Introduction
I picked up the Mossburn 12 Year Old Calvados Cask Finish out of curiosity more than anything – the idea of finishing a Highland single malt in Calvados casks isn’t something I come across often. I wanted to see how that influence from apple brandy would show up in the whisky and whether it would enhance or compete with the spirit's character. Going in, I expected something a bit different – hopefully delicate fruit notes, maybe a bit of spice, and an overall clean finish.
Nose
Right from the pour, I got a crisp and slightly dry aroma. Fresh apple skin came through first – not sharp or acidic, but more like a sliced green apple airing out. That was followed by a note of sultanas and a gently toasted oak quality. There was a subtle trace of spice underneath – a little nutmeg, perhaps – but it all stayed quite restrained and well-integrated. The Calvados cask character was recognisable but not overpowering.
Palate
On the palate, it opens soft and slightly creamy. The orchard fruit carries on with green pears and stewed apples, and there’s a touch of vanilla that smooths out the brightness. I also noticed a light almond-like character mid-palate, possibly from the oak. The fruitiness feels natural and well-rounded – it's not overly sweet, more like baked fruit with a dusting of spice. The alcohol is well balanced at 46% ABV, giving it a nice body without any harshness. What I appreciated most was how controlled it all felt – nothing spiky or overly fruity, just a consistent experience.
Finish
The finish is medium in length with a tapering warmth. It ends dry rather than sweet, with a gentle oakiness and a soft bitter edge, almost like walnut skin. There’s still a lingering sense of that Calvados fruitiness, but it's subdued, not cloying. After a few moments, a faint pepper spice develops, leaving your palate clean and ready for another sip.
Price and Value
In terms of value, it's positioned around the middle range for a finished 12-year-old single malt. Considering the age and the quality of the finish, I think the price is justified. It’s not one I’d reach for every day, but it brings something unique without leaning too far into novelty. If you enjoy nuanced fruit whiskies that still respect the underlying malt, it offers solid value.
Background
This whisky comes from Mossburn Distillers, an independent bottler and blender known for experimenting with cask finishes and regional styles. They don’t distill this single malt themselves, but rather source it from a Highland distillery and then apply their own maturation and finishing process. The whisky spends 12 years in traditional casks before undergoing a finishing period in French Calvados casks sourced from Domaine Dupont, a well-regarded Calvados producer in Normandy. That cask choice adds a fresh fruit dimension that's quite distinctive compared to more common finishes like sherry or rum. You can find more about Mossburn and their range on the Mossburn Distillers website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Probably – not as a go-to bottle, but definitely as something to have on hand when I want a lighter dram with fruit-forward notes. Is it suitable for someone new to whisky? Yes, especially for drinkers who prefer clean, fruity profiles without heavy peat or sherry depth. It’s quite approachable. Personally, I found it well suited to early evening sipping, especially in warmer weather when something fresh and not too rich fits the mood. Compared to other Highland whiskies, this leans more toward the gentle and aromatic side – the Calvados finish gives it a subtly different twist without pushing it too far outside traditional Scotch territory.