Latest edition of annual series features six rare whiskies from closed or long time silent distilleries including Rosebank and Port Ellen.
Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled this year’s Recollection Series, featuring a selection of unique and rare single cask whiskies from closed or long time-silent Scottish distilleries.
These remarkably rare releases include single malts from Rosebank, Glenlochy Convalmore, Imperial, North Port, and Port Ellen distilleries. The art theme, reflected in bold new packaging, positions the whiskies as ‘forgotten masterpieces’ and ‘lost works of art’, with the distilleries’ spirit revived using stunning illustrations from Emmy-award winning artist, Bruno Mangyoku.
The vanishingly rare whiskies, each bottled at cask strength, have been maturing in the Gordon & MacPhail warehouse from 32 years for the Rosebank release and up to 44 years in the case of the release from Glenlochy distillery.
It’s thanks to Gordon & MacPhail’s close relationships forged decades ago with now closed or silent distilleries that drinkers now have the opportunity to sample these snapshots of Scotland’s whisky history.
Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “This year marks our third Recollection Series, which again brings a carefully chosen selection of rare and unique whiskies to enthusiasts worldwide. We’re fortunate enough to have access to a liquid library which is testament to the relationships we’ve nurtured with whisky distillers for almost 130 years.
“We’re proud to be able to revive the spirit of these historic distilleries, bringing their stories back into the present day.”
To celebrate the launch, Gordon & MacPhail has partnered with renowned Emmy award-winning animation director and illustrator, Bruno Mangyoku, who has captured the distilleries in all their former glory in his own unique style.
Bruno’s artwork can be seen on the Recollection Series’ new packaging, as well as being available to purchase separately.
Bruno Mangyoku said: “The brief for the third Recollection Series from Gordon & MacPhail was to bring back to life the forgotten distilleries of this year’s chosen releases and revive their former glory through illustration. It was a fantastic opportunity to take a deep dive into the industry’s rich history.”
For more information on Gordon & MacPhail or the Recollection series, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com
Full list of whiskies from this year’s Recollection Series:
- Rosebank 1991 – RRP £2,100
- Glenlochy 1979 – RRP £4,000
- Convalmore 1984 – RRP £2,300
- Imperial 1990 – RRP £1,650
- North Port 1981 – RRP £3,850
- Port Ellen 1981 – RRP £10,000
Tasting Notes:
Rosebank 1991
ABV: 51.2% RRP: £2,100
Nose: Fragrant gorse flower aromas intertwine with lime zest and a hint of milk chocolate. Dried banana notes come to the fore alongside an undertone of peanuts.
Taste: Sweet honeycomb flavours give way to subtle guava and passionfruit. Smooth poached pear leads to vanilla fudge.
Finish: A medium bodied finish with creamy apple and tropical fruit.
Glenlochy 1979
ABV: 53.2% RRP: £4,000
Aromas: Orange oil aromas give way to pressed apple and a hint of ginger. Vibrant dried mango and honeycomb lead to an undertone of beeswax polish.
Taste: Sweet tropical fruit flavours; pineapple and banana combine with lemon sherbet. Strawberry compote and vanilla fudge are followed by notes of pecan.
Finish: A full and smooth finish with toasted almonds and oak.
Convalmore 1984
ABV: 51.1% RRP: £2,300
Nose: Rich treacle toffee aromas combine with cinnamon spice and subtle beeswax polish. Stewed raisin comes to the fore alongside soft and sweet butterscotch.
Taste: Clementine intertwines with stewed forest fruit and toasted hazelnut. Demerara sugar develops, accompanied by subtle coffee bean and a hint of dried banana.
Finish: A full finish with black pepper and grapefruit zest.
Imperial 1990
ABV: 52.7% RRP: £1,650
Nose: Rich orange oil aromas infuse with brown sugar and vibrant peanut brittle. Poached pear and clover honey lead to bright pineapple.
Taste: Sweet lime and cocoa powder flavours are balanced by cracked black pepper. Ripe green apple gives way to chilli spice and a herbal edge.
Finish: Full with tropical fruit and charred oak.
North Port 1981
ABV: 50.9% RRP: £3,850
Nose: Rich citrus aromas complement red apple and butterscotch. Apricot jam intertwines with fragrant walnut, giving way to subtle aged leather.
Taste: Sweet tangerine zest combines with desiccated coconut and soft ginger spice. Demerara sugar comes to the fore, leading to mature oak.
Finish: A medium bodied, dry finish with Brazil nut.
Port Ellen 1981
ABV: 52.5% RRP: £10,000
Nose: Dark chocolate aromas complement ginger and cinnamon spice. Blackcurrant gives way to medjool dates and sweet vanilla pod.
Taste: Rich fruitcake flavours lead to baked apples and rich, sweet smoke. Peanut brittle comes to the fore alongside dark cherry and spicy pepper.
Finish: A long and full finish with lasting dried fruit and bonfire embers.
Disclaimer: This press release has been sent to me without charge or obligation to publish. I’m posting this as it is genuinely interesting to me – I just wanted to share their news!
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