Everything you need to know about Mortlach Distillery

A brief History

Mortlach, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1823

The Beast of Dufftown

If Speyside whisky had a dark side, Mortlach would be leading the charge. Known as “The Beast of Dufftown,” this distillery doesn’t follow the typical light and floral Speyside path. Mortlach is bold, meaty, and full of weight — whisky that feels more like a slow-cooked stew than a dainty dessert.

Founded in 1823, Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown, long before it became the whisky capital of Scotland. While others refined their output for blends, Mortlach quietly developed its own complex spirit using a unique and frankly baffling “2.81 distillation” method — part science, part sorcery.

For most of its life, Mortlach was a blender’s secret weapon, especially prized in Johnnie Walker. But in recent years, it's stepped into the spotlight with a range of bold, richly aged single malts that command attention.

Explore All Speyside Whisky

Taste Profile


Rich / Chocolatey	Oaky / Woody	Spicy

Mortlach doesn’t taste like anything else in Speyside — and that’s a good thing. Its signature style is dense and savoury, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and umami richness.

Mortlach is famous for its rich, robust, and almost chewy single malts. A favourite among whisky nerds and chefs alike, it's a dram made for slow sipping. Key flavour characteristics include:

Deep oak spice and leather
Stewed fruit and treacle
Cocoa and clove
A meaty, umami undertone you won’t forget

Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients

	Dark Chocolate / Cocoa
	Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates)
	Oak / Wood Spice
	Cinnamon / Clove

Popular Bottlings from Mortlach

Expression	ABV / Age	Tasting Notes
Mortlach 12 Year Old	43.4%	Meaty richness, ginger spice, dark fruit, savoury finish
Mortlach 16 Year Old	43%	Sherry influence, rich and spicy, prunes, nutmeg, chocolate
Mortlach 19 Year Old	55.8%	Elegant oak, stewed figs, silky texture, spice-laced finish
Mortlach Special Releases	Varies	Cask strength, more experimental and intense
Rare Malts Editions	Varies	Vintage bottlings prized by collectors — earthy, bold, complex

Whether you’re after a deep winter sipper or something to pair with dark chocolate or steak, Mortlach has the muscle for it.

Game of Thrones Whisky Mortlach 15 Year Old Six Kingdoms

The Distillery

Mortlach Distillery 
Mortlach Distillery, Dufftown, Moray, AB55 4AQ

Open in maps

Mortlach Distillery

01340 822100

Visitor Information

Address: Mortlach Distillery, Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire, AB55 4AQ, Scotland
Telephone: Not currently open to public tours
Visitor Access:
- As of now, Mortlach does not operate a traditional visitor centre
- However, you can often find official tastings at whisky festivals or Diageo partner events
- Dufftown itself is well worth visiting, home to multiple distilleries and whisky heritage

Ownership and History

Current Owner:

Diageo

Timeline of Ownership:

1823: Founded by James Findlater
1850s–1890s: Leased to George Cowie, who brought in his son Alexander — an engineer who helped shape Mortlach’s unique distillation style
1925: Joined DCL, the company that evolved into today’s Diageo
2014: Mortlach single malts relaunched as a premium range
2020s: Now considered one of Diageo’s core luxury single malts

With its industrial roots and engineering-led process, Mortlach has always been a little different — and proud of it.

Distillery Facts

Overview & History

Mortlach Distillery is located in Dufftown, Speyside, and was founded in 1823, making it one of the earliest legal distilleries in the area.

Often referred to as the “Beast of Dufftown”, Mortlach is known for producing a rich, robust spirit that stands out within the typically lighter Speyside region.

Historically, much of its output has been used in blends, particularly Johnnie Walker, but it has gained increasing recognition as a standalone single malt.