1957 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Mortlach 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Amongst the nine distilleries around Dufftown, Mortlach meaning 'bowl-shaped valley", is the oldest. The second is Glenfiddich, founded by William Grant who was production manager at Mortlach.The distillery was created by James Findlater and two of his friends, Donald McIntosh and Alexander Gordon on a ground hired from the Earl of Mactuff. The creation date is not known for certain, but the license was officially delivered in 1823 making it the first legal distillery in Dufftown.

Mortlach was later taken over by John Gordon who marketed its whisky under the name "The real John Gordon". More recently, the distillery has been sold to Johnnie Walker & co. Walker joined DCL which became SMD before being integrated with UDV. A new distillery was built in 1964, but the old stills were still used. Presently, Mortlach is owned by Diageo. It remains a key component for the Johnnie Walker blends.

The water used in the mash comes from the nearby Conval Hills and is said to add a distinctive note to the malt. The style is typically masculine, plush with dried fruits and full bodied. This hyper-rare bottling was distilled at Mortlach in 1957 and aged for fifty years in first fill sherry butts no. 585 and 586. Just 514 bottles were filled in May 2007 by Gordon and Macphail.

Other reviews... Color Mahogany. Nose: Heavy Sherry notes with Plums (Plum pudding), Apricots, Raisins. A hint of Cognac, Leather and Woodiness. Taste: An entry with a lot of sweet fruits. Plums dried fruits and raisins that fades away and a oaky woodiness appears for a minute before a bitter taste of almonds appears. Finish: Long warm woody finish that stays for an eternity. Comments: A long time since I enjoyed a dram as complex and well balanced as this. Adding water did not give any new experiences. Overall rating: 92.2 points 43.5% Alc./Vol. - Whisky Base B.V. Netherlands, Thomas Sonett. August 2011.size>