Mit sechs Single Malts ab dem Jahrgang 1948(!) hat der unabhängige Abfüller Gordon & MacPhail eine neue Serie geschaffen, die er in der soeben herausgegebenen Presseaussendung als „Speyside Collection“ bezeichnet. 10.500 Pfund muss man für die erste Ausgabe dieser Sammlung zahlen (sie umfasst alle sechs Flaschen und wird wohl später nochmals mit anderen Vintages wiederholt werden, wenn wir die Zeilen der Presseaussendung richtig interpretieren), es wird weltweit nur 75 Sets davon geben.
Folgende Vintages sind enthalten:
- Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, 43%
- Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1949, 40%
- Gordon & MacPhail Strathisla 1953, 43%
- Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, 43%
- Gordon & MacPhail Longmorn 1967, 43%
- Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 1972, 43%
Dem Augenschein nach sind es zum Teil bereits erschienene Bottlings, die nun in der Box und Collection gebündelt wurden (der Glenlivet wurde zum Beispiel 2010 abgefüllt).
Hier die Tasting Notes für die exklusiven Malts in der Originalfassung:
- Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, 43% ABV – This medium-bodied ancient single malt has been distinctly influenced by sixty-two years maturing in a first fill Sherry butt. Dark amber in colour, this well rounded after dinner dram imparts a soft, fruity nose filled with banana, strawberry, and apple harmonised with the sweetness of toffee and subtle oak undertones. Pepper warms the palate with the initial mouthful; charred wood influences are smoothed by a long, fresh and minty finish.
- Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1949, 40% ABV – This medium bodied, greatly aged single malt has a fresh floral bouquet with delicate Sherry and vanilla notes culminating in a lingering marzipan edge. The initial white pepper heat is curbed by ground coffee, toasted almond, and the tang of grapefruit. An underlying cigar ash adds depth to the long and smoky finish.
- Gordon & MacPhail Strathisla 1953, 43% ABV – A sweet and robust after dinner dram, this well-matured whisky presents potent Sherry soaked fruitcake aromas with delicate and lingering hints of charred oak and old leather. A sip of this full-bodied dark amber coloured whisky unfurls hidden layers of sweetness – starting with light Sherry influences exposing warm steeped exotic fruits, layered with crushed almonds that culminate in a long marzipan finish.
- Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, 43% ABV – The first fill Sherry butt which matured this rich and complex Mortlach single malt for fifty-eight years has left strong influences. The nose of the golden amber liquid is full of Sherry impressions including dried fruits mellowed by a hint of beeswax blossoming into a fresh yet subtle peppermint edge. The full-bodied single malt is captivating; it bursts on the palate with a lovely spiciness that develops into warm tropical fruits and mouth drying cocoa but concludes with a creamy finish.
- Gordon & MacPhail Longmorn 1967, 43% ABV – Waft from the glass on one hand, delicately tempered by exotic spices and tree-plucked nectarines, whilst, on the other, intensified by sweet hints of marzipan. The initial mouthful bedazzles with a tangled mix of warming spiciness intermingled with a crisp sweetness – a beautiful medley of ground black pepper and crystallised ginger. Baked apple, stewed pear, and charred peach flavours blossom enriched by a zesty citrus edge.
- Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 1972, 43% ABV – A perfect winter warmer, this robust yet smooth Speysider matured for four decades producing a harmonious amber coloured spirit. Festive spice medley of aromas – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice – entwine perfectly with subtle Sherry influences and soft toffee highlighted by crisp apple.
