As you may know, The Maltman is kind of a successor of the old Hart Brothers label. It is run by Andrew Hart, the son of Hart Bros. founder Donald Hart. Today we’re trying their 23 years old Macduff.
Macduff 23 yo 1988
(43%, The Maltman 2011, sherry cask)
Macduff 23 yo 1988Nose: great fruitiness right from the start, nicely sweet & sour: Granny Smith apples, passion fruits, lime, litchi, clementine, pineapple. Touches of mint as well as soft pollen notes and a discreet mineral / coastal sharpness. Superb freshness – no dried fruits or other obvious sherry notes, this must be refill.
Mouth: a soft attack, lacking a bit of oomph. What comes out is the mineral, more grassy side. Still some (unripe) fruits, mainly citrus now. A little vanilla. Plain oak and almonds. Overall a bit shy.
Finish: fairly short, on apple and a vanilla with a pinch of salt.
This Macduff started with a very promising and intensely fruity nose, but in the mouth and finish it seems to fade out and loose some of its magic. I think it could have been better at a slightly higher strength. Around € 70.
Score: 84/100