Whisky Review/Tasting: Mortlach 16 years Flora & Fauna

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Mortlach Distillery, owned by Diageo.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Process: Unique distillation process, not twice, not three times, but approximately 2.83 times, mixing different distillations.
Maturation Process: Sherry matured.
Age Statement: 16 years.
ABV: 43%.
Color and Clarity: Wonderfully dark, potentially uncolored as different batches of the Flora and Fauna series have shown variations in color.
Bottle Design: Part of the Flora and Fauna series, featuring animals and plants on the label. The original bottle design was mentioned as distinctive before the introduction of new bottlings by Mortlach.

Balance of Flavors: Full sherry dominance with a complex balance of fruitiness and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Despite having an intention of smoke, there is no actual smoke flavor, rather a heavy aromatic presence probably from the oak. The sherry influence is strong but not sweet, leaning towards a fruity, dark, oxidized profile. Vanilla notes are subtle, with oak not immediately present but developing over time.
Comparison: Favored over newer Mortlach bottlings for its sherry maturation and unique distillation process.

Anecdotes: The bottle reviewed had suffered damage, including a crack and scratches, which added a layer of intrigue to the tasting experience. The reviewer humorously dismissed concerns about potential glass shards, suggesting filtering the whisky through a tea filter if worried.
Trivia: The Flora and Fauna series was rumored to be discontinued around 2010-2011, but this did not happen. Mortlach's inclusion in this series was highly favored among connoisseurs.

Historical Context: Mortlach's decision to stop the 16-year-old Flora and Fauna bottling and introduce a new series of original bottlings marked a significant shift towards targeting the high-end market. The Flora and Fauna series represented the original bottling style before this strategic change.

"One of the very, very best." - Praise for the Mortlach 16 years Flora & Fauna.
"I think they made a significant fault by changing to such expensive bottling of Mortlach." - Critique of Mortlach's strategy shift.
"Full, fruity, strong and starting to develop oakiness." - Description of the whisky's evolving flavor profile.

Mortlach 16 years from the Flora & Fauna series is a sherry matured single malt with a unique distillation process.
It features a complex flavor profile with a dominant sherry influence, subtle vanilla, and developing oakiness.
The whisky is part of the Flora and Fauna series, which was rumored to be discontinued but continued to be highly favored.
The reviewer criticizes Mortlach's shift towards more expensive bottlings, suggesting a preference for the original style represented by the Flora and Fauna series.
The damaged bottle added an anecdotal element to the review, with the reviewer humorously addressing potential concerns about glass shards.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the rich, fruity, and complex profiles typical of sherry cask maturation.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: Those interested in unique or discontinued series, such as the Flora and Fauna, or in whiskies with a distinctive distillation process.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals looking for a whisky with a complex balance of flavors and a story behind its production and presentation.