2009 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Mortlach 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Since the 1920s and to this day, a significant amount of Mortlach's output has been dedicated to the Johnnie Walker blends. In 2014, owner Diageo launched four 'luxury' Mortlachs, resuming a line of offerings as the distillery did so many years ago. Releases remain relatively rare, with more recent bottlings focussed on super premium age statements. Laing's edition sits in between the official 12 and 20 year olds. The outturn was 282 bottles from a refill hogshead, presumably sherry, but it's not stated on the label. 48.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... Instantly aromatic, so fragrant, showing the gentlest spices with a cedar wood and gristy aspect. Palate: Still piquant, now giving way to butter cream, a range of cereal based flavours and a syrupy backdrop. Finish: The same spices are now cool and minty; running to a later sugar toffee, crushed sugar style.