Time to review a dram from the basic ‘Provenance’ line by D.Laing after a couple of the Old Particulars. The Provenance bottlings are released at 46% abv, rather than actual Cask Strength, and are mostly younger in age. This one we’re visiting today was distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2016, and sourced from the Mortlach distillery. Mortlach as you well know has undergone a change in recent years, with a new look and feel, as well as getting ‘premiumised’ ,meaning the range as a whole is now priced higher, and looks more ‘expensive’. I’ve reviewed a few of those in the past (have a look here). This is a moderately priced Mortlach, something I can not say about current OBs, which is a good start. Let’s find out how good it is 😉
Douglas Laing Mortlach 8 yo (Provenance) , 46% cask # 11257 , £38 / 245.00 ₪ (Locally In Israel) 
Nose: Quite fresh and crisp for a mortlach, don’t look for ‘meaty’ notes in this one.. Starts with a gentle light maltiness, hay, vanilla and spice, there’s some white pepper, and a certain mineral aroma to it, with apple peel and pear drops, youthful – I guess.
Palate: Pepper and spicy at first, with more vanilla and spices, again the coconut notes, and apricot, sawdust and wood spices.
Finish: Wood, white pepper, vanilla flan, and a hint of rum and butter.
Bottom Line:
This is a nice daily dram, not over complex, and not your typical Mortlach as well.This is a young whisky, and it does not mean to hide its youth, with the fruity apple / pear aromas, and the nice vanilla sweetness. Unpretentious, and easy on the palate.