Introduction
I picked up this 12-year-old Mossburn blended malt because I was curious about the Calvados cask finish. I hadn’t tried many whiskies with that type of secondary maturation, and the idea of combining apple-forward French brandy casks with a Speyside profile caught my attention. I'd enjoyed a few other Mossburn bottlings in the past, so I figured this was worth a try—especially given its fairly approachable price point.
Nose
On the nose, it carried a light but defined fruitiness. I got pear skin, apple peel, and baked stone fruit right up front. There's a layer of warm vanilla and a faint nuttiness, reminding me a little of crushed almonds or marzipan. Over time, it opened into brighter notes—green apple and even a touch of lemon zest. The Calvados cask influence is noticeable without being heavy-handed. There’s still a clear Speyside signature underneath it all.
Palate
It opens gently, with a soft texture and mid-level mouthfeel. The fruit carries over from the nose—more apple and pear, moving into stewed fruits and a delicate white pepper warmth. I noticed some honeyed malt and light oak spice developing in the mid-palate. There’s a subtle tannic dryness that doesn’t overpower but adds structure. The Calvados finish really adds a layer of baked orchard sweetness, balanced by a whiskylike malt core.
Finish
The finish is medium length, and although it’s not especially complex, it’s very pleasant. I got additional peppery spice on the tongue as it faded out, along with lingering apple skins and a slight dry nuttiness. It fades quietly, leaving a pleasant warmth and just a hint of old wood. No bitterness, no off notes—just clean and slightly drying.
Price and Value
At its current retail price, I think this bottle offers good value. It’s not pushing boundaries in terms of depth or complexity, but it’s exactly what it claims to be: well-integrated, thoughtfully finished, and enjoyable to sip. I’ve had single malts at similar age statements that cost more and offered less character, so I’d say it stands up well in its price range.
Background
This release is part of Mossburn’s cask-finished series, using aged malt whiskies from different distilleries before applying a secondary maturation in a specific type of cask. In this case, they’ve blended Speyside single malts, matured them for 12 years, and then given them a finishing period in Calvados casks sourced from Domaine Dupont—a respected Calvados producer in Normandy.
The choice of an apple brandy cask is relatively unconventional, though not completely unheard of in Scotch maturation. It brings a distinct orchard-fruit tone that’s easy to recognize if you know what to look for. You can read more about Mossburn’s range and philosophy at their official website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, I probably would—especially if I’m looking for something lightly fruity and unique without being experimental for the sake of it. It’s a solid choice for someone wanting to try a different kind of cask finish without going to extremes.
For newcomers, I think this is an approachable dram. It’s not too sweet, not too peaty, and the fruit notes are easy to pick up on. That said, those with more experience will still find enough going on to appreciate the layering of flavours.
As for when I’d reach for this bottle, I think it suits early autumn evenings especially well—when you want something smooth, mellow, and just a bit different.
Compared to other Speyside malts, it doesn’t lean heavily into sherry or peat, but offers its own character through the Calvados finish. That makes it stand out in a category that sometimes plays it a bit too safe.