Mortlach 17 Years – Symington’s Choice – Signatory Vintage 70 cl. 48,9%

Mortlach 2008 17 Year Old Signatory Symington’s Choice is a powerful, elegant and characterful Speyside single malt that presents Mortlach in an unusually clean and bourbon cask-driven form. The distillery is known for its full-bodied, meaty and umami-rich style, but in this bottling the first fill bourbon barrel brings out a brighter and more polished dimension of vanilla, honey, ripe fruit, citrus and toasted oak. The result is a whisky that combines Mortlach’s robust core with a creamy, fruit-led and refined cask profile.

After 17 years of maturation, the whisky has developed both depth and structure. It shows clear malt richness and an oily mouthfeel, while the bourbon barrel adds sweetness, spice and fresh orchard fruit. Notes of apple, pear, honey, vanilla cream, toasted barley, citrus zest and gentle oak sit alongside Mortlach’s signature weight, expressed through subtle savoury, herbal and spicy undertones. This is a whisky of both power and precision, with natural cask strength bringing intensity and presence without masking the character of the spirit.

As part of Signatory’s Symington’s Choice series, this is a release for those who appreciate single cask whisky with clear provenance, natural variation and collector appeal. It is best enjoyed neat, with a few drops of water if desired to open up the fruit, vanilla and spice.

About Mortlach and Signatory Vintage

Mortlach is one of Speyside’s most distinctive distilleries and has long carried the nickname “The Beast of Dufftown” due to its powerful, robust and often meaty style. Located in Dufftown, the distillery holds an important place in the history of Speyside whisky. Mortlach stands apart from many lighter Speyside malts through its weighty texture, deep malt character and complex combination of fruit, spice and savoury depth.

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, especially known for single cask releases. The Symington’s Choice series highlights casks selected for their individual quality, personality and maturity. In this Mortlach bottling, two strong identities come together: Mortlach’s deep and muscular spirit and Signatory’s focus on the unique character of individual casks.

Nose
The nose is rich and expressive, with notes of apple, pear, honey, vanilla, citrus zest and toasted oak. Beneath the fruit are hints of malt, herbs, gentle spice and a subtle savoury Mortlach character.

Palate
The palate is full-bodied, oily and powerful, with ripe fruit, vanilla cream, honey, malt biscuits, toasted barley and soft oak. The bourbon barrel brings sweetness and roundness, while Mortlach’s robust spirit adds depth, spice and a lightly savoury edge.

Finish
The finish is long, warm and structured, with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, citrus, honey, malt and mild spice. It closes with both elegance and power, balancing bourbon cask sweetness with Mortlach’s darker depth.