The world’s oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled is about to hit the market. An 80-year-old Glenlivet distilled at the home of Speymalt Whisky Distributors, known as Gordon & MacPhail.
The Independent whisky firm has been a connoisseur of “rare whiskies created by unique experience” for over 125 years, making them one of the “one of the oldest and most revered independent bottlers in Scotch Whisky’s history”. Founded in Elgin, northeast of Scotland, they pride themselves on a comprehensive knowledge of the interaction between oak and spirit to create the most exquisite single malt Scotch whisky.
Since established, Gordon & MacPhail have pursued one honourable mission; to create exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. Four generations of family ownership have grounded the company in unmatched quality. They produce and match their oak casts with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries, making their whiskey brilliantly unique.
Maturing a single malt Scotch over 80 decades is an art form, but the companies profound legacy makes it possible.
The oak cask, filled with spirit from the Glenlivet Distillery, was first laid down on the Gordon & MacPhail land by ‘the father of single malt’ George Urquhart and his father, John, in 1940. It has waited decades for release. The Scotch was finally bottled earlier this year, producing 250 decanters worth of limited malt whisky. According to Stephen Rankin, director of prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, “This whisky remains so full of vibrant flavour with a strength of 44.9% ABV, is testimony to knowledge handed down over successive generations of my family.”
A first of its kind, the bottles warranted complementary packaging and accessories. Gordon & MacPhail will house the whiskey in a unique decanter and oak case designed in partnership with internationally celebrated architect and designer Sir David Adjage OBE. Adjaye OBE Is known for his inspired bespoke designs and visionary sensibilities that make him unique from other architects leading his generation.
According to Stephen, Adjaye was a natural match for this creative pursuit, being a designer who shares in Gordon & MacPhail’s creativity, legacy, and artisanship principles. Adjaye stated: “When collaborating, I am looking for like-minded partners in terms of their craft, beliefs and traditions. I loved Gordon & MacPhail’s rigour and obsession with their products and craft – a romantic commitment that enables one to do extraordinary things. Our partnership felt so organic”. Continuing the commitment to this partnership, managing director Ewen Mackintosh, affirmed: “Maturing a single malt Scotch over eight decades is an art, similar in many ways to an architecture where you are creating something that needs to stand the test of time. Neither can be rushed”.
The generational whisky and its inspired oak casing will unveil in September this year, but how much will it be on auction for? Assessing the proceeds from the sale $28,000 sale of Gordon & MacPhail’s 75-year old cask in 2016, it is predicted that it could fetch for well above this. All proceeds from the sale of each canter will be donated to the Scottish charity “Trees for Life”, whose work is driven to rewild the Scottish Highlands in the Caledonian Forest.