Mannochmore is one of the lesser known Speyside distilleries. Most of its output goes into blends, most notably it’s the prime component of Haig. The only official single malt from Mannochmore is released as part of Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series. Luckily, Mannochmore is quite available among the independent bottlers.
I’ve mentioned the independent bottler Chorlton from the UK in the past. Seems to be a cool and knowledgeable guy releasing a handful of casks once a season. I’ve taken a chance and bought some bottles and have for the most part been impressed with the releases having a lot a character and quirkiness. In the UK his bottles were easy to get a hold of from a number of outlets (or from him directly), but for a while after I had left the UK there were no official importers in the EU. Luckily, whiskybase shop is now an official importer meaning that, with some delay from the UK outturn, I can still get a hold of his bottles in Germany. So I bought this Mannochmore on a whim end of April 2023, for a rather steep €95.89, but the flavour description really spoke to me. It wasn’t until January 2024 that I had WB ship all my orders to me together (keeps shipping costs to a minimum), and by this time so many other bottles have been added to my collection that I wasn’t particularly waiting to try this Mannochmore. But then I noticed leakage through a crack in the sheet metal seal over the cork
Irealized that this bottle is not going to fare well in auction at any point, so I might as well crack it open now and inspect the damage because I’m going to have to commit to drinking this one sooner or later. Couldn’t see any damage to the cork actually.
Today I’ll be writing down my first impressions of this bottle. But first, as a reference, I have a Mannochmore sample from my Single Malts of Scotland 2022 calendar to try.
Mannochmore | 11yo (2010) | 58.2% | Elixir Distillers
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Scotch single malt
cask #11274
unchillfiltered & natural color
only available in calendar
no link
Sample review (2cl)
⚡Experience
Predominantly citrus (grapefruit pulp, lemon), some grass, coconut, elderflower and mineral. On the palate, good mouthfeel, sweetish, and robustly spirit-driven and malty. Light bitterness and char. Actually drinkable neat, but water is well advised and draws out notes of ripe honey melon and pear among other fresh fruit notes.
💡Thoughts
A summer dram, nice and crisp, but not very memorable. Not every dram needs to be completely unique and extravagant, though. Sometime a fresh and fruity Speyside profile is perfect for the moment. But I do prefer lower ABV for easy-drinkers so I don’t have to fiddle so much with the dilution or right getting intoxicated quicker than necessary.
Worthwhile and Enjoyable
Mannochmore | 13yo (bottled 2022) | 59% | Chorlton
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🪵
🔆
💲
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Scotch single malt
bourbon barrel
unchillfiltered & natural color
unavailable, bought for €96 in spring 2023
Bottle first impression
⚡Experience
Lots of lemon and lemongrass, citronella, and some sour grapes; subtler notes of camomile tea, cedar wood, and pastry. Overall, fresh and exotic. Very robust spirit, powerful palate, unctuous and juicy, bursting with tropical fruits, particularly citrus. Pinch of salt, slight bitterness. Satisfying bourbon-casky finish.
💡Thoughts
Funnily enough, I think I’m getting a jungle hike vibe from the citronella note (common bug repellent). There’s a bit more bourbon cask on display here than in the 11yo, but the citrus is still shining bright. In comparison, this one is so much more enjoyable. Right up my alley!
Mr. Chorlton himself wrote the following tasting notes:
“On the nose: lemon syrup, limoncello, lemongrass (there’s a theme emerging!) plus orange barley sugar and a little honey. I also find some spearmint chews, and a touch of minerality and something a little bit beery (or maybe pet nat yeastiness for the hipster crowd!).
The palate has a rich, almost syrupy/waxy texture, with tons of clean, sweet lemon, menthol, and balanced by some butterscotch and millionaire’s shortbread. The finish is clean, citrussy (surprise!), slightly salty and honeyed. I wrote “awesome” in my tasting notes which is not something I am typically wont to do.”
Worthwhile and Enjoyable
Personal Favourite
DuckDrams 
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