Mannochmore 12 Years Whiskydudes Review: A Taste of Brown Sugar, Plums, and Beyond

Perhaps you’ve spotted them at a whisky festival or have a bottle from this independent bottler in your cabinet. We're talking about the Whiskydudes. In this review, we taste a 12-year-old single malt from a lesser-known distillery: Mannochmore.

Mannochmore is a relatively young distillery from the Speyside region, founded in 1971 by John Haig & Co. and is now part of Diageo. Apart from their 12-year-old single malt from the Flora & Fauna series, Mannochmore is surprisingly rare in official bottlings. Despite having a stunning production capacity of an impressive 3.2 million liters of alcohol per year, a substantial amount of whisky from Mannochmore ends up in the blends of Haig and Johnnie Walker.

The Whiskydudes consist of the Dutch men Erwin Scherpenzeel, Sebastiaan van Dam, and Arthur Vonk. They purchase barrels which are quality-tested, and following positive feedback, they introduce whiskies under their own label. Their vision is anchored on four pillars: transparency, cask strength (otherwise, it’s specified on the label), no chill filtration, and no use of E150A caramel colorant.

If a whisky doesn’t pass their stringent quality-check, ‘the Dudes’ ensure it matures further in a cask that complements its essence.

All bottles from the Whiskydudes are recognizable through the use of the same sleek label, including this Mannochmore whisky. All the details about the contents, entirely in line with the vision of the bottler, are presented on the label. The brilliant amber hue of this Mannochmore ignites curiosity about its content.

The Mannochmore we're tasting today was distilled on February 21, 2012, and matured for ten years in a refill butt. On May 27, 2022, the content was transferred to a very special fresh sherry barrel. We're talking about barrique number 2315, previously holding a 1981 Pedro Ximénez sherry. Barrels like these not only contain the crème de la crème of the sherry world but are also incredibly rare.

The clear mention of precise distillation dates, transfer to another cask, bottling and the used barrels of the production process (including the barrel number), shows that transparency for the Whiskydudes is more than a trendy term. As you read the label and smell and taste the whisky, you mentally journey through the entire evolution of the drink.

Let’s explore what there is to smell, and taste.

Upon pouring, a warm aroma of an unmistakable old-school style sherry rises from the glass. Think damp wood and dusty books. You immediately find yourself transported to an old antique store or a historic library. While it is a distinctive aroma, it is quite delightful for those who appreciate this style of whisky.

The PX barrel has truly showcased its prowess by enhancing the drink with a deep sweetness of brown sugar, stewed fruit, and maple syrup. Moreover, there are traces of spice from ginger, clove, and cinnamon. With a few drops of water, we also notice tobacco, canned peaches, and syrup. You’ll continue to discover new fragrances, making it an exciting whisky.

The first sip fills the entire mouth with a sticky sweetness without becoming too sugary. A scrumptious fruit mix of blackberries, warm cherries, fresh raspberries, and oranges dances on the tongue. Enhanced with pepper, baked apples, and nutmeg, it's a warm and complex combination. The finish being medium-length, the taste of nutmeg and a bitter note of oak slowly dry the tongue.

With this Mannochmore, the Whiskydudes brought a relatively unknown distillery into the spotlight. The 1981 PX sherry barrel has done its job spectacularly, by providing the whisky a pleasant sweetness without being overpowering. The overall profile is layered, warm, crisp, and spicy. If you enjoy a whisky with an old-school sherry style, this is certainly recommended.

+       A unique barrel that has performed well

+       Pleasant sweetness without being overwhelming

+       Layered in both taste and nose

-        A particular mustiness that may not be appreciated by everyone

You can see the rest of our reviews on this page.