Mortlach – Special Release 2022 (70cl, 57.8%)

This is a 2022 Special Release single malt from Mortlach, the Speyside distillery in Dufftown, bottled at 57.8% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is matured in an unusual combination of casks, including virgin oak, and shows the dark, meaty side of the distillery with a deep, ruby-red fruitiness. The colour is gold with ruby lights. The nose suggests a hearty cassoulet with spicy sausage and crisp pork belly, with grape and red wine notes that turn more mineral. The palate is full and sweetly fruity, with ginger and dry oak spice. The finish is long, with fruit and black pepper.