WHISKY creator Gordon & MacPhail has announced it is set to release the world’s oldest single malt Scotch whisky later this year.
The 80-year-old spirit, from Glenlivet Distillery, was poured into its cask on February 3, 1940, by George Urquhart and his father John.
Referred to by renowned whisky writer Charlie MacLean as “the father of single malt”, George passionately believed that each whisky should be left to mature until the cask and spirit had combined to create the desired quality and it was ready to be shared. The time for Cask 340 was to be 80 years – longer than any other Scotch whisky in history.
And on February 5 last year, the decision was taken to finally bottle the cask’s out-turn, yielding a total of 250 decanters.
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Stephen Rankin, director of prestige at Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies – and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company – said: “That this whisky – the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – 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.”
To celebrate the vision of John and George, the company has collaborated with internationally acclaimed architect and designer, Sir David Adjaye OBE, to create a unique decanter and oak case for the precious spirit.
“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 their craft – a romantic commitment that enables one to do exceptional things. Our partnership felt so organic,” said Adjaye.
Managing director Ewen Mackintosh added: “Maturing a single malt Scotch over eight decades is an art, similar in many ways to architecture where you are creating something that needs to stand the test of time. Neither can be rushed. Both Sir David and Gordon & MacPhail share a commitment to invest in the future. We both see the significance of creating something exceptional; leaving a legacy for future generations.”
The Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80YO will finally be unveiled in September, with decanter number one to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in early October 2021. Register interest via gordonandmacphail.com
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