Generously donated by @whiskytip. 1994 Vintage Speyside whisky from The Mannochmore distillery. A 20 years old single malt whisky was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2014.
Mannochmore was the malt behind “Loch Dhu” brand.
This particular expression from Mannochmore Distillery was matured in Refill Sherry Hogsheads. NC and NCF.
Appearance: Deep gold, almost sunset yellow/orange. Lots of droplets and medium legs form over the nice oily film on the glass.
Nose: Icing sugar, honey, vanilla and red apples present first. A faint note of menthol along with dark berry richness.
Slight floral aromas, orange blossom in particular.
Once I’ve started drinking, there’s banana and toffee too.
Palate: An oily mouthfeel with an extra-strong mint tingling spice heat on the first sip. It drinks at a higher ABV than 46, I would say more like mid 50’s or higher!
The second sip is still a tingling heat, chilli and cracked black pepper.
On the third sip the heat starts to relent to other flavours. Honey and vanilla at first, then dark berry sweetness and depth.
A caramel or toffee chocolate richness underpins the berry sweetness and spicy notes which, although lessened, are still very much in the mix.
Finish: Medium to long. Spicy caramel and sugar-dusted banana/banana milkshake.
Overall: A monster of a 46%. Proper spicy at first but with plenty of balancing notes happening to balance eventually. Not one I’d buy, but pleasant and I’m very grateful to have tried.
