Mortlach 13 Year Old Diageo Special Release 2021 - 55.9% 70cl

Every year since 2001, Diageo have released a series of Special Releases featuring rare, limited edition whiskies from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries.

The 2021 Special Releases are the 20^th set in this highly collectable series, and includes 8 Single Malt whiskies, bottled at cask strength, and released in limited quantities.

The 2021 series has been titled “Legends Untold” and features striking illustrations and design work from digital illustrator Ken Taylor.

Known as "The Beast Of Dufftown", whiskies from the Mortlach Distillery are known for their robust and complex character.

Nose: A mellow and rounded nose-feel lulls the senses, then introduces a first soaring note of freshly oiled wood. Next, rising through this, savoury and meaty notes suggest the beast within yet also carry a sweet tartness, suggesting roast pheasant with redcurrant jelly.

Palate: The pleasure builds still more, as a big, supersmooth texture envelops the palate. The wonderfully intense taste is vanilla-sweet yet easily embraces a savoury finish, spicy-dry as the new oak makes its presence felt, with a surprising kick of chilli-pepper in the swallow.

Finish: Long and deeply impressive, with power, fruit and spiciness in perfect harmony as a warming peppery glow spreads out in the aftertaste, in which a dash of water brings up a fresh floral-herbal note to light the deepening night.