Inchmurrin 1973 Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength 37 yo c. 3380

 

 

 

44,3° 

Distillery : Loch Lomond - Highlands 

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2010 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Having opened in 1966, the Loch Lomond distillery was only seven years old when it distilled this whisky, but it already had the straight-necked stills used to produce Inchmurrin, one of Loch Lomond’s many brands. The result of this distillation was then aged for 37 years and 5 months in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, and when the cask was emptied, there was only enough left to make 149 bottles. It is worth noting that there is a Sister Cask, distilled and bottled on almost the same day, Cask 3381. Both were presented at Whisky Live Paris in 2010, for priority sale in France. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A full-bodied and fresh nose, slightly vinegary, balsamic, wood and warm chestnuts, damp bark, dried dates, liquorice, warm earth, cooked mushrooms, followed by evanescent vanilla, a few fruits, a hint of iodine, herbaceous notes, reeds, tall grasses. On the palate, chestnut cream, prunes, there is a lovely character, fermented blackberries, not overly strong spices, black pepper. A long, powerful, explosive and deep finish, earthy roots, cola, dried sage, peppermint leaf, aniseed, heather. 

 

In Short, 

A lot of people say that Inchmurrin is herbal, and it is, but I find it’s mainly forest-like, and I quite like that. Amidst the mushrooms and bark, you can sense the freshness of a clearing, the fruit notes are there but very subtle. There’s a character I hadn’t noticed in the few Inchmurrins I’ve tasted, and a lovely spring-like freshness. It really is an interesting and original bottling, though it’s completely impossible to find at the moment. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                               Vraell - Guitar Meditation VII

Ardbeg 1978 Spirit of Scotland 22 yo c. 454

 

 

 

53°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2000

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

As you only live once, I treated myself to a few centilitres of this rare find in a specialist bar. It really is a piece of history, apparently, back then, Gordon & MacPhail went by the name of Speymalt Whisky Ltd, and the type of cask isn’t specified anywhere. However, it is indeed cask-strength, which wasn’t all that common at the time. As for the peat level, it varied back then, ranging from 40 to 80 ppm, as the distillery malted its own barley until 1980. It is, of course, impossible to know how many bottles were released. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Light yet persistent peat, grainy and mineral, quartz and gypsum, with coastal notes, sea spray, dried seaweed, rubbed citrus, crystalline vanilla, lace-like iodine, coconut cream, cigarette ash, untreated wood. Very smooth and oily on the palate, citrusy, a few yellow plums, brown sugar, slightly minty or even aniseed-like spices, ginger, lychee. An extremely long and full-bodied finish, molasses, raisins, waxed wood, dried bananas, charcoal nuggets, chlorophyll, peppermint leaves. 

 

In Short, 

Old whiskies are always expensive, but they’re not always brilliant. That said, this one is still an excellent product, very old-school, meaning it has a lovely balance and a subtle minerality. The peat isn’t strong—around 30 ppm, I’d say—but the bottle has certainly been open for years, and it was almost finished. No jarring flavours, just a hint of charcoal on the finish, and plenty of fruit, especially on the palate, it really was a different distillery back then. Lots of elegance, restraint and complexity, yet not overly intense, it’s easy to drink despite being 22 years old. In short, a lovely experience, but not a mind-blower. The bottle can still be found, provided you’re prepared to empty your savings account. I’d advise waiting for it to come up at auction if you absolutely must have it, the price will be more reasonable. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            mesh - This World

MacPhail's 30 yo 2024

 

 

 

46°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This MacPhail's has been around for over 15 years, but in 2024, the bottle design was completely changed and the alcohol content increased to 46°, so this is a brand new product. I'm not sure if it's a limited edition, but the code on the bottle indicates a date (25/04/2024), which could suggest that there is only one batch. The name of the distillery is a complete secret, with not even a hint of a rumour or clue from the demonstrators, so we will have to content ourselves with tasting the beverage without any preconceived ideas.. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, almond powder, brioche, shortbread and malted biscuits, brown sugar, ripe apricots, baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, raisins and dates. Slightly rustic but still elegant wood, tanned leather. The palate is simpler but still very pleasant, creamy vanilla, melting caramel, toasted cereals, acacia honey, milk chocolate, woody notes. Distinctive spices, and a touch of mandarin. Long finish, moderately powerful, dried bananas, oak bark, tobacco crumbs, mint leaf, liquorice stick.  

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, but it's still a typical sherry that lacks a little originality and character. That said, I didn't detect any sulphur, contrary to what I've read here and there. It remains refined and subtle, fairly well balanced. Overall, I find it robust, woody, even rustic, reminiscent of Longmorn, but I'm certainly wrong about that. When I see the price, I find it incomprehensible. How can it be so expensive when it's reduced and not even a single cask? 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Necks - The Royal Family

Fettercairn 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 17 yo c. 17602205

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : Fettercairn - Highlands

Refill American Oak Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail has currently released eight bottlings of Fettercairn distilled in 2007, including three in 2025, which are therefore the same age. While the other two were aged in sherry casks, this one spent 17 years and at least six months in a refill American oak hogshead. Exactly 299 bottles were produced.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Wax and iodine, liquid paraffin, a fine pinch of salt, and yellow fruits. Mirabelle plum pulp, crushed bananas, Comice pears. Lemon slices, crispy malt biscuits, hazelnut, a dash of vanilla. Elegant woodiness. On the palate, candied citrus fruits, exotic fruits, papaya, a hint of mango, it's honeyed but smooth, rose water, floral overtones. Black pepper, cloves. Fairly long finish, woody, spicy, powerful, brown sugar, dried apricots and raisins, apple squares, almonds, cashews.  

 

In Short, 

This is my third Fettercairn, and it's the first one where I detect real character. There are mineral and waxy notes, after all the sea is only 11 miles from the distillery. But it's also very fruity, with a distinct pulpiness and juiciness. It reminds me a little of Clynelish, but without a trace of peat and with more fruitiness. This is definitely a bottling worth seeking out, provided you can find it at a reasonable price. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           HVOB - Home

Ledaig 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Itinéraires 18 yo

 

 

 

54,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm 

 

 

 

No one can say no to an 18-year-old Ledaig, especially one Single Cask and released by Gordon & MacPhail. What's more, this one has been aged in a first-fill sherry hogshead, giving it a fruity flavour. 316 bottles have been brought out of nowhere.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Redcurrant jelly, assorted fruit pastes, forest honey, soaked leather, and behind, the brand's typical dirtiness, charcoal, damp earth, fuel oil and soot, slate, a slight medicinal and camphor touch, dust, iodine full of seaweed, sea spray. On the palate, the same dichotomy: on one side, the roundness of sherry, candied fruit, quince jam, dried apricots, dates, apple crumble; on the other, thick peat, dry earth, reeds and bamboo, tar, a drop of ether. Spices are relatively restrained. Powerful, long and deep finish, with dried fruit becoming tropical, banana and pineapple, honey becoming floral, lavender and lilac, and spices more present. Salicornia, the tide, seafood, scallops. 

 

In Short, 

There are some real qualities here, particularly in the finish, where the sherry and the brand's profile finally come together. But before that, on the palate, I found them separate, which disrupts the balance of the profile. So it's not entirely successful, but it's still very good. In a word, it's Ledaig, very reputable. The price seems fair to me, and I think it will sell out soon, so those who are interested should act quickly. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Coloma - Inside the Night

Macallan 2004 Speymalt 20 yo c. 22606601

 

 

 

58,9°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It is rare to have a range dedicated solely to one distillery, but this is the case with the Speymalt range, created in 1998, which brings together bottlings from the Macallan distillery alone. This shows just how unique this distillery is, and how close the ties are between it and Gordon & MacPhail. This 20-year-old gem yielded 330 bottles and was selected to be part of the Collection Itinéraires launched by La Maison du Whisky on the occasion of Whisky Live Paris 2025.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It: 

Fruit soup, redcurrants, tomato, raspberry, but also dried fruit, dates, bananas, grapes, figs. Very elegant woodiness and a variety of spices, artisanal chocolate, candied ginger and creamy vanilla. Waffle and filled biscuits, pine resin. On the palate, it is very balanced, orchard fruits, exotic fruits, a touch of iodine, spring freshness, morning dew, liquorice stick, calisson d'Aix, apple crumble and egg flan. Very long and explosive finish, with a wide variety of fruits, from citrus to peanuts, candied lemon, mirabelle plums, dark chocolate and cashews. Acacia honey, coffee beans, elastic leather. A sage leaf. 

 

In Short, 

A particularly vibrant Macallan, with a wide variety of fruit flavours and the elegant woody profile that is the hallmark of this distillery. It is very sherry-like at first, then becomes increasingly balanced. It is obviously a must-have for any fan of this distillery or this type of profile, but unfortunately the excessive price is a deterrent to purchase. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katarina Pejak - Slow Explosion

Ardmore 2008 Distillery Labels 15 yo

 

 

 

46° 

The Ardmore - Highlands

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Part of the Distillery Labels range, which brings together Gordon & MacPhail's reduced but vintage bottlings, this Ardmore is announced as being 15 years old, although this is not written on the bottle. It is a blend of several Bourbon casks, and the peat level is the usual one for Ardmore. 

 

Let's Taste It :  

On the nose, light peat, slightly dusty, slightly stony, ointment, dried and earthy cereals, hints of vegetation and caramel, mirabelle and greengage plums, green apples. A zest of lemon. Fragrances of iodine, seaweed, ash. On the palate, it is pastry-like, egg custard, vanilla cream, nougatine, fresh walnuts, toasted wheat, various spices, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper. Fairly long, powerful finish, traces of tar, gently charred wood, almonds and cashews. Dry biscuits, mustard seeds.

 

In Short, 

A remarkable Ardmore, a bit austere, with a slightly more pronounced peatiness than usual. It's pleasant to drink and full of character, complex but not overly so, with measured strength. It's the kind of thing that makes you knock back glass after glass without thinking. The price is really good, it's worth spending some time on. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dead Astropilots - You Should Know

Glentauchers 2008 Distillery Labels 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glentauchers - Speyside

Sherry Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail has all kinds of sub-ranges and original series, including this Distillery Labels, which brings together vintage bottlings, but also reduced and non-single cask ones. This one is a Glentauchers, aged as it should be in Sherry Hogsheads. It is advertised on two websites as being 14 years old, but this seems surprising to me as it was bottled on 13 December 2023. Further more, the Hogsheads are announced as being first fill on one website and refill on another. It is therefore difficult to be certain of anything, but in any case, the age is more than acceptable, and the hogsheads are indeed sherry casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, creamy vanilla, baked apples, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, woody cereals, but also some iodine notes, sea breeze, lemon zest, two drops of blood orange, milk chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon, brioche. On the palate, yellow peach, caramel éclair, mixed fruit compote. Woody notes, melted butter, fairly prominent spices, a hint of bitterness. Fairly long, powerful, woody and mineral finish, thick honey, bay leaf, biscuits, macaroons, fresh walnuts and a touch of clove.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant, typical of Speyside, with subtle sherry notes, light and pulpy fruit, wood and petals. I'm starting to find character in this distillery, thanks to this unassuming bottling. It's a reasonable purchase, you just have to be careful to choose the right retailer, as prices vary quite significantly. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ina Forsman - Bubbly Kisses

Clynelish 2008 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Itinéraires 17 yo

 

 

 

56,3°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 8 ppm

 

 

 

This whisky attracted a lot of interest as soon as it was released. Included in the Collection Itinéraires launched by La Maison du Whisky, which means it is mainly reserved for the French market, it was possible to discover it at the Whisky Live Paris 2025. Having spent 17 years in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, it was only possible to fill 182 bottles.   

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is light but perfectly balanced, with crystals of salt and quince, clementines, pineapple, quartz, gypsum and chalk. Mustard, condiments, paraffin, melted butter, baked apples, braised bananas, pita bread, creamy hummus, chickpeas, olive oil, chervil, fresh pear. Very fine, silky palate, vanilla, lychee, coconut, ripe peach, rose water, a pinch of cumin, cola nuts. Endless finish, explosive from start to finish without being too strong, tobacco leaves, lumpy wood, a tinge of bitterness, grated nutmeg, more prominent spices, white pepper, almonds, a drop of goat's milk.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent Clynelish, decidedly modern, where wax gives way to fruit and mineral notes. The flavours are very varied, but this does not detract from its beautiful balance and character. In my opinion, this was truly a must-have bottle, and I bought it as soon as it went on sale. Especially since the price was quite reasonable. Now it's almost sold out everywhere, so it's going to be hard to get hold of. You need to act fast.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sofia Isella - Muse

Glenburgie 1964 Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 59 yo

 

 

 

52,9°

Distillery : Glenburgie - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Distilled on 8 January 1964 and bottled on 16 August 2023, this one has spent exactly 59 years, 7 months and 8 days in a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead. The length of a lifetime. Of course, every effort has been made to ensure that the spirit is kept in optimum conditions, with no chill filtration or colouring, and the 141 bottles that have reached us must live up to what age inspires in us, a profound respect. Thank you to Gordon & MacPhail for creating such a rarity, and above all thank you for opening a bottle to share it with ordinary whisky-lovers. A real class act.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very clean profile, precious wood that is totally smooth and untreated, great breadth and depth of aromas, exotic fruit that gradually reveals itself, mango, papaya, pineapple, stewed fruit sprinkled with cinnamon and slivered ginger, mirabelle plums, cooked apples, pears and figs. Finally, candied fruit, cherries, angelica and grapes. An ounce of vanilla and citrus to top it all off, semi-salted butter on thick slices of bread. On the palate, dried fruit, bananas, dates, quetsche clafoutis, dark chocolate, coffee grounds. Roasted hazelnuts and cashews, very long spices, nutmeg, white pepper. Powerful, extremely long finish, heather, orange peel, a pinch of sea salt, dry earth, fluffy sand.   

 

In Short, 

It was a great privilege, but above all a great opportunity, to be there and to taste such a nectar. Unfortunately, a single centilitre didn't allow me to discover all its secrets, far from it. I really did get the feeling of something smooth and uncluttered, something peaceful, like a vast landscape of plains as far as the eye could see. I was surprised by the power of the finish after all these years. This is a truly exceptional whisky, unique in the world. And the intergalactic price reflects this anomaly, this prodigious character.

Score : 93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sohn - Is Love Permanent, or Does It Evaporate With Us?

Linkwood 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 15 yo c. 22605905

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The gentlemen at Gordon & MacPhail have so far opened no fewer than 6 casks of Linkwood distilled in 2009 since last year. This one is the 6th, it was a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead and yielded 331 bottles. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody fruits, red apple, redcurrants, peppers, with a touch of vanilla and oak bark. Cloves, cinnamon, candied cherries, quince jam, gingerbread. It's slightly floral and indulgent, with warm croissants and apple turnovers. On the palate, it's as fruity as you'd expect, with ripe apricots, cranberries, pumpkin, candied fruits, cooked fruits, jam, honeyed walnuts and a stick of liquorice. The finish is almost syrupy, with red berries, wild strawberries, dried figs, thyme and rosemary, cooked mushrooms, fresh earth.    

 

In Short, 

A deluge of fruit, coppery with the influence of Sherry, and delicate floral and woody notes. A very good Linkwood, without being revolutionary, which fits the distillery's profile perfectly. In no way does the Sherry stifle the distillate, there's a fine balance. Unfortunately, the price is a bit high, so I'm going to try and wait for a promotion, hoping that it won't be sold out by then.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Marva Von Theo - Love

Aultmore 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 15 yo

 

 

 

57,3°

Distillery : Aultmore - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Aultmore is a relatively little-known distillery, and that's probably unfair. Most of its production goes into blends, but it nevertheless has a regular range. That said, nothing beats the pleasure of tasting a Single Cask, Cask Strength expression, aged in 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel. That's where you'll find the very essence of the whisky's personality. This one is therefore ideal, with the added bonus of an attractive age. 200 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Various cereals, toasted oats, honeyed wheat, muesli. Lovely woodiness, young wood with a touch of wax. Creamy vanilla with a hint of lemon, but also herbaceous, pastoral notes, hay, tall grass. Oak leaf, cloves, apricot jam. On the palate, it moves towards yellow fruits, mirabelle plums and apples, with a touch of exoticism, pineapple and pastry cream. Discreet spices. The finish is long, a certain strength, dried banana, Liège waffles, whipped cream. Cashew nuts, corn kernels. 

In Short, 

This distillery deserves to be better known, it has a real identity, it's bucolic, lively, pleasant, light without being insipid, mildly subtle. It's typical of Speyside, and lovers of the region should give it a try. As for the price, it varies from site to site and from country to country, so it's best to take advantage of any special offers.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Soda Blonde - Dream Big

Tomatin 1993 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 30 yo

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : Tomatin - Highlands 

1st Fill Sherry Puncheon

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Who could refuse a 30-year-old Tomatin, aged entirely in a 1st Fill Sherry Puncheon Cask? This really is the top of the Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength range, and is included in the Upper series. 502 bottles have been released.

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Thick red fruit coulis, forest aromas, undergrowth, ferns, bark, chestnuts in its bogue, moss. Pink pralines, melting toffee, cooked wine, elastics, soggy leather, candied figs, acacia honey. A subtle woodiness brings a fine balance, vanilla custard, citrus zest, grapefruit. On the palate, it's syrupy, intense, roasted hazelnuts, blueberry and blackberry tarts, redcurrant jelly, shortbread biscuits, sautéed potatoes. Discreet spices mingle with pastry notes, flaked almonds, nougatine, cinnamon. The finish is extremely long and powerful, touching on the sublime, tarte Tatin, glazed chestnuts, Agen prunes, burnt bark, dark chocolate, a pinch of ground coffee, damson fondant, mint leaf.

 

In Short, 

At first I thought it was just another superb Sherry, but then came the final. This one is magnificent, never-ending, very impressive. This is a product of rare beauty, to be reserved for Sherry lovers of course. The price is obviously gigantic, but I'm sure your banker will give you credit for it.

Score : 91  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           WasXGone - Tappavasilmä

Tomatin 1990 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 34 yo

 

 

 

42,6°

Distillery : Tomatin - Highlands 

Refill American Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Among the countless treasures preserved by Gordon & MacPhail in their vast warehouses, this Tomatin is 34 years old, having been bottled on 23 April 2025. It belongs to the Upper series within the Connoisseurs Choice range, as it is a rarity. The ageing is quite classic, and will allow the distillate to thrive. Only 106 bottles have been released from the cask.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beeswax, delicate woodiness, pulpy yellow fruit. Acacia honey, milk chocolate, white peach, mashed banana. Green apples, Conference pears, and a few floral hints behind. Shortbread biscuits, zest of lemon and vanilla, egg yolk diluted in fresh cream. On the palate, yellow plums, mirabelles, generous cereals, rye bread, varnished wood. Salted butter caramel, subtle notes of exotic fruit, slowly invading spices, black pepper, nutmeg. Very long finish, quite powerful despite the low alcohol content, candied fruit, liquid honey, rosemary, dill, crushed chestnuts, sweet almonds.

 

In Short, 

At this age, it is obviously a monster of balance and subtlety. The honey is thick, the fruit intense and the oak bewitching. Having said that, you can find something just as good for much less, because the price is astronomical. To be reserved for the very wealthy amateurs.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Gisli Gunnarsson - Andlitin I Berginu

Tamnavulin 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 16 yo c. 700367

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Mothballed in 1995 and reopened only in 2007, Tamnavulin is not a very well-known distillery, first because of all these years of silence, then because a lot of its production goes to the Blends. And there are very few independent bottlings from this distillery. This one is a 16 year-old, raised in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, that means the distillate has everything to thrive. Only 165 bottles were produced. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A small deluge of fruit, white and yellow peaches, bananas and pineapples, white and red grapes, mirabelle plums, juicy pears. A touch of cereal, hay, cowshed, then mixed floral fragrances, quite pleasant, cherry blossom, tulip, daisy. Pastry cream in the background, citrus fruit, candied lemon. On the palate, it's solid but less subtle, creamy vanilla, almond milk, liquid honey, lime pulp. Discreet spices, nutmeg, ginger. Very long and explosive finish, lightly burnt chocolate fondant, walnut biscuits, semi-salted butter, cashew nuts. 

 

In Short, 

I really liked it, especially the nose, which is very fruity and floral. The palate is slightly honeyed and milky, but a little less complex than the nose. The finish is very well done, very well executed. A fine product, a credit to this distillery. What's more, the price is right, but when you have a good product at a low price, what usually happens is that it sells out quickly, and that's the case here. There are still a few German sites that do not deliver abroad, and auctions. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Marcator - Yearning

Bunnahabhain 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 14 yo c. 358

 

 

 

57,6°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

There are some bottles that you just go for without thinking, these are equations that can only lead to quality. When you read Bunnahabhain, Gordon & MacPhail, Sherry, you know it can only be good. And if, in addition, the age is honourable and the cask is first-fill, our first impression can only be confirmed. 361 bottles were delivered to the public. Not to be confused with another Bunnahabhain of the same age and vintage, produced by the same bottler, but for the benefit of The Whisky Explorer Society, which is why I've included the cask number. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Soft toffee, marzipan biscuit sprinkled with cinnamon, nougatine, genoise, brioche, it's a little summit of indulgence, mellow and sweet. Palets bretons, filled with semi-salted butter, white and red grape clafoutis, whipped cream, the whole enhanced by a very slight coastal character, sea spray, iodine freshness. Well-balanced on the palate, speculoos and delicate woodiness, apple cannelés, a variety of spices, even exotic ones, curry. The finish is long and languorous, brown sugar melting in a caramel sauce, grilled bacon, crushed hazelnuts. 

 

In Short, 

It's really what you'd expect, cakey and delicious, with a slight saline character. It's good, but it would have been even better with a few more years. Personally, I would have let this barrel work a little longer. The fact remains that you have a superb time, and the price is not at all excessive, so it's worth buying this little gem, which I got on a very attractive special offer.

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           anaiis - In The Dark

Port Ellen 1979 Gordon & MacPhail Cask 20 yo

 

 

 

60,7°

Distillery : Port Ellen - Islay 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2000

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

This is my first foray into the world of this legendary distillery, which closed in 1983 and was recently reopened. This bottling is a blend of two casks, so it's not quite a Single Cask. At the time, it was barely a year before the release of Port Ellen 1st Release, which would reveal to the world the incredible quality of this hitherto unknown distillery. So, at the time of its release, this bottling was nothing exceptional, it was a curiosity.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Delicately farmhouse peat, but also sweet, raw wheat, fruit paste, pistachio loukoum, waves of fine smoke that gradually envelop the nose, white grapes, braised almonds, green apples, white peaches, ripe pears. Notes of gypsum, slate and limestone, with a medicinal touch in the background. It's very smooth on the palate, the peat becomes discreet, various white fruits, cereals galore, muesli cake, almond and coconut milk, white chocolate, barely perceptible spices. Very long, interminable finish, digging into gypsum, icing sugar, white currants, rice powder, creamy vanilla, liquorice stick.

 

In Short, 

The legend is justified, this is indeed an exceptional bottling, and far from the best, if the experts are to be believed. Subtle but full of character peat that doesn't mask a deluge of fruits and rustic cereals. Intense mineral notes, incomparable mellowness, a gourmet edge... I'm probably getting carried away, but this one has everything you need to make a great whisky. As for the price, it is of course astronomical, but you have to take into account the rarity of the product. Even if the distillery is here again, it will never be the same. It's a nectar lost forever.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           A Tergo Lupi - Furia

Tamdhu 1973 Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old 29 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Tamdhu - Speyside

Sherry Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2002

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There's very little information about this bottle, I don't even know if it's a Single Cask or not. In any case, it's a piece of history, distilled in 1973 and bottled 29 years later. It seems to have been forgotten for a decade or two, before a bottle turned up at auction. It was aged in Sherry casks, but I don't have any further details. It seems that the bottling was done in collaboration with La Maison du Whisky.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Magnificent sherry nose, cascade of red fruit coulis, candied blackcurrant, blackberry cake, raspberry jelly, stuffed figs, almond paste, marzipan, my grandmother's fruit cake, chocolate mousse, tomato soup. On the palate, velvety mushrooms, still a lot of red fruit, with shortbread pastry, Britanny biscuits, braised vanilla, cashew nuts, beeswax, spices that are lively but rare. Very long finish, red fruit purée, earth and chocolate, cloves, light floral notes, roses and tulips. Cachous.

 

In Short, 

An exceptional product, the likes of which are rare. Sherry at the top of its game, it's hard to beat that. It's a shame that it's reduced to 46°, otherwise it would make a totally sublime bottling. Well, it's still sublime anyway. Unfortunately, it's very expensive, although not as much as you might imagine. But above all, it's totally impossible to find.

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne n°20

Linkwood 1993 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 30 yo

 

 

 

49,2°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Puncheon

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail is always going the extra mile when it comes to rarity, and this time we have a Linkwood no less than 30 years old, bathed in a 1st Fill Sherry Puncheon Cask. 531 bottles were made, to be tasted with the utmost care.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very deep sherry, but also very woody. Leather, hazelnuts, mahogany, roasted nuts, baked red fruits, old jams, figs, quinces, apricots, blood oranges. Fermented blueberries, crushed blackberries, redcurrants. Dark chocolate filling, with a few coffee beans inside. On the palate, a certain liquorish thickness, candied raspberries, mellow dates, acacia honey. Jam with a knob of butter, intense spices, cloves, cumin, nutmeg. Very long finish, chocolate, salted butter caramel, earthy touches, cola, cashew crumbs.

 

In Short, 

It's excellent, of course, but in my opinion the cask may have played a little too much of its influence, it's very marked by fruit and wood, and the balance isn't perfect. This will appeal to lovers of big Sherry, as it has great intensity and depth. The price is, of course, very high, but this is a truly exceptional product, well worth the sacrifice.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Daniel Raffo - Woman, You Must Be Crazy

Linkwood 1995 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 27 yo

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside 

1st Fill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Few independent bottlers are able to release a 27-year-old Linkwood, but Gordon & MacPhail have treasures in their warehouses. This one was distilled in 1995, and only 564 bottles were released for sale.

Let's Taste It : 

Roasted hazelnuts, cold meat, bacon, leather, donkey sausage. Luscious red fruits, cherries, redcurrants, blueberries and blackberries, well-waxed noble wood, wild cherry. Vanilla fudge that melts under the tongue, all sprinkled with cinnamon and lemon zest. On the palate, it's still very fruity, and wonderfully balanced, with forest berries, stewed plums, oven-baked apples, chocolate-covered pears, deep and complex spices, nutmeg, black pepper. Very long finish, really huge, clove, charcuterie and varnished wood, mushroom sauce, hot chestnuts, lightly charred bread, fig and raspberry jam, black olives.

 

In Short, 

As you'd expect, it's a killer. Very complex and deep, the Sherry lends personality to the whole, but does not prevent the fruity variety so dear to this distillery's fans. It's an excellent product, and not overpriced either. The problem is that it's sold out almost everywhere, so the only chance of finding it is at auction.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Hubert Sumlin - Sometimes I'm Right