Whisky Review/Tasting: Mortlach 18 years old

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Mortlach Distillery, under the proprietorship of Diageo.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Process: Unique 2.81 times distillation process involving a wash still, an intermediate still, and a spirit still with reflux bowls for a smoother spirit. The output of the third still is intermixed with the second still.
Maturation Process: Aged for 18 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the combination of casks suggests a rich, golden hue.
Bottle Design: The bottle size varies by region, with 0.5 liters in Europe and 0.75 liters in the US, due to regulations. Each bottle highlights the unique 2.81 distillation process and has an ABV of 43.4%.

Balance of Flavors: A complex interplay of vanilla, caramel, and citrus fruits with underlying nuttiness and a gradual emergence of spice and oak-induced bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky exhibits a distinctive oiliness and a flavor profile that evolves from sweet and fruity to spicy and oaky, with a long, drying aftertaste.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique distillation process and the combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks set it apart from the previous 16-year-old expression from the Flora and Fauna series, which was matured exclusively in ex-sherry casks.

Anecdotes: The reviewer, Horst Luening, received the Mortlach 18 years old as part of a parcel containing miniatures of the new Mortlach series from Diageo, indicating a special preview before the official market release.

Historical Context: Mortlach is highlighted as one of the few distilleries capable of a 2.81 times distillation process, showcasing its unique approach to whisky production.

Opinions: The Mortlach 18 years old is described as a "wonderful drum," indicating high praise for its quality and complexity.
Quotes: "A wonderful complex note and an oiliness appears inside of your mouth," and "Don't spoil the drop," emphasizing the whisky's quality and the importance of savoring it.

Mortlach 18 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky with a unique 2.81 times distillation process.
Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks for 18 years, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
Features notes of vanilla, caramel, citrus, nuttiness, and a gradual emergence of spice and oak-induced bitterness.
The whisky evolves from sweet and fruity to spicy and oaky, with a long, drying aftertaste.
Priced at 180 GBP for a 0.5-liter bottle, suggesting a premium offering.
Received high praise for its quality and complexity.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for complex flavor profiles and unique distillation processes will find the Mortlach 18 years old particularly intriguing.
Collectors: Given its premium nature, unique production method, and the story behind its release, collectors looking for distinctive bottles to add to their collection would be interested.
Gift Seekers: Those looking to impress a whisky enthusiast with a thoughtful and high-quality gift.
Adventurous Drinkers: Drinkers eager to explore whiskies that offer a journey of flavors, from initial sweetness to a spicy and oaky finish, will enjoy the Mortlach 18 years old.