Mortlach – 21 Years Old Special Release 2020 (70cl)

This is a 21 year old single malt from Mortlach in Dufftown, issued as a 2020 Special Release at cask strength in a 70cl bottle. Only 7,692 bottles were produced. After maturing, the whisky was finished in casks seasoned with Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry. Mortlach is known as the Beast of Dufftown for its robust, meaty character, and this bottling reflects the distillery's 2.81 distillation. The nose is full of dark dried fruits and savoury, meaty notes. The palate is smooth and sweet, with rich fruit and cured ham that build to a lingering, spicy dryness. The finish is long, balancing sweetness and spice before it dries.