Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or - 12 Year Old

I don't think water is right for this one, tried it both ways and, for me, it is mellower and smoother without. One of the nicest, lushest and satisfying single malts I've had in a long time. Perfect for someone who loves scotch but not the peaty ones.

19th January 2020

Very nice. I had it straight the first couple of drinks and found it a tiny bit harsh but not bad. The 3rd drink I added a very small amount of filtered water and BOOM out came the flavors(a bit like Abalor Abunadh does).It's now possibly my favorite. Right up there with the amazing value for money Abalor 12yr but with more complex flavors.

2nd August 2019

It’s gotten to peaty for me. I liked the sweet finish.

23rd July 2019

Very smooth and Moorish, it does has a strong distinctive flavour so it's not for everyone, but Malt whisky lovers of a certain palate will love this Glenmorangie classic

29th May 2019

Maybe I received a bad sample of this or something but I just cannot stand the taste of this stuff. I’ve never had a scotch that I just downright cannot stand the taste of but this is it. I’m glad I just got a sample and not a bottle. Tastes like a extremely dry awful high proof wine. Very bitter and tasted like a very sugary soap. Hands down the worst drink I’ve ever had out of the hundred plus I’ve tried. I like the lasanta but this stuff is just not scotch

4th April 2019

Really delicious stuff. The MoM tasting notes above are perfect.

The only thing similar that I have personally tried is the Glenfiddich 18 which is far inferior, being too low alcohol, it completely lacks any kick. This Glenmorangie, to my mind, has a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's very easy drinking without being bland, really good. If I was just having one after dinner whisky I might prefer Aberlour A'Bunadh, but if I wanted something lighter yet still rich, sweet and fruity, I'd choose this.

28th November 2018

There are few whiskies as luxurious it will feel in your mouth for a 12 Year Old than Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or. For those of you who had the chance to visit the distillery back in 2015 and the year after, there was a distillery exclusive Glenmorangie Sauternes Finish 15 Year Old that was a bit superior in terms of Sauternes nuances, quite spectacular and unique, but I’d would say that the batch I’m currently drinking (11/18/2017, in laser small print at the bottom of the bottle) is perfectly balanced, complex and singularly silky, you don’t feel any after burn and the finish is long and full of dessert wines notes. The bottom line is no two batches will be alike and they might be blended using around 40 barrels or less. Whatever, it’s amazing value for your bucks and you likely won’t find a Sauternes cask finish of this quality around at same price point or lower.

25th October 2018

I'm guessing, by the quantity of positive reviews, that I must've gotten a bad bottle. Received 2 bottles of Glenmorangie from friends as a birthday gift. Quinta Ruban & Nectar d'or.
Quinta was nice enough but wasn't hugely impressed, the Nectar on the other hand was poor...very poor.
I didn't taste any kind of sweetness whatsoever. It tasted smokey, almost like a strong peated malt. It didn't benefit from a splash of water either.
I've tried the Original 10yr old, the Quinta Ruban, The Lasanta & the Nectar D'or now...for me, the original still reigns supreme.

27th September 2018

This one is a bit of a dark horse, I didn't like my first glass, the wine was very dominant initially, both the nose and taste, I was disappointed.
The next evening however, it was like a different whisky, whereas previously the wine was up front, 24 hours after opening the bottle, the nose was honeysuckle and oak with mixed spices. The taste was more balanced, with a really good finish, initially sweet, but then you get the spices and oak.
This is very smooth without water, although a few drops do open it up a bit more.
This is a whisky that takes a little bit of patience and some time to breathe, but it is well worth it.

29th August 2018

Finally retired and now drinking all the good whiskies I have acquired through the years. This Glenmorangie is really nice.My personal favorite is Balvenie 21 Portwood. But this is much cheaper and really good.

27th May 2018

The best Glenmorangie. Complex and wonderful.

23rd April 2018

From start to finish, absolutely fantastic.

11th April 2018

I really wanted to try Nectar D'Or after buying Glenmorangie's 3-pack at Costco (Original, Lasanta and Quinta Ruban). Loved them all! I like a sweeter "dessert" malt and so I enjoy this one (you've heard of "breakfast whisky", well, how about a "brunch whisky"?). It's a bit more than what I like to pay for a "craft presentation" 12-year old, but I imagine Sauternes casks are a bit more specific to source than just generic sherry or bourbon. Given 46%, NCF, no colorant and with age statement I don't feel ripped off. I wish they kept Lasanta like that (I stashed a bottle of 46% Lasanta). Also, I do like Glenlivet 12 and I absolutely disagree that these are alike. And anytime you see a reviewer saying "horrible" about a clearly high quality malt, they have about as much credibility as those who say "best whisky I ever had". 46% needs to be finessed and given opportunity to breathe. This is not your 40% bling label or Glenlivet.

30th January 2018

one of my best

21st January 2018

My favorite "dessert" scotch. Delicious, buttery with vanilla and the hint of sauterne with its inherent sweetness.

18th January 2018

Smooth and great taste!

7th January 2018

The Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or 12 is an excellent scotch, though it should be noted that it is a bit different from most of the highland crowd in its level of sweetness. Its flavor immediately reminds one of the name on the label and the fact that it comes from sauternes casks. An absolutely superb after-dinner whisky, less so for but still excellent for the bare-knuckle winding down part of the day. Very complex nose, featuring soft spices over a hint of rum, all buttressed by the underlying scotch aroma.

27th December 2017

This is easily one of the best 12 year olds on the market and one of the best whiskies from Glenmorangie. After visiting the distillery I learned why this expression is so much better than the Quinta Ruban or the Lasanta. The cask size is all the difference and sauternes casks are much smaller than port or sherry casks so the whisky matures faster and develops deeper flavor and is also so much smoother.So much honey,lemon pudding, caramel, and apples, some flowers in there too. I would buy a bottle of Signet if it weren't so pricey (it is damn good) but this is not a bad substitute especially for the price. For $60 very happy. Cheers! The Sugarbear

4th December 2017

When your taste in scotch outweighs your pocketbook you know your in trouble. Ther s nothing like it, and you’d be a fool to settle for anything less

18th November 2017

Soooo lovely, some of the best whisky experience you can make in your life, it's surreal how good it is. I've tasted thousands of whiskies in my lifetime and this year's (2017) batch is absolutely beautiful, sweet and long finish, you close your eyes and it's like drinking Sauternes, and obviously, Glenmorangie gets their hands on some of the best ex-Sauternes barrels out there. Buy it for christ sake, it's wonderful!!

4th June 2017

Checked online and went to a local store for the Taketsuru Pure Malt - out of stock. After checking out all the reviews it seems to me that their $94 CAD ($70 US) was the best option available at the price range.

Think Glenlivet 12 y.o. and you would have an idea how the Nectar D'Or tastes like.

FYI, I got the Quinta Ruban for $71 CAD ($53 US) 2 months ago.

Nose: Vanilla, honey, spice, floral/citrus.
Palate: Pancake with maple syrup. Cinnamon, nutmeg, orange rind.
Finish: Very short finish. Some white pepper, white chocolate.
Body: almost like syrup.

The biggest surprise was that this 46% scotch doesn't burn - I mean it doesn't burn at all even neat.


Now my problems with this Nectar D'Or are 1) the price; and 2) the palate.

Price: I can get the Glenlivet 12 y.o. for $40 CAD ($30 US) and Quinta Ruban for $71 CAD ($53 US). Compare to them Nectar D'Or is slightly better, but it simply doesn't worth the premium.

Palate: the palate is exactly like a kid's breakfast: Pancake with maple syrup. Cinnamon, nutmeg and orange rind. Some people may like it, but it doesn't work for me.

All in all, I would rather save the money and get another bottle of Quinta Ruban for $71 CAD ($53 US), or Glenlivet 12 y.o. for $40 CAD ($30 US), or wait for the Taketsuru Pure Malt.

6th March 2017

Floral, honey, citrus, orange grapefruit, oatmeal. Longgggg on the finish. The breadth of the flavour lasts all the way through and there is a hint of peat. Warming the cockles of your heart...warming down the throat, hotness on the finish. Sweet and light, coal and the fire.

11th December 2016

Highland single malt som luktar syrligt, halm samt fruktigt. Kraftfull citronsmak till en början som ganska snabbt får sällskap av halm som sen nästan helt går över i halmen för att sedan citronen ska komma tillbaka till lagom till eftersmaken igen, finns även hetta i eftersmaken och viol som kommer fram efter en stund. Inte så märkvärdiga smaker för priset men dock väldigt tydliga. Riktigt fräsch och uppfriskande wirre så 4/5 på denna då den skulle behöva komma ner lite i pris..

15th November 2016

Vanilla custard dominates, caramel sweetness, lemon meringue, white cake, roasted walnuts, floral, very rich, decadent. The more I sit with it, the better it becomes, and more layers emerge. The vanilla custard is beautiful and that initial sweetness when it hits your tongue is pure Glenmorangie magnificence. Maybe reviewing it now is a bit premature as I just cracked the bottle but from this first dram I would say it's better than Lasanta but not as good as Quinta Ruban. An amazing Highland as expected. If you can snag a dram somewhere, I highly recommend it. If you want to buy a bottle I would say garb Quinta Ruban instead and save a little money.

20th August 2016

What a lovly whiskey

4th June 2016

I've tried many a whisky and to be honest it's one of my favourites, certainly the best Glenmorangie has to offer both for quality and value.
It's lovely as an after dinner drink and goes particularly well with sticky toffee pudding and custard.
DELICIOUS 👌

22nd April 2016

Just had this Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or at Howies Restaurant on Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland for the first time and I am now a fan. Smooth & light. Will be bringing this back to the States.

29th March 2016

Tried it last night for the first time, loved every sip. Word of advice, let it breathe for a bit, it has a very nice caramel flavor and smell.

26th March 2016

This is my 5th single malt so I am still relatively new to this. Yet there is no denying that for the price range this is an excellent whisky. The nose is spicy yet sweet with dessert notes, this one can be drank neat with no water but if you do, a few drops is all you need. This is truly an exceptional dram and the fact that my wife who can't stand whisky, actually enjoyed it as well says something as well. Well done.

16th March 2016

I've been drinking Glenmorangie Scotch since the mid 80's. Next to the 18yr old, this is my favorite.

14th March 2016

"This one was HORRIBLE! (after taste of fucking soap!)" Drink more, it would help wash out that mouth of profanity! Otherwise rated highly by a fresh clean smokeless palate.

19th February 2016

But never again!
Worst of the almost 100 whiskies I've been tasting. I've tasted 4 Glenmorangie before and I really enjoyed Tusail and the other two were okay but nothing spceial.. This one was HORRIBLE! (after taste of fucking soap!)

9th February 2016

It is without doubt the best whisky I have ever tasted and I have tasted many top whisky brands. It is just unbelievable. Well done Glenmorangie.

3rd February 2016

Wonderful Scotch! I recommend this to anyone who likes scotch!

31st January 2016

I really wanted to like this bottle. Probably not fair that my first Glenmorangie was the Ealanta (5 star). Does have a clean, crisp finish. Struggling to finish the bottle.

27th January 2016

I put off trying this for a long time as I expected it to be too sweet. I am a big fan of the Quinta Ruban however so when I found this on sale at £42.34 in my local supermarket (I don't live in the UK) I decided to take the plunge as the price was so keen.

I am relieved to discover that the Sauternes has only a small effect and a very pleasant one at that. The nose seems to me to be mostly sherried malt with a hint of that rich scent of a good Sauternes cork. Smooth as silk in the mouth as one would expect from a Glenmorangie, I get a delicious flavour of toasted marshmallow along with the sherry, apples and pears, and a fine pepper. The finish is nice and dry as I like it with a long lingering pepper and that old yeasty flavour of wine cork. Nice and good value at this price.

20th January 2016

Title says it all. Delightful taste meets your nose and mouth upon first contact. After your first sip you're expecting a bit of harshness from a 92 proof spirit but it never comes. I could sip on the stuff all day. ...hic!

18th January 2016

I don't think this is for everyone but as far as i am concerned, this is a very nice quality single malt that is easy to drink, smooth while still delivering a spicy malty punch...Wow, great stuff, especially if you like Glenmorangie other products.

31st December 2015

Had this at a tasting among some other Glenmorangie offerings - and picked it our for purchase. Sweet and smooth - with a great finish.

27th December 2015

Definitely tastes of white wine and honey. Not super strong, but still a bit of a bite. The taste of pastry lingers on the tongue. Not a bad whiskey, but I agree that it's more of a dessert dram. Crisp with a bit of orange peel and apple. Pastry finish. I can see why it's well-rated, but I prefer a stronger taste.

25th December 2015

I've heard several times this one was good so I've decided to taste it. I had high expectations and was so disappointed by how the palate was like water. It felt like nothing and tasted none. Not worth this cost at all.

26th November 2015

Really nice, lots of creamy, soft pastry flavours. richer but unmistakeable Glenmorangie.

10th October 2015

I am a scotch drinker and lover. Have tried many and love many. Islays are my favorites. This is my first dram of Nectar D'Or.
It is exquisite! It is exceptional! This is a wonderful whisky.
If you like Highland Park . . . Old Pulteney . . . Glenfiddich . . . you will love this whisky. Hope it stays around.
Should be renamed 'Nectar De Los Dios' . .. Nectar of the gods.

1st September 2015

On the pallet I got a honey and white grape sweetness, smoke, and nuts. The finish was long and creamy with a bit of bite. A bite that's not harsh, no burn, but plenty of heat. Good stuff.

30th August 2015

If only it was easier to get hold of.......

25th June 2015

I have sampled a lot - A LOT - of single malts. Nothing prepared me for this delicious dram. It is the best scotch I have ever tasted.

9th June 2015

"This truelly has the perfect name, Nectar d'or, truelly nectar of the gods."

mmmh! Truly, Golden nectar (Nectar of Gold), perhaps?

22nd May 2015

My Dad was given a bottle of this as part of his retirement present, he's not a big whisky fan and tends to put it in coffee so I got to drink most of it after it had been in the cupboard for a couple of years (I think this bottle would be from 2013?). It's very nice, if you've had the original Glenmorangie, you will instantly recognise the similarities but this has a certain sweet fruitiness about it: peaches? strawberries? The extra couple of years have clearly done it some favours in terms of promoting oak, honey and vanilla notes too. If you are a peat-head this is not for you. If you are into sherry monsters this will make a refreshing change of pace. 88/100

12th May 2015

Sampling for the first time... Made me a believer. I'm ready to go to Scotland to see the creation of this wonderful rich nectar! Think I'll go pour a nightcap!

12th May 2015

This just doesn't do it for me. It has the aroma of a cheap $25 bottle of whisky and the taste doesn't improve that first impression.

13th April 2015

I really didn't like this. White wine was very prominent. You could call it desert wine as with the origional you do get honey notes.

21st March 2015

I am a true bourbon drinker. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, Elmer T Lee, and Blantons are some of my favorites and regular drams after a long day's work...and did I say neat is how I have them. I have tried many scotches and have only slightly liked a few until Glenmorangie Nectar d'or. I love this single malt scotch and will put it side by side with any of the before mentioned bourbons. The nose of this scotch is Cracker Barrel Pancakes and warm syrup. The palate is sweet nectar cream of the crop...if I was a Honey Bee and this was the nectar from a particular flower, I would surely build my hive hear. The finish is not very long but as the sweet nectar dissipates, I very slight peatyness arrives before you will automatically receive more...if you are a bourbon drinker, do yourself a favor and find Glenmorangie Nectar d'or...I LOVE IT...

14th January 2015

I bought a sample pack of 4 Glenmorangies and this was heads and shoulders above the rest. This has an extremely smooth taste with a great flavor. This is one of the none Islay/Island Scotch that I have been impressed with.

31st December 2014

The Nose: warm citrus with light toffee notes, and mild alcohol burn when inhaled deeply. Easy to continually enjoy wafting.

The Palate: It hits the mouth very light, then slowly warms the outside edges of the tongue with a citrus and mint oil feel. A hint of toffee upon repeated sipping.

The Finish: almost no throat burn at all, no trail going down, but a delicious mildly sweet and warm lingering on the tongue.

Overall: An easy to drink, warm, mildly sweet Scotch with hints of orange and mint. Nothing profoundly layered or complex, but enough diversity of flavor in the mouth to make it interesting. A great sipping Scotch for the summer. At $75 a bottle, worth having on the shelf.

27th December 2014

It's as though someone took a Macallan 12 and washed it on the devil's feet...simply astounding...

26th December 2014

This is great after dinner with a sweet snack and no more than a medium bodied cigar, great for guests that normally don't drink single malt. Key note: after pouring let it sit for a few minutes, like you would a wine. Tastes of honey with such a light smoke you almost miss it. Very light, clean flavor and finishes like a good wine. Doesn't hang on the palate at all. 8 STARS AS A DESSERT SCOTCH.
- IF you are a frequent single malt and cigar person, it doesn't work. A good full bodied cigar overpowers the light, delicate flavor. 1 star. Overall: 6 stars.

7th December 2014

Very nice as a newbie when it comes to Scotch I found this to be quite refreshing with a bit of water. The finish is delightful and I was surprised how sweet it is.

19th November 2014

A lovely, sweet, almost dessert-ish whisky, with honey and white chocolate notes.

5th June 2014

I know this is utter heresy, but this stuff is just wonderful poured over a good vanilla ice cream. Also wonderful neat or with just a few drops of water

5th May 2014

Nose: Desert wine, sherry-like, honey (some fruity notes).
Palate: Toffee, desert wine.
Finish: Long, wine-ish (a touch of barley).
Score: 94/10

29th April 2014

After sampling the "Original" and not be satisfied, I decided to try Nector D'or and was very pleased. I draw it up in about 3 oz and add a few ice shavings. About 10 minutes later, I have a great sipping whisky to enjoy. My usual taste is Glenfiddich 15 or 21. I also like Glenlivet 12. I will keep this one on hand, the "Original" not so much.

15th April 2014

This truelly has the perfect name, Nectar d'or, truelly nectar of the gods.

3rd March 2014

Very nice, and one of the few scotch where I would drink without an ice cube.
Literally tastes like Christmas.

4th February 2014

A nice dram without a doubt. However, the expression runs flat and is spicier than a wine finish should be, especially considering its a sauterne. Stick with a Speyside for a few extra quid.

29th January 2014

I've never been much of a scotch drinker until I found this. It is smooth and delicious.

5th December 2013

fantastic, first taste was a surprise , after a couple of large glasses in front of the woodburner, the complex flavour is intense and addictive. Now having sampled a couple of bottles a wonderful malt.

2nd December 2013

That being, this is more expensive than Lasanta, but being more bland than lasanta. Price aside, not as sweet as what some comments make it out to be. It's a pretty decent dram, but not as complex as one would like. On the nose, malty, slightly sweet, wine. Palate, sweet, has a tannin taste. Decent, but doesn't justify the higher price

28th November 2013

Its a bit too sweet and has a little balancing issue. I am glad to have had her but I will be moving on after the bottle is finished. I dont regret my experience but this game is a learning process and I am glad to have taken this class. Stepping stones my friends

20th November 2013

I’ve seen some people criticise Nectar d’or for being too much like Glenmorangie Original, the flavour profile is indeed very similar which is fine with me because I love the Original. Nectar d’or though has a wonderful sweetness from the Sauterne seasoned French oak cask and an intense buttery creaminess along with fresh fruit, nuts and delicate spice. It’s basically a deeper, more intense, more rounded and richer version of the Original, exactly what you would expect from an older expression. You would have to be a real insufferable malt snob to not like this.

6th November 2013

Yeah, I bought this and was impressed. Its not a £45 bottle of whiskey though. Again - better off investigating some Japanese whiskeys when you get to this price. I picked this up in Sainsburys one day for £25. I had to try it at that price. I'd repeat my purchase at £30 but not worth splashing out extra for. The Lasanta is a cheaper alternative I'd say. Jason Breen.

1st November 2013

Glenmorangie Nectar changed my mind about wiskhy. Until now is the most floral and perfumed malt that I ever tried. Sweet but balanced. Smells and taste like a really nectar. Stunning!

19th July 2013

Hi there! There is indeed a 15-year old bottling of this Glenmorangie whisky. There are two versions, essentially, hence the confusion. -- The Chaps at Master of Malt

10th June 2013

if you like Original, this is the next step for you

8th June 2013

I just picked up a bottle of this for the bargain price of £25 (70cl), but my bottle is aged 15 years...?

6th June 2013

Not much of a whisky drinker ill be honest in the past ive tried several different kinds but this was by far very smooth and good tasting for sure. Im not going to pretend i know about certain whisky but this for me was the best ive tried.

24th April 2013

Nectar has a noticeably sweeter profile than the other Glenmorangie products. It has a silky, creamy feel and you'll immediately pick up vanilla and honey flavors with a spicy finish. It makes a perfect nightcap or after-dinner drink.

19th April 2013

I'm totally a fan of wine finishes, yet I find this one a bit unsatisfying. It tastes a bit hotter than its stated proof and the wine aspects don't quite deliver the finesse I expected. I believe that another few years in the cask would do this some good.

8th February 2013

Nectar, for sure. One of my favorites, even a non-Scotch drinker might like this. Smooth, a mouthful of creamy flavor, aged in American oak and finished in French sauternes wine casks giving it that unique taste. I hope they keep making this indefinitely.

6th February 2013

First off, this is just too expensive for what it is - other than the reasonably priced 10, Glenmorangie are ripping us off here. More to the point, I thought this was the weakest of the Glenmorangie wood finishes - too sweet and not as rich as the Quinta Ruban or Lasanta.

22nd June 2012

A delight on the tongue and aromas that soothe the nose.

7th December 2011

one of the best yoghurts i've had for ages.

7th November 2011

One of the best flavors I've had in a long time. Smooth, with a fruity aftertaste. I don't think you will find a better whisky for the price.

9th July 2011

Delicious, thick and creamy, some nuttiness and intense honey sweetness. Very very nice.

29th June 2011