1976 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Glenlivet 44 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The 1976 is the second highly collectable Glenlivet G&M offered in league with the late 2021 release Generations 80 year old which sold in Australia for $160,000. Also a refill sherry hogshead, cask No.5648 was filled on the 29th of March 1976 and bottled on the 10th of March 2021. The 1976 had a marginally higher outturn than the '75, though still measly at just 83 bottles. Deeply coloured by a lengthy maturation in sherry wood, this old glory promises to unfold slowly in the glass and keep on giving. Also beautifully presented, the packaging is part of the Gordon & MacPhail ‘Private Collection’ series that features a truly exceptional and unique range of greatly aged single malts personally selected by members of the Urquhart family.

Gordon & MacPhail’s relationship with Glenlivet goes back over a century when the company began sourcing spirit from its eight copper stills to mature in their own bespoke casks. Says Operations Director, Stuart Urquhart, “Glenlivet’s style of spirit is often highlighted as a classic example from Speyside – smooth, light, fruity and slightly floral. Spirit from Glenlivet can withstand long term ageing, managing to retain its delicate character. It is imperative for us to select quality casks, made to our exacting specifications, to ensure the spirit is not overpowered. Typically, we use Sherry casks for spirit earmarked for long-term maturation, with bourbon casks deployed for shorter term expressions although there are always exceptions to the rule.” 

Notes from the bottlers... AROMA Rich sherry aromas combine with sweet Morello cherry and a hint of beeswax polish. Soft aniseed develops alongside ginger and cinnamon with subtle notes of candied orange peel. TASTE Flavours of stewed red berries give way to toasted almonds and light cocoa powder.  Baked apples accompany clove spice and a delicate herbal character. FINISH A full finish with raspberries, blackcurrants and lingering liquorice. 51.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.