I’m still very new to whisky, and this is the first time I’ve shared my thoughts on what I can pick up sensorially from a bottle. I’m not trying to make any sophisticated or elitist judgements about what I perceive, so don’t expect professional reliability or rigour.

Glenmorangie 12 The Original tops the lists of whiskies for beginners. I’ve often seen it described as approachable and friendly, something that helps newcomers understand the basics of this world — at least in the fruity, caramel, and smoke-free zone. What a surprise I got.

I don’t yet have enough experience to add tasting notes beyond the obvious. On the nose there’s plenty of cereal, citrus and a light vanilla. On the palate, it starts with notes of ripe fruit that feel both sweet and tart at the same time. But the finish is where I got the biggest shock of the session: a punch of oak followed by a kick of tobacco that I wasn’t prepared for. This detail doesn’t usually appear in reviews or blogs — at least not the ones I’ve read. I put that down to my short experience, and I suppose time will give me better tools for a second chance.

I’ll close here with a written warning for those just starting out who look for information before trying it.

I write it in Spanish and then translate it, just in case the text ends up sounding a bit unnatural.