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Mortlach Rare Old

malty fruity
3.9
(7)€95Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Mortlach has a legitimate claim to Dufftown's earliest chapter. Licensed in 1823, it was the first legal distillery in a town now nicknamed Scotland's Malts Capital. Mortlach's most distinctive feature is its six-still distillation system. The spirit passes through roughly 2.81 times — a fractional process unique to this distillery. That extra copper contact produces a heavier, meatier spirit than most Speyside whiskies. Rare Old softens that character without hiding it. Dried fruit, caramel, and a thread of earthy spice sit alongside the richer textures Mortlach always carries. It is Speyside in style but with its own distinct gravity.

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About the distillery

Distillery

Mortlach

Mortlach is a distillery located in the Speyside region of Scotland, known for its distinct and full-bodied whiskies. Mortlach is unique in that it uses a complex distillation process that involves three wash stills and three spirit stills, which produces a rich and meaty whisky with a robust flavor profile. This process has earned Mortlach the nickname "The Beast of Dufftown." The distillery produces a range of whiskies, including the Mortlach 12 Year Old, the Mortlach 16 Year Old, and the Mortlach 20 Year Old, which have all won numerous awards and accolades for their quality. Interestingly, Mortlach was a favourite of whisky icon, Johnnie Walker, who used the distillery's whiskies as a key component in some of his most famous blends.

4Average rating

41Whiskies on Distilld

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Speyside

Most popular whiskies from Mortlach

About the Mortlach Rare Old

Mortlach Rare Old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky from Mortlach distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. Dufftown is often called Scotland's Malt Whisky Capital. Mortlach was the first distillery to receive a legal licence there, in 1823. It is one of the oldest in the Speyside region. This no-age-statement expression is bottled at 43.4% ABV. It carries the full, rich character Mortlach has built its reputation on. Mortlach operates six stills in a highly unusual configuration. The spirit passes through them roughly 2.81 times before it reaches the cask. This fractional redistillation has been in place since 1897, introduced under the distillery's Victorian-era ownership. The extra time in copper creates a heavier, meatier spirit. Most Speyside whiskies are lighter and more delicate. Mortlach deliberately takes a different path. William Grant worked at Mortlach for over two decades before leaving to found Glenfiddich nearby. Rare Old delivers that signature richness in an approachable form. The nose opens with caramel and dried fruit, with dried apricot and honey layered behind. A hint of floral freshness keeps the profile from feeling heavy. Brown sugar and butterscotch lead the palate, followed by a gentle, earthy warmth. Clove and cinnamon add spice at the centre. The finish is long and savoury, with brine and black tea drawing it out. Fruit cake and a touch of cream linger on the way out. Mortlach Rare Old is a reliable choice for whisky drinkers who want more body than typical Speyside offers. The 43.4% ABV keeps things accessible without flattening the texture. It works well neat, where the layered flavours have room to develop. This Mortlach expression also makes an ideal gift for fans of rich, fruity single malts. It is a bottle that rewards patience and a slow pour.