Mortlach 13 Year Old Special Release 2021 is a bold and character-driven Speyside single malt that showcases the distillery's distinctive, weighty style in a more experimental format. Produced at Mortlach Distillery and released as part of the Diageo Special Releases 2021, this expression is finished in virgin oak casks, a choice that adds a noticeable layer of spice and structure to Mortlach's naturally rich spirit. The result is a whisky with a strong sense of presence, where sweetness and oak influence are both pushed forward. The core remains unmistakably Mortlach - dense, slightly savoury, and full-bodied - but the virgin oak finish brings in notes of vanilla, clove, and toasted wood, giving the whisky a drier and more spice-driven edge. As it opens up, deeper elements emerge, including dark fruit, chocolate, and a subtle meaty richness that adds complexity. It's a whisky that feels robust and expressive, offering a different perspective on Speyside with a more assertive and structured profile.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Rich malt, dark fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak with hints of spice.
Palate:
Full and intense, with caramel, clove, chocolate, roasted nuts, and oak spice.
Finish:
Long and slightly dry, with lingering spice, oak, and a savoury edge.
