New Release: Glenord 1998 16 Year Old Dornoch Castle

Dornoch Castle Hotel, I would like to stay there. Glenord GLENORD 1998-2014 16yo Dornoch Castle 42.5% one of 60 bottles The aroma has a touch of citrus and orange, a strong barley note, some white floral notes, honey, and a slightly condensed powdery nuance. On the palate, it starts with a gentle mouthfeel, then becomes spicy with pepper, citrus, a diluted honey sweetness, good acidity, and a rustic barley umami. The finish is pleasant without any bitterness. 【Good/Very Good】 This Glenord 1998, 16 year old was selected by Simon and Phil from Dornoch Castle Hotel in Scotland. The cask supplier is unknown, but the alcohol content is significantly lower than expected for a whisky of this specification. It's unclear whether it was diluted, but I suspect so. With an outturn of only 60 bottles, it's likely shared with another party. The aroma is gently assertive with fruits and florals, while the barley note is quite strong, offering an unexpected level of concentration. Upon tasting, it has a light-bodied mouthfeel as expected from the lower alcohol content but gradually becomes spicy. It offers a gentle sweetness, acidity, and rustic barley umami, making for an enjoyable malt. It lacks complexity or special individuality, but it's the type of whisky that would make you drink a lot without thinking at home. In terms of flavor, it feels like the body has weakened compared to a cask strength bottling, and lacks the estery fruity notes typically associated with such expressions. This suggests it was diluted. Usually, bottlings like this tend to be cask strength single casks, but for a malt without prominent characteristics, I don't see how being cask strength would improve the drinking experience. In fact, dilution seems to enhance its immediate drinkability. The two who selected the cask are still young, but their choice to dilute shows discernment. Additionally, considering the alcohol content, I found the flavor quite substantial. It seems Simon and Phil are at the bar of Dornoch Castle Hotel, and their reputation around me is very good. If I get to Scotland again, I'd definitely like to stay there for a few days and enjoy some drinks. #Glenord (GLENORD)