Mortlach 13 Year Old 2007 - Diageo Special Releases 2021

The Beast of Dufftown under a full moon becomes 'The Moonlit Beast'. Although we know Mortlach mainly because of its umami character and mostly sherry maturation, this one is special because it held its beauty sleep on a combination of both virgin and refill American oak. Surprisingly pale. Looks like white wine. Uh... well. I re-check the label, because I put my nose in the glass and absolutely do not recognize Mortlach. But it is definitely the right bottle. But those who expect the typical umami spirit on the nose will be surprised. This is surprisingly fresh and edgy with polished parquet, quince jam, gooseberries and a stewed pear in white wine.
The start is powerful with spicy wood herbs that make my salivary glands go into overdrive. Vanilla by the truckload. Very sweet on apples and granulated sugar, supplemented with something of apricots and even coconut. Ginger, almond shavings and woodsmoke complete the picture. The finish is very aromatic, particularly sweet (fruity, now) and peppery. Very tasty Speysider, but because there is Mortlach on the label, I am left with a slightly disappointed feeling. Strange, isn't it? Because pretty tasty. But this is a very summery Speysider and therefore somewhat atypical.

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