Tag Archives: #Gordon&MacPhail

Whisky of the Month

Highland Park 1989 30 Year Old

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Gordon and Macphail Independent bottled at Cask Strength 51.1 % ABV

This Highland Park 1989 30 Year Old was bottled once again by Gordon and Macphail at a cask strength 51.1 % ABV. Finished in refill Sherry butt casks. This specific version was filled in 1989 and then bottled on March 20, 2019.

Nose: Toffee and coffee bean aromas with a citrus tinge

Palate: Pepperiness backed by orange zest, dark choclate and warming spices

Finish: Long and fruity, smooth sherry warmth, hint of charred oak smoke

It’s not too often we venture into the realm of 30 Year old single malts, but once again we were able to find this gem of an independent bottling from Gordon and Macpail for a reasonable price point whish isn’t too bad when you have a group of people contributing to the purchase. This was the highlight of the night for our 16 year club anniversary. Highland park has long been a club favourite and this expression did not disappoint. A must try for all lovers of Highland Park whisky. Shout out to our whisky procurement point man Chad Nagle, the line up to celebrate our 16 year club anniversary was absolutely fantastic. Cheers to all!

Whisky of the Month

Linkwood 25 Year Old

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Also a Gordon and Macphail independent bottling at 46%

This Linkwood 25 Year was also bottled indpendently by Gordon and Macphail and was sourced for $389.99. This expression was finished for 25 years in refill sherry casks. Normally 99% of Linkwoods whisky is used for blended malts like Johannie Walker and J&B, so Linkwood single malt bottlings are fairly rare to come by. Plus like the Mortlach we felt the value for a 25 Year bottling was excellent.

Nose: Baked apple, raisins, sherry sweetnes and licorice

Palate: sweet spiciness, warm pepper, touch of cinnamin, citrus fruits and a little smokiness

Finish: smooth warmness, nuts and lingering oak, sheery cask finish characteristics all over this one

Again, the value cost for the flavour on this one is amazing. 25 Year old single malt prices are out of touch across the board. Having a bottle of Linkwood at our 16 Year anniversary is a throwback to our inaugural tasting when we had a Linkwood. Nice to see things come full circle 16 years down the road.

Whisky of the Month

Mortlach 25 Year Old

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Gordon and Macphail independent distillery label series bottling at 46%

Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown and is named after the ancient parrish where the town is located. This wonderful expression was matured in both sherry and bourbon casks during it’s 25 year slumber!

Regular 25 Year bottlings of Mortlach are priced in the $1000 range, so this independent version
from Gordon and Mcphail was a fantastic value at $389.95.

Nose: Rich and full bodied backed by sherry and whisps of orange marmalade. Brown sugar, vanilla and toffee

Palate: Apricots, candied fruit, smooth and creamy mouth feel

Finish: Medium warm fonish, not over powering, slightly dry from the classic sherry maturation, linger of light charred oak for additional body

Certainly one of the favourites from our amazing 16 Year anniversary line up. Recommended that if you can find a bottle to pick it up based on fantastic taste and value proposition of this 25 year old gem.

Whisky of the Month

Strathisla 2008

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Treacle Toffee! That elusive yet common tasting note appears in force for this independent bottling from Gordon & MacPhail’s “Distillery Labels” series. Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands (founded in 1786 under another name). It is also now considered home to Chivas Regal. This bottle was sourced direct from Scotland. I liked it enough to finally figure out what exactly treacle toffee is… 46% ABV.