Product Information:
This comes from a selection of Mortlach's very best single malt scotch whisky. Matured for minimum of 20 years to tame the spirit otherwise known as the “The Beast of Dufftown” into smooth submission and mellow complexity. Aged only in ex-American oak refill sherry casks - this dram is robust and rich. The nose is dense, elegant and intriguing. The palate stains with dried fruit, cedarwood, leather, and tobacco. Outstanding stuff, a whisky that would have made the great Alexander Cowie proud.
Maker:
Mortlach has been described by whisky connoisseurs as “The Beast of Dufftown” for its rich and powerful flavours, produced in an astonishingly complicated and unique distillation process which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 Distilled’.
In the wake of the Excise Act, Mortlach was officially founded in 1823 on the site of an older illicit distillery – becoming the first legal distillery in Dufftown, now one of the epicentres of Speyside whisky distilling. In 1853, engineer George Cowie joined the team under owner John Gordon. With his pioneering mind, audacious spirit and determination, George quickly became a leader within the new distillery workforce. His son Alexander later continued this legacy, creating the very unique, very intricate 2.81 distillation process that is still in place at the distillery today. Used solely at Mortlach distillery, this process - combined with traditional worm tub condensers - creates the thick, rich, bold spirit character that the brand is famed for. Today, Mortlach’s permanent collection includes three unique expressions: a 12 Year Old (“The Wee Witchie”), a 16 Year Old (“Distiller’s Dram”) and a 20 Year Old (“Cowie’s Blue Seal”).
Distillery:
The 2.81 distillation process, known as "The Way," remains a closely guarded legacy of Alexander Cowie, with each of the six stills bearing a unique shape and configuration of copper pipes, meticulously designed for the precise cutting and re-cutting of the spirit. Three wash stills and three spirit stills, all resplendent in gleaming copper, stand as individual masterpieces, each contributing to the creation of Mortlach's singular and revered spirit. As Mortlach continues to honour its heritage while forging new paths, it remains a beacon of tradition, innovation and uncompromising quality, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Cowie dynasty and a cherished cornerstone of the whisky world.
Nose - Cedar Oak, Leather Oil, Dried Fruit
There are dried fruits, a touch of scented wood, fir trees, cedar, Moroccan leather, old books. It develops in the glass, moving towards chanterelle mushroom even some of the wax crayon. Huge, highly complex and contemplative.
Palate - Ripe Quince, Berry Bursts, Cacao Nibs
Cured leather and light bitter notes that bring to mid nutshell, espresso crema, damson jam, cacao nibs all balanced with some hedgerow berry fruits.
Finish - Liquorice, Dried Fruit, Wood Spice
Quite dense. It carries on seamlessly from the progression seen on the palate with liquorice and dried fruit.
A nicely bright / sour fruitiness up front, think juicy apricots, pineapple and hints of lychee. Hints of a carpenter’s workshop, oiliness and waxed papers. Orange flower honey and very faint potpourri too. Underneath is a darker side, with just a little earthiness and milk chocolate. Mouth: quite mild, not to say a little weak. It shows orange juice and bitter orange peels, vanilla, mint oil, candied ginger and some plums. A good dose of oaky notes (spices, resin and herbal tea). Heather and clove. Finish: medium length, earthier, oakier, with orange oil and cocoa. - WhiskyNotes.be
Though it ages in oak for a couple of decades, do not expect a sleepy or tired experience from this 20-year-old single malt. The nose begins with a vibrancy that continues right onto the finish, with violet and sweet raspberry aromas transitioning to sweet oak, vanilla, and baking spices. - Vinepair
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 43.4%
