Mortlach Rare Old

Nose: Fresh and lively, with leather, light fruit, thin honey, some sherry, and a hint of vanilla with an earthy weight. Red berries and a touch of sandalwood are present. Overall, it's a cereal-forward nose, but there's an undesirable spirity quality, and it feels thin and weak. Palate: Smooth, sweet arrival. Malty, cereal, and some soft warm spices. Stewed fruits, but very subtle, with vanilla. The texture is pleasantly silky but not creamy or oily – in fact, like the nose, it's rather thin. A little oak spice appears but is very understated, and there's a touch of a metallic taste. Finish: Short. Sweet and slightly fruity (thin orange marmalade?), but again rather ethanol/watery in the conclusion. This might be the Beast of Dufftown, but in this bottling, the creature has been subdued and contained. This whisky is neither rare nor old. The nose has some good characteristics but is tainted by an ethanol quality that gives it the character of a blended scotch rather than a single malt, and it seems bland. Thankfully, this mostly dissipates after some time resting in the glass, and adding a couple of drops of water further transforms it into a fragrant note, almost like eau de cologne. The palate is acceptable but too light and lacks body. You would never guess it's 43.4% abv as it seems more like 37%. Again, adding a dash of water improves it, as more spiciness (almost bitterness) emerges, and the palate broadens. However, it never achieves that signature Mortlach meatiness. In this bottling, it's more like shaved ham than hunter's stew. This whisky confirms my belief that Mortlach is best in independent bottlings. Skip this one and instead purchase the Gordon & MacPhail 15 year or the delightful Maltman 22 year. This is not bad whisky, but it seems consistently thin and weak, and knowing what this distillery is capable of, it's a letdown. It's slightly better than average, but only just. As it's only a 500ml bottle, it's also expensive and in my opinion vastly overpriced for what it is. Diageo is deceiving us with this release. "Above Average (just barely)": 80/100 (3 stars)

Mortlach is recognized for its meaty character, but you would never guess it from tasting this no-age-statement expression. The nose and palate offer subdued sherry notes. It feels like the sherry casks used could have benefited from a few more years to impart a more powerful and full flavor. This scotch is partially salvaged by its spicy finish that reminds one of cracked black pepper. I sense the intention was a sweet-and-savory experience, but I wish for bolder tastes. After all, isn't this supposed to be the "Beast of Dufftown?"

I'm surprisingly seeing many unfavorable reviews. While I agree the cost is a bit steep, I believe it meets the expectations for a slightly pricier Mortlach. The aroma is delicate, featuring apples, nuts, and caramel. On the palate, it's refined – very smooth with notes of apples and apricots, followed by toasted marshmallows and cinnamon. The finish is a lingering honey with toasty undertones. I'm pleased to have this bottle on my shelf; it's a fantastic drink to enjoy with a book or a classic film.

Amazing, as Borat would say. This is excellent whisky, and only deserves a score of 80 if your nose is clogged. How else can I explain such a low rating? The aroma is dominated by sherry, with hints of sultana raisins and bright lemons. The palate holds up well at 43.4% ABV, with more sweet notes of raisins and cinnamon. The finish is of medium duration, with suitable spiciness. I find it quite enjoyable.

I agree with a previous commenter. It has a noticeable alcohol presence initially, which mellows with time. Flavors include honey, nutmeg, sulfur, and rubber. This is characteristic of Mortlach. While not the finest example I've experienced, I still find it enjoyable. Rated 3.5. That commenter was also correct about the Mortlach G&M 15. Among six expressions, it's the highest rated I've had, and also the least expensive at about $80 USD.

On the nose...medium spice, cherries, sandalwood, leather On the palate...watery, flavors take a few seconds to develop, and there's spice, a light leathery note, sandalwood, and medium bitterness from the oak, also a grassy taste emerges. It tastes like a blend of young and some aged scotch. So-so, 2.5/5