I received this Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years as a gift (thanks Chloe) and it’s made me mad… mad because I never picked up a bottle before this… what the heck is wrong with me? I know I like Mortlach, I know G&M tend to do a solid job with their Distillery Labels and I know if K&L carries it then it’s been curated to be there for a reason.
As for whisky details, it’s pretty straightforward. Gordon and Macphail got some Mortlach casks, all aged at least 15 years, blended them together and then watered the mix down to 43% and bottled it. However, there is some sad news here… G&M lists it as discontinued on their website. In essence this is less of a review and more an obituary for the semi-recently deceased. A pity for us all.
Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In G&M’s Words: Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years
“Aroma Initially sweet, fresh, and fragrant with a distinct malty nose. Citrus elements develop – fresh orange peel. Well rounded. Taste More subtle sweetness with hints of candied fruits. A rounded Sherry edge is evident and some raisin and sultana notes emerge. Aroma with Water Malty and fresh on the nose with a subtle sweetness present; defined Sherry influences and a hint of chocolate and orange linger in the background. Taste with Water Light and very delicate with a subtle malty edge with a rounded Sherry influence and a hint of vanilla. Slightly mouth warming. Body Light to medium. Finish Long and delicate.”
Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Mortlach
Bottler: Gordon & Macphail
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 43%
Price: $80
Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years Years Tasting Notes
EYE
Gold
NOSE
Malt, orchard fruit, vanilla taffy, sherry, orange peel, toffee and some nuts, spice and dark fruit.
PALATE
Cocoa, earthy malt, vanilla, toffee, sherry, citrus, olde taffy and a bit of honey, graham and strawberry Pop-Tarts.
FINISH
Long -> Honey and strawberry Pop-Tarts
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium body and a soft velvety feel.
Mortlach 15 Years Review – OVERALL
The most unique thing about this Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years is how the finish, and a bit of the palate, remind me of strawberry Pop-Tarts. It’s easily been 15 years since I’ve had one, but as soon as I hit the finish that was the first thing that popped into my head and now it’s stuck there. Outside of the interesting Pop-Tarts situation, the aroma is sweet, malty and balanced and the palate follows suite with a touch more earthiness in its malt.
Is it complex? No. Is it so vastly interesting that I want to sit with a glass for hours on end and study it? No. Is it a damn good malt that’s easy to pour a glass and carry it around all afternoon while puttering around the apartment on a Saturday afternoon? Yes… yes it is. Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years is a solid everyday dram and I’m kinda pissed at myself for only now experiencing this.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)
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Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years Review
- Nose - 86
- Palate - 87
- Finish - 86
- Balance, Body & Feel - 86
Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years Summary
Gordon & Macphail Mortlach 15 Years is a balanced and tasty everyday malt. Definitely recommend it if you can find it, especially now that it’s discontinued you’ll want to jump it ASAP.
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