Private Collection, Banff 1975-46 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

CELEBRATING SILENT DISTILLERIES The Private Collection by G&M is an out and out celebration of distilleries that have been silent for a long time. With this collection they have brought some exceptionally rare and exclusive malts to their fans. The collection introduces malt enthusiasts to distilleries that are not producing malt anymore and to some brilliant age statements as well. Private Collection releases represents some of the oldest G&M have ever done. This is areally exciting collection and includes malts form places like Dallas Dhu and Longmorn. It has been specially selected by hand, by members of the Urquhart family, who have been involved in the running of G&M for a four generations. Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail said, “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.” Some distilleries have extraordinary, enduring stories, but it’s hard to imagine them ever matching up to the history of the Banff Distillery. Built in 1824, Banff established itself in the highlands until a fire completely destroyed all but the maltings and - thankfully- the warehouses. This was merely the first in a series of calamities. These culminated in a fateful bombing raid during the Second World War when a fully-laden German Junkers Ju-88 bomber bombed the site. The result of this fateful flight was a series of explosions, igniting hundreds of highly flammable casks of whisky. Many of the casks not permanently sent to the angels leaked and, legend has it, caused the drunkenness of local farm animals. The Banff Distillery closed in 1983. As with a number of distilleries that met the same fate in the 80s, Banff has left a legacy: a few remaining casks filled with a whisky with deep rich flavour and long lingering spice notes. Cask: Refill American Hogshead Cask No. 3623 Region: Highland Outturn: 102 Distilled: 1975 Bottled: 2021 Age: 46 Years ABV: 48.6% Non Chill Filtered, No Colour Added   Tasting Notes Nose: Dried banana aromas combine with candied lime peel and soft black liquorice. Vanilla custard notes give way to white pepper and subtle green apple. Taste: Fresh lemon zest is accompanied by faint marzipan and honeydew melon. Fresh cut grass notes develop with a hint of spiced orange. Finish: Medium-bodied finish with citrus fruit and soft spice.