Gordon & MacPhail Unveils A Rather Special Whisky
Rare 1950s Single Malt Whisky from Linkwood Distillery
An exceptionally rare single cask from the 1950s has been unveiled as one of the oldest Linkwood single malt whiskies ever bottled.
Leading single malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail today announced the release of Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail. This is the last 1950s cask from Linkwood Distillery in Gordon & MacPhail’s unrivalled inventory; it is believed to be the final remaining 1950s cask globally.
Just 53 decanters of the 60-Year-Old single malt whisky have been released for sale worldwide with a UK RRP of £22,000.
Mahogany and chestnut brown in colour, Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail is an intricately layered whisky. Rich, warm aromas lend to a sweet full-bodied experience with highlights of blueberry, fruitcake, and dark chocolate. This ultra-aged single malt, a testament to the knowledge and expertise curated over four generations, culminates in a resoundingly rich finish.
Filled at the Linkwood Distillery on the 3rd January 1956, Cask 20 is from a defining period in the company’s history. It was one of the last casks laid down by John Urquhart, first generation member of the family that owns Gordon & MacPhail, before he retired the following month. Cask 20 matured for six decades under the watchful eyes of John’s son, George, and subsequent generations until the decision to bottle was made by the fourth generation of the Urquhart family.
Founded in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland, Gordon & MacPhail is the curator of many of the oldest and rarest single malt whiskies in the world with an unrivalled stock inventory. For over 120 years, generations of the Urquhart family have matched new-make spirit from distilleries across Scotland with carefully selected oak casks, patiently maturing these to achieve the perfect harmony between the spirit and oak.
Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige and fourth generation member of the Urquhart family, said: “Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhailencapsulates the company’s dedication to the art of single malt whisky maturation and tireless pursuit of perfection. This incredible whisky is the culmination of the unrivalled knowledge and skills passed down and strengthened, over the decades, through four generations of my family.
“It is the deep understanding of the relationship between the oak and the spirit that has allowed Gordon & MacPhail to nurture this cask for six decades while retaining the unique distillery character.”
Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail is the second of four exclusive single casks unveiled as part of the ‘Private Collection’ range. The first, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail, a rare wartime cask, was released in October 2017.
Beautifully packaged using an award-winning design, the landscape surrounding the Linkwood Distillery inspires the unique contours etched into the gold base and stopper of each bespoke decanter. All 53 decanters are hand-blown and individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin.
Whisky writer and rare whisky specialist Jonny McCormick, author of the commemorative book that accompanies each bespoke decanter, said: “Amidst an exalted world of luxury and prestige, Gordon & MacPhail commands the one inherent quality that every whisky connoisseur desires: rarity.
“As this remarkable cask completes its journey, this alluring Linkwood whisky is exquisitely presented in a manner that does justice to the craftsmanship of the whisky makers and the custodianship of the Urquhart family. In the years to come, opportunities to experience world-class whisky exhibiting this maturity and complexity from the Fifties will be very scarce indeed.”
Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail was matured in a first fill Sherry hogshead for sixty years. Only 53 decanters, bottled at cask strength (49.4% ABV), have been released for sale worldwide. A number of decanters are available for purchase directly from the company’s ‘spiritual home’, the South Street retail shop in Elgin at an RRP of £22,000. Prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty.
For more information, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.
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Protecting Scotch In The Age Of Brexit
Latest News From the Scotch Whisky Association on What Brexit Might Mean for Scotch Whisky:
The UK is preparing for a time of great change as we approach Brexit. Leaving the European Union will undoubtedly have a major impact on British industries and exporters, including Scotch Whisky.
We have a team of specialists at the Scotch Whisky Association working hard to ensure the industry is ready for Brexit and that our voice is being heard. One area of great importance is looking at what Brexit might mean for the legal protection of Scotch Whisky, including its geographical indication (GI) status.
Our Director of Legal Affairs, Alan Park, considers how Brexit might affect the legal protection of Scotch Whisky.
Scotch Whisky has been defined in UK law since 1933. Brexit is not going to change that. Scotch Whisky is also recognised as a GI and has been since the concept was introduced by World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules in 1994.
A GI has unique characteristics and a reputation associated with its origin. Brexit will not alter the fact that Scotch Whisky is a GI. There is an obligation on members of the WTO, the vast majority of nations, to protect GIs from misuse. Some WTO members do that by providing a register for GIs in the same way countries provide a trade mark register. Scotch Whisky is recognised as a GI in this way from the Dominican Republic to Thailand.
Other countries choose to protect GIs in other ways and the SWA has taken advantage of those different approaches.For example, Scotch Whisky is specifically protected in the domestic legislation of many markets, such as the recognition given to Scotch Whisky in the US Federal Code. Brexit is not going to affect that either.
Where Brexit will have an impact is in the protection given to Scotch Whisky in some bilateral agreements between the EU and third countries. We want the UK to negotiate the continued benefits of those agreements but, in the meantime, the SWA is already taking steps to ensure that Scotch Whisky is recognised and protected in those markets in the range of ways available to it.
The key fact to remember is that the SWA has been protecting Scotch Whisky around the world before GIs were defined by the WTO in 1994, and before the EU existed, so whatever changes Brexit brings, the SWA will continue to do what it has done for many decades: stop the sale of any products unfairly taking advantage of the reputation of Scotch Whisky.
This means the consumer can continue to enjoy Scotch Whisky knowing that it is a well protected and high quality drink.
Article courtesy of: Scotch Whisky Association
05 Mar 2018
Whisky Directory Listings – Spirits By Post
Specialist Whisky Retailer – Spirits by Post
Spirits by Post is a small business founded in 2012, The Purveyor of the World’s Finest Whisky and other spirits. Serving satisfied and enthusiastic customers worldwide each day.
Since the beginning Spirits by Post has continued to gradually grow and develop a strong following of customers and become one of the main retailers online in the UK offering spirits of all types and ages. Improving our service in every aspect of the business to become a well-oiled machine, continuing to make improvements based on customer feedback and satisfaction.
We believe in excellent customer service and strive to provide this with responsive assistance to customers whether they are a newcomer, an enthusiast or a connoisseur. With a variety of diversities and requirements we aim to meet our customers’ needs with our ever-increasing experience and knowledge.
Always looking for new and interesting lines of spirits to add to our catalogue of whisky, champagne, vodka, rum and more – Spirits by Post endeavour to offer the highest quality of product variety to our loyal followers and intrigued newcomers.
Our company may be smaller than some of the bigger guys in our field, however we are always injecting new ideas including website functionality improvements, advanced packaging methods, great customer service, organising interesting events and of course providing the world’s best spirits.
Music Events in 2018 With Malt Marketing
Celebrating the Success Between Whisky and Music
As well as bringing you closer to many of the finest whisky events and festivals taking place in 2018, Malt Marketing will also be introducing a number of live music events taking place throughout 2018. After all, what two better things go together than whisky and music? With a busy schedule a head in the UK, Callaghan is soon to embark on what is sure to be a thrilling UK tour.
Bonhams Catalogue Now Online
The Whisky Sale, Edinburgh
On Wednesday 07th March, Bonhams plays host to The Whisky Sale in Edinburgh. With a number of exceptional whiskies going under the hammer including The Macallan, Bowmore and Talisker this really is a rare opportunity to acquire some truly iconic and collectible whiskies.
