Wemyss Mortlach 1990 21 Years Old

Tasted this over a 1-year period.

Nose: initially closed and oaky with undertones of wood polish, red fruit, and honey. After several months it became very fruity (dark red fruit) with honey, wood, and those characteristic meaty notes (though quite muted).

Palate: this started disappointingly thin. Whatever fruit and honey notes lingered were quickly overwhelmed by a tannic oaky grip. Over time it opened beautifully. Very rich and full with red fruit, spices, honey, and meatiness.

Finish: a prolonged tannic grip. More nuanced and less austere as it opened over time. The flavours from the palate transition to the finish but are eventually overcome by warming spice. Gets you right in the thorax.