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Scotch

Mortlach 12 Year Old Wormtub Single Cask

Can a PX sherry cask let Mortlach’s worm-tub heft shine? This 12-year single cask review reveals a robust, fruity dram at 61.6% ABV.

OVERALL RATING

9
$120
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

One of a limited-edition collection of single cask releases from Wormtub Whisky, celebrating the handful of Scottish distilleries which still use the traditional worm tub condenser. Worm tubs play a vital role in traditional Scotch whisky production by slowing the cooling process and reducing copper contact; this unique method results in distinctive, heavy, robust spirit flavour profiles. From Speyside’s Mortlach Distillery, this single malt spent 12 years maturing in a single Pedro Ximénez ex-sherry hogshead yielding 324 bottles, bottled at 61.6% ABV.
Appearance:
Dark Gold
Nose:
Strong malty aromas open on the nose, giving way to sweet barley. There are also notes of gentle honey, caramel and stone fruits.
Palate:
Thick and mouthcoating, opening with sherry notes alongside robust notes of oak. Golden syrup and barley follow, balanced by fruity notes including orange, apple and yellow plum. There is also a touch of warming pepper.
Finish:
A long and lingering finish, with warming oak, pepper and malt becoming slightly nutty and oily with a flash of orange citrus at the close.
Comments:
A Wormtub single cask expression from the iconic ‘Beast of Dufftown’ Mortlach, a distillery renowned for bold and meaty spirit. There are clear notes of oak, malt, barley and fruits. Although there are some sherry notes on the palate, this isn’t the most intensely sherried Mortlach bottling I’ve ever sampled – rather I suspect a refill sherry cask which complements the spirit but allows Mortlach’s robust worm tub profile to take centre stage.

Mortlach’s renowned dense thick spirit profile is clearly apparent, but the characteristic meaty note is very muted compared to some expressions, for a distinctive fruity expression with syrupty sweetness. A very interesting example of the Mortlach make, and very moreish at 61.6% ABV.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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