Mannochmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Mannochmore single malt Scotch whisky is a relatively modern addition to Speyside’s distilling landscape, established in 1971 by Scottish Malt Distillers (now part of Diageo). Built on the same site as the long-standing Glenlossie Distillery, just south of Elgin, Mannochmore was created to supply malt whisky primarily for blending, particularly for Haig and other well-known brands, but in recent years it has gained a quiet cult following among single malt enthusiasts.

The distillery was designed for efficiency, with modern production facilities and a large capacity of around 3.2 million litres of spirit annually. Mannochmore operates alongside Glenlossie in a shared complex, with both distilleries using water from the Bardon Burn. Its malt is unpeated, allowing the distillery’s clean, fruit-forward character to shine through.

Mannochmore is perhaps best known, and sometimes most controversially remembered, for the Loch Dhu bottling of the 1990s, a nearly black-coloured whisky that divided opinion. While Loch Dhu became a curiosity among collectors, it does not reflect the typical Mannochmore style, which is generally lighter, fresher, and more refined.

The stills at Mannochmore are tall and narrow, producing a light yet crisp spirit. Long fermentation times encourage the development of bright, grassy, and citrusy notes, while maturation often takes place in refill American oak barrels to preserve the delicate distillate character. This style makes Mannochmore a valuable blending component, bringing freshness and lift to richer malt and grain whiskies.

Official single malt bottlings have historically been limited but notable. The Mannochmore 12 Year Old in Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series is perhaps the most accessible example, offering a fragrant mix of citrus, green apple, and herbal notes with a clean, dry finish. In more recent years, Mannochmore has featured in Diageo’s Special Releases, including older age statements and cask strength editions that showcase its versatility.

Independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Douglas Laing have also released Mannochmore in a variety of cask types. Bourbon cask expressions tend to highlight lemon zest, fresh grass, and sweet malt, while sherry cask-matured versions add more weight, with flavours of honey, nuts, and gentle spice. Older cask strength bottlings, particularly from the late 1980s and early 1990s, can display surprising complexity, with tropical fruit and floral notes developing over decades of maturation.

Flavour-wise, Mannochmore is typically light to medium-bodied, with aromas of fresh-cut grass, citrus peel, and apple, sometimes backed by hints of vanilla and almond. The palate is clean and crisp, with sweet malt, lemon, and herbal undertones, leading to a refreshing, slightly drying finish. This combination makes it an excellent aperitif-style whisky and a good choice for those who appreciate the elegance of unpeated Speyside malts.

Our Mannochmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the rare Flora & Fauna bottling, special cask strength editions, and unique independent releases. Whether you’re exploring Speyside’s lesser-known distilleries or seeking a fresh, grassy dram to contrast with richer malts, Mannochmore offers a refined, characterful experience from a modern Speyside workhorse.