Mortlach 20 Year "Cowie's Blue Seal"

The aroma presents a rich blend of caramel and sherry, alongside dark chocolate-covered figs, baked apples, grape juice, frosted vanilla scones, a hint of sulfur, minerality, and floral cherry blossom notes, followed by subtle barrel spices and old leather-bound books with a mild ethanol burn. The taste offers a medium-full mouthfeel, beginning with rich sherry caramel, grape must, dark chocolate-covered figs, baked apples, charred blood oranges, and vanilla pound cake. This is followed by a hint of sulfur and floral cherry blossom notes, culminating in subtle barrel spices and old leather-bound books with a mild ethanol burn. The finish is medium length, featuring blood orange, vanilla scones, light minerality, dark chocolate-covered figs, grape must, a hint of sulfur, baked apple pie, and old leather-bound books. This is a very mature whisky, exceptionally balanced with light sherry, citrus, floral, mineral, and old oak on the nose, which thankfully translates to a consistent flavor balance on the palate before gradually fading on the finish. It has virtually no flaws, but a higher bottling proof than 43.4% would have intensified the flavors and provided a richer mouthfeel, helping to justify the premium $200+ price. I might consider purchasing it for under $180, but for now, I'm content with the sample and will look for it at a reduced price.

Nose: Predominantly blonde orange and honey, but also vanilla and dried red fruit. Excellent olfactory impact. Palate: Incredible, it's like taking a spoonful of good honey in your mouth, which then explodes with an alcohol content softened by sweetness. Then shortcrust pastry, candied orange peel, and honey, honey, honey. Finish: Not perfect, because it transitions from sweet to bitter very quickly. The only area for improvement on an otherwise excellent whisky! 4.50 rating ___________________________________________________________ Naso: arancia bionda e miele predominanti, ma anche vaniglia e frutta rossa secca. Ottimo impatto con l’olfatto. Palato: mamma mia, sembra di prendere in bocca un cucchiaio di miele, di quello buono, che poi esplode in una gradazione alcolica mitigata dalla dolcezza. Poi pasta frolla, scorze di arancia candita, e miele miele miele. Finale: non perfetto, perché dal dolce passa all’amarognolo in pochissimo tempo. Unica parte migliorabile di un comunque ottimo whisky! Voto 4,50

A very rich and well-integrated drink. Caramel hits first, followed closely by orange creamsicle. A slight saltiness emerges with chewy banana bread and chocolate malt in the middle. Lingering notes of tobacco, oak, and subtle herbs remain, leaving an oily coating in the mouth. Truly wonderful.

A very rich dram with a well-balanced amount of spice upfront. Lovely mid-palate notes with some soft vanilla and warm raisins. The finish is quite pleasant, though I had wished it would last a little longer. Highly recommended.

Excellent value for money, one of the best scotch whiskies I have ever had. It's always a hit when I bring it to a family gathering, a formal dinner, or even a casual game night with my brother.

A very oily, robust whisky. Fruit and vanilla with tobacco. A raisin and oak finish.