Mortlach – 13 Year Old Special Release 2021 (70cl, 55.9%)

This is Mortlach 13 Year Old, a Speyside single malt from Dufftown, released in 2021 as a Special Release. It is bottled at 55.9% in a 70cl bottle, and virgin casks give it much of its character. The whisky is full gold in the glass and medium to full in body. The nose opens with freshly oiled wood, then savoury, meaty notes with a sweet tartness, like roast pheasant with redcurrant jelly. Heather pollen and crushed herbs sit underneath, and a drop of water brings out lime. The palate is smooth and vanilla sweet, turning spicy and dry as the new oak comes through, with a kick of chilli pepper. The finish is long and peppery, with fruit and a floral, herbal note after water.