Mortlach 1989/2025 - 34 Year Old - Aficionado - PX Sherry Octave Finish #968 - Murray McDavid

Profile: Mortlach 1989/2025 - 34 Years - Aficionado - PX Sherry Octave Finish #968 - Murray McDavid at a glance

• Speyside origin: This single malt comes from the historic Mortlach Distillery in Dufftown, one of the best-known names in Scotland’s Speyside whisky region.
• Long maturation: Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2025, it spent 34 years developing depth, balance, and mature complexity.
• Sherry-led finishing: The final PX Sherry Octave finish adds layers of dark sweetness, spice, and an especially concentrated aromatic profile.
• Murray McDavid character: The independent bottler is known for carefully selected casks and bottlings with a distinctive style rather than mainstream conformity.
• Natural presentation: Bottled without added colouring and at 40.10% ABV, it offers an honest, elegant expression in the glass.

Portrait: What defines Mortlach 1989/2025 - 34 Years - Aficionado - PX Sherry Octave Finish #968 - Murray McDavid

Mortlach has long been associated with a whisky style that is confident, layered, and unmistakably its own. This single malt reflects that identity, yet the long 34-year maturation gives it a calmer, more polished expression. The result is a whisky that speaks with depth rather than force.

Over the decades, the spirit has gained softness and complexity, allowing mature fruit, oak spice, and rounded sweetness to take center stage. The PX Sherry Octave finish adds a darker, richer dimension, bringing a measured sherry influence that complements rather than overwhelms the distillery character. It creates a well-balanced profile with real presence.

As a Murray McDavid bottling, this Mortlach also carries a distinctly curated identity. The Aficionado range is aimed at drinkers who appreciate characterful casks and whiskies with a clear sense of origin. In this case, the combination of age, Speyside provenance, and PX influence makes for a compelling and thoughtfully composed release.

Tasting Notes: How the Mortlach 1989/2025 - 34 Years - Aficionado - PX Sherry Octave Finish #968 - Murray McDavid tastes

• Nose: Sweet malt, wax, and bright honey sit alongside brioche, light floral notes, and a gentle touch of buttery baking.
• Palate: The mouthfeel is smooth and almost creamy, with fudge, ripe apricots, and a subtle oak-driven spice.
• Finish: The finish stays with you, fading through orange peel, malt, and a fine nutty accent.