Thursday June 21 - The Spirits Project at Catherine Lombardi will feature Mortlach 1989 - 22 Year (Alchemist Selection) Bottled 2011
Suggested Retail Price is $149 We will pour one ounce for $5.00
The Mortlach distillery was the first distillery in Dufftown, pre-dating Glen Fiddich by over four decades. Mortlach was founded in 1823 by James Findlater. The initial owners didn't manage to keep the distillery running for more than a decade; Mortlach was sold on to John Robertson. This marked the start of a number of purchases by different owners. Mortlach was inactive for a few years (at least as far as the production of malt whisky is concerned) - the buildings were used as a brewery and as a church.
In 1897, the number of stills was expanded from three to six, an unusually large number of pot stills in those days. The configuration of the six stills at Mortlach is unusual - and probably unique in Scotland. The 'partial triple distillation' that is used at the Mortlach distillery is a variation of the technique that is in use at Springbank and Benrinnes. One year later electric lights were added, as well as a hydraulic lift system in the warehouses. In 1923 sold Mortlach to John Walker & Sons. Perhaps you've heard of them. There was a wholesale refurbishment of the distillery in 1964. Mortlach is an extremely important component in the Johnny Walker blends, so you rarely see a single-malt bottling from this important and historic distillery.
Thursday evening at 6:30, you will have the opportunity to sample just such a bottle. I do hope you can join us.
Next Week in The Spirits Project Glenfiddich Gran Reserva "Rum Cask Finish" 21 yr