I haven’t been able to do many reviews lately because of my goldsmith training. I am now in my third and final year, which takes quite a bit. Not only is the level considerably higher, but there is also much more homework. So EVEN whisky came second for a while.😉 Anyway, I’m back because I have a bit more time now, so here’s my review of this Mortlach 1989.
This 24 year old Mortlach was bottled in 2014 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Book of Kells series. And unlike what we often see with Mortlach, it has not matured in a sherry cask but in a refill American Hogshead. So don’t expect a beast from Dufftown, as the distillery is often called, but a more fruity whisky. Something that can also work very well, as was the case with this Mortlach 1989 from Cadenhead.
This Mortlach is bottled at a strength of 46% ABV. Cask no. 4289.
Mortlach 1989 tasting notes:
Nose: very fruity, which goes towards tropical fruits: canned pineapple and apricots. Vanilla and a hint of powdered sugar. A whiff of coconut in the back. Almonds, but this disappears rather quickly. Later also a note of green bananas and a hint of wood spices.
Taste: a thick and oily mouthfeel. Pineapple and peach. Green bananas and sweet pears. Pink grapefruit. Honey and a hint of creamy vanilla. A touch of ginger and spices such as black pepper and nutmeg.
Finish: long with pink grapefruit again, vanilla. A hint of ginger and lingering wood spices.
As expected, it is not a beast but a delicious fruity Mortlach with a lovely layer of tropical fruit in the nose and on the palate. The only thing that keeps it from the 90 points is that the finish is somewhat one-dimensional. But overall, it’s just an excellent single malt.
