Mortlach 2003 Aged 17 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Adelphi (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 56.6%           Age: 17 Years Old            Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): N/A
Date of Distilling: 2003
Date of Bottling: 2021
Matured In: A Single Refill Sherry Hogshead
Un-Chillfiltered

Adelphi exist to identify the very small number of casks that have produced the ultimate whiskies. The criteria for selection include rarity and maturity, but above all flavour. These whiskies are both rare and sought-after – these very special casks are so rare that, on average, Adelphi accepts a mere 4% that it is offered. Each single cask of whisky matures its contents very differently, imparting its own character to the whisky it holds and, as a result, there are never two Adelphi’s quite the same.

Mortlach was established in 1823 in the wake of the Excise Act. Built on the site of an older illicit distillery Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown which is the epicentre on Speyside. Now under the ownership on Diageo it plays a very important role in some of the world’s finest blends. This is due to the oily meaty character it has and the mass production. Known as “The Beast of Dufftown” this character is due to its special distillation process resulting in a spirit which has been distilled 2.81 times. Mortlach is again making its mark as a single malt with last years Diageo Special Release bottling selling out in record time.

This independent bottling has been sourced from the Mortlach distillery where it was distilled in 2003. It was then placed in a single refill Sherry Hogshead and left to mature for 17 years before it was bottled at 56.6% abv in 2021. Outturn of only 228 bottles.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Gentian root, green bark, granny smith apples, greengage, apple chewits, freshly broken rhubarb, wine gums and fresh meadows.

Palate: Tropical turn with green banana, lemon curd, shaved coconut, fruit salad and brazil nuts.

Finish: Tangy, vibrant and zingy, an atypical Mortlach but a delight nonetheless.