Mortlach 70 Years Old

Oldest Bottled Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the World

Released under Gordon & MacPhail’s Generations range, Mortlach 70 Years Old is the oldest bottled single malt Scotch whisky in the world.

Mortlach 70 Years Old is quite simply a single malt without compare and one that epitomises Gordon & MacPhail’s approach to single malt, built upon generations of expertise in the industry.

Mortlach 70 Years Old is presented in a tear shaped crystal decanter, each one hand-blown by expert craftsman to ensure an exquisitely flawless finish. An elegant silver stopper, which can be removed and replaced with a crystal version should the owner wish to do so, sits atop of the decanter, which carries minimalist engraving.

The decanter nestles in a stylish silver base and is securely framed in a handmade box made from Brazilian Rosewood. Completing the presentation is a certificate, providing details of the distillation date, cask number and bottling date. David & Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon & MacPhail have signed each certificate.

 Tasting Notes:

Appearance: The colour of sun-bleached polished mahogany.

Aroma: A mellow nose, at once waxy and fruity; candlewax to the fore initially, which becomes snuffed candle (a thread of smoke), with Maraschino cherries in Madeira cake behind, and after a while an orangey citric note – fresh and juicy, becoming apricot jam. Flaked almonds and whin flowers, becoming light coconut oil.

Taste: Surprisingly lively tasted straight. A smooth, waxy mouthfeel; a sweetish start becoming moderately dry, but not overly-tannic. Dried fig and tobacco notes, and an intriguing light smokiness. A long finish and, for the first time, a hint of planed hardwood in the aftertaste. With a teaspoon of water, the smooth texture in enhanced. The fresh, light sweetness becoming pleasantly sour (‘Soor Plooms’), with sooty smoke in the finish.

Comment: Remarkable! No trace of damp wood or must or bung cloth – a delicate, fresh, vital, fruity whisky, but with unusual attributes of waxiness and smokiness – uncommon today, more usual before the 1960s.

Facts 

· Distilled at Mortlach Distillery, Dufftown on 15th of October 1938

 · Bottled at Boroughbriggs Road, Elgin on 15th of October 2008
· Patiently matured for 70 years in a 1st fill sherry hogshead

· Bottled at natural cask strength (46.1%)

· 70cl decanters – £10,000.00 inc VAT – £8,510.64 exc VAT  
· 20cl decanters – £2,500.00 inc VAT – £2,127.66 exc VAT  

(WI feels that if they paid closer attention to their inventory they could have bottled this 30 years ago!)

However…well done!