1974 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Glenrothes 43 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Hidden within the Gordon & MacPhail liquid archives are some truly remarkable casks that qualify for release under G&M's 'Private Collection' label. These casks are bottled at natural strength and specifically chosen by the directors, including third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family. As of 2018, the packaging for the Private Collection takes a major leap forward: Heavyweight, ridged decanter-style bottles come presented in stunning 'parquetry' veneer timber boxes. The completed package looks like something you'd discover in a millionaire's liquor cabinet from the 19th century.

A sister release to the Inverleven is this 43 year old gem from Glenrothes, matured in a refill Sherry Puncheon with an outturn of just 276 bottles. Showing spectacular colour, this promises all you'd expect and more from a Glenrothes at such a venerable age.

Other reviews... As you may know, the capacity of a puncheon is pretty similar to that of a butt, the puncheons being just a tad dumpier, but sizes vary and some puncheons are actually a little smaller. Colour: amber. Nose: ah, this one's got what's only to be found in older whiskies, that is to say a huge complexity. In this case, we're finding various honeys, nuts, and dried fruits. Frozen apples and grapes (ice wine), old cognac, puréed chestnuts (you may check the Ardèche's), Tokaji wine (aszu)... But really, puréed chestnuts are running the show here. Mouth: tenser than expected, with a touch of sour oak, walnuts, dried figs, some cider and mead, and some cinnamon rolls. The nose displayed a wider complexity, but that's totally normal. Finish: rather long, our iced apples being back. Canadian apple ice wine, or would that be ice cider? Comments: very, very close to perfection. The nose was perfect, that's for sure. 89 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com

Notes from the bottler... Colour: Mahogany. Aroma: Complex; aromas of sherry soaked fruitcake filled with stewed sultanas mingle with sticky medjool dates. Dark chocolate and citrus peel notes develop; a gentle woodiness with a delicate herbal edge comes to the fore. Taste: Elegant, smooth, and sweet; subtle cinnamon and nutmeg flavours balance the mature oak and sherry influences. Notes of fruit and nut chocolate, toasted walnut, and hint of raisin emerge and evolve into zesty citrus. Salted toffee develops towards the end. Finish: A modest, medium sweet finish fades; hints of charred oak and chocolate remain. 49.5% Alc./Vol.