Mortlach distillery

Introduction to Mortlach

A distillery with a passion for craftsmanship

Mortlach is a legendary Speyside distillery that stands as one of Scotland’s most distinctive whisky producers. Located in the whisky heartland of Dufftown, Mortlach has earned its reputation as “The Beast of Dufftown” due to its remarkably robust and complex spirit. The distillery occupies a special place in whisky history as one of Dufftown’s original “Seven Stills.”

Its imposing Victorian buildings house a production process that has remained largely unchanged for generations, creating whiskies of exceptional character and depth that are cherished by connoisseurs worldwide.

Why we have a soft spot for Mortlach

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that march to the beat of their own drum, and Mortlach exemplifies this independent spirit perfectly. What sets Mortlach apart is their unique and mysterious “2.81 times” distillation process – neither double nor triple distillation, but something wonderfully complex and unique.

This unusual approach creates a spirit with exceptional body and a meaty, almost savory character that is instantly recognizable to aficionados. The resulting whisky offers a sensory experience quite unlike any other Speyside distillery.

The History of Mortlach

Origin and development

Mortlach was established in 1823 by James Findlater, making it the first legal distillery in Dufftown. This pioneering spirit has been a hallmark of the distillery ever since. It holds the distinction of being the first licensed distillery in Dufftown, which would later become known as the “malt whisky capital of the world.”

Throughout its history, Mortlach has weathered the storms of prohibition, economic hardship, and changing tastes while maintaining its distinctive character. The distillery underwent a significant expansion in the late 19th century under the ownership of George Cowie and his son Dr. Alexander Cowie, who was responsible for developing the unique distillation process still used today.

The people behind the spirit

The distillery is currently operated by Diageo, who recognize the unique heritage and character of Mortlach. Under their stewardship, the distillery has maintained its traditional methods while being introduced to a wider audience of whisky enthusiasts.

The master distillers at Mortlach have preserved the enigmatic “2.81 times” distillation method through generations, ensuring that the distinctive full-bodied character of their whisky remains unchanged. This continuity of craft and technique speaks volumes about the dedication to quality that defines Mortlach.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Mortlach begins with quality Scottish barley, which is malted to exacting specifications. However, what truly defines Mortlach is not its ingredients but its bizarre and brilliant distillation process.

The distillery employs six stills of different shapes and sizes arranged in a unique configuration. While most Scottish distilleries use a straightforward double distillation process, Mortlach’s approach is far more complex, involving partial triple distillation and a specialized routing of spirit through different stills.

This labyrinthine process, known as “The Way,” results in the spirit being distilled 2.81 times – a precise figure that highlights the mathematical exactitude of this seemingly chaotic system. The result is a robust, full-bodied spirit with remarkable complexity.

Maturation and aging

The spirit is typically matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with the rich, meaty character of the new make spirit harmonizing beautifully with the oak’s vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit notes. The distillery’s standard expressions are aged for a minimum of 12 years, with premium releases extending to 20 years and beyond.

Mortlach’s spirit handles long aging exceptionally well, developing remarkable depth and complexity over time while maintaining its distinctive muscular character. Special releases and independent bottlings frequently showcase the extraordinary quality of well-aged Mortlach.

Selected Products from Mortlach

Mortlach 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This expression is an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s DNA. First introduced as part of the brand’s revitalization in 2018, it showcases Mortlach’s signature meaty character balanced with sweet vanilla, rich dried fruits, and spicy oak.

Matured primarily in ex-bourbon casks with some sherry influence, this 12-year-old offers a perfect introduction to the robust but refined character that makes Mortlach special. The distinctive full-bodied mouthfeel makes it a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Mortlach 16 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression that fully showcases the distillery’s unique character. Often referred to as “The Beast of Dufftown” in its prime form, this whisky delivers an intensely rich experience with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, leather, and savory spices.

Expect a luxuriously oily texture, robust body, and a long, warming finish with hints of old leather, tobacco, and dark forest fruits. This is a dram for those who appreciate a whisky with gravitas and character.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Mortlach offers visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand the mysterious and complex distillation process that creates its unique spirit. Guided tours take you through the Victorian-era buildings and explain the enigmatic “2.81 times” distillation that defines Mortlach whisky.

The tasting sessions that follow typically include 3-5 expressions, giving guests an excellent overview of the rich, full-bodied character that has earned Mortlach its reputation among whisky aficionados. Advanced bookings are recommended, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mortlach?

Mortlach is a historic Speyside whisky distillery located in Dufftown, Scotland, known for producing distinctively full-bodied, complex single malt whiskies. It’s famous for its unique “2.81 times” distillation process that creates a robust, meaty character rarely found in other Speyside malts.

Where is Mortlach located?

The distillery is situated in Dufftown, in Scotland’s Speyside region. As the first legal distillery established in what would become the malt whisky capital of Scotland, Mortlach occupies a place of historical significance in the area’s rich whisky heritage.

What characterizes Mortlach whisky?

Mortlach is especially known for its unusually robust, meaty character – atypical for Speyside whiskies, which are generally known for their lighter, fruitier profiles. This distinctive quality comes from the unique partial triple distillation process and the use of worm tub condensers. The resulting spirit has been described as “beefy,” “muscular,” and having exceptional body and complexity.

Where can I buy whisky from Mortlach?

You can find selected bottles from Mortlach at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the best expressions – including both core range offerings and limited editions – to ensure you have access to something truly special from this unique Speyside distillery.