Alexander Murray & Co. operates out of Calabasas, California. Started by Steve Lipp in 2004 and named in honor of his great uncle, who gave him his first taste of whiskey. The company specializes in selecting barrels and blending them. Located in Speyside region, Mortlach is affectionately referred to as "The Beast of Dufftown" because of the richness, sulphurous, and bold, smoked meat flavor profile. Owned by the giant Diageo, the distillery boasts one of the most complicated distillation set ups using their six stills. All their in-house single malt labels proclaim their spirit is distilled an odd 2.81 times. Mortlach whisky is used as the main component in Johnnie Walker Black Label, leaving very little stock for Single Malt bottlings. The flavors on the nose, palate, and finish are bold, heavy, and rich. On the nose there's orange marmalade, honey, cashews, berry preserves, and some smoked meat. On the palate simple sugar sweetness at first, then lemon hard candy followed by black pepper spice, campfire smoke and grilled meat. Finishes buttery, with smoked nut and meat flavor and a faint creamy vanilla custard note at the very end.