(Image Source: Diageo, The Conversation)

Diageo has released a new expression of Mortlach - the 30 Year Old Midnight Malt - except to a much more lowkey note than the usual fanfare, this time without a press release, and only two pictures of the latest expression, a factsheet and an audio file narrated by none other than Felipe Schrieberg! He has the honor of running us through the tasting notes of the new bottling.

This expression was matured in a Refill American Oak and European Oak cask combination, split to finish in Bordeaux wine, Calvados and Guatemalan rum season casks - quite the array. It is then married in custom quarter casks before being bottled at 49.1% ABV, and priced at 3,700 GBP or 4,505 USD, and will be available from August 2022.

(Image Source: Diageo)

"A rich, deep whisky to savour slowly in the darker hours…

When day transcends to night, light changes and shadows emerge. Mortlach Midnight Malt captures the feeling of this moment. Unexpected layers of richness and intensity emerge from a three-cask finish of bold provenance."

Official Tasting Notes

Appearance

Muted amber. Excellent beading.

Nose

A mellow nose with some initial prickle. This settles in time to reveal a savoury and faintly herbal top note, suggesting pork crackling sprinkled with dry sage.

Palate

A richly winey, apple fruity and mouth-watering start delights the palate, backed by a long spicy intensity with a delicious black pepper note that really persists.

Finish

Long, sweet and deep-flavoured, with a light peppery spiciness. With water, still sweet and softer, with the spicy heat joined by a suggestion of mint chocolate in the lingering aftertaste.

(Image Source: Diageo)

Our Take

Oof! That is incredibly expensive! Mortlach has always enjoyed premium pricing from Diageo, which we're not entirely certain how effective a strategy that is in getting more awareness for the brand given that it is kinda left of center field and not really one of the top whiskies you'd have in mind when you think Scotch.

Also, we're just going to call it and ask how exactly is this whisky supposed to capture the feeling of day turning into night? Could someone please shed some light here. We're all for some nice stories and good marketing, but this one seems a bit of a stretch. Colour me curious, but unfortunately not curious enough for the hefty price tag.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot