Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023)

The Mortlach distillery stands as a testament to the rich history and pioneering spirit of Dufftown, nestled within the heart of Speyside, Scotland's revered whisky-producing region. Founded in the wake of the Excise Act, Mortlach emerged as the first legal distillery in Dufftown, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Speyside whisky distilling. Under the sole ownership of John Gordon, the distillery welcomed the visionary leadership of George Cowie, an esteemed engineer renowned for his audacious spirit and unwavering determination. Together, they embarked on a journey to elevate the distillery's legacy, setting the stage for a new era of innovation and craftsmanship. Working in tandem with the renowned distillery engineer Charles Doig, George Cowie expanded the distillery, doubling its size and introducing the iconic "Strathspey Line" railway siding. This period of growth and transformation laid the foundation for Mortlach's enduring reputation for excellence and ingenuity. Inspired by his scientific education and driven by a passion for achievement, Alexander Cowie, following in his father's footsteps, continued to shape the distillery's destiny. Collaborating with Charles Doig, he conceived the unique 2.81 distillation process, a method that remains unchanged at Mortlach to this day. This distinctive process, combined with traditional Worm Tub condensers, gives rise to Mortlach's renowned thick, rich and bold spirit character, setting it apart as a true icon in the world of whisky. To meet the demand of blenders seeking Mortlach's exceptional spirit, sections of the distillery were renewed and expanded, while preserving the authenticity of Alexander Cowie's original vision. The wooden worm tubs, once a common feature in distilleries, now stand as a rare testament to tradition, embodying Mortlach's unwavering commitment to heritage and craft.

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.

The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today.

The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life.

Kouzou Sakai's art style is distinguished by his profound reverence for nature, evident in his meticulous portrayals of animals, plants and insects. His adept use of negative space and asymmetrical compositions, coupled with his seamless integration of the fantastical and the realistic, results in exquisite, vibrant and evocative illustrations that captivate the viewer.

Introducing the Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023), known as "The Katana's Edge," a captivating expression that embodies stunning impact and unrivaled complexity. This exceptional malt exudes a rogue flash of umami that intricately cuts through its savoury sweetness, leaving a lasting impression on the discerning palate. Crafted with meticulous precision, this whisky is finished in a harmonious combination of ex-Kanosuke Japanese Whisky and ex-Pinot Noir casks, a fusion that bestows a moonlit glint of sleek steel, reminiscent of a masterfully wielded katana slicing through the sweet calmness of the night. Symbolizing elegance and craftsmanship, this whisky reveals bold mysteries and defies convention with its captivating allure. Mortlach, renowned for its distinctively sweet yet savoury taste, has inspired our Malt Master to draw from the contrasting spark of umami. Influenced by the flavors of Japan, a portion of this extraordinary expression is finished in ex-Kanosuke Japanese Whisky casks, while the remaining whisky is artfully matured in ex-Pinot Noir casks, resulting in a blend of utmost precision. With a striking golden gleam, this whisky entices with alluring aromas of ripe melon and pear, setting the stage for a sensory journey. On the palate, drily spiced savoury flavours intertwine with scintillating sweetness, creating a brilliant umami-rich depth of taste that lingers in the long, enticing and spicy finish. The result is a sweet-savoury intensity as deep and complex as the mark of the mighty katana, leaving an indelible impression on the connoisseur's discerning palate.

The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 58%