It was the bottle and presentation that caught my attention. I hadn’t heard of this until a couple years ago, and I’m just getting around to it now. Mortlach malt seems to have been an integral part of Johnnie Walker blends, and it seems that more of their stock went into JW than their own bottlings. Now that their line has been revamped, let’s see what their juice can do, starting with the flagship “Wee Witchie.” Nose: Caramel, vanilla, malt, toffee, fudge, and brown sugar. Coconut. A S’mores note. Apple, pear, raisin, cranberry, and apricot (dried and otherwise.) Walnut and toasted almond. Agave. Croissant. Oak. Palate: Apple, pear, apricot, and golden raisin. Orange citrus. Walnut, almond, and pecan. Toffee, malt, caramel, milk chocolate, and vanilla. Just a touch of cinnamon, black pepper, clove, and nutmeg. Finish: Caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Apple, pear, raisin, and apricot. Agave. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and oak. Medium length. 2.81 times distilled. 43.4% ABV. A 12-year old made to stand out with the name of “The Wee Witchie.” A cool looking bottle with broad shoulders. So many unique attributes. And yet, it’s an ordinary Speyside at the end of the day. Better put, it’s a fantastic representative of Speyside Scotch. It feels generic at times, but hits some unique notes at times and ultimately comes off as a bit funky—in a good way. Overall, it’s a damn good pour and a solid value at $55. A good start to my journey with Mortlach. I will definitely be back for more. 4/5.