Decadent Drinks simply launched these two bottlings: Westport 2003 (technically a blended malt, however clearly a teaspooned malt from the giraffe distillery, you understand) with a sherry end, and Mortlach 2005 from a recent bourbon barrel. We’re within the Decadent Drams collection right here.
Westport 21 yo 2003 (51,8%, Decadent Drinks 2024, refill hogshead + first fill American oak Oloroso hogshead end, 217 btl.)
Nostril: very fragrant, with lots of fruit cake, soaked raisins, peaches in syrup and loads of (blood) oranges. Vanilla sugar and honey. Then additionally figs, marmalade and a pleasant trace of furnishings polish. This additionally brings a touch of recent oak shavings, some pipe tobacco and one thing calmly perfumed – possibly vetiver? Engaging.
Mouth: extra of those fragrant notes. Syrupy fruits, a lot of sultanas, recent plum and orange. Then it evolves to lemon balm, a gentle natural aspect and the everyday acidity and rancio notice of an outdated cognac. Honey, but additionally a sense of potpourri. Tobacco leaves, marzipan, drops of orange blossom water, extra marmalade and fruit teas.
End: fairly lengthy, with extra fruit tea, raisins, marmalade and a resinous / leafy layer.
This has a peculiar woodiness to it, resinous and aromatic, which makes it a little bit spin-doctored. Very entertaining whisky. Accessible from Decadent Drinks direct, or Royal Mile Whiskies for example.
Mortlach 19 yo 2005 (52%, Decadent Drinks 2024, first fill bourbon barrel, 181 btl.)
Nostril: massive, fats Mortlach. There’s a touch of Williams pears, a little bit chalk and wax, recent putty and litres of sunflower oil. A touch of mirabelle eau-de-vie, dandelions. Then bready notes, a little bit inexperienced banana, wee minty notes. Plenty of tiny components, it retains growing for a really very long time.
Mouth: extra fattiness, loads of candy chalk, paraffin, refined hints of bitter oranges. Nonetheless a touch of eau-de-vie, in a pleasant manner. Lighter honey, candy herbs, gorse flower, apple and lemon peels. Minerals and grapefruits.
End: lengthy, all the time this sweetened sunflower oil notice. Chalk, gentle pepper and cereal notes.
Love this fatty character. An amazing rigidity between austere and wealthy components. I’ve all the time had a “sure, however…” opinion about Mortlach, however this is excellent and fairly distinctive for a Speysider. Examine Decadent Drinks or Royal Mile Whiskies once more. Rating: 89/100
