Mortlach 30 Year Old 1987 Cask Ends Cadenhead

If you’ve ever done a warehouse tasting at Cadenhead’s (meaning Springbank), knows that they have quite a few gems there that you can bottle directly from the cask. This is one of those typical Cask Ends, from Mortlach. The bourbon cask was put to sleep in 1987 and after 30 years of maturation was filled at cask strength. That is to be taken very literally in this case.

Immediately very fruity and sweet on Turkish Delight, overripe banana, apricots, papaya, pineapple and raisins. Some wood shavings and a handful of almonds. Becomes tropical no less. In the background is a hint of putty, but does nothing to detract. Very, very good. Yummie!

Oily, fruity, spicy and bright on the palate. I’m sold already. The spices becomes somewhat loud with ginger in the lead, followed by white pepper and nutmeg. Vanilla rears its head and then the fruit shows itself in all its glory. Grapes, raisins, apples, banana, papaya – actually quite complex. And a fine balance. The ABV turns this into an absolute delight. Yummie indeed!

It remains juicy with just a midly drying effect at the death in the medium long finish.

A belter! And while you’d be forgiven for not recognizing Mortlach when tasting this blind – the typical umami trait is absent – do not fret. This is an absolutely stunning malt.

Find where to buy Mortlach whisky