After reviewing last week the new entry level Mortlach 12 Year Old, it’s time to tackle the next step on the Mortlach ladder – the new Mortlach 16 Year Old.

The new Mortlach 16 Year Old is the litmus test of the new line up as Inevitably it’s compared to the classic Flora & Fauna Mortlach 16 Year Old which was a loved whisky (even I liked it) and then became a cult and sought after bottle when it was dropped from production in favor of the older (and failed) line up.

Unlike the 12 Year Old which is from ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, the 16 Year Old is from first-fill and refill sherry casks – far more promising combo when looking for the old glory of Mortlach.

Mortlach 16 Year Old (Distiller’s Dram) (43.4%, £81.75/€67.95)

Nose: The exclusive sherry casks usage is very noticeable here with depth and complexity of sweet dried fruit, red apples peels, baked cinnamon, milk chocolate followed by dark bitter chocolate. After a few minutes in the glass it’s getting nutty and more ‘Mortlach-y’. Meaty, extra depth and darker and sweeter shades of berries, chocolate and meat.

Palate: Dried red fruit, red apples peels, all-spice and cinnamon, subtle white pepper, meaty and nutty and lots of chocolate.

Finish: Medium length, red apples, chocolate, honey sweetness and subtle spiciness.

Thoughts: No, this is not the F&F 16 Year Old reborn. It’s cleaner and more balanced with subtler meatiness but with an abundant amount of sherriness and you can just call it the modern incarnation of the F&F bottle. Would I buy it? Not at £82 but at €68 I’d seriously consider it. And for less than €60 I’d grab one – one can hope we’ll get to see it at this price tag someday soon.