Welcome back Ladies & Gentlemen. Today we will take a look at another Islay whisky. This time we check out an independent bottling so to say, from MSWD aka. Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. Behold the Mac-Talla Mara Cask Strength.

About Morrisons Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland's oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. 

They own the following brands: Cárn Mór, Old Perth, Mac-Talla and Bruadar Single Malt. And they also own Aberargie distillery.

About Mac-Talla

Mac-Talla, meaning "ECHO" in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly reflects the connection the Morrisons family have had with Islay for generations. 

As one of Scotland's oldest whisky families, the Morrisons have had a strong presence on Islay for four generations. 

Each whisky in the Mac-Talla range has been carved by Islay's weather-beaten shores. It's a taste of the untamed that leaves a lasting impression.

There's no place like Islay. Steeped in tradition, shaped by the elements, it's long been a breeding ground for greatness. Great history. Great legacy. Great whisky.

Their core range consists of the Terra, Mara, Flora and the 15 years old Strata.

Mac-Talla Mara Cask Strength - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 58.2%

"ON THE SHORES of Islay, two worlds collide. The wild fiery sea and the unforgiving land. Bold and brave, powerful and smoky. The spirit of Islay. The taste of Mara.

The Islay Single Malts under the brand are produced by the well-known Morrison whisky family. The bottling Mara (Gaelic for the sea) is characterised by the maritime nature of the island and was strongly influenced by the salty Atlantic. Bottled at cask strength!"

Nose: Whew. Heavy smoke, fresh, maritime notes such as brine and salt. Citrus notes. Orchard fruits, such as green apples and pears. A nice apricot note. Iodine and tar. Blackcurrants. Leather and tobacco. Earthy and grassy. The alcohol is nicely integrated. A very nice coastal and fruity nose.

Taste: Very powerful in the mouth. Round and heavy a bit rough also. Campfire smoke. Very salty. Brine. Lemon and lime. Black pepper and cloves. Green apples, unripe pears and apricots. Iodine and band aid. Earthy peat with a faint taste of BBQ meats. Leather and tobacco leafs. Ash. For me it's quite complex and rather likeable. With some added water it gets a bit more tame and it removes the rough edges that some of you might not like.

Finish: Long and spicy. Quite drying. The maritime notes stay for a long time. It's very salty and smoky. Ash, BBQ meats and grilled fruits. Black pepper and lemon zest. Lovely balance and lovely finish.

Overall I think this whisky is very good BUT it's not for beginners. It's definitely a dram for people that are more seasoned and to the people that are into smoky stuff. I think it's very well made, the ABV is spot on and it's very complex. I will give this a solid 87 / 100. If you like my tasting notes, then pick one up, it's definitely worth it.

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Check out the points on all the whiskies I've rated and ranked head-to-head over HERE.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. To many more. Sláinte.