Gordon & MacPhail just lately launched the third installment of its Recollection sequence. It consists of forgotten masterpieces, typically 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 just lately resurrected). There’s additionally a really attention-grabbing Convalmore and even a 42 yr previous Port Ellen.
Â
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. A whole lot of lamp oil and waxed papers, with a really nice sort of dustiness. Then the lightest whiff of wooden char maybe, together with previous 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, previous oak and leather-based. Gentle gingery notes, in addition to dried rosemary. Loads of paraffin, in addition to delicate touches of candy mustard.
End: quite lengthy, nonetheless balancing austere notes of nuts and herbs with obscure echoes of wax and heather honey.
This brings us again to an historic world. Not one thing you’ll be able to simply strive nowadays, however a method that’s price discovering. Wonderful previous whisky, from one in all 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 illustration.
Â
Â
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 typically. Lemon shortbread. It’s a bit rounder than most Rosebanks although, with some peach and inexperienced banana as nicely. Then aniseed, mint leaves, with hints of flour and lime.
Mouth: once more extra creamy than I anticipated. Honeycomb, a bit guava and pineapple, together with heather honey and hints of vanilla fudge. Mid-palate a tangy / oaky edge seems, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly not over-aged. Lemon drops and delicate chalky notes too.
End:Â 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 sort of first-fill bourbon roundness that counters its austerity my opinion. Now you in all probability can’t wait for much longer earlier than releasing these energetic casks. Rating: 90/100
Â
Â
Imperial 33 yo 1990 (52,7%, Gordon & Macphail ‘Recollection III’ 2024, refill American hogshead #9825, 63 btl.)
Nostril:Â the fruitiest by far. Banana peels, poached pears, pineapple, overripe apples and gooseberries. A splash of honey and beneficiant waxy notes. Then additionally baking parchment and mild oak spice. Orange oil. Not extremely advanced however actually inviting.
Mouth:Â 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 occasions this reminds us of previous cognac. Hints of tobacco and some bitter drops in the direction of the tip.
End: medium to lengthy, with lingering tropical notes but additionally 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 implies it’s a bit extra old fashioned. Fairly a privilege to have these three on a traditional week day. Rating: 90/100
