Six Kingdoms is the last and by some distance the most serious release in the Game of Thrones whisky programme. Where the eight house bottlings paired existing expressions with a sigil, this one was created as a standalone at the close of the series, and Diageo put it on Mortlach, which tells you what they intended by it. Mortlach was founded in 1823 as the first legal distillery in Dufftown, and it is known throughout the industry as the Beast of Dufftown for a distillation regime nobody else attempts. Rather than the usual two or three passes, Mortlach runs its spirit through six stills in a partial arrangement that works out to 2.81 times distillation, a figure so specific it sounds invented and is not. The effect is a malt with unusual weight and a meaty, savoury depth that stands apart from the lighter Speyside style around it. This is the 15 year old, finished in ex bourbon casks, which lift the distillery's natural richness with vanilla and orchard fruit without softening the underlying muscle. Expect dried fruit, honey and warm spice on the nose over a deep malty base, then a full, oily palate of toffee, baked apple and dark chocolate with the savoury Mortlach character running underneath, closing long and gently drying. Bottled at 46 percent alcohol by volume, notably higher than the eight house releases at 40 percent, and presented in a gold collector tube with raven artwork. Discontinued and the most sought after bottle in the range.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Region |
Speyside, Dufftown |
| Distillery |
Mortlach, established 1823 |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Expression |
Mortlach 15 Year Old, Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms |
| Age |
15 Years |
| Finish |
Ex bourbon casks |
| Distillation |
2.81 times, using six stills |
| Packaging |
Gold collector tube with raven artwork |
| Status |
Limited edition, discontinued |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep gold with amber highlights.
Nose: Dried fruit, honey and warm baking spice over a deep malty base, with vanilla from the bourbon casks.
Palate: Full and oily. Toffee and baked apple carry dark chocolate and spice, with the savoury Mortlach weight running underneath.
Finish: Long and gently drying, closing on oak, spice and lingering dried fruit.
FAQ
Q: Is this one of the eight house bottlings?
A: No. Six Kingdoms is a separate, later and more premium release created at the close of the series. The eight house bottlings are a different set.
Q: What is 2.81 times distillation?
A: Mortlach runs its spirit through six stills in a partial arrangement that averages out to 2.81 passes, rather than the usual two or three. It produces a heavier, meatier malt and is unique to the distillery.
Q: What proof is it?
A: 92 proof, which is 46 percent alcohol by volume, higher than the 40 percent house bottlings.
Q: Why is Mortlach called the Beast of Dufftown?
A: For the weight and savoury depth of its spirit, which sets it apart from the lighter Speyside style around it.
Q: Is it still produced?
A: No. It was a limited edition released in 2019 and has long been discontinued.
Q: Where can I buy Six Kingdoms Mortlach 15 online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
