Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Mortlach single malt Scotch whisky is one of Speyside’s most distinctive and robust malts, earning the nickname The Beast of Dufftown for its rich, meaty character. Founded in 1823, it was the first legal distillery in Dufftown, a town now home to several famous whisky names. Mortlach’s style is the result of an unusual and complex distillation process that sets it apart from any other Speyside malt.

The distillery’s hallmark is its 2.81 distillation process, a unique configuration of six stills (three wash stills and three spirit stills) that partially triple-distils the spirit. This intricate method, developed in the late 19th century by distillery manager Dr Alexander Cowie, produces a dense, full-bodied spirit with a savoury depth rare in the region. Copper contact is carefully managed to retain weight and texture, giving Mortlach a mouthfeel and flavour profile closer to some robust Highland malts than its Speyside neighbours.

Water for production is drawn from springs in the Conval Hills, and the distillery uses unpeated malted barley to allow its distinctive spirit character to shine. The new make spirit is rich, oily, and muscular, making it exceptionally well-suited to long maturation, often in sherry-seasoned casks.

For much of its history, Mortlach was a closely guarded secret, with the majority of its production going into Johnnie Walker and other premium blends. Single malt bottlings were rare, limited mainly to independent releases. That changed in recent years as Diageo, Mortlach’s owner, began to champion the brand as a standalone single malt, launching an official range that highlights its unique style.

The core range currently includes:
• Mortlach 12 Year Old The Wee Witchie - sherry-matured, showcasing the distillery’s savoury-meaty richness alongside dried fruit and spice.
• Mortlach 16 Year Old Distiller’s Dram - balanced between oloroso sherry sweetness and Mortlach’s signature beefy weight.
• Mortlach 20 Year Old Cowie’s Blue Seal - a mature, refined expression with layers of dark chocolate, leather, and stewed fruit.

In addition, limited-edition cask strength releases and special finishes appear through Diageo’s annual Special Releases programme.

Independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Douglas Laing have long offered Mortlach in various ages and cask styles, often at higher strengths. Sherry cask bottlings bring out rich fruitcake and treacle notes, while bourbon cask expressions can emphasise honey, spice, and a waxy mouthfeel. Well-aged Mortlach, particularly from the 1970s and 1980s, is especially prized by collectors for its depth and complexity.

Flavour-wise, Mortlach is unmistakable: the nose offers dried fruit, leather, roasted coffee, and umami-like savouriness, with subtle floral undertones. The palate is full and rich, with layers of malt sweetness, dark chocolate, meat stock, and gentle spice. The finish is long, warming, and slightly earthy, leaving an impression of depth and structure.

Our Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the bold official core range, rare independent single casks, and older vintages that display the distillery’s legendary power. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker seeking intensity or a collector looking for a unique Speyside gem, Mortlach delivers a dram of extraordinary weight, history, and character.