Gordon & MacPhail release new bottlings to celebrate silent distilleries

let’s begin

The new Private Collection from Gordon & MacPhail is special for two reason: the age and the distilleries.

A new introduction to the old

This is a really intriguing collection that brings together old malts from silent distilleries.

There has been a rush as of late to re-open many old distilleries, with Port Ellen and Brora being two notable examples. There is a vast amount of new distilleries and brands popping up all the time. The thing with this collection is that G&M are not hopping on any bandwagon, they’re just doing what they do best; releasing great malt.

The independent bottlers are bringing exciting malts to their consumers, and celebrating the history of Scotch at the same time. The Private Collection is a great way for drinkers to embrace silent distilleries as they were when they were working.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail said, “Our ‘Private Collection’ whiskies embody the expertise, skill and patience that has been passed down over four generations of my family.

“My grandfather, George Urquhart, recognised an opportunity to match new make spirit with carefully selected casks at a time when the vast majority of production went into blends. Over the decades he was able to master this art which has become his legacy.

“He could never be persuaded to bottle a whisky before he believed it had reached its ultimate peak in terms of quality – a tradition we’re proud to continue today.”

Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1969

The Dallas Dhu Distillery is found just outside Forres, in the Speyside region. It was closed in 1983, having been opened in 1899. Malt from the distillery is very rare, so this is an extra exclusive release.

Bottled at 43.1% ABV and a release of 176 bottles, each valued at £6,950., the first in the collection is a spectacular Dallas Dhu Single Malt. It has been matured in a refill Sherry hogshead.

Tasting notes for Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1969

Bottle cost: £30.79

The malt opens with a nose full of dried fruit and Christmas cake. It is full of raisins, apricots, dates, peaches and oranges. The flavours are intense but smooth and easy going.

The palate is excellently developed, with more fruits and lots of sweet nuts. Almonds and marzipan add to the Christmas cake feel, with a moist sponge adding a nice backdrop for everything to play off. Caramel and vanilla add a lovely note of sweetness. It has a mellow mouth feel and hints of oak wood.

Delicate notes of spice and bitter coffee appear, alongside whiffs of charred oak.

The finish is bold and strong, lingering for a while on caramel and dried fruit.

This is certainly a celebration of a long silent distillery, made even better by the fact that malt from Dallas Dhu is very uncommon. We definitely recommend getting a bottle while they’re still available.

What do you think of the Private Collection? Tell us in the comments!

Tags: Dallas Dhu 1969

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.