Family-owned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail has announced its Anniversary Releases collection. Each whisky is named for its year of distillation: 1966 from Longmorn Distillery, 1976 from Glen Grant Distillery, 1986 from Miltonduff Distillery, and 1996 from Linkwood Distillery.
Only a limited number of each expression is available, with between 30 and 100 bottles depending on the vintage. The ultra-rare single malt whiskies in the collection are all single cask, hand-selected by the team at Gordon & MacPhail and bottled at cask strength.
“Beginnings, birthdays, milestones and turning points are the moments that define a life,” said Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige for Gordon & MacPhail. “Each of these never-to-be-repeated single malt Scotch whisky captures a moment in time, and if your own celebration doesn’t fall on one of the vintage years we’ve selected, then rest assured these rare and exceptional whiskies will elevate and help any occasion become truly memorable.”
At the heart of the Anniversary Releases collection is the 1966 from Longmorn Distillery, with only 30 bottles available. Distilled in February 1966 and bottled at 46% ABV, the dark mahogany-coloured whisky matured in a first-fill sherry butt delivers flavours of dark fruit and warming spice. On the nose, there are aromas of fruitcake with brown sugar and candied citrus peel. Cinnamon and cloves bring the spice, while vanilla comes to the fore, with forest fruits following. On the palate, ripe cherries and blackberries with a hint of pepper combine with liquorice and subtle oak to give depth, before the long finish of mulled fruits and charred oak.
The 1976 from Glen Grant Distillery is matured in a refill American hogshead, with only 50 bottles released. Golden in colour, this whisky was bottled at 42% ABV, and on the nose is filled with orange zest, sweet honeysuckle, and hints of coconut, which give way to pear and a touch of cocoa powder. On the palate, tropical fruit flavours abound, alongside baked apples and roasted peanuts. Notes of vanilla and mature oak also appear. The full, long finish brings floral influences and aniseed
The 1986 from Miltonduff Distillery offering was matured in a refill American hogshead before 50 bottles, at 46.9% ABV, were released. On the nose, expect honeycomb, orange and candied apple, with sharp hints of grapefruit and mango giving way to fresh-cut grass notes. On the palate, sweet golden syrup intertwines with citrus zest and vanilla. Butterscotch and toasted almonds combine with hints of banana for a tropical edge, then drop away to a medium-bodied finish of mixed nuts and pineapple.
Rounding out the collection are 100 bottles of 1996 from Linkwood Distillery, bottled at 50.4% ABV. Matured in a refill sherry butt, this dark amber whisky is smooth and vibrant, with notes of beeswax, stewed raisins and tangerine peel on the nose. Festive spices and charred oak mingle with toasted hazelnuts, too. On the palate, rich orange marmalade and warm spice mix with damson plum and walnut. Hints of dark chocolate and roast coffee lead to aged oak, and the finish is full and nutty, offering lingering spice and orange oil.
The Anniversary Releases collection starts from £496 and is available from specially selected whisky retailers and online
. Orders are open now for delivery in time for Christmas.
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