Called “The Beast of Dufftown” for its robust, umami-rich character, little known Mortlach may be the best kept secret in Scotch. Bold flavours are the mark of this special breed, distinguishing it as the monarch of its glen as surely as the bellow of a mature red deer stag. This small batch of Mortlach has been matured in first-fill Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso seasoned casks, which have brought a deep, rich, fruity intensity to complement the savoury complexity of the 2.81 distilled distillery character. The aroma is profound and complex; rich with dark fruits in liquor, old oak and soft leather, developing into hard toffee and chocolate-covered coffee beans. The texture is smooth, the rich taste sweet with damson fruit, lightly savoury and spicy-dry. The mellow finish marries spiciness and fruit in a long-lasting final embrace. A rare release with very limited availability of 3,883 bottles.