Mortlach Flora & Fauna Series Aged 16 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl

Until 2014, there was only one official distillery bottling of Mortlach in the form of the 16 year old from Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series.

The Flora & Fauna series was introduced in 1992 by United Distillers (a forerunner of Diageo before various industry mergers took place) and consists of 26 single malts from across the company’s range of distilleries. Originally, the bottlings, though all similar in style and design has no name – it was not until the sadly departed Michael Jackson noted the botanical references across the labels that he coined the nickname ‘Flora & Fauna’ – a nickname that has stuck.

The Mortlach Flora & Fauna is held in high regard, and whilst it is still available, it commands a fair old penny. Like other F&F bottlings it comes in at 43% ABV.

Nose: Immediately rich and sweet. The sherry influence is avery much an old school sherry aroma – raisins, sultanas, berries and chocolate of course – but incredibly fresh, ripe. The sherry is supported by some Mortlach meatiness as you’d expect – Spicing is quite present also – cloves, pepper and a touch of cinnamon.

Taste: Sweet and spicy with toffee pudding, chocolate and dates joining very pronounced pepper. Dried fruits, berries Honey, and inherent meatiness, but with some underlying gentle floral notes – leaves, menthol and heather. Rich and full-bodied, and whilst not necessarily what you might consider complex, this is simply a very very tasty whisky.

Finish: Medium in length and delivering further spicy pepper and a hint of dusty malt in a relatively drying finish.

Well-regarded for good reason, Mortlach 16 year old is a very good whisky. The natural spirit character shines through, and likewise provides a basis for the cask influence – sherry and spice – with both feeling well in tune with the whole liquid experience from start to finish.