From one of our favorite independent bottlers these two distilleries aren’t seen too often on this side of the pond. The current line up of AD Rattrays are relatively young (with a few exceptions).
Macduff 10 $66
Distilled November 15, 2000
Bottled April 5, 2011 @ 59.8%ABV
Sherry Cask (No. 5786)
Color: Light copper
Nose: Sherry up front, figs, earthy, over ripe red grapes with hints of vanilla
Palate: Intense red fruit with a fiery alcohol back drop – needs water! Much better…sweet grain notes, cereal, nice even handed sherry influence, cough syrup, walks right up to the line of being too sweet for my taste, lingering spice, something slightly synthetic/rubbery sticks out, cherries, varnish?
Finish: Hangs around awhile with some nice spice.
Comments: Deep flavors for a 10 year old, a well balanced sherried Speysider, it manages to escape the sulfery tones that I get a lot with sherry casks I am happy to say. A little youthful, wish I could taste it after it sat for a couple of more years.
Glen Ord 12 $66
Distilled March 17, 1998
Bottled October 30, 2010 @60.1% ABV
Bourbon Cask (No. 24)
Color: Pale yellow
Nose: Rich, buttery, chalky, hard candy, caramel, butterscotch, fresh
Palate: Sweet, the ABV makes it tough to get through though, thick oily mouth feel, vanilla, surprising spice. With water: a lot more enjoyable, milder, sweet, honey, powdered sugar, floral and slightly dry.
Finish: Short with some oak bite
Comments: A nice straight forward Highland malt, sweet but kicked up a little, its nice to be able to adjust with water since it is at cask strength, enjoyable but not necessarily memorable.
The WhiskyWall 