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Mackinlay 'Shackleton Replica' (47.3%, OB, blended malt, 2011)
Related charity: Antarctic Heritage Trust – 5% from every sale. 50,000 bottles were produced. I guess with the appellation 'Highland Malt Whisky', no Lowlander or Islayer could be used for this, but what's sure is that there's some Glen Mhor, the latter having been Mackinlay's home distillery by the way.
Colour: pale gold.
Nose: this is fresh, grassy and slightly estery whisky at fist nosing (green apples, gooseberries) rather ‘young’ Speyside in style but with a slight rawness that gives it an extra-dimension. There’s also a sootiness that, indeed, hints at Glen Mhor (from refill wood). Develops more on lime and graphite oil, maybe a little coal smoke, even touches of seaweed… Much more leather, smoked tea and soot after ten minutes. This is very surprising because I had thought it would be Dalmore-ish but it isn’t in my opinion. I must say it does remind me of an Old Mull from the same era as the original’s indeed. Interesting!
Mouth: ha-ha! It does taste like an old Highlander indeed. You know, especially the ‘Inverness trilogy’ from refill wood which G&M used to have more than twenty years ago. Albyn, Mhor, Millburn… It’s dry whisky, rather rawish (which I like), grassy, leathery, with some lemon zests and cardamom, liquorice, something mustardy as well, bitter herbs (Jägermeister). In short, it’s robust whisky!
Finish: medium long, a wee tad fruitier (oranges, white chocolate) for a while but the aftertaste is grassier again. Acrid lemons.
Comments: when I saw this stunt coming I cocked my gun but now I rather think the brand owners deserve flowers. Whether this is how the original ‘Shackleton’ tastes these days or not (but Dave Broom, who tasted it, said it was amazing and I always believe what Dave says), the recreation is excellent. By the way, can we also have some Malt Mill Replica, Stromness Replica (Double-O will do), Parkmore Replica… Please? SGP:472 - 88 points.
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