8 Weedrammers gathered at Ron W’s on October 1 for our “September” get-together. COVID played a role in our meeting this month, delaying things from our original September date. All’s well that ends well however and the group was able to enjoy another couple of drams and each other’s company for a fun fall evening.
This time, we turned to Gordon and McPhail to provide the drams (No’s 178 and 179). G&M is a well-known independent bottler and distributor of Scotch Whisky with a long history (since 1895) of providing an extensive range of single malts from various distilleries (they don’t produce their own whisky but rather purchase casks from other distilleries and then matures, bottles and labels them under their own name). Gordon and McPhail have established a solid reputation among enthusiasts and collectors.
On this occasion, Ron turned to the Discovery range from G&M. Two drams, Tormore 13 yr old and Mortlach 15 year old were on tap. Both are from Speyside; both are very pleasant.
Our first dram, the Tormore 13 year old comes from an obscure distillery started in the
1950’s. The distillery is not open to the public and tends to sell its product to companies such as Gordon and McPhail for distribution. A quick summary describes the Tormore 13 this way:
- Appearance: typically has a bright, golden amber hue. Its color reflects a nice level of maturation, suggesting a well-balanced interaction with the cask.
- Nose: a pleasant mix of fresh fruit notes, such as ripe apples and pears. There may also be hints of honey, vanilla, and subtle maltiness. Sometimes, you might pick up a touch of floral or herbal undertones, which add complexity.
- Palate: often mirrors the nose, with a continuation of fruity notes—perhaps a bit more pronounced. Expect flavors like juicy orchard fruits, sweet malt, and a gentle spiciness. The oak influence is usually present but well-integrated, providing a smooth, creamy texture without overwhelming the primary flavors.
- Finish: clean and moderately long, with lingering fruit and malt notes. You might also notice a hint of spice or oak that gives the whisky a bit of warmth and depth as it fades.
The Tormore 13 Year Old is a well-rounded Speyside whisky. It offers a balanced profile with a good mix of fruitiness, sweetness, and subtle spice. It’s approachable for those new to single malts but also nuanced enough for seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
43% ABV; Available at ‘The Landing in Nanaimo and priced at $105.75 before taxes
Second up was the Mortlach 15. This was certainly the ‘winner’ for this evening!
Mortlach distillery is a distiller of Scotch whisky in Dufftown, Moray, Scotland. Founded in 1823, and after many years in the portfolio of Johnny Walker, the distillery is currently owned by Diageo. The whisky is a key component in several Johnnie Walker bottlings, and Diageo also markets four Mortlach single malts.
Mortlach 15 Distiller’s Edition from Gordon and McPhail is a special release. The “Distiller’s Edition” typically refers to a special bottling that is curated with particular attention to quality and often involves unique cask selections or finishes. Here’s what you might expect from this expression:
- Nose: Rich and aromatic, with hints of dark fruits, spices, and possibly a touch of sherry sweetness.
- Palate: Full-bodied and complex, featuring flavors of dried fruit, baking spices, and a bit of oak or leather.
- Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of fruit and spice.
The Mortlach 15 Distiller’s Edition offers depth and complexity that reflects both the distillery’s character and the expertise of the independent bottler.
46% ABV; Available at ‘The Landing in Nanaimo and priced at $141.56 before taxes
As usual, a selection of appies accompanied the drams. On this occasion, cold meats, lox and cream cheese, a selection of cheeses (Soft blue, Manchego and Brie), BBQ tenderloin with Major Grey Chutney and sweet pickles and the obligatory dark chocolate were served.
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Our next tasting will be hosted by Bill H on October 22nd.
