Whisky Review/Tasting: Mortlach 1995 Signatory Vintage

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Mortlach Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: July 5th, 1995.
Bottling Date: January 16th, 2014.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Maturation: Matured in hogsheads, specifically in casks 4081 and 4082.
Bottle Design and Clarity: The whisky is un-chill filtered and uncolored, indicating a natural appearance. The specific bottle design wasn't described, but it's noted that this bottle is number 112 out of 729, suggesting a limited release.

General Tasting Notes: The whisky presents a faint whiff of smoke, with a mixture of aromas that are not overly intense. It features a bit of caramel and vanilla, but these are very subtle.
Palate: The flavor is described as quite intense, leaning more towards the cask influence rather than the distillery character. It has notes of chocolate and mild spices like clove or piment, without the presence of intense spices such as pepper, chili, or ginger.
Aftertaste: The aftertaste builds up slowly and takes a while to vanish, indicating a complex and lingering finish.

Production Process: The whisky is a result of mixing two casks to level the taste and increase the number of bottles available. This approach also allows for a consistent flavor profile across bottles.
Cask Type Uncertainty: There's an interesting note about the hogsheads used for maturation; it's unclear whether they are made from American or European oak, though the reviewer suspects American oak due to the less intense impact typically associated with European oak.

Independent Bottling: This Mortlach 1995 is bottled by Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler, highlighting the role of such companies in offering unique expressions of distillery character and cask influence.

Value Proposition: Horst Luening, the mastertaster, points out that this bottle might cost only a fifth of the price of an original 18-year-old Mortlach, making it an attractive option for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Experience: "Quite intense in your mouth. More on the cask side than on the distillery character side." - This quote emphasizes the significant influence of the cask on the whisky's flavor profile.

Mortlach 1995 Signatory Vintage is an 18-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in hogsheads.
It offers a subtle smoke note with hints of caramel and vanilla, leading to an intense palate dominated by cask influences and mild spices.
The whisky is part of a limited release by Signatory Vintage, highlighting the unique offerings of independent bottlers.
The uncertainty regarding the type of oak used for the casks adds an interesting layer to the tasting experience.
Horst Luening considers this whisky a value proposition, offering a similar age statement to original Mortlach bottlings at a fraction of the price.

Value-Seeking Connoisseurs: Individuals looking for aged single malts at a reasonable price point.
Cask Influence Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the impact of cask maturation on whisky flavor.
Independent Bottling Aficionados: Whisky lovers who appreciate the unique expressions and stories behind independent bottlings.