GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS FINAL RELEASE IN ‘MR GEORGE’ LEGACY SERIES

Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the fifth and final release in the Mr George Legacy Series – an ultra-rare 70-Year-Old whisky celebrating ‘The father of single malt Scotch whisky’, Mr George Urquhart, and his lifelong quest in pursuit of the perfect dram.

Only 130 bottles available worldwide, Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery honours the single malt whisky pioneer and marks Gordon & MacPhail’s 130^th anniversary. Due to ‘Mr George’s’ affection towards Glen Grant Distillery, this exclusive single malt follows the previous four in the series. The liquid was distilled on 24^th April 1954, having been left to mature in cask no. 1823, a first-fill sherry puncheon for 70 years.

Bottled in January 2025 at a cask strength of 50.5%, the whisky is bursting with fruity notes with vanilla fudge and coffee on the nose, and a smooth taste that includes red apple, walnut, dried orange peel, dark chocolate and toasted oak flavours. The release is priced at £8,000 and available to purchase worldwide. *

This edition’s packaging recognises ‘Mr George’s’ pursuit of perfection, and his life’s dedication to exploring different combinations of spirit, cask and time. Fondly known by those who knew him best as ‘Mr George’, second-generation member of the family that owns Gordon & MacPhail, played a pivotal role in the success and popularity of single malt Scotch whiskies.

In the late 1960s, Mr George launched the Connoisseurs Choice range. Since its creation, the range has featured over 2,000 releases from almost 100 distilleries. By harnessing relationships with Scotland’s distillers and sending Gordon & MacPhail’s casks to be filled with new-make spirit, ‘Mr George’ became a pioneer in the combination of spirit, cask and time, creating and bottling iconic single malt whiskies in the process.

Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “The fifth and final release from the Mr George Legacy Series is the perfect tribute to my grandfather’s lifetime of work, which still impacts our approach today. As we celebrate our 130^th anniversary, we not only honour the past but also inspire future generations to continue the innovation and craftsmanship championed by ‘Mr George’.

“As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we want to commemorate our historic roots and while the Mr George Legacy Series may culminate with this release, my grandfather’s quest for perfection lives on within Gordon & MacPhail.”

Charlie MacLean, whisky writer and expert, added: “Mr George joined his father, John, in the family business in 1933. Over the next seventy years, he established close relations with distilleries throughout Scotland. He was arguably the world’s foremost expert in combining spirit, oak and time, and is justifiably described as ‘The Father of Malt Whisky’.

“This final release in the series is surprisingly vibrant for such an old whisky, but with the multi-layered complexity that can only be developed by long-maturation in the right cask. A whisky worthy of Mr George Urquhart, who will have selected the cask and who would have been proud of the result.”

The Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery is available to purchase from www.gordonandmacphail.com. #GordonandMacPhail

*Prices may vary in international markets.

Tasting notes for all five Mr George Legacy series releases are as follows:

First edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1953 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 59.4%

Colour: Darkest mahogany

Nose: Soft aromas of beeswax polish give way to stewed fruit and toasted hazelnuts. Subtle orange peel complements rich ginger notes.

Taste: Autumnal spice and ripe plum flavours combine with light blackcurrant undertones. Treacle comes to the fore alongside a light touch of fresh mint.

Finish: A full-bodied and long finish with lingering fruit, spice and a delicate hint of bonfire embers.

Second edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1957 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.1%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Rich fruitcake aromas intertwine with festive spices; cinnamon and ginger. Notes of Orange marmalade are accompanied by dark treacle and a hint of beeswax polish.

Taste: Morello cherries are followed by subtle dried tobacco and garden mint. Ripe red apple undertones combine with citrus peel and soft aniseed.

Finish: A spicy full-bodied finish with lasting flavours of forest fruit and charred oak.

Third edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1959 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.5%

Colour: Amber

Nose: Autumnal spice aromas intertwine with sweet-dried fruit and demerara sugar. Soft citrus zest comes to the fore alongside beeswax polish and walnut.

Taste: Stewed red fruit flavours lead to Seville orange with a hint of garden mint. Tart raspberry notes develop accompanied by cocoa powder and mature oak.

Finish: A full finish with lingering cinnamon and forest fruits.

Fourth edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1958 from Glen Grant Distillery

ABV: 56.5%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Rich beeswax aromas lead to underlying molasses, stewed prunes and warm spices. Subtle aged leather develops alongside mature oak and a hint of cocoa powder.

Taste: Smooth and full bodied. Seville orange peel and morello cherry flavours give way to dried tobacco and roasted coffee bean. Toasted oak notes comes to the fore with a touch of liquorice.

Finish: Long and balanced finish with a faint hint of smoke.

Fifth (and final) edition: The Mr George Legacy Series 1954 from Glen Grant Distillery 

ABV: 50.5%

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Light leather aromas lead to stewed prune, spicy clove and hints of blueberry compote. Vanilla fudge and roast coffee notes develop alongside subtle cherry.

Taste: Smooth with red apple, walnut and dried orange peel flavours giving way to tobacco and caramelised banana. Dark chocolate and spices combine with toasted oak.

Finish: Medium finish with a hint of smoke and lingering fruit.

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its casks.  It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

Bourbon Curations Launches Revolutionary Platform to Streamline Trip Planning for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Family-Owned Startup Transforms Bourbon Tourism with Advanced Planning Technology

May 15, 2025 – Bourbon Curations, a new family-owned tech startup, announced today the launch of its innovative planning platform designed to help bourbon enthusiasts maximize time on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. The service consolidates information from participating distilleries into one comprehensive system, allowing visitors to easily create customized itineraries that optimize their time and preferences.

Founded by siblings following an inspirational father-son trip along the Bourbon Trail®, Bourbon Curations addresses the complex logistics that often overwhelm travelers planning to visit multiple distilleries.

“Planning our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip required multiple Excel spreadsheets and countless hours of research,” said Sam, co-founder of Bourbon Curations. “Each distillery has different operating hours, tour availability, and there’s the challenge of efficiently traveling between locations. We created Bourbon Curations to solve these problems for other bourbon enthusiasts.”

The platform’s proprietary algorithm takes into account user preferences, distillery schedules, tour availability, and geographic proximity to generate optimized itineraries. Users simply select the distilleries and tours they’re interested in, and Bourbon Curations handles the complex planning process.

“Our mission is to help more people enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® by removing the logistical barriers,” Sam continued. “We want visitors to focus on enjoying world-class bourbon, not planning details.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has seen tremendous growth in tourism, with over 2 million visitors annually and continuing to grow. Bourbon Curations aims to support this growing tourism sector by making the planning process more accessible and enjoyable.

The service is now available online, with plans to expand features based on user feedback and industry partnerships.

For more information, follow Bourbon Curations on Instagram @bourboncurations or contact Sam directly at sam@bourboncurations.com.

2014 Bowmore 10/11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

This fabulous barrel of Bowmore was distilled on July 2nd of 2014 and filled into a 2nd fill bourbon barrel. The wonderful distillery on the banks of Lochindaal remains one of the most under appreciated properties in Scotland. While of course we know Bowmore has a track record of producing some of Scotland’s legendary expressions, for many years the distillery has done very little to continue the legacy of it’s previous offerings. Not to say the distillery isn’t producing excellent whisky, but the most exciting whiskies coming from this special distillery are always bottled by independents.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

WHAT IS AUSTRALIAN WHISKY?

Australia’s long-standing brewing and winemaking industries, combined with a strong craft culture, laid the foundation for a whisky movement that’s now in full swing.

A new generation of producers has embraced a locally driven approach. Many use casks that once held Australian fortified wines, which can add savoury, fruity depth to whisky. Others work with rye from single farms, which offer earthy, spicy or nutty notes. In places like Melbourne, dramatic swings between hot and cold speed up the ageing process, often leading to bolder, more intense flavours in a shorter time.

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The Good Dram Show – Episode 594 ‘James Eadie’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be looking at a new range of bottlings called ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’ along with their Trade Mark X blend and new variation the 100 Proof bottling. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 594 – The Question Is.. Does X Hit The Spot..?

Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

James Eadie Trade Mark X Blended Scotch Whisky 45.6%
James Eadie Trade Mark X 100 Proof 57.1%
James Eadie ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’ Strathclyde 2005 (20 year old) 52.9%
James Eadie ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’ Glen Garioch 2011 (13 year old) 52.5%
James Eadie ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’ Glen Elgin 2012 (12 year old) 52.7%
James Eadie ‘The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland’ Caol Ila 2012 (12 year old) 52.3%

www.jameseadie.co.uk

Trossachs Cooperage reignites coopering craft in Callander with £1.3m investment boost for Scotland’s whisky industry

The new cooperage brings 12 skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and renewed confidence for the sector

May 2025 – A new coopering facility backed by £1.3million investment is to be launched in a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s Scotch whisky industry.

Gary Drummond, a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience, has founded Trossachs Cooperage — a new coopering facility based in Callander, Stirlingshire.

Creating 12 skilled local jobs in the first year, four long-service coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined experience to the business are some of the first to join the team.  Trossachs Cooperage is also investing in the future of the craft, with four apprentices to be recruited.

Working towards becoming a certified training hub and a member of the National Cooperage Federation, the cooperage will deliver the apprenticeship training, offering a customised SVQ Award. Gary’s father — himself an experienced cooper — will also be mentoring the apprentices as they learn the coopering craft.

The cooperage will be based at newly secured premises on the Cambusmore Estate, Ballachallan, which are currently undergoing a comprehensive fit-out ahead of operations beginning in May 2025. It will feature custom-built, state-of-the-art machinery, including a high-spec rejuvenation system with the latest safety features.

The business is backed by a Scottish investment group comprising successful business entrepreneurs with a proven track record, including directors Alan Wright and Tim Allan. Alan brings extensive senior management experience from some of the whisky industry’s leading names, while Tim adds broad commercial insight through his roles as former President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Chair of V&A Dundee.

Gary Drummond, who honed his craft at Diageo’s Carsebridge and Cambus cooperages, said: “The Scotch whisky industry is a pillar of Scotland’s food and drink economy, but coopering — a centuries-old craft — has faced serious challenges. Skills shortages and limited repair capacity have led to hundreds of thousands of casks being scrapped, which if repaired and rejuvenated could have gone back into circulation.  Subsequently, distillers are forced to solely rely on costly first fill casks.

“Trossachs Cooperage aims to reverse that trend by repairing, rejuvenating, and hardening oak casks to make them fit for fill — reducing waste, cutting costs, and lowering environmental impact. Our ethos is built on skills, sustainability, and Scottish craftsmanship, and we are incredibly proud to drive this forward from Callander.

“The support from our investment group, along with the strategic guidance from partners like Johnston Carmichael, has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life — especially at a time when investment and renewed confidence in the Scotch whisky sector are so vitally needed.”

Chaired by David Ovens, Joint Managing Director at Archangel Investors, the project has benefited from the early and ongoing support of leading business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, legal specialists Thorntons, and property expert Jonathan Sutton. Johnston Carmichael played a pivotal role in identifying and connecting the right partners, using their extensive network and deep industry insight to bring together a team with the expertise needed to drive the project forward.

Adam Hardie, Business Development Partner and Head of Food & Drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Trossachs Cooperage is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial venture Scotland’s food and drink sector needs.  With its ethos rooted in tradition, yet firmly focused on the future, it has been a pleasure to support Gary. 

“The commitment to inspiring and shaping the next generation of coopers is remarkable, and I have every confidence that this business will quickly become a valuable asset to Scotland’s iconic whisky industry.”

Built with sustainability at its core, the facility is committed to achieving zero waste. All waste materials — from offcuts to sawdust — will be recycled, repurposed, or converted into firewood, which will be used in their traditional rejuvenation process. The cooperage will also be powered by 100% renewable energy, drawn from both solar and wind sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact across its operations.

Trossachs Cooperage has already attracted interest from multiple distillers and secured its first customer, The Borders Distillery, who will support the traditional rejuvenation process. The company also has bold plans for expansion in the coming months.

John Fordyce, Managing Director at The Borders Distillery, said: “Gary and the team have committed to reviving traditional rejuvenation methods for casks and we are delighted to be sending up our first batch ready for the opening. The initiative taken by Trossachs and the investors is forward thinking and bold. It opens up opportunity for Borders and we are looking forward to our collaboration.”

Over time, Gary also has ambitions to expand the facility to include a visitor centre and café — creating a space to celebrate Scotland’s coopering heritage while supporting local tourism and community engagement.

Johnston Carmichael is proud to be a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. With almost 1,000 sharp minds across its offices nationwide, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create enduring impact and have been investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for more than 85 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.

For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit:  https://johnstoncarmichael.com/

Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt

Now Available Online

The Clan Denny Islay Blended Malt has just landed on our website – and it’s everything a smoky Whisky lover dreams of. This characterful dram opens with a bold nose of peat, smoke, Malt, and spice. On the palate, expect rich layers of citrus and subtle sweetness, balanced by deep, smoky phenols. It finishes long and dry, with a lingering drift of smoke that keeps calling you back. At just £28.50, it’s a welcome addition to any Islay fan’s collection.

Available now – while stocks last.

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Our Clan Denny range is home to Single Grain and Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and Blended Scotch Whiskies. Our Clan Denny Regional Malts range includes a Speyside Single Malt and an Islay Blended Malt, both of which are genuinely small batch bottlings, wrapped up in premium packaging ideal for the gift market.

SPRINGBANK PRIVATE BOTTLING

2000 – AGED 8 YEARS

 A rare, limited release from Springbank Distillery.

Drawn directly from a private cask.

Matured in a first fill Oloroso Sherry cask – a beautiful colour for 8 years maturation.

We only managed to get our hands on a few of these, and only 4 are available at current discounted price.

Get them while you can!

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

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2012 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

Another incredible value from our dear friends at Douglas Laing. Most independent bottlers are charging double the cost of this special Islay gem for a bottle of 10+ year old Laphroaig these days. It’s extremely difficult to find in any age range, but finding something over 10 years old that’s even semi-reasonably priced is just impossible. So when this gorgeous barrel from Laphroaig’s spring production offers an extremely classical Laphroaig albeit with an eye to summer weather. It was distilled on April 12th of 2012 and filled into a used bourbon barrel for 12 long years. At the same time it’s both deeply powerful and smokey, offering seaweed and iodine, while exhibiting subtle fruit richness that is often not exhibited in this youthful stage. Excellently apportioned with all the trappings of a legendary deal. Bottled at cask strength without chillfiltration. ABV is an estimate as the product is still in cask.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

TALISKER THE WILD BLUE

Inspired by the rugged seas that surround the Isle of Skye, the Wild Blue is the first whisky from Talisker to be finished in red wine casks from South Africa’s Atlantic coast.

This interaction has created a powerful character filled with maritime smoke, sweet oak spice, and layers of red fruit and sea salt on the nose. The palate brings notes of beach bonfires, sultanas and figs, followed by peppery smoke and orchard fruits that linger in the finish.

Talisker has partnered with the Blue Marine Foundation to support coastal wildlife initiatives. Each purchase of the Wild Blue will help support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, cleaner waters, and the revival of oyster beds and seagrass meadows.

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