Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled the final and most historic release in its Sir George Urquhart Heritage Series: a Glen Grant 70 Year Old Single Malt, distilled on 24 April 1954 and bottled in January 2025. This exceptional whisky marks a celebratory tribute to Sir George Urquhart, widely known as the Father of Single Malt Scotch Whisky and a pioneering figure in the global success of single malts.
A Tribute to a Malt Whisky Pioneer
Sir George Urquhart, a second-generation member of the Gordon & MacPhail family, is remembered for championing single malt Scotch at a time when blends dominated the market. His legacy includes the creation of the now-iconic Connoisseurs Choice range, which helped elevate the appreciation of individual distillery character.
The fifth and final edition in the commemorative series honours Sir George’s enduring connection to Glen Grant, a distillery he held in particular regard throughout his career. Each release in the Heritage Series has paid homage to his pioneering philosophy of maturing spirit over decades to achieve depth, balance, and elegance.
An Exceptional Cask and Historic Maturation
The 1954 Glen Grant was aged in an 1823 first-fill sherry cask for seven decades, a rare and meticulous maturation that embodies Urquhart’s pursuit of perfection. Bottled at 50.5% ABV, the whisky is described as surprisingly vibrant for its age.
The profile includes aromas of vanilla fudge and coffee, leading to a palate of red apple, walnuts, dried orange peel, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Only 130 bottles have been produced, each retailing at £8,000 ($10,850) and distributed globally.
Generational Legacy at Gordon & MacPhail
Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director and Sir George’s grandson, emphasized the symbolic timing of this release as Gordon & MacPhail celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025.
“The fifth and final release in the Sir George Heritage Series is a perfect tribute to my grandfather’s life’s work, which still influences our business philosophy today,” he said. “While the series may culminate here, my grandfather’s pursuit of perfection lives on.”
The family business, now in its fourth generation, continues to focus on craftsmanship and long-term vision—principles Sir George embedded into the company’s DNA.
Industry Praise for a Rare Expression
Whisky authority Charlie MacLean praised the release, calling Sir George “arguably the world’s foremost expert on the perfect marriage of spirit, oak, and time.”
“For such an old whisky, this final expression in the series is surprisingly vibrant, yet has the layers of complexity that can only be achieved through long aging in the right casks,” MacLean noted. “This whisky is worthy of Sir George Urquhart, who would have been proud of the finished product.”
Executive Changes at Gordon & MacPhail
The release follows news that chief executive Phillip White has departed the company after just one year in the role. The leadership transition comes as Gordon & MacPhail charts its future while honouring its storied past.
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