One of two ex-port re-racks in this month’s outturn – this Mannochmore spent 12 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being moved into a 1st fill port barrique. There’s something about recharring and an oloroso seasoned barrique in the outturn description – but I’m unsure what any of that really means contextually.
Nose: Fruity stuff. Freshly picked hedgerow berries – blackberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Fireball cinnamon gobstoppers join well stepped fruit teas, whilst coconut macaroons and pink wafer biscuits sit with overt port-wine influence. Reduction has positive results – honeycomb, burnt toffee and asides of mandarin peels. Set phasers to stun...
Taste: A more reductive palate – jammy cranberries and redcurrants alongside mirabelles and a glass of Ribena. Red liquorice laces and marzipan are livened with gentle ginger and cinnamon powder. Water again is worthwhile here – berry syrup and toasted alongside anise and wine-soaked bread and butter pudding.
Finish: Medium in length with dry oakiness and grippy tannins beginning to bite.
A rather cask-led Mannochmore that’s just a touch too dry and sticky for my tastes, but is nevertheless bright, expressive, berry-forward and enjoyable throughout. Those into fruity, dry port compositions will likely adore this.