Another nice Signatory bottling of a single malt usually consigned to the blending vats - specifically, the vats of Johnny Walker in this case. Mortlach is known for using an uncommon distilling technique that amounts to 2.7x distilled, like Springbank. This supposedly results in a rather savory, meaty flavor profile. This bottle - 46% ABV, non-chillfiltered, natural color - is aged 11 year in bourbon barrels. Let's see how Mortlach tastes:
Nose: Citrus, especially orange, grapes, and limes... white gummi bears and pineapple taffy (tropical fruit)... honey... perhaps some bourbon barrel influence, vanilla and oak... this is a very expressive nose! Quite rich. With water, the tropical influence is accentuated: more white gummi bear, more kiwi, more pineapple and banana.
Mouthfeel: On the thinner side, but still a little chewy.
Palate: Strong oak influence! Lots of bourbon wood. Very waxy, too. Lemon custard, honey, pineapple, biscuits. Green grapes! And chocolate, milk chocolate. With water, more bitter tannins but the same green grape note shines through.
Finish: A tiny bit of smoke on the finish, some wood tannins, and some dried fruit.
Verdict: Delicious Speyside whisky, I will have to try one of the official bottlings out there. I loved the green grape / white wine note on the palate, and the way the tropical fruit intertwined with the bourbon barrel notes. Quite a rich dram.
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