Ordha Meas 13 (2003) Murray McDavid

Review by: Raygun

I suppose Murray McDavid is providing some competition to Compass Box in the category of blend more directed at serious hobbyists. Age-stated, natural color, non-chill-filtered, and bottled at 46%. It doesn’t have nearly the level of information as Compass Box limited editions. Only that it contains whisky from all five regions (I guess they don’t count islands) and all components were distilled in 2003. This is a US only release. Rested about 20 minutes.

Distillery: Blend  

Bottler: Murray McDavid  

Region/style: Blended Scotch

ABV: 46% 

Age: 13 years old. Distilled in 2003.     

Cask type: Initially matured in bourbon, finished in a sherry butt

Color: 1.3 russet. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

Nose: The sherry finish is immediately apparent, with the mustiness and raisin smell that implies oloroso. Tomato paste, ginger, and cashews. Slightly rancid oil.                            

Palate: Unexpectedly spicy. Hints of chili, cardamom, and coriander along with ginger. Tomato sauce. It all comes across as a little Indian. Some caramel sweetness. The rancid flavor again. It’s got some roughness to it, maybe due to the grain.           

Finish: It’s still rough. Kind of weak on the finish, too. The spice is there, but maybe a bit too aggressive. Takes a somewhat sour turn. I still pick up the raisins, but I’m missing the nuts. The artificial sweetener I find in grain. 

Conclusion: Eh. It’s not great. Or even particularly good. Not exactly sulfury, but has the harshness I associate with poor sherry casks. Though maybe some of it is the grain. It kind of seems like a destination for stuff Murray McDavid didn’t want to release as single malts. If the goal is trying to compete with Compass Box, they’ve got some work to do. I’d rather have a bottle of Artist’s Blend. Next time I’ll see how it does in a Penicillin.

Score: 69

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.

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