Nose: not the typical Mortlach meaty character, it’s less weighty and quite fresh. Instead it’s leafy and lightly heathery, with pears, gooseberries and rhubarb. Also wet gravel and porridge. Polished wood. Hints of suede as well. Unexpected, but really fine.
Mouth: chewy texture but really punchy, on white pepper, more chalk and raw grains, hints of grapefruit, lime and gooseberries. A bit of vanilla, apples and dried Mediterranean herbs. Towards the finish a clear meaty, savoury touch comes out.
Finish: quite long, gingery and leafy with spicy oak and a chalky dryness
BOW (86.50)
Ah, Mortlach—the Beast of Dufftown, a whisky as enigmatic and ferocious as its moniker suggests. Few distilleries can claim to match the richness, the muscular complexity that this Speyside stalwart delivers with each dram. It is no wonder, then, that the Mortlach Diageo Special Releases 2021 has captured the undivided attention of those who understand that whisky isn’t merely a drink—it’s a story.
A Celebration of Mortlach's Legacy
The 2021 release is a resplendent tribute to Mortlach’s heritage, a nod to the alchemical wizardry that unfolds in “The Way”—Mortlach’s famed, labyrinthine distillation method that teeters between science and sorcery. Multi-distillation with a twist of triple distillation—why take the easy road when you can forge a path unique enough to set you apart from the mundane? It’s this very process that gives Mortlach its sinewy robustness, that dense, almost feral spirit that roars with character. And here, in this 2021 expression, that legacy is not just acknowledged but gloriously amplified.
Unveiling the Flavors
Ah, the first sip—what a revelation. This is not whisky for the faint-hearted; it’s an initiation, a challenge. You’re greeted with an embrace that is at once silken and muscular. Dark fruits emerge, cloaked in spice, flirting with your senses. Hints of fig draped in caramel; cloves simmering with blackcurrant jam; then, just when you think you’ve captured the essence, it unfurls further. Here comes the bittersweet dance of dark chocolate, the dry rasp of oak weaving through a syrupy, raisin-inflected finish. The layering is extraordinary, a testament to the deft hand of those who dared to compose such a symphony.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
Diageo’s craftsmanship finds its purest articulation in this Mortlach release. The maturation—oh, the casks! Specially selected to tease out the beast’s more nuanced facets, they imbue each expression with a finish that refuses to play second fiddle. One can almost sense the meticulous hand of the master blender guiding the liquid, ensuring that each drop sings. This is a whisky crafted with devotion, attention sharpened to the keenest edge. And when you hold that glass, the amber glow promising untold tales, you understand the labor behind its beauty—a labor that borders on art.
Collectibility and Rarity
Mortlach’s 2021 Special Releases have made collectors swoon and rightly so. This isn’t whisky for mass consumption; it’s a talisman, a prize to be claimed by those who understand its worth. Limited, elusive, and gloriously memorable, it holds a place of honor on any discerning shelf. Each bottle whispers a promise—hold me, taste me, and know that you possess a fragment of a distilling epoch.
Conclusion
The Mortlach Diageo Special Releases 2021 is no ordinary whisky. It is a reflection of Mortlach’s audacious spirit, an ode to tradition that dares to push the boundaries of flavor and complexity. From the first aroma to the last lingering note, it is a journey worth embarking upon. This release, a rare gem in Diageo’s treasure chest, demands respect and, above all, your unwavering attention. To those who dare to drink deep: prepare for a tale worth telling.
