Simon tastes Carn Mor Strictly Limited Mannochmore 13 year old 2007

Mannochmore is not a Scotch Whisky distillery that I know a whole lot about. Always keen to learn as much as I can about all things whisky I was excited by the opportunity to bring to Australia this small batch release by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers in their Carn Mor Strictly Limited range (and in their brand new packaging!).

Mannochmore distillery was built by Distillers Company Limited (DCL) in the early 1970's when demand was high and industry optimism blinded even the most conservative businesses in their decision making (case in point Mannochmore only operated for 14 years before it was mothballed in the mid-80's slump). Since it's inception Mannochmore has been the back bone of the Haig blends. 

There have been very few DB releases from Mannochmore, aside from a 12 year old Flora & Fauna release, and 18 year old and a 25 year old release; so it's really to the Independent Bottlers that we need to turn to get a real taste of what the distillery is capable of. 

This Carn Mor release is from an outturn of 1551 bottles. The label cites ex-Pedro Ximenes Sherry Hogsheads as the cask type. Sherry Hogsheads are smaller in volume than what the Australian Wine Industry refers to as Hogsheads (225-250L versus 300L), so we assume 5-6 casks are part of this vatting. 

The nose gives strong notes of toffee and prunes, perhaps some red fruit too: cherry pie like. Noticeably the fruit character is clean fresh fruit in the more modern style of ex-sherried malts (compared with musty, leather bottlings).

The palate is oily and sweet with the same flavours as I picked up on the nose. The malt has a sustained finish with raisins/sultanas and a rich treacle character. 

I enjoy this malt quite a lot and it will appeal to anyone who loves an ex-sherried cask dram. 

89 points from me in my not so scientific scale. 

Bottled at 47.5% with no colour added or chill filtration.