Rating 3.5 Glasses
- Distillery: Mortlach Distillery by Diaggio
- Years Aged: N/A
- Proof: 86.8
- Local Price (USD): $121.00
- Availability: Widespread
- Local Price (USD): $121.00
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Honey amber & thin with quickly developing legs
- Nose: Pear and fruit. Floral with butterscotch and a slight citrus/lemongrass hit
- Taste: Nutmeg, pepper, pistachio, sugar
- Finish: Unfortunately shorter than we would like with sherry notes and spice. It's like a jilted lover; sweet in the moment but quick to say goodbye.
- Conclusion: Good scotch but better if you can find it at reasonable cost. Could do with some more aging and maybe bottle at a higher proof. All that to say this scotch would be (and is) welcomed by the majority as there is really nothing offensive about it save for the short finish and oh yeah, it lost 1/2 glass for the exorbitant price tag (at least in the Northwest market).
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.