Mortlach 15 Year Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)

Nose: Robust and sweet, reminiscent of a sugary breakfast cereal. Iced doughnuts, sweet marmalade, apricots, ginger snap cookies, tangelos, and mandarin orange. It's a blend of warm cereal sweetness and fruity malt that dances with light grace, avoiding any overly sweet notes. Alongside the fruity notes are savory, meaty, and vegetal aromas, and a very pleasant medium sherry influence – just a trace. What a wonderful nose! Palate: A perfectly balanced arrival, walking a tightrope between sweetness and spice with the expertise of a master aerialist. Ginger, orange, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and a wealth of dried fruits. Simply fantastic. Beneath it all is a hearty lamb tagine, slow-cooked with lemon and apricot slices. Mouthwatering. YES! This is how Mortlach ought to taste. A bit drying, but in the most delightful way imaginable. A subtle hint of chocolaty dry malt that ties everything together, like a well-made savory pastry. The texture is flawless – so precisely oily that it doesn't seem to be. Finish: Medium to long, it continues from the development and fades magnificently into a vibrant sunset. There's even a slight touch of mustard spice at the very end. You won't realize how long this finish lasts; the aftertaste is so subtle, I guarantee. I've recently discussed this whisky with my friend from across the ocean, so I decided it was time for a proper review. This whisky possesses incredible presence and authority, yet is simultaneously soft and appealing. To me, it embodies the guitar playing of a certain musician, where the silence is as significant as the notes. Stately and poised, with class, confidence, authority, and spirit. That's the essence of the blues. What a superb introduction to single malts this would be for a newcomer. I feel sorry for those who will never experience it – it's like a certain well-regarded whisky, but with sophistication and flair. If you want to understand the buzz surrounding Mortlach and why veteran whisky enthusiasts keep raving about it – try this whisky. It's a consistently produced licensed bottling, essentially a core range product. "Very Good": 87/100 (4.25 stars)

Disclaimer: This review pertains to the 11-year-old Mortlach from Classic Cask, not the 15-year G&M. Stop 51 on the SDT journey leads to Mortlach, a Speyside distillery under Diageo's ownership, primarily utilized in Johnnie Walker blends, though a few single malt bottlings exist. This particular bottle hails from independent bottlers Classic Cask, matured in a single, first-fill hogshead (bourbon or sherry undetermined) with only 384 bottles produced. Distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2014, it's over 11 years old, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and naturally colored a pale straw, suggesting an ex-bourbon cask. The aroma is vibrant and citrus-forward, featuring lemon and a touch of lime, alongside buttercream, vanilla, and subtle oak. An initial sharp alcohol sting is present. Faint bourbon notes of butterscotch and caramel emerge, with furniture polish and a slight metallic sensation. Almond paste appears later, followed by a delicate whisper of smoke. Sourdough bread and malty characteristics are noted, along with plum-like fruits, brine, and olive oil. Overall, the nose feels very unified; the citrus is prominent, while other elements required effort to discern. Upon tasting, a sweet entry with a hint of spice is met. It offers lemony citrus and general fruitiness, but like the aroma, nothing truly stands out. Light brine and vanilla are present, along with faint raisins and smoke. It's uncomplicated and straightforward, neither bad nor exceptional. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, transitioning from dry to mouthwatering, then back again. A medium-length finish presents citrus, cream, and raisins, with a dry character. This bottling is essentially the epitome of average. Only the citrus is memorable, and distinct notes are hard to isolate. Regrettably, this is another underwhelming release from an independent bottler. At $88, it's not worth the cost. Thanks to a friend for the sample. Rated 3 stars. Cheers

Reviewed Blind --- Nose - Strangely subdued, dried apple rings, golden raisins, what's present feels like it might be "hot" Taste - Dried apples, gentle warmth, bitter cocoa nibs, gentle oak, light salt, toffee Finish - Lingering tingle, very gentle dried apple ring sweetness, light fruity bitterness Score - 76/100 Final Thoughts - The aroma on this one was surprisingly difficult to discern. It seemed very subtle and hidden, and what I perceived when I nosed it felt like it could have been one of those concealed high proof spirits where what was there felt like it could have been "hot". I was completely mistaken though, as when it hit the palate, it initially felt quite low proof before gradually revealing a higher level. Strangely, the subdued aroma translated to the palate, but more of the same dried apple rings with a hint of bitter cocoa nibs and the tiniest hint of some dark dried fruits, but barely noticeable. The finish was more of the same, characterized by a general warmth/tingle rather than distinct flavors and it was quite forgettable. Not a bad drink by any means, but it feels as if the profile is quite muted. Would I drink it if offered? - Perhaps Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

A much-needed pour to kick off my late Friday. A smoother drink [and catching up on the backlog of samples] leads me to pour this particular scotch, provided by a friend. Note: This is for the 11-year-old Mortlach from Classic Cask, not the 15-year G&M. A few inhalations bring in melon, pears, and apples with a hint of butterscotch sweetness. As it opens up, notes of fresh baked bread and lemon zest, though faint, can be detected. Rubbing alcohol envelops all the fruity sweetness. All the aromas are light and diffused. The arrival is spicy white pepper heat. A hint of pineapple tropical notes with some lemon zest and vanilla. This one is not loaded with flavors. The finish is bitter with lemon and ginger. Oaky and spicy with a woody dryness. This is unremarkable with no truly memorable characteristics. It’s dull and bland. While not terrible, it’s completely drinkable, and if nothing else were available, a second pour would be refused. [82:100][Tasted: 4/20/18]

I finally had the chance to sample two whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail, an independent producer I hadn't tried before. Mortlach has a good standing as a single malt, and I got to taste it in this independent bottling. On the nose, it's not the best. Very spicy initially, then fresh lemon peel in a pleasant way, brown cake, and apples. On the palate, it improves slightly, with very elegant oak, hints of lemon, and it's very well-matured and balanced. The spicy ginger is also very well-integrated. The finish is medium with a ginger note that numbs the mouth. It's a standard whisky but incredibly balanced; that's its strongest point. Overall, I rate this dram a solid 88 out of 100. A worthwhile experience.

I purchased a half bottle of this to try it again after a tasting at a bar left me somewhat disappointed. It turns out my initial impressions were correct. The aroma is a delightful combination of peanut skins, nutmeg, and a touch of honey cake, but the palate doesn't live up to that promise. Aside from a delicate caramel finish, I struggled to find much flavor. It tastes a bit understated for my preference, and I found myself wishing for a higher ABV to increase its intensity. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the aroma, so perhaps in the future I'll just sniff the bottle and consider it done.