Professional reviews
Serge Valentin (88)
No further comments about these original labels that we like so much. Colour: white wine. Nose: hyper chalky and lemony, totally raw, with some cut grass then. As we often write – maybe too often – it's got the purity that's to be found in Sancerre's purest sauvignons blancs. As we also sometimes write, it would cut you into halves (enough, S.) With water: raw wool, new sweater, plaster, fern, porridge…. Mouth (neat): a little hot and spirity at this point, but there's almost no need to add any water to find out about what's going to happen once water's been added (gee…) With water: pretty perfect, full of lemon liqueur, with green tea, more chalk, sourdough bread and green orange. Once again, wonderful purity. Finish: rather long, on pretty much the same notes. This hogshead was a quiet star. Comments: there was a 12 yo 2008 by Fable Whisky that was even better in my opinion, but this one's almost perfect. To be cellared for sure.
BOW (88)
In the realm of distinguished whiskies, the Mannochmore 11 Years Old - The Ghost Piper of Clanyard Bay Hound Cask stands as a beacon of both craftsmanship and enchantment. Distilled on the 3rd of May 2010 and bottled on the 18th of October 2021, this expression, crafted by Pendulum Spirits for the Fable whisky brand, is more than a libation; it's a tale spun in golden hues.
As the 5th Release in the Chapter Five series, this Mannochmore edition is a testament to the commitment of both distillers and blenders in delivering a whisky that transcends the ordinary. Limited to a mere 308 bottles, each one is a rare embodiment of the artistry and dedication that goes into creating a truly exceptional spirit.
The Hound Cask, numbered 4880, is a distinctive choice that sets this release apart. With a bold 55.7% alcohol by volume, it promises a flavor profile as robust as the Hound that graces its label. The marriage between the Mannochmore spirit and the carefully selected hogshead has resulted in a whisky that captures the essence of its maturation journey.
The name, "The Ghost Piper of Clanyard Bay," adds an extra layer of mystery to this already alluring whisky. Conjuring visions of a spectral piper haunting the coastal Clanyard Bay, it invites enthusiasts to explore the supernatural tales that may have inspired both the name and the flavor within. Each sip becomes a communion with the otherworldly, a journey into the folklore that intertwines with the whisky's very soul.
Matured for 11 years on a hogshead, the Mannochmore 11 Years Old boasts a complexity that reflects the nuances of its Scottish heritage. From the initial nosing to the lingering finish, every element of this whisky is a testament to the meticulous care taken in its creation.
The collaboration between Pendulum Spirits and Fable Whisky has given birth to a release that goes beyond the liquid it contains. The 5th Release - Chapter Five of Fable Whisky is not just a bottle; it's a collector's item, an artifact of a moment in time when craftsmanship and storytelling converged.
In conclusion, the Mannochmore 11 Years Old - The Ghost Piper of Clanyard Bay Hound Cask is more than a whisky; it's an experience waiting to be unfolded. For those fortunate enough to secure one of the 308 bottles, it's an opportunity to savor the alchemy of flavors and the magic of storytelling encapsulated within each drop—an elixir that transcends time and tradition.
