Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Diageo. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
HBO’s series, Game of Thrones, took the world by storm yet sadly came to an end May 19, 2019. Spoiler alert, the seven kingdoms become six during the series finale when the North gains its independence, and Sansa Stark is its new queen. In honor of the fate of Westeros during the final episode, Diageo has released their last whisky in the Game of Thrones collaboration titled, Six Kingdoms.
The Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms is a 15-year-old whisky hailing from the Mortlach distillery. Diageo chose Mortlach to close out the Game of Thrones whisky collection because it is a very sought after super-premium single malt. The ninth whisky in the collection is a must for collectors dying to have a complete set, but there is a very limited quantity.
While seven of the whiskies in the collection represent the different houses in Game of Thrones, the Mortlach 15 Year is graced with the Three-Eyed Raven on the label. Woven throughout the eight seasons of Game of Thrones is the Three-Eyed Raven. Particularly in the final season, the character picks up more relevance. The new Greenseer and vessel for the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran Stark, is the one to give the North independence, and is now the king of the Six Kingdoms.
The Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms won’t give you visions like the Three-Eyed Raven, but let’s take a look at how it tastes…
Games of Thrones Six Kingdoms Mortlach 15 Year (image via Courtney Kristjana/The Whiskey Wash)
Tasting Notes: Games of Thrones Six Kingdoms Mortlach 15 Year
Vital Stats: 46% ABV. Single malt aged in first-fill sherry casks, then finished in ex-bourbon barrels. 750ml $150.
Appearance: Dark amber.
Nose: To start, it reminds me of a forest fire in the distance. Tanned leather underlies the smoke. The whisky is very earthy, but it has a sharpness of acetone that detracts from it. There’s a bit of orange peel and a faint scent of table grapes.
Palate: The mouthfeel is velvety soft with a heaviness and weight to it. Oddly enough, it isn’t a viscous weight. At the beginning, the whisky is quickly sweet with bruleed sugar. Orange peel is bold before transitioning into oak. Smoke finishes the dram while leather lingers on the tongue for the aftertaste.
The Takeaway
Summary
The Game of Thrones Six Kindoms Mortlach 15 is decent, but it lacks the hint of Oloroso you usually get. Finishing in ex-bourbon casks subdued the flavor profile, and its almost like the whisky is dying to say I have more to give. It still is bold, and a great choice to add to your collection, especially if you’re finishing off the Game of Thrones series from Diageo.
However, out of the entire Game of Thrones collection, the Mortlach doesn’t rank in my top five.
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