Mortlach 13 Year Old 1997 Silver Seal

Silver Seal is an Italian independent bottler with an ironclad reputation. I have tried quite a few of their releases and Massimo Righi – I am allowed to call him Max – surely knows how to select good casks. Almost ten years ago, he offered this Mortlach 1997. So it’s only 13 years old, but still has an ABV of over 60%. Oh, that color! This might really be The Beast of Dufftown.

Dark and sweet on dark chocolate, espresso with caramel, plums and figs. A truckload of honey and toffee. Truth be told, the nose is rather straightforward, but very alluring nonetheless.

Despite the high ABV, the arrival is pleasant, honeysweet and umami (Yes! Finally another meaty Mortlach). Good continuation of the nose. Not exactly complex but very tasty and round. Mouth coating. Automatically makes you smile. Feisty too with a mild floral, almost perfume-y note. All within the acceptable range, mind you. This is a bit of a sherry monster, but the spirit does not lose its individuality.

The finish is the clincher. Long, warm, spicy, drying, bittersweet and simply delicious.

Young, powerful beast and a veritable explosion of taste.

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