Category: Miltonduff

Style: Sweet, Vibrant and Delicate

Nose:

A fresh, vibrant grassy theme developing over a rich layer of creamy honey wax, exceptionally clean and fragrant. Bamboo leaves lightly steamed, linseed oil and a touch of lavender essence applied to give more herbal elements into the aroma. Black pepper emitting the perfect heat; mango drops, rose petals showing some beautiful overripe sweetness; rounded off with a light, mineral tone. Such a wonderful nose, full marks.

Palate:

The maltiness switches gears and becomes the heartbeat of the expression. Herbal signatures circling around the core, honey vanilla rolled into sheets and inserted in between. Overripe tropical fruits and melons sweetness flashing while bamboo leaves, pine nuts delivering a rich texture and oiliness. Fresh-cut grass gradually stacking up, dry barley begins to emerge towards the end.

Finish:

More barley-driven now, followed by grassy overtone together with some honeydew and honey wax in for a final hurrah.

Thoughts:

Definitely the best Mosstowie I have the pleasure to try so far. The bright grassy tone has created a positive opening showing plenty of energy, while overripe sweetness within showing incredible composure which can only crafted by time. Zero wrinkles, pure elegance – a vibrant expression which tells a beautiful tale of time. Very very close to 3 stars.

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

[45.2% | Independent Bottling | 1979 Distilled | 2017 Bottled | 160 Bottles | Single Cask | Cask Strength | Matured in a Bourbon Barrel | **+]

-Esmond

Style: Fruity and Spicy

Nose:

Creamy tropical fruits building on a stealthy, but sturdy dry spices backbone. Papaya and dried mango slowly boiling in coconut milk. Jack fruit jellies riding on ginger notes. Polished copper tones. A pretty typical matured-Miltonduff nose. Round up with white peppercorns, a sweet and spicy aroma.

Palate:

Simmering tropical fruits braced with vanilla cream sweetness blossoming neatly. Tropical fruits punchbowl. A nice mix of pawpaw and coconut jelly, yum. Dry spices striding in, red chilli skins, a handful of ginger shreds, a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon dust. Cadbury milk bars to finish.

Finish:

Light, stewed and waxy fruits and milk pudding. Milk chocolate finish.

Thoughts:

Chivas’s workhorse distillery for the Ballantine’s blend. Not often I get to try Miltonduff and less so at this age. A rather bright and sweet malt which blossoms nicely on the palate. While the presentation is pretty light but a rather staunch spirit, reminds me a bit of Glenmorangie if you ask me. Not very complicated overall but very well honed. Good dram.

☆ [Recommended]

[52.6%・1983 Distilled・2017 Bottled・Independent Bottling・Single Cask・Cask Strength・Non Chill Filtered・Non Coloured・1 of 168 Bottles・ Cask Number: 7450 • *]

-Esmond