Mortlach 2005 10th Anniversary Bar Oaks Dram Edition #01 9 yo

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : Mortlach - Speyside

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2015 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Artist range was launched in 2012 by La Maison du Whisky, so in 2015 we were at the very start of this adventure, and what was released at that time is now considered a rarity. Here we have this Mortlach, bottled in 2015 to mark the 10th anniversary of Bar Oaks Dram, an establishment in Osaka run by Yoshihiko Ito. The cask used is a standard Hogshead, but it is unclear where some of the staves came from, or whether any sherry was involved. Given the very pale colour of the whisky, this is unlikely. 309 bottles were released at the time, and it is very difficult to get hold of one today. Nowhere is it stated that it is unchillfiltered, but I trust La Maison du Whisky on this point. The cask comes from the warehouses of Signatory Vintage, which does not usually chill-filter its whiskies. The label is the work of the artist Yuuka Yamada. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite powerful mineral notes, stones from the bottom of a well, semi-salted butter that’s half-melted, limestone and quartz. Alongside these, delicate floral hints and juicy fruits, mirabelle plums, Conference pears, white peaches, it’s rather luscious, reminiscent of brandy. A trace of charcoal, steamed rice, aged pine honey. Noble wood with a layer of varnish. On the palate, the same fruits, with a more direct attack, and slightly candied citrus. It is oily and waxy, warm wax, green tea, lively spices. An explosive finish, very long and varied, it goes off in all directions, green fruits, damp wood, loose earth, hazelnuts and dark chocolate, apple crumble and cinnamon. 

 

In Short, 

I’m not sure I’ve done it full justice, but one thing’s for certain: it’s very original. It’s a non-Sherry-cask Mortlach, which is rare enough to be worth noting, and it’s surprising to find such strong mineral notes and a hint of damp, stony earth. In any case, it’s very complex and absolutely delicious. The price is still high, but in any case, you have to find it first, that’s what requires the most effort. 

Score : 90  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

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