Two new Private Collection’s Released

Malt Whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, has added two new expressions to its Private Collection range.

Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45% and Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45% are the latest editions to the series of Single Malts personally selected by the directors of the family owned firm for their outstanding quality and character.

The expression from Ledaig Distillery was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2012 and finished in St Joseph casks for 40 months. It has developed sweet fruit and dry herbal influences. A mild spice and delicate smoke adds to the character of the whisky.

Private Collection Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish was distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2012 and again finished for 40 months from casks from the northern Rhône region of France. The expression has developed sweet fruity notes, strawberries and banoffee pie and a lingering peppery edge.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“For generations Gordon & MacPhail has built up a stock of Single Malts of various ages and strengths from distilleries throughout Scotland. As a result our portfolio is wide and varied and includes Single Malts to suit different tastes and price points.”

“The latest expressions released under our Private Collection range enable whisky enthusiasts to explore how the characteristics of the Single Malt are complemented by the characteristics found in these high quality French casks.”
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45% retails in USA for approximately $95, whilst Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45% retails for approximately $150.

For details of availability in the USA please contact Matt Chivian at Classic Wine Imports (MChivian@martignetti.com)

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.
Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opening by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

TASTING NOTES

Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45%

The distillery was in the past known as Ledaig, changing its name to Tobermory Distillery in the 1970s. The distillery occupies the ground beside the Ledaig Burn on the foreshore of the picturesque 18th century harbour of Tobermory. Tobermory Distillery has enjoyed mixed fortunes since it was first established in 1823. It has been closed several times, most recently in the 1980s. Having reopened in 1989, Tobermory is now back in production.

Situated in the northern Rhône region of France, St Joseph was given its name in the 17th Century by the Jesuits of Tournon. Wines from the region have been sold as early as the 16th century and enjoyed at the tables of the French Kings. The red wines are generally made in the lighter style with soft tannins.

COLOUR – Dark Amber.
AROMA – Sweet wine influences with red grapes and sweet summer berries aromas. Fresh and herbal with hints of coriander and sea air.
TASTE – Rich dark chocolate flavours, with maraschino cherries and black forest gateau. A slight nuttiness is also present with a touch ash and new leather.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and Lingering.

2200 bottles have been released for sale worldwide.

Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45%

In the village of Edderton, formerly known as the \”parish of the peats\”, lies Balblair Distillery. The distillery, named after the nearby Balblair Farm where it was originally built in the 1790\’s, moved to its present site in 1895. The buildings have changed little since then, the main characteristics being the pagoda roofed kiln, sadly no longer in operation, and the 70 foot high red brick chimney, both visible for miles around.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest Appellation Contrôlée in the northern Rhône region of France, producing over half of the region’s total wine. Red wines are produced from the Syrah grape and tend to have a soft, delicate character.

COLOUR – Golden Amber with a hint of Red.
AROMA – Sweet and fruity with hints of strawberry and ripe banana. A toasted malt edge develops with a touch of vanilla.
TASTE – A touch of black cracked pepper followed by summer fruits and citrus flavours. A creamy milk chocolate edge lingers.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and Fruity.
Only 2000 bottles have been released for sale worldwide.