#1997

Old Orkney, Old Islay, Benrinnes, Mortlach (Decadent Drinks)

Here's our timely review of some of Decadent Drinks ' releases. We start with an Old Orkney and Old Islay, from the new Island series . Then there are two Decadent Drams: a deeply sherried Benrinnes 1997 and a bourbon-influenced Mortlach 2005.  Old Orkney 8 yo 2016 (47%, Decadent Drinks 2026, bourbon + sherry casks) Nose: quite a vegetal start, with musty leaves. Bay leaves and subtle mint. Later it opens up towards dried apricot and raisins, along with some vanilla and yellow apple. Some sea spray, heathery notes and lemon peels. Just a mild sooty note and black pepper in the background. Mouth: richer fruity sweetness, with more dried fruits, hints of charred pineapple and stewed apples. Now more coal smoke as well, as well as burnt herbs and a salty hint. Then honey and earthy touches. Still a lot of leafy notes too. Finish: quite long and quite savoury again, with black peppercorns, salty peat and heather.An easy-going Orkney that offers more complexity than the price would sug