Mortlach Midnight Dusk is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Speyside, part of the Diageo Special Releases 2024 series entitled "Spirited Xchange". One of the Diageo Special Releases from 2024, this Mortlach single malt was finished in sweet Italian casks that formerly held Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red, bottled at a strength of 57.5%.
The distillery has a long history at the heart of Scotland's Speyside. Mortlach Distillery, founded in 1823, is among the oldest distilleries in the Speyside region; known as "The Beast of Dufftown", it built its reputation on complex and robust single malts. The distillery employs an unusual 2.81-times distillation process, which lends its whisky a distinctive depth and complexity.
The construction of this edition is based on two-stage maturation. The whisky first matured in refill and ex-bourbon American oak casks, then underwent a finish in both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks; it was bottled in 2024 at its natural cask strength of 57.5% as a limited small batch edition.
In the aroma and flavour profile, the wine from the casks clearly makes its presence felt. Intense opening notes create a vinous first impression, suggesting white grapes and Manzanilla sherry, before the aromas turn fresh, floral and fruity. On the palate there is layered, crisp fruit, caramelised miso and a note of dried prosciutto, leading to a distinctly umami finish. The interplay of umami and sweetness combines with earthy tones from the Sangiovese casks and the honeyed warmth of Ramandolo wine.