A delightful, perfectly-aged, Sherried Speyside Single Malt and pop-culture icon in one.

Dufftown is the Highland hamlet that calls itself the “Whisky Capital of the World.” This little Speyside town of less than 1700 people is home to six prominent distilleries — including Mortlach. Founded in 1823 by James Findlater, Mortlach became the first “legal” distillery in Dufftown. The history of Mortlach is an honorable one of tradition, innovation, and engineering — including the famous “2.81” distillation method using multiple still types. Their finely crafted spirits are a core component of the most premium Johnnie Walker blends — so much so that Diageo’s Johnnie Walker bought the distillery in 1923.

Diageo is preparing the final chapter in their partnership with Game of Thrones. As we’ve mentioned before, in addition to the special editions from Johnnie Walker, they embarked on a series of nine special edition Single Malts from their brand portfolio. Game of Thrones Mortlach 15 Year-Old — named “Six Kingdoms” — is the ninth and final release in the line. Turning the traditional model of Single Malt aging on its head, the Six Kingdoms release was aged in first-fill Sherry casks and finished in ex-Bourbon barrels. This lets the fruit and fig notes push the fore at a spot-on perfect 46% ABV.

Smartass corner:
Mortlach’s “2.81 times” distillation method comes from two different still types where some of the Spirit is distilled twice, but most of it is distilled three times. Once married, the average number of times the Spirit is distilled is 2.81.