Mannochmore Flora & Fauna 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"...cannot not remind us of Bruichladdich. In fact, it’s becoming immensely melony, this is quite spectacular." - whiskyfun.com

Another rare offering in the Flora and Fauna collection and one of Diageo’s best-kept secrets. In fact, of Speyside's fifty or so distilleries, Mannochmore is probably the hardest to find, both in terms of its physical location and market presence. Founded in 1971, its output remains destined for one of Diageo's blends (namely, Haigs which sells around 3 million bottles annually). Drowned out by the whispers of its more prominent neighbours, Longmorn and Benriach, the twelve year old Flora & Fauna edition which debuted in 1992 remains the first (and pretty much only) official bottling. The whisky seems to have found fans on the tasting panel at Whisky Magazine with both Martine Nouet and Dave Broom reviewing the whisky favourably, whilst Jim Murray didn't see the appeal.

Other reviews... Quite a greasy dram with sweet malt and bitter oak. 84 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020

Already tried this baby, but wrote very meagre tasting notes. Colour: white wine. Nose: there’s a chalky grassiness at first, then more lemons and green apples, as well as touches of Provence melons, which cannot not remind us of Bruichladdich. In fact, it’s becoming immensely melony, this is quite spectacular. In the background, just touches of linseed oil, and perhaps orange blossom water. But this melon! Mouth: well, there sure is a little melon again, but there are more pears and apples, and then bags of cereals, barley, almond paste, earl grey tea, and in the back, a little chalk and more linseed oil. Soft citrus, perhaps citron liqueur. Finish: medium, a tad spicier. Comments: this one from an old opened bottle, so it may have benefitted from breathing. And no, I don’t store my bottles near the melon stash. Wow, this melon!  83 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: The first impression is sweet and lightly malty, then some aldehydic (green sticks) notes emerge and a slight whiff of brimstone. After a while, the green notes become green apples, and the sulphur notes more like carbon monoxide. With water, similar to the unreduced nose: fresh-fruity, with traces of 'Spangles' and acid drops, and still a hint of sulphur compounds in the background. Somewhat 'monochromatic' for a Speyside. PALATE: Fresh and clean – appetising with good acidity and a well-balanced dryness overall. FINISH: Surprisingly dry in the finish for a Speyside.