Introduction
I picked up this bottle of Mossburn 12 Year Old Calvados Cask Finish with genuine curiosity. Calvados casks aren't a common finish in Scotch, and I was interested to see how that apple-forward French influence would interact with a Highland single malt. I’ve tried several of Mossburn’s regional expressions in the past and found them thoughtfully constructed, so when I spotted this at a reasonable price, I didn’t hesitate.
Nose
Straight away, there’s a clean and slightly dry aroma. I caught fresh green apple right off the top – not sweet, more like peeled Granny Smith. Underneath that, a gentle layer of malt provides a base, along with soft hints of hay and light vanilla. There's also a subtle almost chalky minerality to it, something I've occasionally noticed in Highlands whisky. The influence of the Calvados cask is definitely present, but it's not overpowering.
Palate
The first sip confirms what the nose hinted at: this is a soft, measured whisky. Medium-bodied and easygoing in texture, it brings together orchard fruits – stewed apple, a little pear skin – with pale malt and faint baking spice. The Calvados finish seems more about adding freshness rather than sweetness, with the fruit kept on the drier side. A touch of roasted almond comes through mid-palate, giving it some weight, alongside a hint of white pepper and a gentle oak presence.
Finish
The finish is fairly short to medium in length, fading cleanly with light spice and muted apple peel. There's a trace of sweetness, but it's understated. Nothing lingers overly long, and that keeps the whisky feeling crisp and uncluttered. A final note of soft cereal returns at the end, reminding me of its Highland core.
Price and Value
Given its age statement and cask finish, I found this bottle reasonably priced. You're getting a 12-year-old single malt with some thoughtful cask finishing, and the quality matches the asking price. It's not a whisky that’s trying to dazzle or shock – rather, it quietly delivers a different take on Highland character. If you're into subtle twists rather than bold experiments, it's probably worth securing a bottle while it's available.
Background
This whisky comes from Mossburn Distillers, an independent company known for their regional blends and small-batch single malts. This particular release is part of their Cask Finish series, where they finish aged malts in selected barrels to develop distinct secondary profiles.
Here, the whisky began life as a Highland single malt, matured in refill American oak for 12 years. After that, it was transferred for a finishing period in fresh Calvados barrels sourced from the well-regarded Domaine Dupont in Normandy. That choice explains the restrained yet specific fruit character. For more on the producer, you can visit Mossburn Distillers.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, I think so – especially when I want something understated but distinctive. It's not one for every occasion, but when I'm in the mood for a lighter dram with a dry, fruity edge, it fits well.
Is it suitable for newcomers? Absolutely. It’s easy to sip and not overly complex, and the Calvados cask adds a gentle twist without veering into experimental territory.
What kind of setting suits this whisky? I found it ideal as an early evening pour or alongside a mild cheese board – its crispness plays nicely off creamy textures.
And how does it compare with other Highland malts? I'd say it leans gentler than most, with a drier finish than sherry-matured expressions. Anyone who enjoys Glenmorangie's apple-led notes might find this an interesting detour.