Magnificent in every way, this is an epic, perfectly matured Mortlach. Exceptional quality from first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso seasoned casks that is very fine at natural strength and can also be enjoyed with a small dash of water, which softens the tannins.
Medium to full.
Seemingly endless and deeply impressive, with fruit and spiciness in perfect harmony and a warming glow spreading across the palate. Finally leaving the palate dry, yet wreathed in a glorious rich afterglow.
A mellow nose overall, with very light prickle. The aroma is profound and complex: rich with dark fruits in liquor; prune juice and Oloroso sherry, sloes in gin, prunes in syrup. Old oak and soft leather to start with, developing into hard toffee and chocolate-covered coffee beans. A rich Christmas pudding too; all classic sherry cask notes. Later, savoury, meaty notes as the Beast of Dufftown is roused from its slumber. A drop of water suppresses much of this.
At natural strength, smooth and viscous in texture; mouth-drying and tannic. The wonderfully rich, fruity taste is immediately sweet, with damson fruit, lightly savoury with a trace of liquorice and spicy-dry, with a scented hint of cloves. Drying overall, with rich tannins. Sweeter and less tannic at reduced strength, with more sweet spiced fruit. Magnificent.
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