Diageo Global Travel has launched a travel retail-exclusive ‘Alexander’s Way’ Mortlach 14yo single malt Scotch whisky.
The expression is part of a new four-bottle collection which includes 12yo ‘Wee Witchie’, 16yo ‘Distiller’s Dram’ and 20yo ‘Cowie’s Blue Seal’. The range is launching in travel retail in Taiwan this month before a wider roll-out.
Diageo described the collection as “the best-kept secret in Scotch”.
Speyside distiller Mortlach is known for its complex ‘The Way’ 2.81 distillation process which, according to Diageo, has remained unchanged since 1896. The secret process shapes Mortlach’s complex character, earning it the nickname, ‘The Beast of Dufftown’.
Diageo Global Travel Marketing and Innovation Director Anna MacDonald said: “We’re delighted to introduce Mortlach’s new single malt whisky collection into our Scotch portfolio.
“Passenger numbers continue to grow worldwide. In Taiwan alone an estimated 38 million new passengers are travelling each year. In addition, malts are forecast to grow at a faster rate than blends globally, with Asia highlighted as the region likely to see the fastest growth in the next two years, making this the perfect location to launch
MacDonald said the collection would appeal to consumers seeking new flavours and experiences.
“This is why we are particularly excited to have a travel retail exclusive as part of the collection. ‘Alexander’s Way’ is the spiciest Mortlach expression to date; created to provide travellers with something they can’t buy anywhere else.”
Mortlach Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson commented: “These whiskies really stand out in Speyside. For me it’s the way the 2.81 process gives you such an intensely complex liquid and character from the minute it comes off the still; it’s like having three distilleries at the one-still house.
“Our job is to hone the character in the right way to create four well-balanced whiskies of unparalleled richness and complexity.”
Mortlach 12yo (43.4% ABV; RRP £31, US$41) is matured in European and American oak, ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels to give tastes of bitter chocolate, marmalade and tobacco.
Mortlach 14yo (43.4% ABV; RRP £50, US$65) is matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and is described as “the spiciest expression of Mortlach to date”.
Mortlach 16yo (43.4% ABV; RRP £70, US$92) is matured in ex-sherry casks to offer a dark and rounded taste.
Mortlach 20yo (43.4% ABV; RRP £150, US$196) is matured in ex-sherry casks and offer tastes of overripe fruits, including quince, and a touch of spice.
