanilla and toffee. Some citrus, mature apples and some vanilla.
Palate; Vanilla and caramel. Raisins and dried fruit, plums and raisins. Good balance with some oak wood.
Finish: Medium to long. Full of raisins and caramel. Some vanilla and spices. Bitter almonds, oak wood are also present.
Distillery History:
Glenmorangie Early Origins (1738–1843).
Although Glenmorangie’s official founding date is 1843, the site’s whisky history reaches further back. A brewery is known to have operated on the Morangie Farm near Tain from at least 1738. By the early 19th century, illicit distilling was not uncommon in the area, before William Matheson obtained a formal licence in 1843 to establish Glenmorangie Distillery, converting the old brewery buildings and installing two second-hand gin stills — exceptionally tall, which would define the new whisky’s famously light, elegant style.
19th Century Growth and Early Exports
Under Matheson’s management, Glenmorangie grew steadily. By the late 1800s, the distillery produced around 20,000 gallons of whisky per year and began building its reputation beyond local markets. The distillery changed hands within local partnerships before being fully acquired by Macdonald & Muir, a Leith-based wine and spirits merchant, in 1918.
20th Century: From Local Highland Malt to International Brand
Throughout the early 20th century, Glenmorangie quietly developed a loyal domestic following. Its soft, fruity Highland style — shaped by the unusually tall stills and preference for American oak casks — distinguished it from heavier Highland neighbours. During both World Wars, production was suspended due to barley shortages and government restrictions, but the distillery survived intact and resumed full production each time.
By the 1950s, Glenmorangie’s single malt began to gain wider attention. The distillery doubled its stills in 1977 (from two to four) to meet rising demand, with further expansions in the 1990s and early 2000s eventually bringing the total to twelve stills — all maintaining the signature 5.14-metre (16 ft 10¼ in) necks, still the tallest in Scotland.
Pioneering Wood Management
Glenmorangie became a pioneer in cask finishing under Dr. Bill Lumsden, who joined in 1995 and later became Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks. Lumsden introduced finishing in port, sherry, Madeira and wine casks — a practice now common across the industry. Glenmorangie’s Private Edition and Prestige ranges, like Signet and Astar, showcase unique wood policy experiments and innovative maturation. The distillery also manages its own Missouri oak forest for carefully sourced casks, adding a layer of control rare among single malt producers.
LVMH Acquisition and Modern Prestige
In 2004, Glenmorangie plc, then owner of both Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, was purchased by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). The new ownership positioned Glenmorangie at the premium end of the single malt market, expanding luxury releases, packaging and global brand reach.
Sustainability and Innovation
In recent years, Glenmorangie has invested heavily in sustainability — including the creation of the DEEP project (Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project), an initiative to restore oyster reefs to the Dornoch Firth, which is part of the distillery’s local water source.
Today’s Legacy
Today, Glenmorangie remains one of Scotland’s best-selling single malts worldwide — recognised for its delicate, floral spirit, exceptional cask influence, and the balance of traditional Highland craftsmanship with a modern sense of innovation. Its Tain distillery continues to welcome thousands of visitors annually, offering a direct link to nearly two centuries of continuous Highland whisky heritage.
Key Dates at a Glance:
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1738: Brewing recorded on the Morangie site.
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1843: William Matheson founds Glenmorangie Distillery.
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1918: Macdonald & Muir acquire the distillery.
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1977: Stills doubled to four.
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1995: Dr. Bill Lumsden begins pioneering cask finishing.
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2004: Acquired by LVMH.
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2010s: Major expansions; sustainability projects launched.
Certifications and Awards
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
In 1996, Glenmorangie was awarded the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, recognising its significant contribution to promoting Scotch single malt internationally — at the time, Glenmorangie had become the best-selling single malt in Scotland and one of the top single malt brands worldwide.
Industry Trophies and Gold Medals
Glenmorangie’s core expressions and limited editions have consistently secured gold medals and top honours at respected international competitions, including:
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International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC): Regular gold and silver medals across the range, with Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old, Quinta Ruban, and Signet all earning multiple top scores over the years.
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San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC): Frequent Double Golds, particularly for the Original and high-age releases; Glenmorangie Signet won Best in Class for its innovative roasted “chocolate malt” profile.
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World Whiskies Awards (WWA): Various accolades for Best Highland Single Malt and Best Single Malt in category for special cask finishes and vintage limited editions.
Record-Breaking Prestige Bottlings
Glenmorangie is also recognised for exceptional prestige releases, such as the Grand Vintage Malt series and the Pride editions (Pride 1981, Pride 1974) — celebrated for their rarity and acclaimed presentation, often winning best design or luxury packaging awards at international drinks shows.
Sustainability Recognition
More recently, Glenmorangie has received commendations for environmental stewardship through its DEEP project and sustainability commitments, contributing to the distillery’s reputation as a forward-looking Highland producer balancing heritage with environmental responsibility.
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