First encounters with Mortlach 12 Year Old “The Wee Witchie” tend to stick with you, not because it shouts, but because it rumbles. Named after the smallest still in Mortlach’s unique distillation setup, this whisky is far from a typical Speyside dram. It’s rich, meaty, and boldly structured, the kind of whisky that surprises even seasoned drinkers and leaves a lasting impression.

Mortlach 12 Year Old “The Wee Witchie”
Brand: Mortlach | Category: Speyside Single Malt | ABV: 43.4% | Origin: Dufftown, Scotland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Imagine walking into a wood-paneled room where fruitcake’s just been sliced, old books line the walls, and a faint wisp of smoke curls in the background, that’s what greets you.
Palate: Dense and textured, like velvet over oak. Flavors of roasted malt, dark berries, nutmeg, and rich toffee layer with subtle smoke and savory umami undertones. It’s chewy, structured, and deeply satisfying.
Finish: Long, warming, and slightly spicy. Notes of leather, charred wood, and dark cocoa linger with serious staying power.

Production Details:
Made using Mortlach’s famously complex 2.81 distillation process, a number that baffles and intrigues whisky lovers, this whisky is matured in both American and European oak. That process gives it a unique weight and character, often described as “meaty,” while the cask balance adds refined sweetness and spice. The name “Wee Witchie” pays homage to the smallest still, which punches far above its size.

Perfect For:
Those evenings when you want a whisky with edge and story, something to sip slowly beside a fireplace, or pair with a dark soundtrack and deep thoughts. It’s the whisky equivalent of tailored tweed with a hidden dagger.

Expert Notes:
Highly praised for bringing Mortlach’s muscular house style to an accessible 12 year old core expression, “The Wee Witchie” is often called one of the most distinctive Speyside malts available, a true character whisky.

Customer Reviews:
🗣️ “Like nothing else in Speyside, it’s got a growl, not a whisper.”
🗣️ “Tastes like it was made for red meat and late-night plotting.”
🗣️ “Finally, a 12-year-old with backbone. Mortlach never disappoints.”

Interesting Fact:
Mortlach’s distillation method was designed in the 19th century by Dr. Alexander Cowie, and to this day, no other distillery in Scotland uses it. The “2.81” formula is a result of multiple passes through various stills, more mad science than standard practice.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat to savor its rich complexity. Add a few drops of water to coax out more fruit and floral notes, or pair it with grilled meats, mature cheeses, or a square of dark chocolate for maximum impact.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1823, Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown, the very heart of Speyside. Revered by blenders for its bold spirit and by connoisseurs for its cult following, Mortlach operates with precision, tradition, and a signature style that’s heavier, darker, and richer than its neighbors. “The Wee Witchie” is its bold introduction and a dram you won’t forget.