Whisky: Mortlach 12 Year Old (The Wee Witchie)
Producer: Diageo
Whisky Type: Scotch Single Malt (100% malted Barley from one distillery)
Region: Speyside
Age: 12 years
ABV: 43.4% ABV
Aged in Cask: ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Price Range: $$

Mortlach Scotch Whisky originates from the Mortlach distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, which was established in 1823. Mortlach is known for its unique distillation process, which involves three stills of different sizes and shapes, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. The distillery’s whiskies were also famously favored by whisky baron Andrew Usher, who used them in his blended whisky recipes in the 19th century.

As for the flavor profile of Mortlach Scotch Whisky, it is often described as bold and meaty, with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The whisky’s unique distillation process gives it a distinctive character, with a full-bodied, almost chewy mouthfeel. Mortlach is also known for its complexity, with layers of flavor that reveal themselves over time. Overall, Mortlach Scotch Whisky is a rich and flavorful whisky that is beloved by connoisseurs for its unique character.

Mortlach Scotch Whisky has won numerous awards over the years. Some recent awards include:

• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 for Mortlach 20 Year Old
• Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020 for Mortlach 16 Year Old
• Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2019 for Mortlach 12 Year Old
• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018 for Mortlach 25 Year Old

Tasting notes on Mortlach 12 Year Old

Nose: Delicate aroma of fruit and honey. I do not smell the smoke too much. The aroma almost reminds me of Bourbon.

Palate: The entry is sweet with fruits (probably coming from the sherry casks) evolving nicely into a bit of smoke. There is a good balance between these flavors making this whisky an interesting one. I let this whisky stay in the glass to breathe for few more minutes before adding few drops of water and it had started to change, becoming slightly sweeter. With five drops of water the smoke is still there, but it does not linger as much. I now taste a more pronounced sweetness.

Finish: As I drink it neat the smoke is felt mostly at the end reminding you that you are not in Kentucky, but it does not overpower the sweetness of the fruit flavors. With water the smoke is restrained, but still lingers in the back. Medium finish.

Conclusion: Mortlach 12 Year Old should open the gates of Scotch whisky to Bourbon lovers, so unless you absolutely dislike smoke this whisky should fill the order. I believe this in an entry level malt for Mortlach, which is known for muscular single malts with high complexity and robust flavors. Whisky expert Dave Broom named Mortlach “The Beast of Dufftown” for a reason. Mortlach malts are key components of the Johnnie Walker range providing complexity and full flavor to the blends.

Why the name Wee Witchie? Wee Witchie is the name of one of the tiny still that distills a portion of the whisky. Scots use the word “Wee” to indicate small.

Score: 3.5/5 ⭐

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