MORTLACH 'MIDNIGHT DUSK' + ROSEISLE 12 YEAR 'ORIGAMI KITE II'
CASK STRENGTH SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
SCOTLAND
WHY BUY:
Two utterly original, limited-edition, cask-strength single malts that drink like the total unicorns they are — one, from a distillery that's been a key component in several Johnnie Walker bottlings; the other, a relatively new kid on the block from Strathspey:
* Tip back the Mortlach "Midnight Dusk,” and you’ll find yourself shaking your head in wonder. Truly, there’s something almost mystical about how those Italian wine casks have transformed this Speyside single malt. On the nose, it's surprisingly gentle in spite of its proof, with an exotic dryness that hints at the umami adventure that’s about to unfold. The palate opens up with a smooth creaminess, then builds to something rich and almost meaty: is that miso? and is that — wait (no … yes!) prosciutto?! It shouldn't work but it does.
* The Roseisle "Origami Kite II" takes a more conventional route, and nails it. That double maturation creates waves upon waves of creamy sweetness, with a wash, at the end, of nuanced spice. On the palate, you move from stone fruits to white chocolate to sweet vanilla, and all of it as delicately bound as, well — as origami. It finishes with a beautifully oily texture that coats your palate and refuses to let go, even after your last, lingering sip.
THE STORY:
Launched in 2001, Diageo's Special Release series (drawn from over 30 distilleries’ stocks) has evolved to become one of the highlights on the whisky release calendar. It's a showcase of the company's vast reserves, the largest collection of maturing Scotch whisky in the world. These releases often showcase the work of well-known distilleries, and give makers and blenders the freedom to experiment and innovate. Mortlach, founded in 1823 in Dufftown, has been a key component in several Johnnie Walker bottlings, but these special releases let us experience the distillery's character in its purest form. Roseisle is the newer kid on the block in Morayshire's Strathspey region — or as new as it gets in an industry that has long prized tradition and continuity.
THE SPECS:
The Mortlach is finished in casks that previously held both a white wine (a Ramandolo) and a red wine (an earthy Sangiovese), giving it an unusual (and indefinable) character. The Roseisle undergoes double maturation in American and European oak wine casks, including first-fill and refill ex-Bourbon casks. Both are bottled at cask strength.
ABV:
Mortlach, 57.5% ABV (115 proof); Roseisle, 55.6% (111.2 proof).
FUN FACT:
Dufftown is considered by many to be the “whisky capital of the world,” and Mortlach was the first legal distillery in the town.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
The Mortlach has a fascinating umami character to it that makes it an unexpected companion with charcuterie — especially aged prosciutto and bresaola — while the creamy sweetness of the Roseisle is a great match with dark chocolate or a caramel-banana tart..
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the distiller, so rest assured — your single malts will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, FL, NV, & TX. This offer will expire on Sunday, June 22, 2025.