Mortlach 33 Years 1988 – 2021 #4594 – Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength

Mortlach, often called "The Beast of Dufftown", is famed for its rich and meaty style – but this 33-year-old expression, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail from a Refill American Hogshead, reveals a more refined side of the Speyside classic. Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2021 at cask strength, this is a dram where time has softened the edges without compromising the depth.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Complex and inviting: beeswax, dried orange peel, vanilla fudge and soft spice. In the background: antique oak furniture, apple compote and a hint of tobacco.

Palate

Full and mouth-coating with layers of honey, toffee, baked apple and spiced oak. Notes of leather, toasted almonds and a gentle savoury touch that is distinctly Mortlach.

Finish

Long and elegant. Dry wood spices, soft vanilla, a trace of cocoa and a lingering fruity warmth.

Mortlach Distillery

Mortlach Distillery is located in Dufftown, in the famous Speyside region of Scotland, an area known for its rich whisky tradition. Founded in 1823, Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown and has since built a reputation for producing powerful and complex whiskies.

A unique feature of Mortlach is its use of a complicated distillation process often referred to as 2.81 times distillation. This process, in which different parts of the spirit are re-distilled in different combinations, gives Mortlach whisky its distinctive robust and full flavour profile. The distillery uses six copper pot stills and draws its water from the nearby Dulla Burn.

Mortlach whiskies are known for their rich and intense flavours, with notes of dark fruit, chocolate and a hint of spiciness. The whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, which contributes to the complex aromas. These unique production methods and focus on quality have earned Mortlach a special place in the hearts of whisky connoisseurs worldwide.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.