Overview
Murray McDavid's 15-Year-Old Mystery Malt is a Speyside single malt from an undisclosed distillery, matured exclusively in a 500-liter Oloroso sherry butt. This traditional maturation imparts rich, sherry-forward characteristics, offering a deep and indulgent whisky experience.
Appearance
- Color: Deep amber with mahogany hues, indicative of extensive sherry cask aging.
Nose (Aroma & Complexity)
- First Impression: Rich and inviting, with pronounced sherry influence.
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Detailed Notes:
- Fruity: Dried fruits such as dates, figs, and raisins.
- Floral: Subtle notes of dried rose petals.
- Sweet & Malty: Dark chocolate, toffee, and treacle.
- Woody: Polished oak with hints of cigar box.
- Spicy: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove.
Palate (Taste & Mouthfeel)
- Body: Full-bodied and velvety, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.
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Flavor Profile:
- Sweet & Malty: Rich toffee, molasses, and dark chocolate.
- Fruity & Citrus: Stewed plums, black cherries, and orange marmalade.
- Spicy & Peppery: Warming spices like cinnamon and allspice.
- Woody & Oaky: Deep oak tannins with a hint of espresso.
- Peaty & Smoky: Not present.
- Mouthfeel: Smooth and coating, with a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
Finish (Aftertaste & Length)
- Length: Long and warming, with a satisfying depth.
- Lingering Flavors: Dried fruits, dark chocolate, and gentle spices.
- Evolution: Begins with a burst of rich sweetness, evolving into complex layers of spice and oak.
Style & Region Influence
This expression exemplifies the Speyside region's affinity for sherry cask maturation, resulting in a whisky that is both rich and complex.
- Speyside Influence: Emphasis on rich fruitiness, honeyed sweetness, and subtle floral notes.
- Sherry Cask Maturation: Adds depth with dried fruit flavors, chocolate, and warming spices.
Final Thoughts
Murray McDavid's 15-Year-Old Mystery Malt is a testament to the art of sherry cask maturation, offering a deeply satisfying experience for those who appreciate rich and complex single malts. Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its depth, or with a few drops of water to open up additional layers of flavor.