The previous Miltonduff 1980 releases that I could taste, were quite up my alley. As it turns out, they were all sister casks: #12427, #12429 and now #12431 in the Mo Òr Collection.
Miltonduff 30 yo 1980
(46%, Mo Òr Collection 2010, bourbon hogshead #12431, 321 btl.)
Miltonduff 30 yo 1980Nose: complex nose. Starts on fruits (apple, banana) and light honey / chocolate and almonds, evolves on freshly cut timber and some floral notes. A few spicy / herbal and dusty notes. Complex but over time it becomes a little narrower with plain barley.
Mouth: fruity (oranges, apples) and spicy (first soft vanilla, then slightly punchier pepper and aniseed). The sweetness slowly evolves to soft bitterness (grapefruit, ginger) with hints of grassy sourness, herbs and liquorice root.
Finish: medium long, lemony / gingery with drying oak.
Again a very interesting Miltonduff. Consistent quality compared to the other casks. More expensive though, as often with this collection aimed at collectors, hotels and restaurants. Around € 145 (50 cl bottle).
Score: 90/100