Mannochmore Port Finish - Murray McDavid
With a finish in Tawny Port barriques, this Scotch shows an interesting development that does not reveal a classic port wine colour in the glass. But what about the inner values of this Mannochmore Port Finish bottled by Murray McDavid?
Tasting Notes
Nose
A sweet, tantalising composition unfolds as you sniff. The scent of vanilla sugar and candy floss dominates the first nose and brings back memories of fairground treats. This sweet base is accompanied by creamy notes reminiscent of banana milkshake and pineapple. These are joined by nuances of panna cotta and fruity blueberries in buttermilk. The flavour is rounded off with sultanas.
Palate
The Mannochmore reveals a relatively simple range of flavours. The sweetness of the refined sugar harmonises with the fruity aromas of wild berries and sultanas. A slight bitterness of baking cocoa complements this fruity sweetness. The spicy notes of liquorice and a warming, creamy mouthfeel provide some balance.
Finish
The finish of the Mannochmore Port Finish is medium-long and spicy, with white pepper dominating. A certain youthfulness of the whisky remains noticeable, which is reinforced by a slight oaky bitterness. The dry, spicy notes persist.
Thoughts
Marcel 65/100
This Mannochmore Port Finish brings sweet fruit and creamy lightness to the glass, but unfortunately remains a bit too tame and underdeveloped. Those looking for uncomplicated enjoyment without major surprises will find something here, yet it still lacks that certain something to truly captivate.
Sascha 64/100
In its structure, the Mannochmore Port Finish shows a simple balance between sweet fruit aromas and light spice, which is, however, marred by a noticeable youthfulness and an unbalanced finish. For fans of mild, young Speyside whiskies, it offers a solid foundation but falls short of its potential.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Meikle Tòir 5 Years The Chinquapin One Release 2023
With the Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One 5 Years, GlenAllachie proves that Speyside whiskies can indeed have a smoky side. However, the true highlight of this release isn't just the peat smoke, but also the cask management: In addition to ex-bourbon barrels, Chinquapin oak is used – an American oak variety known for its spicy, leathery, and subtly sweet notes.
84/100
Glen Moray Port Cask Finish
Located in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, Glen Moray is known for approachable, fruit-driven whiskies. Since the grand opening of its visitor centre on July 6th, 2004, the distillery has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. Interestingly, Glen Moray played a key role in the early days of wood finishing experiments — a technique that would later make Glenmorangie world-famous. With the Port Cask Finish, Glen Moray presents a no-age-statement single malt matured in ex-bourbon barrels before receiving a finishing period in port wine casks. Bottled at a friendly 40% ABV, it's an ideal choice for those new to whisky.
77/100
anCnoc 18 Years 2024
The Knockdhu Distillery, home of anCnoc whisky, is located in Scotland’s Speyside region. Since its founding in 1894, it has combined traditional craftsmanship with a modern approach. Known for its versatile range of releases, the portfolio includes everything from fresh, citrus-driven malts to more robust, wood-forward whiskies. The anCnoc 18 Years stands among the more mature expressions, promising a complex yet approachable tasting experience.
83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Tawny Port finish influence the taste of the Mannochmore Port Finish?
The Tawny Port finish imparts a sweet and fruity note to the whisky, with aromas of vanilla, cotton candy, and forest berries. At the same time, it adds a subtle complexity through a combination of sweet, creamy, and spicy nuances such as licorice and white pepper.
Why doesn’t the Mannochmore Port Finish show a typical port wine color in the glass?
Although the whisky was matured in Tawny Port casks, it does not necessarily take on the red or deep red color typical of classic port wines. The type of wood and maturation time influence color transfer, so the whisky tends to retain its characteristic light Speyside hue.
What does it mean that the Mannochmore Port Finish has no age statement (NAS), and how does this affect quality?
NAS (No Age Statement) means that no specific age is declared for this whisky. This allows the bottler to blend different vintages to achieve a desired flavor profile. Quality here depends more on the blend and cask maturation than on age alone.