Orkney 2007 (Asta Morris)

This new Orkney 2007 bottled by Asta Morris should be Highland Park of course. I was quite impressed when I tried it the first time, and later while making these tasting notes it didn’t exactly disappoint either.

Orkney 11 yo 2007 (58%, Asta Morris 2019, ex-bourbon cask, AM 131, 387 btl.)

Nose: more refined than other 2007’s I’ve had so far. Pear, sour orange, balanced vanilla, rubbed citrus peel, then growing wider on wet rocks and chalky notes. A solid grainy base underneath and subtle ashy smoke.

Mouth: a really nice oily and waxy texture, with very subtle smoke, limoncello and mineral notes (wet gravel). Perhaps a hint of honey. Good combination of roundness and austerity and the silky peaty side is a big plus here.

Finish: long, pretty much the same combo of lemons, ashes and light oak

Not the most complex or typical bottling, but it finds a sweet spot of minerality and roundness that is very enjoyable. Simply good spirit. Around € 85 and probably still available.

Score: 88/100