Mossburn Vintage Casks Craigellachie 13 Year Cask Strength

Selection from The Party Source Originating from Craigellachie Batch Number 23.0109.SC11.139 Created in 2009; Matured in former ruby port casks Bottled on 01/25/2022 Age - 13 years Limited to 259 bottles 52.4% alcohol by volume; 104.8 proof Uncorked for 3 months Nose: Red grapes, honeysuckle, strawberries, raspberries, creamy cereal, baking spices, white chocolate, and moderate alcohol. Palate: Berry-infused honey, plums, cocoa, allspice, sweet malt, hay, a hint of brine, and white pepper. The finish is medium-long, with oily grain, slightly bitter oak, black pepper, brine, dried dark fruits, and moderate alcohol. This was my second purchase from The Party Source, a new offering for them in November 2022. Based solely on the details, I bought 2 bottles without trying it. My first single barrel Scotch at full cask strength with a 13-year age statement for just $80? I was sold. It exceeded expectations. I'm typically not fond of port finishes, but that's mostly because they're used as a quick way to sweeten and inflate the price of bourbon. Compared to a sherry-finished Speyside, this is sweeter. However, it also retains significant Highland malt and brine characteristics that emerge through the port finish over time. The initial pour was sweet from the port, but it improved and the dominant ruby port influence lessened. Honestly, for $80, it's an outstanding value. There are few full cask strength Scotches from producers other than Glenlivet, Highland Park, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig that can be found for under $100 nowadays. The fact that there are still bottles available at the shop is surprising. I'm pleased with my initial Mossburn purchase. I anticipate seeing more single barrels like this in the future.

The aroma has malt with shortbread and dark berries. The flavor includes a hint of smoke and ash, with shortbread.