Mortlach Aged 13 Years Special Release 2021Mortlach, the Beast of Dufftown, is darkly robust, a true creature of the moonlight shadows; this expression presents finely tuned highlights that pour from its rich, primal heart.A magnificently intense, well-structured Mortlach with a character that rises to new heights inspired by virgin casks.
NOSE
A mellow and rounded nose-feel lulls the senses, then introduces a first soaring note of freshly oiled wood. Next, rising through this, savoury and meaty notes suggest the beast within yet also carry a sweet tartness, suggesting roast pheasant with redcurrant jelly. The senses are heightened as these pitch perfect aromas in turn reveal a deeper moorland base-note, rich in heather pollen and freshly crushed herbs. A drop of water completes the anticipation, bringing out a sweet, fruity hint of lime.
PALATE
The pleasure builds still more, as a big, supersmooth texture envelops the palate. The wonderfully intense taste is vanilla-sweet yet easily embraces a savoury finish, spicy-dry as the new oak makes its presence felt, with a surprising kick of chilli-pepper in the swallow. Magnificently feral and full of life on the palate, these flavours race across the tongue.
FINISH
Long and deeply impressive, with power, fruit and spiciness in perfect harmony as a warming peppery glow spreads out in the aftertaste, in which a dash of water brings up a fresh floral-herbal note to light the deepening night.
