Mortlach

Mortlach is one of the oldest and most distinctive Scottish distilleries in the Speyside region. It was founded in 1823 in the town of Dufftown, making it the first legal distillery in this town, which later became famous as the "whisky capital." During the 19th century, it was run by several prominent figures, notably George Cowie, who introduced modern engineering practices to production, and his son Alexander Cowie, who introduced a unique distillation system that is still characteristic of Mortlach today.

The most distinctive feature of this brand is its unusual distillation process, known as "2.81 distillation." The whisky is produced in six copper stills of varying sizes, and the individual distillate streams are blended according to a precise formula. The result is a distillate with a dense, oily and almost "meaty" character, which fundamentally distinguishes Mortlach from other, smoother and fruitier Speyside whiskies. This is why it has earned the nickname "The Beast of Dufftown."

Mortlach's flavor profile is rich, full-bodied, and complex. It features notes of dark fruit, prunes, cherries, but also leather, spice, and a hint of smoke. The whisky has a distinctive oily texture, which connoisseurs often compare to umami flavor, and a long, warm finish. This robust style makes Mortlach a popular choice for connoisseurs looking for something different, although it may seem more challenging for beginners.

For many years, most of Mortlach's production was used in blended whiskey, particularly in the iconic Johnnie Walker, where it provided depth and structure. Single malt editions were rather rare, available only from independent bottlers or in very limited editions. The turning point came in 2014, when brand owner Diageo introduced official editions of Mortlach single malt whisky aged 12, 16, and 20 years, giving the brand new life and prestige on global markets.

Interestingly, Mortlach was one of the first distilleries to export whisky to Asia, particularly Hong Kong and Shanghai, during the Victorian era. The distillery is relatively small, with an annual capacity of approximately 3,8 million liters, but its reputation is much greater.

Today, Mortlach is a symbol of Speyside whisky with a unique character. It is dense, wild, and complex - the opposite of the delicate, light styles that made the region famous. Whether as part of blends or in the form of single malt, it offers an unmistakable experience and proof that even in a traditional environment, something exceptionally different can exist.