1948 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Glen Grant 70 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A WHISKY THAT DEFIES NATURE...and for the lucky few it promises the sensory journey of a lifetime. Gordon & MacPhail are offering another landmark release in a 70-year-old Glen Grant – among the ‘oldest’ whiskies from the Speyside distillery ever bottled and (at the time of writing) one of the five oldest whiskies ever released.

Distilled in 1948 (six years before barley rationing restrictions were lifted following World War II) then filled into a first fill Sherry butt ( #2156) in June of the same year, just 210 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced. We have one only to sell.

Stephen Rankin, director of prestige at G&M explains, "‘My great-grandfather, John, selected the first-fill Sherry butt in 1948 to fill with new make spirit from Glen Grant." He adds "My family has patiently watched over this cask, regularly monitoring and sampling the whisky, recognising the right moment to bottle it at its ultimate peak. This masterpiece epitomises the skill and craft involved in matching a cask to new make spirit, as well as our dedication to creating unique and intriguing whiskies."

Bottled at 48.6% abv, the launch follows the release of a 50-year-old single cask from Caol Ila, also the oldest expression to date from the iconic Islay distillery. Both whiskies come packaged in stunning 'parquetry style' timber presentation cases.

Notes from the bottler... Aroma - Initially sweet - vanilla fudge, strawberry and raspberry nuances, develop into thick apricot jam. Waxy polish aromas merge and mix with cinnamon and candied orange peel. Gentle and lingering smokey traces complement the balanced mature oak notes, with time, a subtle, fresh mint note unfolds. Taste - Smooth; subtle sherry soaked fruit flavours fuse with a fresh orange zest and cardamom undertones. A slightly dried herbal element develops and transforms into mouth-watering cracked black pepper and aniseed flavours. Delicate smokey notes endure. Finish - A smooth, long, lingering finish introduces elegant charred oak and flashes of citrus.