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Mortlach

No: 76
Producer: United
Region: Highlands
District: Speyside(Dufftown)  -   Multimap view
OS Sheet 28 ; Map reference NJ 331 399 ; Latitude 57 26° N, Longitude 3 7° W
Founded 1823 ; Operating Status (1999): operating

The distilling water comes from springs in the Conval Hills, and seems to bring a powerful taste with it (the malt is said to be only lightly peated). The cooling water is from the river Dullan.

There is said to have been an illicit distillery on the site and the legal one traces its history to 1823. It is very attractive despite having been modernised in 1903 and 1964. Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftow, now such an important centre for the industry. Its bottled single and those of neighbours Glendullan and Dufftown
© Michael Jackson 1994


Distillery rating: 4*

Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire
Tel: 01340-20318


tastings

Mortlach 12 yr old.
A little disappointing, perhaps because it has such a good reputation... However don't write it off. There was something in the taste which just did not appeal to me, but I guess one should make their own minds about it. This is a smoky malt, it reminded me of a burning candle (it was the "waxy" flavour which I didn't appreciate). Light side of medium, a little bitter grass and woody, although there was sweetness lingering in the aftertaste. [ag, 1995]

I have always thought Mortlach was one of the best malts available - unfortunately I don't have the skills to express my thoughts in terms of the various tasting notes type comments but I've been fortunate to drink more than a few Mortlach over the years and it's certainly a favourite. On Speyside, if you ask around as to the best malt, Mortlach is quite consistently favoured. If you're ever lucky enough to try some of the older, full strength I'm sure you'll enjoy. [de, 1995]

Hear "Mortlach" pronounced in AU or WAV format
Search Dr. Do'g's index for the history of Mortlach
There just might be some news about Mortlach in The "Scotsman" newspaper