Mortlach 11 yo (2010/2021), Signatory Vintage – Cask Strength Collection (#16), 57.8%

Introduction

Mortlach, often referred to as “The Beast of Dufftown,” is renowned for its bold, meaty character produced through its unique 2.81 times distillation process. This 11-year-old expression, carefully selected and bottled by the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, captures the distillery’s distinctive spirit in its purest form.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium Scottish malted barley, processed at Mortlach distillery in Speyside, known for its traditional floor maltings and distinctive water source from the Dullans spring
• Distillation process: Distilled in 2010 using Mortlach’s famous and complex 2.81 times distillation method through six stills of different shapes and sizes, creating a robust spirit
• Maturation: Initially matured in a Refill Hogshead cask for subtle oak influence, then transferred to a Fresh Sherry Butt for final maturation, bottled in 2021 after 11 years
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (57.8%) without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving all natural flavors and oils

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dark fruits, Christmas cake, leather-bound books, and dried figs mingle with hints of tobacco, dark chocolate, and subtle spices with a background of nutty sherry notes
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense with layers of dried fruits, dark chocolate, espresso, and walnut oil followed by warming spices including cinnamon, clove, and black pepper, balanced by subtle sulfurous notes typical of Mortlach’s meaty character
• Finish: Long, warming and dry with persistent dark chocolate, dried fruits, oak spice, and a subtle savory umami note that lingers alongside a gentle tannic grip

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn whisky glass to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat, or with a few drops of spring water to open up additional layers of flavor and aroma; given its high ABV, water helps reveal hidden complexities
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, aged cheeses like mature cheddar or Comté, dried fruits, or rich game dishes

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 57.8% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Speyside (Dufftown)
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Signatory Vintage’s highly respected Cask Strength Collection, renowned among whisky connoisseurs for exceptional cask selection

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Mortlach 11 Year Old from Signatory Vintage exemplifies the distillery’s famed robust character, enhanced by the marriage of refill hogshead and fresh sherry butt maturation to create a truly distinctive dram.

With only a limited number of bottles drawn from a single cask (#16), this release represents an increasingly rare opportunity to experience Mortlach in its natural, undiluted form.

Signatory Vintage’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers ensures that only the finest casks are selected for their Cask Strength Collection, guaranteeing an exceptional whisky experience.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Enthusiasts and critics alike have consistently praised Signatory Vintage’s Cask Strength Collection for its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity in whisky bottling.

Collectors who have invested in previous releases from this series have been rewarded with exceptional drams that showcase the true essence of the distilleries represented.

The Mortlach distillery itself holds special esteem among whisky aficionados for its distinctive character, earning it the moniker “The Beast of Dufftown” and a dedicated following who seek out these limited single cask expressions.

From Speyside to You

Each bottle of this Mortlach 11 Year Old represents a generous gift from the distillery’s storied tradition, offering an authentic taste of Speyside’s rich whisky heritage uncompromised by modern shortcuts.

The approachable yet complex character of this whisky makes it both an impressive addition to any collection and a delightful dram to share with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate artisanal spirits.

By choosing this Mortlach 11 Year Old, you join a community of discerning whisky lovers who value authenticity, tradition, and the unique experience that only a single cask, cask strength whisky can provide – secure your bottle before this limited release is gone forever.