Mortlach – 13 Year Old Special Release 2021 (55.9%)

Mortlach 13 Year Old is a single malt from Dufftown, bottled at a cask strength of 55.9% as part of the 2021 Special Releases. The nose is soft and rounded, with fresh oiled wood, then salty, meaty notes alongside a sweet tartness like roast pheasant with redcurrant jelly. Beneath sit heather pollen and freshly crushed herbs, and a drop of water brings out a sweet, fruity touch of lime. The palate has a big, very smooth texture, vanilla-sweet, turning spicy and dry as new oak appears, with a kick of chilli at the back. The finish is long, with fruit and spice and a warming peppery glow.