Mortlach 16 Year Old Distiller's Dram is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky matured in refill and first-fill American and European oak sherry casks and bottled at 86.8 proof (43.4% ABV).
For 70 years Mortlach was one of the best kept secrets in whisky, used as the cornerstone of some of the 20th century's most iconic blends. Established in 1823, it was the first legal distillery in Dufftown, and it owes its unique character to George Cowie and his son Dr Alexander Mitchell Cowie, who pioneered its complex 2.81 distillation process. The spirit runs through six stills of different shapes and sizes, a partial triple distillation that gives Mortlach its dense, meaty character and earned it the nickname the Beast of Dufftown.
Inspired by the iconic first bottling of Mortlach in 1992, the 16 Year Old is part of the distillery's core range, with sherry casks bringing an earthy aroma, rich notes of apricot and honey and a light, leathery spiciness.
The nose offers dark dried fruit, warm spice and sherry sweetness, with dark chocolate, leather and a distinctive meaty depth. The palate is full-bodied with stewed plum, toffee and cinnamon, and the finish is long and warming with dark fruit, chocolate and savoury warmth.
It is best served over a single large ice cube to enhance its spicy richness.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dark dried fruit, sherry, chocolate, leather and meaty depth.
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Palate: Stewed plum, apricot, honey, toffee and cinnamon.
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Finish: Long and warming, with dark fruit and chocolate.
Specifications
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Producer: Mortlach Distillery
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Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Age: 16 years
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Distillation: 2.81 times, six stills
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Proof / ABV: 86.8 proof (43.4% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Refill and first-fill American and European oak sherry casks
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Region: Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it over a single large ice cube, or neat. It pairs with roast lamb, dark chocolate or blue cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2.81 distillation?
A partial triple distillation through six stills, pioneered by the Cowie family.
What casks is it aged in?
Refill and first-fill American and European oak sherry casks.
Why is Mortlach called the Beast of Dufftown?
For its dense, meaty, full-bodied character.
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