I received some samples from the latest TWE exclusives bottled by Signatory Vintage yesterday and dove right in, starting with this Mortlach 2008. It should be a little atypical, considering the bourbon cask maturation.
Mortlach 12 yo 2008 (57,1%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2020, first-fill bourbon barrel #800109, 177 btl.)
Nose: a surprisingly strong fruitiness. Sweet pear, white Haribo bears, baked apples. A hint of vanilla custard and light marzipan. Heady flowers. Some liquorice, leafs and a very subtle charred note. Very pleasant.
Mouth: quite lively, with a firm onset and plenty of texture. It brings back the green apple, melons and white peach, together with peppery notes and floral touches. Vanilla custard again. Verbena and mint, leading to a light chalky, earthy edge. Herbal and resinous towards the end.
Finish: quite long, on malty notes, pepper and aniseed.
The weight of the Mortlach spirit is noticeable even though the bourbon maturation brightens it up a little. An interesting selection, far less boring than some other bourbon casks these days. Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange.