Macduff 13 Year Old 2006 Wilson & Morgan

Judging by the color, this was a very active sherry cask. Ah, yes, first fill. This young Macduff was bottled by the Italian company Wilson & Morgan at 100 Proof, which translates into 57.1% ABV.

I re-check the label to make sure I have the correct sample, because this is quite atypical for Macduff! But yes, it’s the right one. Leather, Wellington boots, roast beef, the coat of a horse, rancio and a drop of Tabasco. I wonder how much of the distillery character remained intact.

On the palate I cannot recognize Macduff either. I do get a sturdy and spicy malt on dark fruit (plums, dates, figs and raisins) with lots of spices like cloves, chili pepper and lots of woodsmoke. Some origin chocolate, pinch of salt and two lost raspberries in the middle. Very intense, but very atypical at the same time. But it has to be said: awesome malt.

You’d be right to call this finish long on leather and tobacco leaves, a hint of red fruit and lots of spices.

This is Macduff? Nah, this is mostly a very active sherry cask that effortlessly overpowered the distillery’s DNA and still delivered a grand malt. Thanks, Manny!