Mannochmore is a bit of a insider dram. I’ve rarely been disappointed by its bright and usually rather fruity profile. Of course it became famous(ly doomed) by Loch Dhu, the famous pitch-black excess. However Decadent Drinks now shows there’s also Loch Do, the total opposite.
Mannochmore 15 yo 2009 ‘Loch Do’ (50%, Decadent Drinks 2025, two refill hogsheads, 254 btl.)
Nose: totally clean and natural, with hints of white bread and cupcakes but also a generous dose of white fruits. Peaches, lemon juice, greengages, a little yoghurt and even a tiny acetic touch. Hints of synthetic banana candy with honeysuckle. Then whiffs of sunflower oil and chalk as well. Really vibrant.
Mouth: a similar bright fruitiness – lemons, peaches, melons and crisp apples with the sharpness (and slight alcoholic edge) of a Sauvignon. Hints of aniseed and fennel, more lemon peels, green tea and a gentle waxiness. Then some pine needles and grassy notes. A bit of the green side, but otherwise a highly drinkable whisky.
Finish: medium long, with just a hint of barley sugar along with white fruits and a tiny grassy note.
A bottle to keep at hand during the summer months. A very crisp and clean Mannochmore, totally the opposite of the original Loch Dhu. I believe this may even benefit from cellaring to round off the edges. Available from Decadent Drinks or partner retailers like Tyndrum Whisky.