Introduction I picked up this bottle of Westport 2000 from Decadent Drinks more out of curiosity than expectation. Westport is widely assumed to be Glenmorangie in disguise—with the distillery name omitted and a teaspoon of another whisky added to classify it as a blended malt. I’ve always liked Glenmorangie’s elegance, but I was interested to see what 23 years in a likely ex-bourbon cask would do to it—particularly under the low-key, no-fuss style that Decadent Drinks tends to embrace. Nose The nose opened softly—nothing showy, but definitely aged and composed. I got ripe yellow fruits right away—pear, a bit of melon—and then some gentle vanilla backing it up. As I let it sit, more mature cask notes came forward: restrained sandalwood, dried grass, and polished oak. There's almost a waxiness underneath it all, something I often associate with older Glenmorangie, though it remains subtle here. A few drops of water didn’t dramatically shift the profile, but they did bring out a bit more floral character. Palate The first sip confirmed what the nose hinted at—this is a delicate whisky with a deliberate pace. The mouthfeel is silky, not oily, with a nicely integrated mix of fruit (apple compote, underripe banana) and soft oak spices. No heavy tannins, no overwhelming sweetness—just a well-balanced delivery. There’s a nuttiness in the mid-palate that reminded me of almond skins or crushed hazelnuts, adding a pleasant bitterness that balances the sweeter malty elements. It never gets too sharp, but there’s a gentle tingle of pepper and ginger toward the back that gives it a bit of energy. Finish The finish is light-to-medium in length, fading gradually. It leaves behind soft notes of vanilla pod, a trace of green tea, and that lingering dried nut bitterness. It doesn’t coat the palate for long, but what’s left feels clean and consistent with the rest of the dram—no off notes, just a refined ending. Price and Value This sat in a price range that felt fair for a 23-year-old Highland malt—especially one that clearly hasn’t been doctored for easy appeal. If you’re looking for intensity, smoke, or sherry-driven drama, this won’t be for you. But there’s real value here in a gently aged whisky that respects its own quiet nature without trying to impress. Background Bottled by Decadent Drinks, this 2000 Westport spent over two decades in what I understand to be a single ex-bourbon cask. Westport is a code name for Glenmorangie single malt with a teaspoon of another whisky added—it’s a workaround that allows the original distillery name to be withheld. What ends up in the bottle is still about 99.9% Glenmorangie character, just released through a more independent lens. The assumed Glenmorangie provenance makes sense: the restrained profile, soft citrus-fruit-forward style, and polished oak all track. And at 23 years of age, this has quietly matured into something that rewards slow sipping rather than attention-seeking. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? Probably not immediately, but only because it's not the kind of whisky I reach for often—it’s more contemplative than expressive. That said, I’m glad to have experienced it. It offers a snapshot of Glenmorangie’s DNA without the commercial polish. Is it suitable for newcomers? I think it’s better suited for someone who’s already tasted across a few styles and is now curious about subtlety and aging rather than bold flavours. What kind of moment suits this whisky? I’d say it’s best for quiet evenings where you’d rather not be distracted—when you want something gentle yet grown-up in the glass. And how does it compare to others from the same region? As far as Highland malt goes, it shares that signature refinement seen in Glenmorangie, but with fewer finishing cask influences and more behavioural honesty from its long bourbon wood aging.