Whisky: Mortlach 17 Year (2003), Adelphi Cask 800263

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 55.5%

Cask: Refill Sherry Hogshead

Age: 17 Years (Distilled 2003, Bottled 2021)

Nose: Fruity and herbal with an underlying spearmint; medicinal at times, even a touch antiseptic, with herbs, citrus, and a bit of bubble gum; fruity syrups and vanilla; wood and chalky candies.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, fruity candies with subtle mint, bubblegum, and herbal tea; white nectarines and guava turned toward green apples and lime candies— more artificial fruit than anything; underlying oaky structure and musty herbs; spirited peppery prickle toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with fruity candies and a touch of oaky tannins.

Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Stocking up on Discounted Valentine’s Day Candy

Narrative & Notes: I initially tried this blind as part of an online whisky group mystery advent calendar.  A few samples got a bit delayed and became more like a year-round mystery series. Fruit, which often presented as artificial fruit syrups or chalky candies, ran throughout the aroma and palate with underlying notions of oak and herbs— especially spearmint. The herbal elements and artificial fruit sometimes reminded me of the Dentist’s office, especially the mouth cleaning solutions and pastes they use to sanitize the mouth or polish teeth.  The finish was gentle with some nice staying power and only occasionally peppery

I was at a loss with this one; I thought it tasted familiar, but nothing came to mind. The flavor profile had me thinking Glen Garioch, but I did not recall it ever having minty or chalky elements. The minty quality had me thinking about the single malts from Santa Fe Spirits— but this lacked the wispy smoke.

It turns out this was a 17-year Mortlach from independent bottler Adelphi.  I feel pretty good about my guess as I got some of the details right, even if I was off on the distillery. Not a bad whisky, though I prefer Mortlach on the meatier end of the spectrum.  I can see the herbal, almost floral Mortlach elements and knowing what it is, things fell into place. I tried this blind a second time and still found that it felt incomplete and slightly discordant— but then green apple and bubble gum are some of my least favorite notes and this had a dash of each.