More Mortlach!  Today a 21 Year Mortlach from 1989 matured in oak… not terribly descriptive. The bottler in question was Mackillop’s Choice, a label under Angus Dundee Distillers who operate the Tomintoul and Glencadam distilleries.

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Whisky: Mortlach 21 Year (1989), Mackillop’s Choice Cask 1478

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 46%

Cask: Oak

Age: 21 Years (Distilled 16 March 1989, Bottled Aug. 2010)

Notes: Citrusy and bright with an underlying creaminess, this did not scream Mortlach at all. Lemon zest and a bit of pith strode off with yuzu and then shikuwasa for a slightly tart, herbal, and occasionally floral citrus. Woody mulch, stoney gravel, and copper all gave this a garden vibe with a touch of copper penny patina. Light-bodied on the palate, the flavors followed the theme with plenty of citrusy lemon and yuzu, though less of the more floral shikuwasa. Garden greens appeared, flowering choy sum more than anything else, with a touch of pepper and kiss of salt as it approached dry parsley and herbs. The finish was medium to long with a gentle peppery mineral quality, copper patina, and citrusy pith.

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Score: 6-7 (80)

Mental Image: Salad with a Twist

Conclusion: While this Mortlach was on the lighter side, I enjoyed the garden-like vibes that than throughout. This continued a bit of a theme this week as the herbal side of the malt continued to dominate my experience. The flavors were old-fashioned with a mustard leaf quality and mellow tea that I find less-common today. Though the mouthfeel was a bit light, the finish was wonderfully long and mellow.  Overall, a fine malt for a lazy Sunday evening.