Extremely Rare Glencraig Whisky Completes Gordon & Macphail's 125th Anniversary Series

Published
12/13/2020 by

The much-anticipated final whisky in a series commemorating 125 years of whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been revealed.

The Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery is the last of four extremely rare and unique whiskies, each from the last remaining casks from lost or closed distilleries matured within Gordon & MacPhail’s famed warehouse.

The 44-year-old whisky was distilled in Lomond Stills, which operated within Speyside’s Glenburgie Distillery, before production ceased after just 23 years.

The majority of the Glencraig whisky was destined for blended malts, with the scarcely seen light and fruity single malt becoming a prized addition to any whisky collection. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery [RSP £1500*]

Matured in cask number 9686, a refill American hogshead, under the watchful eye of generations of family members at Gordon and MacPhail, the light and fruity new make spirit has developed into a warming, citrusy single malt with a delicate herbal edge.

Just 110 bottles are available of the Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery, which was laid down on Thursday 30 October 1975 and bottled on Thursday 28 May 2020 at 54.2% ABV.

The golden-hued whisky offers aromas of honey, coconut and oak. The taste brings flavours of rich nectarines, white pepper, lime and cocoa beans, with a soft herbal edge. A medium finish follows, embodied with citrus and lingering floral notes.

Stephen Rankin, a fourth-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family and the company’s Director of Prestige, said: 

“While it’s bittersweet to share the last remaining drops of these ultra-rare whiskies, they embody a fitting tribute to 125 years spent in pursuit of perfection. These four releases provide a personal legacy for all who have worked at Gordon & MacPhail over the decades culminating in these exquisite and unique drams found nowhere else.”

Alongside the four commemorative whiskies, Gordon & MacPhail has also launched a new film serialisation charting the company’s story of 125 years in the industry. The ‘Chapters’ series of five short films includes personal reflections from over 20 contributors, with appearances from whisky writer Charlie Maclean and Ryder Cup golfer Stephen Gallacher among others.

Stephen Rankin added:

“In our anniversary year, the ‘Chapters’ series gives the viewer behind the scenes access to our 125 years in the industry, as told by those who know us best.”


TASTING NOTES:
Gordon & MacPhail 1975 Glencraig from Glenburgie Distillery
Matured in cask 9686, a refill American Hogshead, and bottled at 54.2% ABV. Outturn of 110 bottles.

COLOUR: Golden

AROMA: Fragrant HONEY and DESICCATED COCONUT aromas lead to CITRUS BLOSSOM. MALTED CEREAL notes come to the fore alongside tart GRAPEFRUIT with soft GINGER and subtle OAK. 

TASTE: Rich NECTARINE flavours and mouth-warming WHITE PEPPER give way to refreshing LIME ZEST. COCOA BEANS and CRYSTALISED VIOLET complement ripe APPLE with a soft HERBAL edge.

FINISH: Medium-bodied with fresh CITRUS and lingering FLORAL notes on the finish.