I always thought Mannochmore distillery was mothballed between 1985 and 1989 (many sources mention this) but apparently they did produce in 1988. Around this time, production was rather irregular anyway, with the personnel often being moved between Mannochmore and sister distillery Glenlossie.
This Mannochmore 1988 is a brand-new bottling from Whisky-Fässle. Even though the alcohol strength seems perfectly standard, it was actually bottled at cask strength.
Mannochmore 28 yo 1988
(46%, Whisky-Fässle 2016, hogshead)
Mannochmore 28 yo 1988Nose: an elegant, rather oily but also quite fruity profile. Apricots, pineapple, a little kiwi. Yellow apples. Some malty notes. Custard cream. Hints of dried flowers and soft waxy notes. Rich, fruity, very good.
Mouth: a bit more zesty / grassy notes now, moving towards grapefruits and citrus green tea. Apples and other greener flavours. More jammy fruits and honey underneath, and just a hint of sweet mustard.
Finish: long, same bittersweet feeling, as well as some aniseed.
All good, this Mannochmore shows a warm, old Speyside profile. Perhaps a lucky shot while restarting the distillery? I really enjoyed this one, but it’s rather expensive: around € 220 from Whisky-Fässle.
Score: 88/100