Mortlach Special Release 2023 58%

Mortlach Special Release 2023 58%

Mortlach Special Release 2023 is a single malt Scotch whiskey bottled at natural cask strength. It's called “The Katana's Edge,” and while the name is a bit mysterious, one thing's for sure: It's sharp with an impressive alcohol strength of 58%. This may be attributed to the aging in Japanese Kanosuke whiskey casks. The whiskey also contains a portion aged in pinot noir casks, which gives it an exciting and unusual character.

Scent: Fruity, spicy and umami-influenced with notes of orange peel, dried meat, cloves and pepper.
Taste: Both sweet and spicy, quite full-bodied but with a sharp edge and plenty of finesse.

The introduction to Mortlach Special Release 2023 describes the whiskey as a shining and elegant presence in the stillness of the night, with a reference to a katana, a type of sword known for its complexity and precision. This description symbolizes the depth and precision of the whisky. Mortlach is known for its sweet yet spicy taste, which is unusual for Speyside distilleries. To highlight this contrasting flavor, Malt Master took inspiration from Japanese flavors. And aged some of this whiskey in ex-Kanosuke Japanese whiskey casks.

To balance the sweetness, the remainder was aged in pinot noir casks. This blend of flavors results in an enchanting aroma of ripe melon and pear with a dry, spicy and heartwarming taste. The contrasting nature of the flavors meld together to create a depth of umami that lingers in the long, inviting and spicy aftertaste. The result is an intensity of sweetness and spice as deep and complex as a powerful katana sword.

Diageo Special Releases 2023 – Spirited Xchange

The eight distillery-first expressions have been expertly developed by master maltster Dr. Stuart Morrison in an unexpected collision of craft and culture. To bring the special releases to life, eight artists from around the world were selected. Selected to illustrate the fantastic packaging design, as well as inspire the liquid selection and barrel treatment.

“This year we unveil our new line of distillery-first expressions, each inspired by the exchange of global craft and culture – Spirited Xchange. For me, Spirited Xchange is about identifying and celebrating the cultural exchange of ideas, flavors and tastes that surround us every day and inspire our curiosity to create.

This collection has given us the opportunity to roam freely through our world famous portfolio, beyond the expected. And experiment with old and new cask types and different wine and local spirit casks to create eight unique expressions that we have never imagined before.” – Dr. Stuart Morrison

See our full range of Diageo Special Releases