Scotch

Whisky Review: Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky

The Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky from Mannochmore is a polarising dram. Its deep black color, which is caused by extremely large amounts of spirit caramel, has made this bottle something of a collector's item. 

OVERALL RATING

3
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Tasting Notes

About:

One of the whisky worlds’ most controversial bottlings, the Loch Dhu 10-Year-Old Black Whisky from the Mannochmore distillery. This dark dram has divided critics, including gaining an infamously bad review from WhiskyFun’s Serge Valentin.


Appearance:
Black coffee
Nose:
A strong hit of espresso, there is some well-hidden sweetness, coffee cake with walnut and some treacle toffee.
Palate:
An extremely bitter coffee note, followed by burnt toast, and some well-roasted nuts. There’s an artificial meaty undertone note – almost like some very poor-quality gravy granules.
Finish:
Short (many would probably say thankfully!). Quickly drying, with a very heavily charred oak.
Comments:
I have certainly tasted notes of coffee in independent bottlings of Mannochmore before, but the Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky takes it to the extreme. I can easily see why it’s gained a controversial reputation. Loch Dhu’s not the worst whisky I’ve ever tried – but it’s very close! One to only try you’re feeling very brave, or very curious.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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