Mortlach 19 (2005) Decadent Drams

Review by: Raygun

I know plenty of people swear by Mortlach in sherry, but I may be one of the minority who prefers it in bourbon. So this should be my jam, a nice bourbon-aged Mortlach from Decadent Drinks. Gotta admit I don’t quite follow their different labels: Whisky Sponge, Whiskyland, etc. In any case, this is a Decadent Drams release. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.  

Distillery: Mortlach

Bottler: Decadent Drinks   

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 52%. Cask strength.

Age: 19 years old. Distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2024.   

Cask type: First-fill bourbon barrel, 181 bottles. 

Color: 0.9 amontillado. Natural color and non-chillfiltered.

Nose: Butter toffee is the first impression. French toast, almonds, and whipped cream. Not very typical of Mortlach, but it’s nice. Some wood shop follows along. Second time I notice more herbal notes of mint and basil.                         

Palate: Oh yes. More dessert-like than most, but it’s definitely got that Mortlach weight to it. Good mouthfeel. Vanilla ice cream, toffee, salted nuts, and whipped cream. Makes for a nice sundae. A dusting of cinnamon. Some brioche. Good level of oak, but not too obtrusive. Chamomile comes out with some time, and a bit of basil.   

Finish: Again buttery and pretty rich. Toffee, caramel, vanilla ice cream. There’s the cinnamon and now a hint of lemon. Gets a bit herbaceous here, too. Like a little spring of mint on a dessert. And some chamomile. Seems to get mintier with time. Almost no heat.     

Conclusion: Should be my jam and it is. Not a whole lot to say, except that Mortlach is good. And I still like it in bourbon. Doesn’t seem like the most consistent profile out there. One bourbon cask I had was all summery and fruity, and this is much more butter, nuts, and cream. Both good, but wouldn’t have pegged them as the same distillery. The mouthfeel does show some consistency. Got a certain weight and richness that Mortlach often has. Mortlach continues to be one of my favorites.

Score: 87

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

Leave a comment