Mortlach The Katana's Edge - Diageo Special Releases 2023

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 58% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The Katana's Edge brings two distinct cask influences to Mortlach's sweet and savoury character. Part of the whisky was finished in casks that previously held Japanese whisky from Kanosuke; the remainder underwent further maturation in former Pinot Noir wine casks. The wine casks are intended to balance the sweetness, while the combination brings together umami character and pronounced fruitiness.

This limited edition belongs to the Spirited Xchange collection within the Diageo Special Releases 2023. Its concept combines whisky with influences from international craftsmanship and culture, with Japan taking centre stage for Mortlach. The whisky was bottled at 58% natural cask strength. It has no added colouring, is not chill-filtered and comes in a 0.7-litre bottle with a premium box.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is gentle and fresh. Ripe melon and pear initially recall sweets dusted with icing sugar, then fruit pastilles and fruit jelly. Subtle leather and spice notes lie underneath. A drop of water makes the impression drier but still fruity, adding almond and pencil shavings.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky is dense, smooth and mouth-filling. Its rich fruit flavour combines sweetness with a gentle savoury note and lively, dry spice. A little water softens it and brings the sweet fruitiness further to the fore.
• Finish: The long finish is dry, spicy and warming. Sweet and savoury impressions linger, while the fruity aftertaste has a slightly cooling effect in the mouth. A drop of water brings out the savoury side more strongly.

Distillery/Bottler:

Founded in Dufftown in 1823, Mortlach was the town's first licensed distillery. The Cowie family played a decisive role in its development: engineer George Cowie joined the distillery in 1853, and his son Alexander took over in 1897. Working with distillery engineer Charles Doig, Alexander expanded the operation. He also developed the complex distillation process that remains in use today.

This process is known as 2.81-times distillation. Together with traditional worm-tub condensers, it contributes to Mortlach's robust, rich character. In these condensers, vapour is cooled in coiled pipes and turns back into liquid. The outdoor wooden cooling tubs were retained through later modernisations. The Katana's Edge is an official distillery bottling within Diageo's Special Releases.

Facts: