The new whisky, called Six Kingdoms – Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years, is the ninth and final bottling to join the Game of Thrones-inspired range.
The UK drinks giant teamed up with the show’s network HBO to produce the range of single malt Scotch whiskies in celebration of the eighth and final series of Game of Thrones this year.
“Eight fantastic Scotches toasted the coming of the final season of the show, and we now look back on the most captivating television show of all time and raise a ninth glass in celebration,” said Jeff Peters, vice president, licensing and retail at HBO.
Six Kingdoms (46% ABV) is inspired by the finale of the show and pays tribute to the fate of fictional continent Westeros, when the fictitious realm’s Seven Kingdoms became six after the North became independent under queen Sansa Stark.
The new whisky has been matured in first-fill Sherry-seasoned casks and finished in American oak ex-Bourbon casks. It is said to have a fruity character and a “bold, smooth taste with notes of vanilla and spice”.
The expression is recommended served neat, over ice or with a small amount of water, which “develops the fresh fruit characters”.
Speyside distillery Mortlach, which was built on the site of a historic battle, is thought to be Dufftown’s first legal distillery. George Cowie took over ownership of the distillery in 1853.
According to Diageo, Cowie and his son Alexander were “integral influences” for both the distillery and community. Alexander developed Mortlach’s signature method of distilling the liquid 2.81 times – a process said to be as unique as the show’s Three-Eyed Raven character.
‘Most sought-after’
The whisky is presented in a metallic gold canister featuring a pen and ink drawing of the Three-Eyed Raven. The design pays homage to the independence of the north, which was granted by Bran Stark, who served as the Three-Eyed Raven. He was chosen as king of the Six Kingdoms in the finale.
“We saw an overwhelmingly positive response to the launch of the Game of Thrones Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection and as Game of Thrones fans continue to explore both the world of whisky and the world of Westeros, we are proud to introduce the final addition to the collection,” said Kavita Agarwal, Diageo global brand director, malts.
“Mortlach is one of our most sought-after super-premium single malts, and seemed fitting as the perfect finale to complete the collection.”
Game of Thrones Six Kingdoms – Mortlach Aged 15 Years will be available in “extremely limited quantities” in the US this December for US$150 per 750ml. It will be sold online at reservebar.com and in select retailers.
In the UK, the whisky is available for pre-order for £120 (US$154.50) per 700ml on Amazon and will be released on 25 November. It will also be available in select retailers.
In addition to the single malt range, Diageo’s blended Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker launched two limited edition Game of Thrones-themed expressions, called a Song of Fire and Song of Ice.
The partnership between Diageo and HBO began in October 2018 with the release of blended Scotch whisky White Walker by Johnnie Walker.
