When I worked my way through a few new releases from Tri Carragh, it was the Mannochmore that stood out. I was intrigued and dived into my sample drawer to find only two other whiskies from Mannochmore. One from SpiritFilled (self-proclaimed cask investment specialists) and the other from Decadent Drinks (the antithesis of a cask investment company).

Mannochmore is only now creeping on my radar, but maybe it should’ve been for longer. I fondly remember a Special Release from years ago, yet it never prompted me to explore Mannochmore further. To this day I know Mannochmore best for Loch Dhu, a pitch-black whisky that defies common sense. Vast quantities of spirit caramel makes it one of the most reviled whiskies of our time.

The Mannochmore from Decadent Drinks references that infamous whisky, but it couldn’t be more different. It is a marriage of two refill hogsheads from 2009 bottled at 15 years of age and natural cask strength – which just happens to be 50 per cent exactly. The SpiritFilled release showcases a different side of Mannochmore. It’s the same age but finished in an ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead.

mannochmore 15 years loch do decadent drinks

Mannochmore 2009 15 Years (50%, Decadent Drams, 254 bts.)

Nose: Fruitiness of the delicate kind. Hints of peaches, a slight leafiness, pear skin and tangerines, as well as some chalk, almonds and processed sugar. Just straight-forward, honest malt whisky.
Taste: Rich mouthfeel – almost waxy – and fruity still, but less delicate and more vibrant. Hints of golden syrup, mango and passion fruit, as well as a touch of stewed apples and a pinch of pepper.
Finish: Medium length. A slight chalkiness, a hint of orange peel and some allspice.

Conclusion

The second Mannochmore in the last few weeks that really manages to impress. Should I be paying more attention to this distillery? I think we know the answer by now.

8.8

mannochmore 15 years mythical beasts spiritfilled

Mannochmore 15 Years ‘Mythical Beasts’ (52.7%, SpiritFilled, C#9003966)

Nose: Hints of dates with a sliver of pomegranate seeds, as well as raisins, some tobacco and peach marmalade. Slightly buttery too, with finally notes of vanilla pods and peach skin.
Taste: Sticky raisins with hints of sandalwood and chocolate, then dry leather and just a whisper of aniseed. Also some light coffee notes, cherries and cloves. Just a tinge of Frisian rye bread as well.
Finish: Medium length. Lightly charred, more coffee and some cinnamon.

Conclusion

I kind of wanted to dislike this. The Mannochmore by Decadent Drinks beautifully shows the virtues of refill ex-bourbon casks. My inner whisky purist wants a PX finished whisky to fail. However, this Mythical Beast is simply done really well. Another reason for me to stop overlooking Mannochmore.

8.7