Chapter 22
My first Morisco Spirits Whisky
Today we step into the realm of Morisco Spirits, a rising star among independent bottlers.
In our latest exploration on Drampath, inspired by our recent interview with Andrea Morisco (Leo’s Chapter 6), we uncover the allure of these newcomers to the whisky scene.
Morisco Spirits offers a fresh perspective on whisky craftsmanship. Join us as we navigate through three special drams from their collection. Each one is a testament to their passion and dedication in an ever more crowded world of independent bottlers.”
Ben Nevis 9yo - 52.4%
If you love Ben Nevis, you’re going to appreciate this dram for sure. This is a single cask, distilled in 2012 and bottled just below 10 years of age in 2022 after a whole maturation in bourbon hogshead. It is offered unchillfiltered, natural colour at a generous 52.4% abv and it’s part of the Morisco’s Marble collection (Leo’s Chapter 4).
On the Nose: Condensed milk. Boiling milk and sugar. Freshly cut cucumber. Blackberry and raspberry.
On the Palate: More vegetables. Freshly cut lawn. Complex and multilayered. Nice balance.
Finish: Quite long and pleasant. Lingering three minutes later. Dried fruits and spices (nutmeg with a hint of cinnamon). More cucumber.
Overall: It seems like there’s some sherry influence even though it’s officially a fully ex-burbon maturation. From a small new indie, so we close an eye on the slightly high price point.
Benrinnes 11yo - 53.1%
Benrinnes spirit, distilled in 2011 and matured 11 years in a refill bourbon hogshead. It’s bottled at 53.1% in a limited release of 312 bottles.
On the Nose: Fresh tropical bananas. Green apple. Hints of peppermint and marzipan. A bit of water and citrus/gingery notes appear. Banana now turns into mango. Speculoos. Lots of apple now as it opens up more.
On the Palate: White pepper. Almond oil. Oily texture.
Finish: Refreshing. Decently long. White grapes
Overall: a “good swimmer”. It needs quite some water for my palate. It has a nice viscosity in the glass. We like when it transforms slowly with water and time. It gets the badge this time.
Glentauchers 13 yo - 54.8%
Another cask strength, this time at 54.8% 13 years old from Glentauchers. Full maturation in an Oloroso Sherry butt.
On the Nose: Raisins, dark chocolate, nutmeg. Bergamotto. Cornflakes. Baked apple with a hint of cinnamon. Light caramel.
On the Palate: freshly cut logs. Liquorice sticks. Dark chocolate.
Finish: a bit of chewing tobacco sensation. Tart notes.
Overall: An interesting dram. Not the most common distillery and definitely worth trying along with other expressions from other indie to make up your mind.
Overall
Overall we appreciate the courage. It’s hard to start as an independent bottler today. The market is very crowded with loads of players, some of them with decades of experience.
It’s even harder when you’re not local and you have to rely on brokers and book your bottling slots and all the logistics that comes with it, basically remotely.
So congrats to Morisco and best of luck with his journey – these drams were actually pretty enjoyable.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Ben Nevis 9 yo marble collection – 52.4%
- Benrinnes 11 yo marble collection – 53.1%
- Glentauchers 13 yo marble collection – 54.8%