Review by: Raygun

Mannochmore is one of a number of fairly anonymous Speysides that I rarely think about. Sometimes I manage to forget about it even while drinking some. Probably best known as the producer of the infamous Loch Dhu. It was built in 1971 next to Glenlossie to provide whisky for blends, and that’s still where most of it goes. This therefore was distilled not long after opening. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 20 minutes.

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Distillery: Mannochmore

Bottler: Diageo  

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 60.1%. Cask strength. 

Age: 22 years. Distilled in 1974 and bottled in September 1997.      

Cask type: Unknown, probably bourbon

Color: 1.0 deep copper. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Powerful, but there’s more than just alcohol. Biscuits, caramel, orange, papaya, and a bit of yogurt. Somewhat reminiscent of Ben Nevis. Woody like an oak-paneled room.                  

Palate: Big on the orange and yogurt flavors, backed up by caramel. Substantial oak. Drinks surprisingly well at full strength. Slight metallic flavor. Again reminding me of Ben Nevis, though not one of the really tropical ones. Not as austere as other Rare Malts, but the wood is doing a lot of the talking.  

Finish: Orange and yogurt again. Maybe orange sherbet is the way to describe it. Definite creamy feel. Biscuits, caramel, a touch of honey. Intensely drying, but not bitter.   

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Conclusion: Rather approachable for a Rare Malts bottle. Not as austere or downright odd as they sometimes are. It is woody and tastes old, but also has some fruity brightness, though you do have to like orange. I didn’t notice a lot of difference with or without water, even at 60%. The similarity with Ben Nevis was interesting and not something that I’ve picked up on in other Mannochmore. Maybe just this particular bottle. 

Score: 88

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)