Mortlach 20 Years Old 1990 Cask Strength Collection (57.9%, Signatory, Refill Sherry Butt #6069, 521 Bottles, 2011)

• 57.9% ABV,
• £75 for 70cl
• Score: 85/100

What they say:

This was distilled at Mortlach on the 17th September 1990 and it was aged in refill sherry butt number 6069 for 20 years before bottling on the 18th January 2011. A release of 521 numbered decanter bottles from Signatory.

What I say:

Continuing on the Mortlach theme, here is a 20 year old cask strength expression bottled by Signatory.

Colour:

Russet/amber gold

Nose:

Fruity figs, plums, sherry, leather, slightly minty

Taste:

Initially warming and slightly spicy, oak wood, old leather and mint tinged with walnut, fruity plum, raisins and hints of cinnamon, liquorice or anise – definitely something herbal

Finish:

Relatively short, fruity and sweet

Would I buy it:

Again another great Indie bottling of Mortlach, mildly complex but incorporates lots of subtly synergistic flavours that evolve as you breathe or taste this expression. On serial dramming I suspected that some of the colour and flavour may have been enhanced by a little over-charring of the cask, plus there was still a lot of sherry influence coming through despite it being from a refill cask? Either way simply delicious! Again my recommendation would be to snap this one up if there is any left!