Mortlach 12-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an ode to Mortlach’s smallest yet most essential still, the ‘Wee Witchie’. Distilled using the 2.81 distilling process, a process that’s been unchanged for nearly 200 years. This Whisky has been double cask matured in both European and American oak to enhance the distinctively rich and robust character that makes Mortlach whiskies legendary. Mortlach 12 is bottled at 86.8 Proof and has a retail price of around $60 USD.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Gold
Nose
Little to no alcohol. A little more muted than the 16yr. Lemon, tangerine, peach, and an overall richness. Fruity!
Palate
Dates, raises, tea, simple syrup, chocolate fudge, white pepper, cola and campfire char.
Finish
A lot of the palate notes continue to the finish. Cherry, raisins, chocolate, and bitter oak.
In closing
In a world full of whisk(e)y with price tags exceeding the $100 mark, it’s refreshing to come across a wonderful bottle at an exceptionally fair price. Not only is the whisky beautiful, but so is the presentation as this bottle comes complete with a nice box.
The nose on Mortlach 12 Year is very inviting with next to no alcohol vapor. It is a tad muted in comparison to the older Mortlach offerings, but good nonetheless. The palate and finish share many of the same notes of dates, chocolate, white pepper, and raisins. For a bottle at or around the $60 USD price point, Mortlach 12 Year is an exceptional value.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Mortlach. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Matthew is the founder/owner of Whiskey Consensus and lead whiskey geek for the brand. He likes his whiskey served neat at cask strength and always jumps at the chance to learn something new.