Haven’t tasted lately too many Mortlachs and it’s sad as most Mortlachs I tasted were very good and tasty (new official lineup notwithstanding), so it’s time for a new Mortlach review on the blog and today: a 1996 vintage Mortlach from a bottle share we did locally here. This bottle got me curious as I’m more used to ex-sherry Mortlachs, while this one was aged in an ex-bourbon cask.

It’s a 19 year old single cask Mortlach, bottled under the Cooper’s choice brand, a sibling to Finlaggan and Ileach brands from Vintage Malt Whisky Co. bottled at 53.5%, non chill filtered and not colored.

Cooper’s Choice Mortlach 1996 19 Year Old (53.5%, €135,70)

Nose: Not exactly a textbook Mortlach nose with a fresh nose and not much of the meaty stuff. Instead there is a leathery note and apricots, a restrained storm of oak wood spice, honey and vanilla pudding and freshly sawed evergreen woods with dust, With time: more apricots but of the jammy type, with lemon peels and a soft perfume edge.

Palate: Rich fruit mix of apricots, pears and peaches slices, honey and vanilla, lots of wood spices and white pepper with some menthol, bitter leather at the background.

Finish: Medium length, dusty, wood spice, apricots, dry.

Thoughts: Not your average Mortlach whisky but it’s a pretty good whisky with a strong fruity side and a bit funky spiciness. I like it, and you’ll probably like it too if you don’t look specifically for a classic Mortlach profile here.