Mortlach : Katana's Edge Natural Cask Strength

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for Mortlach Katana's Edge Natural Cask Strength

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of ripe melon and pear, alongside rounded notes of dried fruit, a sherry-like richness, citrus zest, crêpes and salted butter, with meaty, slightly umami accents.

Palate

The palate shows a smooth, silky texture with spicy, savory flavors that cut through a shimmering sweetness. Dried fruits return, along with rich umami depth and a complex sweet-salty intensity. The finish is long, spicy and appealing, with fruity and savory notes, dry and rich.

Pairings and serving moments

This Speyside whisky pairs perfectly with melon and prosciutto or miso pork belly. It is best enjoyed neat or with a slight splash of water to bring out the fruity notes.

A Speyside single malt with a rich, complex character

Mortlach, a benchmark for Speyside whiskies since 1823

Founded in 1823 by James Findlater in Dufftown, Mortlach is the first legal distillery in this Speyside whisky capital. Owned by George Cowie from 1853, it joined John Walker & Sons in 1923 before becoming part of Diageo, which has positioned it as a premium single malt since 2014. Nicknamed the "Beast of Dufftown," Mortlach stands out for its unique 2.81-times distillation process using seven stills, including the legendary "Wee Witchie," and its traditional worm-tub condensers. These distinctive features give it an exceptionally rich and complex character, an essential component of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Katana's Edge: a limited edition inspired by cultural exchange

Katana's Edge Natural Cask Strength is part of Spirited Xchange, the limited 2023 collection of Diageo Special Releases, inspired by the global exchange of artisanal cultures. This unique expression for the distillery stands out for its finish in a combination of ex-Japanese whisky Kanosuke and ex-Pinot Noir casks, creating a bridge between Scottish and Japanese traditions. Bottled at its natural cask strength of 58% ABV, this single malt Scotch whisky is non-chill-filtered and with no added coloring, thus preserving the full breadth of its aromas and texture.