Malts of Scotland Images of Dufftown 'St Michael's Episcopal Church'

This is already the fourth Images of Dufftown bottled by Malts of Scotland. Traditionally it is bottled at an ABV of 53,2%. There are quite a few distilleries in Dufftown, so this might be a Dufftown, but could also be a Glendiffich, Balvenie, Kininvie or… The St Michael's Episcopal Church, which was built in the 1880s by Alexander Ross, can be found in the Conval Street. Hang on, that is very close to the Mortlach Distillery…

Sweet wood glue! That may be a weird thing to open tasting notes with, but it is what I smell at first. Some gooseberries and pineapple, caramel and heather. I am reminded of the color purple. A bit floral as well. Dandelions? A drop of soya sauce makes it umami. I am reminded of a broth. It works, even with water.

It is powerful and spicy on the palate. Loads of pepper and nutmeg, but also some curry. The fruit is now more like oranges and raisins, which makes me think this was a sherry cask. Refill, no doubt. Evolves towards bittersweet. Diluted it is a tad less dirty and somewhat more sweet.

Long finish indeed. It remains bittersweet and spicy with a twig of mint at the end.

I could swear this is a Mortlach. Does not matter much, it is simply very good with a somewhat queer nose. Careful if you wish to add water. Just under 70 EUR.