Glenmorangie 10 Years Old (1990s Edition)
75cl / 40% (OUT OF STOCK)
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- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Sweet, very fruity, apple and spices notes
Sweet, some spicy notes, creamy, well-balanced and fresh
Long, malty and fruity
The definitive 1990s bottling of the classic 'Original' malt, prized for its delicate, floral, and highly consistent house style.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Glenmorangie / Official Bottling / Scotland, Highlands |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 10 Years Old / Distilled 1980s / Bottled 1990s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 70cl (100cl also available) |
| Cask / Treatment | Matured exclusively in American White Oak Ex-Bourbon Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Standard filtered product) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High volume (Core range bottling) |
| Intended channel | Global Retail |
| Packaging | Standard Glenmorangie bottle, usually accompanied by a presentation tin/tube |
| Notes on discrepancies | Must be clearly identified by its 1990s label style and 10 Year Old age statement, predating the 'The Original' rebranding. |
Historical Context
The Glenmorangie 10 Year Old was, for decades, the definitive core expression of the distillery and served as the entry point to its unique, light, and floral Highland style. The distillation process, leveraging Scotland’s tallest stills, ensures a spirit of unparalleled delicacy. The 1990s bottling is historically significant because it represents the zenith of this classic, age-stated style, prior to the major marketing shifts of the 2000s which resulted in the bottle being renamed 'The Original'.
The liquid is renowned for being matured exclusively in American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels for the full decade. This focused maturation strategy, which uses wood for structural stability rather than aggressive flavour alteration, preserves the spirit's inherent light and complex floral character. The retention of the 10 Year Old age statement on the label is the key feature that draws collector interest, as it contrasts with later releases that occasionally saw reduced age or ABV in certain export markets.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The technical specification is simple and consistent: 10 years of age, 40% ABV, and American Oak maturation. The 40% ABV was the standard strength for Glenmorangie's core expression across Europe.
Documented variants
The most sought-after variant is the 100cl (1 Litre) format, typically reserved for Duty Free and travel retail, which commands a higher price due to its large volume and relative rarity in general retail channels.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | Global Retail | Original 10 Year Old label, 1990s style 2 | Standard (Highly liquid) |
| 40% | 100cl | Travel Retail | Original 10 Year Old label, larger volume | High (Volume/Scarcity premium) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication of the 1990s bottling requires verifying the age statement (10 Year Old) on the label, and ensuring the style is the 'old style' presentation, often including a presentation tin.
Checklist Notes:
Aroma Analysis: A leading Parisian perfume house identified no less than 26 distinct aromas in this spirit, testament to its complexity.
Fill Level: Given the age, a High Shoulder (HS) fill level is required. Issues with corks and seals are common for bottles of this era, and integrity checks are essential.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 40% ABV is the legal minimum. The use of American Oak casks ensures the spirit develops a sparkling straw colour. Given the low strength and mass-market positioning, chill filtration and the use of colouring are inferred as standard industry practice for the era.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is delicate, floral, and exceptionally clean, reflecting the distillery’s unique process.
Nose: Delicate, sophisticated, and clean. The key notes are floral (wildflowers, fresh heather), rather than cereal, with perhaps mandarin and vanilla, and light hints of honey. Citrus fruits are often prominent.
Palate: Smooth and mellow, with a medium and buttery body. Flavours include light malty notes, honey, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
Finish: Lingering, subtle oak and clean fruity notes.
With water: Not explicitly recommended, as the 40% ABV is already dilute.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The 1990s 10 Year Old is highly liquid and holds value well above the current core range RRP (37.99) due to its discontinued status and age statement.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. Estimated around 20 – 30 in the 1990s.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 110.00 – 150.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 30.00 – 47.50.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| UK Retail | Current | 70cl, 40% ABV, Boxed | 110.00 | Typical specialist retail price |
| Auction (Hammer) | 08/01/2025 | 70cl, 40% ABV | 42.50 | Standard hammer price |
| UK Retail | Current | 100cl, 40% ABV | 150.00 | Larger volume GTR version |
Pricing stratification: Extreme price discrepancy between auction hammer price and retail listing, suggesting high margin potential if stock can be acquired competitively. The 100cl format trades at a 36% premium over the 70cl retail price.
Liquidity & sourcing note: High liquidity due to large initial outturn and collector nostalgia. Sourcing through auctions offers the best cost entry.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Glenmorangie is a world-famous Highland distillery, celebrated for its smooth, light, and complex single malts, achieved through the use of Scotland's tallest stills. The distillery pioneered wood finishing in the 1990s, but this expression represents the original, clean, American Oak matured style that formed the bedrock of its success.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Focus on 70cl or 100cl bottles, 40% ABV, explicitly confirming the 10 Year Old age statement and 1990s presentation style.
Red flags to avoid
Low fill levels and any non-original seals.
Condition thresholds
High Shoulder (HS) fill level or better. Original presentation tube is highly desired.
Margin/velocity expectations
High velocity due to brand popularity. Excellent margin potential due to the low auction price floor.
