Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 MacKillop’s Choice

Well, look at that. A Mortlach that matured on a sherry cask for no less than 23 years and then yielded 610 bottles at almost 57%. It was chosen by Lorne MacKillop, whose roots actually go back to Clan MacKillop, who was at the front line of the Battle of Culloden in 1745.

The rooms fills up with a wonderful scent from the moment I pour this dram: sweet sherry, forest fruit, caramel and baked Granny Smith. Quite a bit of oranges as well and some herbal notes. Heathery flowers. I am walking through a waking forest with a glass of orange juice.

It is soft, creamy yet powerful on the palate. Immediately very spicy on ginger, nutmeg and chili pepper. Drying oak comes close to drowning out the fruit. Mostly oranges again, but also apple and blackcurrants. Some apricot pastry in the back. Liquid honey.

The finish is bittersweet on tannins and caramel. Baby breath at the death.

Very sweet and piquant Mortlach on a great strength. This is not simply a very enjoyable whisky, this is a whisky for contemplation.

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