Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled, what it claims might be the world\u2019s most exclusive single malt scotch whisky, a 75-year-old whisky from Mortlach with a\u00a0price tag\u00a0of \u00a320,000 ($31,000).<\/p>\n
According to the still family-owned company, on November 17, 1939, John Urquhart, the first generation of the family to be involved in Gordon & MacPhail, instructed the first-fill sherry cask to be filled with new-make spirit from Speyside\u2019s Mortlach distillery (now owned by Diageo).<\/p>\n
Only 100 decanters, bottled at cask strength (44.4% abv), have been released. Twelve have been allocated to the UK. The RRP for Generations Mortlach 75 Year Old by Gordon & MacPhail is \u00a320,000 (prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty).<\/p>\n
Generations Mortlach 75 Years Old by Gordon & MacPhail is bottled in a teardrop-shaped Generations decanter. Each decanter is numbered and handcrafted with 75 \u2018cuts\u2019. Each cut represents a year of the whisky\u2019s maturation. The decanter sits on a white presentation plinth with two especially designed crystal glasses.<\/p>\n
The decanter comes in a luxury Aniline leather travel bag and is accompanied by an especially commissioned book, \u2018Seven Nights with Mortlach\u2019. Well known whisky writer, Charles Maclean and international author, Alexander McCall Smith joined forces to tell tales of Scotland, whisky and the people behind this malt whisky, accompanied by illustrations from up-and-coming Scottish artists.<\/p>\n
It was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in London.\u00a0The unveiling was attended by the \u2018great and the good\u2019 of the scotch whisky industry and its fourth estate in the presence of third and fourth generation members of the Urquhart family, together with MacLean and McCall Smith.<\/p>\n
Charles MacLean tasting note:<\/p>\n
\u201cMid-amber, with rubious lights. Fresh and clean; very slight nose prickle: still lively. A highly perfumed, floral top note \u2013 lily of the valley, barber\u2019s shop, scented hand cream, soft leather lady\u2019s dress handbag \u2013 with a fruity complex in the middle (dried figs, pomegranate, ripe pear. Peach juice); creamy vanilla (Cr\u00e8me Anglaise), even vanilla fudge, and a faint trace of coffee in the background.<\/p>\n
\u201cWater reduces the floral notes with scented oil (bath oil? Teak oil?), increases the soft leather note and dries out the aroma somewhat (warm sanded hardwood).<\/p>\n
\u201cSweet to start, but not as sweet as expected; considerable fresh acidity and slightly mouth drying. Bitter almonds.A most unusual trace of hemp ropes and very faded creosote, lending a slight smokiness.A medium- length finish, leaving an attractive aftertaste of sandalwood.<\/p>\n
\u201cLightly sweet; slightly oily texture; mouth drying; then slightly bitter finish. Some spice across the tongue. Warming, even at this lower strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cA most unusual taste \u2013 never before encountered. Smooth and highly sophisticated \u2013 elegant as a grande dame \u2013 the Ingrid Bergman of malts.<\/p>\n
For more information visit\u00a0http:\/\/www.gordonandmacphail.com\/generations<\/a><\/p>\n
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