Mortlach is known as "the Beast of Dufftown" for its bold flavors in an area that mostly produces lighter whiskies. A few years ago, Diageo re-introduced Mortlach as a Super Premium brand, with a large investment in the distillery and its marketing, with 4 expressions available at re-launch. The Rare Old is the No Age Statement entry level spirit of the lineup.
We tasted Mortlach Rare Old at Meeting No. 34 on March 26, 2015. We rated it 2.94 out of 5, though we had some disagreement among member ratings. Mortlach Rare Old ranks 30th overall in Scotch. At a street price of $110, this spirit is on the pricier side given the our rating of it.
I just opened the window of my car and we must be driving by a farm with a farmhouse in the distance buring a fire...
Sweeter maple notes on the nose, something I would typically associate with a bourbon nose. Peatier than the Macallan, but sweeter on the edges. The body is fuller and more substantive. Best for warmth in a drafty lochside castle.
More distinctive than the Macallan Sienna. Hints of smoke or peat. A nice sweetness with a noticeable amount of alcohol.
Dark + mysterious. A little heavy on smoke for Speyside.
A little bite. Dark wood. Slight close. Downgrade on the bottle design.
Citrus & oak. Smokey on the finish. Opens up with a drop of water. Kind of bland?
3 other members rated this 4.0
1 other member rated this 3.5
2 other members rated this 3.0
2 other members rated this 2.5
3 other members rated this 2.0
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