Adelphi Limited - Mortlach 36y, 1986, 51.4%, 176b

A stunning 36-year-old release, part of Adelphi's Limited collection. This single malt Scotch whisky was distilled at Mortlach in 1986 and spent its years maturing in cask #2040, before being bottled in 2022 at a cask strength of 51.4%, naturally coloured, and non-chill filtered. An outturn of only 176 bottles.

Mortlach was founded in 1823 and was the first of Dufftown's "Seven Stills" to be licensed. It rose to pre-eminence under George Cowie & Son, who's unique distillation regime produced a famously "meaty" whisky, which was highly prized by blenders. It was for this reason that it was acquired by John Walker & Sons, and so important to them was it that little stock was left available for bottling as a single malt. The Flora & Fauna release was the first official distillery bottling, but it was not until 2014 that Mortlach was bottled under its own fully fledged single malt brand. Thankfully, there have been many spectacular releases from independent labels like this over the years.

Distilled in 1986 and aged in single cask #2040 for 36 years before being bottled in 2022.

Adelphi has a rich history, operating as a distillery in the Gorbals district of Glasgow from 1825, producing spirit from the waters of Loch Katrine. The distillery ceased production in the early 20th century however and several changes in ownership culminating in a takeover by Distillers Company Ltd in 1902. The Adelphi name was revived in 1993 by Jamie Walker, great-grandson of former distillery owner Archibald. With a lineage of whisky expertise he operated Adelphi as private bottling company, which now in the hands of Keith Falconer and David Houston, continues the fine work he began of bottling top quality expressions from Scotland's finest distilleries. The company is now also distilling their own whisky at Ardnamurchan distillery in Glenbeg.

One of only 176 bottles.