Gordon & MacPhail lately launched the third installment of its Recollection collection. It consists of forgotten masterpieces, usually from distilleries which have disappeared a very long time in the past.
There are six bottlings on this batch and we’re fortunate to strive half of them. We now have North Port (closed in 1983), Imperial (closed in 1998) and Rosebank (closed in 1993 however lately resurrected). There’s additionally a really fascinating Convalmore and even a 42 yr outdated Port Ellen.
North Port 42 yo 1981 (50,9%, Gordon & Macphail ‘Recollection III’ 2024, refill American hogshead #2072, 132 btl.)
Nostril: a reasonably dry and ‘old-school’ profile. Quite a lot of lamp oil and waxed papers, with a really nice form of dustiness. Then the lightest whiff of wooden char maybe, together with outdated herb jars and leather-based. Hay and dried wildflowers. Very un-fruity, in a very nice approach, though there’s a touch of lime and slices of dried apple within the distance.
Mouth: actually vibrant nonetheless, and barely fruitier now, with hints of yellow plums, tangerines and lemon peels. Then again to drier herbs, outdated oak and leather-based. Delicate gingery notes, in addition to dried rosemary. Loads of paraffin, in addition to delicate touches of candy mustard.
End: relatively lengthy, nonetheless balancing austere notes of nuts and herbs with imprecise echoes of wax and heather honey.
This brings us again to an historic world. Not one thing you’ll be able to simply strive today, however a method that’s price discovering. Wonderful outdated whisky, from considered one of these distilleries that usually attain their pinnacle at a really excessive age. Out there from the G&M webshop or from Loch Fyne Whiskies as an example.
Rosebank 32 yo 1991 (51,2%, Gordon & Macphail ‘Recollection III’ 2024, first fill bourbon barrel #2114, 141 btl.)
Nostril: the same old lemon zest is right here, with lemongrass and freshly minimize grass usually. Lemon shortbread. It’s a bit of rounder than most Rosebanks although, with some peach and inexperienced banana as properly. Then aniseed, mint leaves, with hints of flour and lime.
Mouth: once more extra creamy than I anticipated. Honeycomb, a bit of guava and pineapple, together with heather honey and hints of vanilla fudge. Mid-palate a tangy / oaky edge seems, but it surely’s undoubtedly not over-aged. Lemon drops and delicate chalky notes too.
End: medium size, on lemon peels, a touch of ardour fruit and grassy oak. Additionally a touch of milk chocolate within the very finish.
A properly fruity Rosebank, with the form of first-fill bourbon roundness that counters its austerity my opinion. Now you most likely can’t wait for much longer earlier than releasing these lively casks. Rating: 90/100
Imperial 33 yo 1990 (52,7%, Gordon & Macphail ‘Recollection III’ 2024, refill American hogshead #9825, 63 btl.)
Nostril: the fruitiest by far. Banana peels, poached pears, pineapple, overripe apples and gooseberries. A touch of honey and beneficiant waxy notes. Then additionally baking parchment and delicate oak spice. Orange oil. Not extremely advanced however actually inviting.
Mouth: a really vibrant fruitiness once more. Flashes of papaya, lime, together with pink grapefruit and mint. Then natural teas and chamomile, with gorse flowers and hints of canvas. Black peppercorns and delicate wax. At instances this reminds us of outdated cognac. Hints of tobacco and some bitter drops in direction of the tip.
End: medium to lengthy, with lingering tropical notes but in addition a little bit of gritty oak displaying by means of.
The deep fruitiness of Imperial is one thing we’re very keen on. At this age it merges with oak tones, which suggests it’s a bit of extra old fashioned. Fairly a privilege to have these three on a standard week day. Rating: 90/100
