The latest release from independent bottler Gordon & McPhail is one of the oldest malt whiskies in the world. Matured for over 70 years, this whisky was produced in January 1943 and laid down during WWII, during a time when most distilleries were inactive due to war rationing. From the first sip, this rare vintage conjures up images of a different time. Winged back arm chairs and a desk piled high with leather bound books and world maps, and rooms filled with important men deciding the fate of their nations.
On the nose, it is subtle and pushes forward to notes of coffee, milk chocolate, wood spice and burnt orange. Heavy and sweet with a flavor that adapts and changes in the mouth, on the palate it is full bodied with a viscous texture that coats the tongue. The rich flavors blend together in a subtle dance that is warm, complex, and enchanting. The sweetness is perfectly balanced with hints of treacle and caramel and layered with additional orange essence and strong sherry notes. The finish is long and lingering with a soft, dry bitterness. Add the smallest drop of water to enhance this experience even further and unlock even deeper flavor from this aged work of art.
Only 42 decanters are being released, each one is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a commemorative book by whisky writer Jonny McCormick.
