Mortlach 21 Years Old 1970 (Gordon & MacPhail)

Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin, whose deep stocks include some of the oldest Mortlach in existence, drew this 21 Year Old, from a 1970 vintage. Mortlach, long the muscular heart of the Johnnie Walker blends, draws its meaty depth from low-copper worm tubs and a 2.81-times distillation regime.

Across twenty-one years the oak's ellagitannins added structure while oxidation deepened the meaty spirit into cooked fruit and leather.

At 56.7% it shows vanilla, cooked fruit and a savoury weight framed by the dense Dufftown spirit, undiluted. Mortlach at full weight.