Mortlach 18 Years Old 1995 – Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

• 46% ABV,
• £60 for 70cl
• Score: 86/100

What they say:

Distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2013, this amalgamation of 2 Hogshead casks producing 693 bottles

What I say:

Another Mortlach, this time at 18 years old, an amalgamate (or marriage) of 2 casks, bottled by Càrn Mòr from Bankfoot in Perthsire (next to the Scottish Liqueur Centre) now owned by Morrison and Mackay Whisky. Another of my favourite Indie bottlers too, again mostly down to their impeccable selection, I am always a regular and prolonged visitor at their stand at the whisky shows – a good indication of my high regard for their bottlings!

Colour:

Very pale gold

Nose:

Slightly floral honey and barley malt, fresh spearmint, green apples, lemon and lime zest with hints of ginger

Taste:

Smooth and fresh crisp green apple with cinnamon spice, pink grapefruit zest, sugary honey, heather, chewy cereal malt with hints of sweet lime cordial, vanilla custard and Murray Mints (boiled sweets/toffee made from butter and mint)

Finish:

Refreshing and mouth wateringly sweet honey and oaky wood linger

Would I buy it:

Tempted but under a bottle embargo due to lack of space at the moment, will reserve further judgement until the new Mortlach range is out – hoping that this will still be available as it is a third of the projected price of the official 18 year old bottling! If you have 60 bucks burning a hole in your pocket go buy this one from Càrn Mòr immediately!!!