Mannochmore 25 Year 1990 (2016 Special Release)

A few weeks ago while on a work trip, I was lucky enough to try a bit of this (and even luckier to keep around 10cl). This is truly a rare find; not many of these bottles are around. I'd never even heard of this distillery before; it's typically used by Diageo for their blends, making single malt bottlings quite uncommon. Perhaps Diageo found some exceptional casks for this special release, or maybe they're testing the waters to see if this distillery could branch out into single malts alongside its blends, creating a new income source if production allows. I suspect it's the latter. Regardless, here are my thoughts on it: the aroma is perfect, with notes of oranges, apples, and vanilla custard. The flavor brings to mind those soft, buttery Austrian waffle cookies with caramel and chocolate notes. I really enjoy the finish. There's a subtle hint of smoke, just a touch, but mostly oranges and apples. This is genuinely a special indulgence. While it's fantastic, is it worth around $250? It seems steep initially, and it is indeed pricey. Not everyone has the spare cash for a $250 bottle. However, considering its scarcity, quality, and age, $250 feels reasonable. For comparison, the Highland Park Valhalla series cost $300 each and were only about 16 years old. Balvenie Tun 1409 and 1501 are over $300, at least. Neither of those were as good as this. I'm happy I had the chance to sample it, and if you find any, I highly recommend buying it. Pool your money with some friends and share it; it's truly a rewarding experience.

Nose - Sweet caramel, sticky pine, vanilla bean, roasted cereal, aged hide, nectar (diluted) Caramel, vanilla, baked apples, honey, browned coconut flakes?, tanned skin Taste - Rich caramel, whisper of coffee, cocoa, minty pine syrup sweetness, mild warmth/spice, apples, flame-kissed pineapple, nectar (diluted) Caramel, vanilla, herbal, flame-kissed pineapple, apples Finish - Delicate fruity/acrid spice, seared sugar, apples, nectar, greenery (diluted) identical Score - 91/100 Final Thoughts - From beginning to end, this felt like an expertly crafted fusion of a bourbon and a barrel-proof Glenlivet. It had the expected bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla, yet they were complemented by the distinct cooked apple characteristics I associate with a Glenlivet. Upon reflection, it also carried some honey and apple notes reminiscent of a Balvenie. The intriguing pine syrup notes diminished slightly with dilution, which seemed to improve the synergy between the bourbon and the Glenlivet/Balvenie influences. This was a truly fascinating pour, and while not inexpensive, I can envision bourbon enthusiasts finding it an appealing entry point to single malt Scotch. Would I consume it if offered? - Absolutely Would I select it myself? - Yes Would I purchase a bottle? - Possibly, though the cost is a little high NOTE - All assessments are made independently of cost.

3cl sample (Master of Malt/£23) The bouquet is dominated by Sherry with a hint of citrus. There are also some cask strength bourbon characteristics, likely due to the inclusion of virgin oak. Wonderful stuff! It's like being in a candy shop. While the nose was Sherry with a citrus hint (and a bubblegum note I just detected), the palate is reversed: citrus with a Sherry twist. It doesn't taste woody for a 25-year-old; in fact, it's very fresh. The finish leaves a spicy tingle that I adore. Acquire a bottle if you can find this elusive whisky. You'll thank me later! (And please send me another sample)

The aroma presents citrus and vanilla notes, with an underlying banana characteristic. On the palate, it's exceptionally smooth and rich, featuring orange. The finish is gentle, coating the mouth like liquefied butter, concluding with a hint of sharpness.

Sweet aroma with some depth. Sherry influence emerges with ripe red fruits. Palate rush with honey, caramel, frosting, orange peel. Lingering oak and sherry sweetness.

A delightful dram. It exhibits all the characteristics of a first-fill cask, including honey, vanilla, caramel, and oak. It's potent, even with a generous amount of water, but retains its flavor well. A solid 4 out of 5 for me.