Home Reviews Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

July 28, 2023 · By Matthew Evans · 9 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
9 /10
Outstanding
Score Breakdown
Nose
9.1
Palate
9
Finish
9.1
Complexity
9.1
Value
8.9
Consensus Score
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Nose
Palate
Finish
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9
/ 10
Our Verdict
Outstanding

Mortlach 20-year-old is a selection of Mortlach's very best Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been matured for a minimum of 20 years.

The Good

  • Value
  • Availability

The Bad

  • Proof
Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A Little Background

Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a selection of Mortlach’s very best Single Malt Scotch Whisky that has been matured for a minimum of 20 years to tame “The Beast of Dufftown” into smooth submission and mellow complexity. According to the brand, it’s a whisky that would have made the great Alexander Cowie proud. This whisky is double cask matured in both Ex-Sherry and Ex-American oak. Mortlach 20 is bottled at 86.8 Proof and has a retail price of around $249 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Spearmint, raisins, Double Bubble gum, lemon, walnuts, and grapefruit.

Palate

Maple, spice,  walnut, beeswax, citrus, and clove spice.

Finish

Fig, cocoa, old-fashioned simple syrup, grapes, nutmeg, white pepper, and clove.

In closing

Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a step into the “premium” side of things with a price tag of around $250. With that said, this is an opportunity to experience “older” aged single malt whisky at a very fair price! 

The tasting experience of Mortlach 20 invites guests in with a complex and beautiful nose with dense flavors of raisins, Double Bubble gum, and a bit of nuttiness. The palate is thick, rich, and quite buttery before leading into a long drying finish.

When tasting a whisky this delicious and complex, my mind always wonders “What would this be like at a higher proof”? Unfortunately, in a would of cask strength whisk(e)y, 86.8 Proof leaves us with a lot to be desired. Although fantastic enjoyed at this proof, there is still that side of me that wishes we saw just a little more ABV on the dram. Regardless, Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exceptional pour with a downright delicious flavor profile! 

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.

Mortlach 20-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

86.8 Proof
9

Nose

9.1/10

Palate

9.0/10

Finish

9.1/10

Complexity

9.1/10

Value

8.9/10

The Good

  • Value
  • Availability

The Bad

  • Proof
Tried this one? Rate it in 15 seconds — your score shapes the Consensus. Rate it now ↓
Mortlach Review Scotch Single Malt

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 538 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

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