As a cask comes to maturity, Finn curates sampling sessions in interesting and relaxing environments, with friends, whisky experts and trusted partners to discover the personality of each cask and gauge the experience each dram evokes.
All the best distillers pride themselves on crafting whisky with a distinctive flavour, which is determined by the water source, grain and barley, the peat and malting, and their distilling processes. High quality original spirit is integral to every cask we bottle.
The cask itself interacts with the whisky over time. The type of wood plays a big role, as do treatments such as the whiskies are aged in a variety of types of casks. The whiskies are aged in former sherry or bourbon casks, augmenting the cask influence. External conditions such as air temperature, pressure and humidity also interact with the cask producing a knock-on effect that makes the spirit inside unique.
Finn uses these factors to balance each FT whisky experience. He may sample a cask and decide to leave it on the rack, allowing age to further develop its personality. He might decide to re-rack a whisky in a new cask to add a finishing touch. Or, he might simply deem it ready. When Finn decides the flavour is perfectly balanced, it’s time to bottle the whisky.
I decided this Mannochmore was ready to bottle in one of the most remote places in Scotland. While staying at Ben Alder Cottage with my Czech importer, Lukáš Souček, we were snowed in by Storm Dave, spending the evening around the bothy fire as the weather raged outside. Fortunately, I'd brought a cask sample with me. In that moment, everything came together, it simply felt ready.
Mannochmore has always been one of those distilleries that quietly gets on with making exceptional whisky. Its spirit is fresh, bright and beautifully balanced, offering crisp orchard fruits, ripe pears and gentle sweetness. While it rarely seeks the spotlight, its elegant character rewards those who take the time to discover it.
Matured for sixteen years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, this cask has developed layers of creamy vanilla, soft oak and a wonderfully buttery texture. The active bourbon oak adds richness and depth while allowing the fresh fruit character of the distillery to remain at the heart of the whisky, creating a style that is both vibrant and refined.
The success of this cask lies in its harmony. The sherry cask adds depth and richness without overwhelming the distillery character, resulting in a whisky that is integrated, composed and beautifully balanced from start to finish.
I decided this Mannochmore was ready to bottle in one of the most remote places in Scotland. While staying at Ben Alder Cottage with my Czech importer, Lukáš Souček, we were snowed in by Storm Dave, spending the evening around the bothy fire as the weather raged outside. Fortunately, I'd brought a cask sample with me. In that moment, everything came together, it simply felt ready.
Mannochmore has always been one of those distilleries that quietly gets on with making exceptional whisky. Its spirit is fresh, bright and beautifully balanced, offering crisp orchard fruits, ripe pears and gentle sweetness. While it rarely seeks the spotlight, its elegant character rewards those who take the time to discover it.
Matured for sixteen years in a first-fill bourbon barrel, this cask has developed layers of creamy vanilla, soft oak and a wonderfully buttery texture. The active bourbon oak adds richness and depth while allowing the fresh fruit character of the distillery to remain at the heart of the whisky, creating a style that is both vibrant and refined.
The success of this cask lies in its harmony. The sherry cask adds depth and richness without overwhelming the distillery character, resulting in a whisky that is integrated, composed and beautifully balanced from start to finish.