Mortlach 25 Years Release 2023 - Gordon & MacPhail
The traditional distillery in Dufftown, located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has always been considered an insider tip among connoisseurs. Its robust, meaty malts often form the backbone of great blends. But when an independent bottler like Gordon & MacPhail patiently waits a quarter of a century for perfection, the result is more than just whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
First and foremost, the cherry rushes in, juicy and dark, followed by a whole potpourri of dried petals. It's like strolling through an old garden where berry bushes grow alongside gnarled plum trees. The raisins bring a sweet, almost meditative depth, while nutmeg and cinnamon join in like old friends, spreading warmth. Then, unexpectedly yet welcome, a cool breeze of spearmint swings through the aroma spectrum. It dances between the heavier notes, providing a refreshing balance. Walnut joins in, earthy and full, rounding off this olfactory masterpiece. One could spend hours discovering new nuances, for this nose is a book with many chapters.
Palate
Fruity sweetness spreads velvety smooth across the tongue before the spicy side of its character comes to the fore. Raisins dominate at first, dark and concentrated, followed by ripe plums reminiscent of winter compote. The texture is remarkable: creamy and at the same time lively and tingling, as if the whisky were breathing on the tongue. The walnut returns, this time more powerful, almost dominant, bringing with it a slightly dusty note reminiscent of old libraries or wood panelling. It is this complexity that challenges and rewards the palate at the same time.
Finish
A hint of old leather joins in, elegant and subtle, while baking cocoa provides a slightly bitter but pleasant note. The appearance of baking powder is surprising, with its slightly alkaline, almost powdery sensation, which gives the finish an unusual but fascinating dimension.
Thoughts
Marcel 87/100
This Mortlach 25 shows how enjoyment and character can go hand in hand – juicy cherries and spicy warmth invite you to linger, while the creamy texture simply brings happiness. Not just a simple sherry whisky, but an experience you savor with a broad grin.
Sascha 86/100
The Mortlach 25 years impresses with an outstanding balance of fruity sweetness, spicy notes, and a complex texture that carries consistently through to the finish. The refined harmony between creamy density and lively freshness makes it a technically very well-crafted Highland whisky.
Value for Money: No rating
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88/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Mortlach 25 years from Gordon & MacPhail so special in terms of taste?
The Mortlach 25 years is distinguished by a complex array of aromas, ranging from juicy cherry and dried blossoms to spicy notes like nutmeg and cinnamon, all complemented by a refreshing spearmint breeze. On the palate, fruity sweetness blends with a creamy texture and a robust walnut note, making the whisky particularly multi-layered.
Why is the Mortlach 25 years a typical whisky from the Scottish Highlands?
Mortlach is located in the heart of the Highlands and is known for robust, meaty malts often used in blends. This regional characteristic is also reflected in the 25-years single malt, which embodies the typical Highland style through its bold, spicy, and fruity aromas.
How does the 25-year maturation influence the taste of the Mortlach whisky?
The long maturation period of 25 years provides exceptional depth and complexity. It imparts a velvety texture, a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes, as well as an unusual, slightly powdery finish with hints of old leather and baking cocoa—qualities that can only develop through extended aging.