Macduff 1997 (Valinch & Mallet)

This Macduff 1997 was matured in a bourbon hogshead for 20 years. It was bottled by Valinch & Mallet as part of their Lost Drams Collection.

Macduff 20 yo 1997 (51,3%, Valinch & Mallet 2017, bourbon hogshead #17-0120, 296 btl.)

Nose: fairly light and neutral, with lemons and apple peelings, blossomy notes and honey. Vanilla pastry with glaze on top. Sweet lime candy. Fresh, almost scented oak as well. A light hint of bubblegum. Summery whisky in a way.

Mouth: a combination of sweet fruity notes (citrus, pear, berries) with big gingery notes, walnuts and a bitter edge of grapefruit zest. At some point it hints towards aspirin with floral / perfumy touches. Late vanilla and herbs.

Finish: dry and fairly oaky / leafy, still with this bitter and floral side.

The nose started in a nicely aromatic way but on the palate the floral and bitter side is too much for me. Also very expensive: between € 160 and € 190 depending on your market, see Master of Malt for instance. Hard to recommend.

Score: 76/100