Mortlach Rare Old

An absolutely fantastic whisky

12th January 2019

I picked up a bottle "Rare Old" for old times' sake, having last had Mortlach about 15 years ago. That had been a beautifully rich and hearty dram, in the style for which Mortlach had become so well respected. I must confess that while I find the Rare Old a decent whisky, it lacks some of the depth of character that I remember. The bourbon and sherry finishes are evident, with demerera, raisins, and a zesty touch spice up the middle to add a bit of zing to the character. I must confess that the further I have delved into this bottle over the past week, the more it has grown on me. Perhaps once I re-set my expectations after a slight initial disappointment, I have allowed this malt to earn its own respect. But I would agree with another reviewer that the $94 I paid in Canada is still excessive.

15th April 2018

A nice dram....... on the nose toffee and dried fruit........ on the palate... caramel, marmalade, cream and a warm lingering finish.

3rd March 2018

This was above good, but not great. Priced right in Scotland, but far too high in Canada.

21st July 2017

This is a nice entry level whisky from Mortlach. You can feel its lack of age statement and the reason it's not been given in the back of your throat as you drink this, it's a little harsh and unrefined, but nevertheless this is not a bad whisky! For the price, it's at this is a whisky I enjoy and I look forward to saving up to try some of the older expressions from Mortlach.

17th April 2017

Smooth, sweet but not too sweet. mellow sugar cookies?

12th March 2017

When it says "old" it would be helpful if the quantified this statement with an ACTUAL age, otherwise it is meaningless marketing hype. I would consider buying a bottle of this if they were more honest about it's contents.

4th November 2016

Quite rough and little discernible flavour. Doesn't live up to the branding.

8th September 2016

Fantastic!

28th May 2016

I had the privilege of being invited to the launch of Mortlach in Malta. The 10 year old was quite interesting good balance nice little bit of spice in the background.
The 25 year old was delicious, nice sherry notes with the typical Speyside fruitiness very enjoyable.
I wish I could afford a bottle. At least having the chance to taste it was special.

18th January 2016

This whisky is more beautiful than the bottle it comes in (which is 750ml standard size for scotch bottles).Tastes like dark fruits with a long creamy slightly smoky/oaky finish. Very elegant and incredibly smooth a new favorite. The Sugarbear

27th December 2015

Better than I thought it would be, but the size of the bottle and the price kinda takes the piss. Not happy with you diageo.

11th September 2015

Though it is a very nice, almost sweet whiskey with a smooth finish I thought it a bit overpriced at $149US. The sherry finish was a nice touch and I found it quite easy to drink. After trying the first bottle, I hurried out to get two more, as this will be a nice addition to my array of single malts!

19th August 2015

Nice hints of sherry without dominating the overall flavour, slightly spicy and caramelized, very clean and smooth taste. A classic, mild Speyside whisky.

18th August 2015

After the first tasting and a following drink or two, I get a taste like Oban 14 with a little Balvenie Doublewood 12.

5th June 2015

A bit youngish - not up to standard

18th February 2015

has everything i appreciate from the speyside style, its rich and fruity, just rolls of the tounge leaving the sherry notes for you to savor, well done!

22nd December 2014

Has everything of that sweet and fruity Speyside style that i like, the sherry notes comes through in the finish and lingers pleasantly for a while. It feels very round and smooth, wonder how the older releases tastes with this being a no-age statement. Well done!

21st December 2014

What a treat. I've been a big fan of independently bottled Mortlach in the past and this now right up there not just in terms of Mortlach but whisky as a whole. Aligned with a hugely expressive nose and concentration to die for this is just so so complex. Every sniff and taste unlocks new aromas and flavours. It opens up with lots of nutty, spicy notes with sweet cinnamon and orange marmalade. Toffee ice cream and toasty notes follow through on the palate, with damson fruit and a little smoky oak. Where this is just so clever is that there are real hi-lights of citrus fruit and floral notes through the mid weight aromas and finishing with some of the deeper richer notes. All in all it's a pretty complete whisky. I see no weakness here - it is just sensational.

21st December 2014

A very smooth pudding of a whisky. The nose has pine, lavender, vanilla, and toffee. Palate is spicy with cinnamon and clove moving to sweet creme brûlée with blackberry compote. The finish has bold pepper and nigella at first and a creamy nutmeg and soft sweetness at the end. Really excellent

21st December 2014

I keep a list of whiskys that I have yet to try and I finally got this. I was very impressed by the bottle design and the box they packed it in. none like it. even the opening is bigger than others with a meaty cork on. really made opening it especially delightful.
I admit that I am not sure of the age, but I have to say, it tasted quite mature. i have had Macallan 18 and Balvenie 21 and the palate is almost as crisp. poured it neat and it is a bit sweet but still complex. there is a hint of honey, little nutty, but the finish has complexity. the nose was quiet delightful. at 80 dollar US I think this is a bargain.

21st December 2014