Cape Heritage, Sweets, Fortifieds and Spirits
Timed Online Auction, 7 - 14 August 2023
Cape Heritage
About this Item
Mortlach Distillery is a producer of Scotch Whisky located in the whisky hot spot Dufftown. The whisky has traditionally been called "The Beast of Dufftown" because of its bold, uncompromising character. This contrasts with the more subtle apple and pear characters associated with Speyside single malts. Mortlach was founded in 1823 after the passing of the Excise Act by James Findlater, on the site of an older illicit still. It was the first legal distillery in Dufftown, and the only one in the town until Glenfiddich was established in 1887. A century after its creation it was bought by John Walker and Sons, whose brand is now owned by Diageo.
Affectionately known as "the beast of Dufftown" for Mortlach's signature, rich, bold and brassy styles, this rare, small batch was distilled in 1992 and then matured in a combination of first-fill Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks for 26 years with a bottle fill of only 3883 units.
The aroma is profound and complex; rich with dark fruits in liquor, old oak and soft leather, developing into hard toffee and chocolate-covered coffee beans. The texture is smooth, the rich taste sweet with damson fruit, lightly savoury and spicy-dry. The mellow finish marries spiciness and fruit in a long-lasting final embrace.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Aged in newly toasted first-fill Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, this veteran ‘beast of Dufftown’ makes a big impression. Sweet, with smoky sherry, fragrant pipe tobacco, old leather, walnuts, vanilla, and ripe cherries. The oily palate yields more leather, blackcurrant cough drops, nutmeg, cloves, Jaffa oranges, and black tea. Raisins, licorice, and oak tannins, before sweeter chocolate in the very long finish.’ – Whisky Advocate, 93/100 (Dec 2019)
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