Mortlach 8 Year, Signatory
Mortlach, known as “The Beast of Dufftown”, is one of Speysid’s lesser known distilleries. Ironically, it's one of the most consumed being that it is used most famously in Johnnie Walker. A very hearty, bold and robust malt, I like to compare it to Glenrothes as having a spicy, rich new make spirit. Many connoisseurs, including Mortlach’s Distillery Manager, compare Mortlach to an unpeated Islay malt, rather than your typical Speysider.
Interesting fact: Mortlach is distilled 2.81 times.
Mortlach 8 Year, Signatory
Distillery: Mortlach
ABV: 46% // 92 proof
Age: 8 years
Vintage: 2008
Distilled: March 13th, 2008
Bottled: November 23rd, 2016
Bottle: #800044
Cask: #901270
Barrels: Bourbon Barrel
Color: Honey Reduction
Non-chill filtered, Natural Color
Nose: Full and rounded. Has a really nice snap to it and is incredibly expressive. Big Bourbon notes. Banana Laffy Taffy, fresh coconut shavings, coconut cream, honey, heaps of vanilla, new white American oak, fresh barley & dried summer fruits. Citrus acidity cuts through the sweeter Bourbon notes intermittently but the bourbon notes sing the loudest.
Palate: Thick, hearty & waxy. Rich barley sugars, Honey Nut Cheerios, vanilla, coconut, refined granulated sugars, nice oils, some lemon. Just a hint of barrel char bitterness and some mixed spice.
Finish: Medium. Ester & oily. White mocha & tendrils of clean barely smoke. The bourbon notes from the nose and palate fade...
Bourbon and House Rating: 88.5
I highly recommend Mortlach to those who enjoy the bolder side to Speyside; unharnessing the true magnitude of what Highland Scotch Single Malt can offer.