Glen Keith 23 yo 1997 / 2021 Signatory #72593+72594 52.7% vs Mortlach 16 yo 1970 / 1986 Intertrade 58.7%

Glen Keith 23 yo 1997 / 2021 Signatory #72593+72594 52.7%
This will be brief. Upfront and boisterous with a cacophony of freshly crushed leaves, broken branches, chalk on cement floors, sunflower oil, green apples and unripe berries, clean malt dry vanilla pods and sugar syrup. Not much development but its all there WYSIWYG in thoroughly natural fashion. Some mint leaf and dill, and leftover citrus pith with the zest and pulp removed, leaving a somewhat bitter and raw sting. 86 pts

Mortlach 16 yo 1970 / 1986 Intertrade 58.7%
Much love for these older Mortlachs. This one clearly has an umami character with salted ham, slightly burnt butter sauce, plenty of rye and dark grains, but also plenty of polished cedar, old waxes and resins, a pantry full of waxed oranges, whole nutmegs, smears of soot and a lump of coal. As welcoming as the ocean is deep. Lime cordial,  aromatic black pepper, little woody herbal notes abound. Apricot jam. Old Mortlach is a whisky that impresses with texture and mouthfeel and an irrefutable presence. 91 pts