Mortlach 15 Years Old 1998 Cask #11008 (Meadowside Blending)

Meadowside Blending, an independent bottler, drew this 15 Year Old: a 1998 from cask 11008, an outturn of 321 bottles. Mortlach, the first licensed distillery in Dufftown, runs a 2.81-times distillation and worm-tub condensers that give the heavy, meaty spirit fans call the Beast of Dufftown.

Fifteen years in ex-Bourbon let oxidation gain weight, baked fruit and a waxy, oily depth building over the bold, full-bodied make.

At 46% it shows malt, dried fruit and a leathery edge over the full-bodied base. Big, savoury and full-bodied.