Mortlach 2002 16 Years Old (casQueteers)
The casQueteers are a cask sharing initiative from the Netherlands, and over the years they’ve released quite a few impressive whiskies. These Clynelish come to mind, for example, while this Littlemill was also memorable.
One of the first ever casks they bought—maybe even the first?—was a Mortlach, distilled in 2002. It matured in an ex-bourbon cask first, before receiving a finish of fifteen months in an first-fill ex-sherry hogshead. This was before I had discovered them, otherwise I would’ve jumped at the opportunity for a cask share. I’ll gladly settle for a sample though 🙂
Mortlach 2002 16 Years Old (54.4%, casQueteers, C#5604)
Nose: Juicy pear ice and muddled leaves of mint, as well as touches of ozone, or wet pavement. Some notes of decaying forest floor, as well as subtle aroma of orange peel and a moist dunnage warehouse. With time, it becomes a bit sweeter, and exhumes a more classic profile. Quite different, yet interesting.
Taste: Much more traditional than the nose is, with a good amount of orange zest and citrus peel, and there’s just a whisper left of the mint. A tad of licorice and tobacco leaves as well, with a whisper of vanilla. Somewhat spicy too, with ginger at the forefront.
Finish: Lingering citrus notes and spices. Medium to long.
Score: 88
The nose is different, yet delicious and certainly interesting. I’m somewhat saddened to see that the palate is a little less adventurous, although this is undeniably a very good whisky. Thumbs up!
Photo: Whiskybase
Thijs is a spirits writer and accredited liquorist from The Netherlands. He runs the blog Words of Whisky and contributes to a number of Dutch and international publications.
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