This Mortlach is the second bottling from Ceder & Tjeder, the private cask buying collective from Sweden. They don’t try to hide the source, as this is clearly coming from Meadowside Blending (best known for their brand The Maltman). The bottle shape is a big hint, but on the seal it clearly states The Maltman.
I did not care for the first bottling from Ceder & Tjeder, a disappointing Craigellachie. But David (Tjeder) also picked this excellent single cask Old Pulteney for Sweden, which I absolutely adore. So I’m confident that this second bottling will be much more to my liking than their first bottling.
Mortlach 1998/2015 (48,8%, Ceder & Tjeder ‘Dram Good Whisky No. 2’, C#11016)
Nose: Pine needles, lemon grass and sour mats and gummy bears. Grassy notes (straw, hay) with fruits like green apples and freshly cut pears. Everything works really well together.
Taste: Nice oily mouthfeel. Arrives with white pepper and cardamom, but is also fruity with melon, pink grapefruit, fresh tangerines and (candied) banana.
Finish: A long, subtle finish with notes of lemon and mango.
Rating: 89
This Mortlach turned out really well. Excellent freshness with the right amount of fruit. I’m not sure if it is available, but if you can find it somewhere it is certainly worth a try.
Photo: Whiskybase
