Mortlach 1989/2025 - 34 y.o. - Aficionado - PX Sherry Octave Finish #968 - Murray McDavid

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40.1% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Distilled in 1989, this Mortlach initially matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead before receiving a 21-month finish in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry octaves. Murray McDavid bottled the 34-year-old whisky in 2025 as Cask 968 for the Aficionado range. The release comprises 179 bottles at 40.1%.

The PX finish adds pronounced sherry depth to the whisky's waxy, malty side. Barley sugar, beeswax and buttery brioche contrast with creamy fudge, dried apricots and fruity oak, while orange peel, lingering malt notes and a hint of nuts define the finish. The whisky is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals barley sugar, beeswax and buttery brioche.
• Palate: On the palate, creamy fudge and dried apricots combine with fruity oak.
• Finish: The finish brings orange peel, lingering malt notes and a hint of nuts.

Distillery/Bottler:

Mortlach was founded in 1823 as Dufftown's first legal distillery. In the late 19th century, Alexander Cowie developed the complex 2.81-times distillation process that remains in use today. Together with traditional worm-tub condensers, this process contributes to the distillery's robust and complex house style.

For this release, independent bottler Murray McDavid handled the secondary maturation and bottling. Aficionado is Murray McDavid's collection of rare vintage single malts with extended cask maturation; the first releases in the range yielded only 139 to 179 bottles each.

Facts: