Whisky Review/Tasting: Mortlach 25 years old
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: The Mortlach distillery is owned by Diageo.
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is matured strictly in ex-bourbon casks.
- Age Statement: 25 years old.
- Color and Clarity: Lighter color, suggesting a lack of dark fruits in the flavor profile, indicative of ex-bourbon cask maturation.
- Bottle Design: The bottle is described as very well made, with a heavy glass bottom for stability. It features a plastic cork, though it's unclear if the final product will have a plastic or real cork. The design is considered expensive.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a balance between fruity elegance and light spiciness, with a hint of light bitterness towards the end.
- Unique Characteristics: Notably light and fruity, with tropical fruits like candied pineapple, papaya, mango, grenadine, peaches, and nectarines. A spiciness appears in the form of ginger and sweet pepper, with a background of vanilla. Despite expectations, there is no smokiness, only a fragrant fruitiness.
- Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct from other whiskies that might use a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, as seen in the Mortlach 18 years old, which introduces darker fruits and potentially richer flavors.
Whisky Storytelling
- Anecdotes: Mortlach is affectionately known as "the beast" due to its robust flavor profile. The reviewer recalls a personal memory of buying dried fruits and candied ginger, which he relates to the tasting notes of the whisky.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Historical Context: Mortlach's rebuilding and rebranding efforts are mentioned, indicating a significant investment in the distillery's future and its offerings. The high price points reflect the distillery's positioning in the market.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "The beasts Mordlach is also called the beast in the front of your tongue there's a spiciness appearing like ginger and pepper sweet pepper no spicy pepper."
- "Very fruity, elegant, light... I'm believing that this is an ex-bourbon cask maturation."
- "It's sad that it should have a very light smokiness, but I'm afraid no smokiness always this fragrant fruitiness."
Summary
- Mortlach 25 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a lighter color and a fruity, elegant flavor profile.
- The whisky is known for its balance of tropical fruit flavors and light spiciness, with a unique absence of smokiness.
- Mortlach is referred to as "the beast," highlighting its robust character.
- The distillery's recent rebranding and high pricing strategy are noted, emphasizing its luxury market positioning.
- Expert opinions appreciate the whisky's elegant fruitiness and express disappointment at the lack of expected smokiness.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for aged single malts and the subtleties of cask influence will likely enjoy the complexity and elegance of Mortlach 25 years old.
- Collectors: Given its high price point and luxurious presentation, this whisky may appeal to collectors looking for exclusive additions to their collection.
- Fans of Fruity Whiskies: Those who prefer a lighter, fruitier whisky profile over the traditional smoky or peaty flavors will find Mortlach 25 years old particularly appealing.