The Most Mature
Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the world’s most-aged single malt, released as a collaboration with celebrated architect Sir David Adjaye.
WITH THIS RELEASE, Gordon & MacPhail has topped even itself. The single malt purveyor and independent bottler, one of the most notable players in the industry, has been making waves for the oldest whiskies since 2010. Past releases from its Generations range, so named because the family-owned company has seen four generations of service, include whiskies as old as 75 years from the Glenlivet and Mortlach distillery. The casks in question would have been originally overseen by John Urquhart, who joined the fledgling business in 1915. Today, his great-grandchildren are executives at the company.
Gordon & MacPhail has surpassed itself again, this time with an 80-year-old offering from The Glenlivet that is, in fact, the longest-matured single malt Scotch whisky ever bottled. Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80YO from Glenlivet Distillery, as it is known, has spent eight decades maturing in a single oak cask. During that time, the angels have whittled its ABV down to 44.9 per cent, but the result is promised to have unrivalled vibrancy and depth.
This extraordinary release is distinguished by a partnership with Sir David Adjaye, the renowned Ghanaian-British architect reputed for his artistic touch. His work is often grounded by a thorough understanding of local traditions and crafts, and this will now be extended to the old art of whiskymaking – in particular, that of the oak wood that forms a whisky cask.
Artistry in Oak was the theme of the project and Sir David’s efforts are expressed in the oaktopped decanter that appears to be crafted out of a single solid crystal block. “The gentle combination of liquid, weight and form invokes a sense of care, responsibility and slowness. As you pour, a sense of time fades and all that is understood is the preciousness of each drop,” Sir David says. The decanter’s manufacture was entrusted to the artisans of Glencairn Crystal Studio, a familyowned Scottish business, while its oak top is sourced from Wardour Workshops in England.
The decanter includes lenses that enable a closer examination of the richly coloured liquid within. There is no doubt that such a mature and carefully selected whisky will be quite the experience. One of the few lucky enough to have tasted it already is the leading whisky writer Charles Maclean, who quite simply said of it: “Truly, one of the finest I’ve ever encountered.” His tasting notes speak further of complexity, vibrancy and satisfaction.
Only 250 70cl bottles will be released, and due to their hand-blown construction will all be unique in their own tiny ways. Decanter #1 is being auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October, with proceeds going to Scottish charity Trees for Life. The whisky will also be showcased to the public in New York, London and Hong Kong this autumn.
Artistry in Oak was the theme of the project and Sir David’s efforts are expressed in the oak-topped decanter that appears to be crafted out of a single solid crystal block.