1 / 1
For the launch of its 30-year-old expression, Mortlach set up experiential rooms in an art space and invited guests to unlock secrets of the legendary whisky distillery—and its boldest expression to date
Mortlach, one of Speyside’s closely guarded secrets which distils its whiskies a precise 2.81 times, has launched its boldest offering to date: the 30-year-old single malt, Midnight Malt.
The ultra-limited expression was crafted by Diageo’s master blender, Dr Craig Wilson, using single malt aged for 30 years in American and European oak casks and finished in Bordeaux wine, Calvados brandy and Guatemalan rum casks.
Midnight Malt’s big reveal in Singapore took place last weekend (on September 23 and 24) at 39+ Art Space. The venue had been transformed into a series of rooms where Club 2.81 guests (named after the specific distillation method) unlocked one-by-one Mortlach’s secrets in the themed spaces. Starting in the ‘living room’—designed to facilitate conversations among whisky lovers—we began our journey searching for poems that told of Mortlach’s history dating back to 1823.
Mortlach Midnight Malt pop-up space
1 / 7
“In Speyside where
the water is pure,
distils liquid so demure”
Mortlach has earned the name, ‘The Beast of Dufftown’, due to the rich and complex flavour profile of its whiskies. As stated in the above poem, the Speyside distillery makes its whiskies using pure water from the Dykehead Catsvraig and the meticulous distilling process dubbed, ‘The Way’.
While the distillery is rooted in traditional whisky making, it never forgets to look into the future with classic expressions and new releases that are best enjoyed now or in the succeeding years to come. Having said that, we proceeded to the second room and were asked to write on the walls our goals for the future. It provided a light-hearted moment in our whisky journey as we read the scribbles on the walls, which included “find happiness and more whisky”, “tour all the Scottish distilleries” and “drink Mortlach and be merry”.
In case you missed it: How Mortlach Distillery Makes Its Unique and Expressive Whiskies
Above Tasting three expressions
Tasting three expressions
1 / 1
The excitement was evident among the guests as we entered the tasting room. But first, we had to unlock the mysterious box with the code, 281, to gain access to the three whiskies we were about to taste—the 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 20 Year Old. Even better, these were paired with innovative canapes that enticed our palate with their bold and rich flavours—much like the Mortlach whiskies.
The pop-up was to celebrate the Midnight Malt, after all, and the last room was reserved to witness Midnight Malt in all its glory. All eyes were on the 30 Year Old bottle encased in a midnight blue box that opens sideways. For that last surprise, we were also able to sample the coveted expression, which delivered with its herbal aromas that hinted of roast pork and sage. The whisky was rich and winey on the palate, thanks to the three-cask finish, and left us with a lasting impression peppered with notes of mint chocolate and caramel.
Limited number of bottles of Mortlach Midnight Malt 30 Year Old are available through DiageoRareandExceptional.sg. Mortlach is available in selected bars and restaurants in Singapore. Come and discover the range of Mortlach single malt whiskies at Mandala Club, Malts, The Cooperage, Sentosa Golf Club, and The Nest @ Laguna Golf Club.
Drink Responsibly. DrinkIQ.com.
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
