Quick Dram : Mortlach 1991/2008 C&S Dram Collection
Posted by Gal Granov
Mortlach is a distillery found in the heart of ‘Speyside’ whisky region, and located in the city of Dufftown (where 6 other well known distilleries are located). Founded at 1823 it is owned by Diageo, and most of its 6 Million litres of spirit (produced yearly) go into Diageo blends (mainly JW). Due to this it’s not easy finding a single malt by Mortlach. Mortlach whiskies are known for their Rich and ‘Beefy’ body and flavours, and use of high quality sherry casks.
I got this wee sample in a sample trade some months back, and didn’t get to try it until two days ago. I just finished making myself a very nice beef Entrecote, posted the image with my Iphone (using Fiddme – if you don’t know it, and you have an iphone. Get it. wonderful application), and asked what dram i should be drinking after this hefty meal. My whisky friend OK, replied immediately, that a Mortlach is a good option. I remembered that i had this sample sitting there, so i reached for it to try it, and as it turns out , this specific dram is what OK suggested I'd try. What can i say? Great minds think alike (and also, this was the only Mortlach i had handy…)
So dramming, begins!
Mortlach 1991/2008 C&S Dram Collection , Sherry Butt 4232 , 58% ABV
Nose: Some toffee with balsamic and red fruit all mingled. quite alcoholic at CS... Green Grapes after being washed in water. Very nice and fragrant.
Palate : Big, Meaty stuff, chilly pepper and some black pepper too. One hell of a palate on this one.
Finish : Long , on the chilly peppers, some fruit, and wee wee smoke coming at you…. (when you don’t expect).
Bottom line:
All in all, a wonderful companion after a meaty dinner. This baby has a wonderful Big bodied profile, quite different than other Sherry casks I've tried from other distilleries. Worth a try, but not for everyone.
Slainte!
Tasting Compass Box : The Peat Monster
Posted by Gal Granov
My friend @Olivier_amar is a real peat-head, and was always raving about the Peat monster by compass Box. He told me i had to taste this one. As a peat head myself, i knew i will be sampling this one at some point, and was really happy to have had the opportunity to taste it eventually a few weeks ago.
The peat monster is a vatting of Islay single malts from the village of Port Askaig (Laphroaig, and Coal Ila) and some Ardmore, all aged 10-16 years old. All coming from First fill, and Refill American oak. Will it prove to be a real ‘Peat monster’ ? let’s start with the dramming, and check it out.
Compass box Peat monster 46%
Color: Chardonnay.
Nose: Melange of Sweet fruit under a cape of peat : Apricots, Pears and some butter. Some wood smoke, earthy peat and white pepper and smoked bacon. Not extremely peaty as the name suggests, I've encountered peatier malts and blended malts (Big peat for example By D.Laing). but it's very enjoyable.
Palate: Body is quite thin, peat attack is first less noticeable, then after 2 seconds, the peat sneaks on you, and attacks with multiple 'waves' of peat sweetness, loads of Pepper and cinnamon all together. a very nice feeling to it.
Finish: peat smoke, cinnamon and burnt sugar with some malt.
Bottom line:
If you are a peat-head, this is a very enjoyable vatting, rather complex, and on the spot, But , and that’s a big BUT. it’s really a very shy monster, that does not roar. Compared to other beasts such as the Supernova 2010, or the Octomores , PC6 / 7 / 8 , this is a well-behaved peat creature. It lacks the sheer impact of peat, and the 46% ABV also is not a match to the Cask Strength of let’s say even the Corryvreckan or Laphraoig QC / CS.
If i had to choose between those two, I'd first shell out the money for the big hammers. But, I am a peat devotee. Someone who is just entering the Peated malts world would enjoy this one better. It will be a great introductory dram to the world of Islay peat, and peat in general. So, It’s a good option, after all.
Many thanks to the Compass Box team (Gregg,Chris) for the sample.
Slainte!
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