There’s power, and then there’s Mortlach, a whisky known as “The Beast of Dufftown” for good reason. The Mortlach 2023 Special Release captures that signature intensity but refines it into something almost architectural in precision. It’s the moment when raw strength meets elegance, like velvet draped over iron. The first encounter feels primal and regal all at once, a reminder that Mortlach doesn’t follow trends; it defines them.

Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2023 Special Release
Brand: Mortlach | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 58.4% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Deep and commanding, aromas of dark toffee, stewed plums, and leather rise first, followed by roasted coffee and a wisp of savoury smoke. Beneath it all lies Mortlach’s hallmark richness: dense, meaty, and utterly compelling.
Palate: Full-bodied and muscular, yet surprisingly refined. Flavours of dark chocolate, black cherries, and spiced oak unfold slowly, giving way to hints of candied orange and molasses. The texture is thick and oily, pure Mortlach DNA, shaped for intensity.
Finish: Long and resonant, with waves of dried fruit, espresso, and a final echo of smoke and oak. It doesn’t fade; it commands your attention until the very last note.

Production Details:
This Special Release was crafted through Mortlach’s famed 2.81 distillation process, an intricate method unique to the distillery that creates its dense, complex spirit. Matured in a combination of first-fill Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, it draws richness and darkness from the wood without losing balance. The result is an indulgent whisky of depth and structure, pure alchemy in liquid form.

Perfect For:
Late nights and heavy conversations. This is the bottle you pour when the world slows down, when rich music plays low and shadows stretch long. It pairs perfectly with dark chocolate, cigars, or simply your thoughts.

Expert Notes:
Part of Diageo’s 2023 Special Releases, this Mortlach earned accolades for its “cathedral of flavor”, a whisky of rare power and sophistication. Whisky Magazine praised its layered richness and impeccable cask influence, calling it “a masterclass in controlled intensity.”

Customer Reviews:
“Like drinking history, dark, bold, and beautifully dangerous.”   Carlo N.
“The sherry casks hit perfectly. This is luxury in its truest form.”   Elena F.
“Mortlach never disappoints, this one feels elevated, all muscle, no harshness.”   Vince T.

Interesting Fact:
Mortlach was one of the first legal distilleries in Dufftown, established in 1823, the same year the Excise Act transformed Scotch whisky forever. Its unusual 2.81 distillation system has become legendary, producing a spirit thicker and richer than almost any other in Speyside.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve neat to appreciate its weight and complexity. A small splash of water unlocks layers of dark fruit and treacle, while a few minutes in the glass reveal subtler notes of fig and cocoa. Best enjoyed slowly, this isn’t a whisky to rush.

Distillery Background:
Founded by James Findlater in 1823, Mortlach became Dufftown’s first distillery and remains one of its most enigmatic. Known for its engineering precision and dense, meaty character, it has long supplied some of the richest spirit to Scotland’s top blends. Today, Mortlach stands proudly on its own, a Speyside powerhouse that marries tradition, innovation, and the kind of confidence only centuries of mastery can bring.