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.