On 3rd February 1940 in a quiet corner of the north-east of Scotland, George Urquhart and his father, John, had the extraordinary foresight and vision to lay down spirit from Glenlivet Distillery in a Gordon & MacPhail American oak cask to be enjoyed after their lifetime by future generations.
On 5th February 2025, harnessing knowledge passed down through four generations, the decision was taken to raise this exceptional single malt from its slumber.
In October, 125 decanters of this whisky - 85 years in the making – will be released: the oldest single malt Scotch the world has ever seen.
To encapsulate and honour John and George Urquhart’s vision under the theme of ‘Artistry in Oak’, Gordon & MacPhail has collaborated with internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, to create a unique decanter which will be revealed on 2nd October. Known for a distinctive approach that strengthens connections between people and nature, with a shared desire to create future legacies, Gang was a natural choice.
“I was excited to learn about everything involved in whisky’s creation. Each careful step lends something to a whisky’s unique flavor. Then, there are years of protecting the casks so they can age. In architecture, these elements of materiality and time also play a critical role in the design process. Both are about creating something enduring, so this is what I found inspiring about this opportunity to design a decanter for Gordon & MacPhail’s 85-year-old single malt whisky” Jeanne Gang, American architect
Jeanne Gang’s stunning decanter will be revealed in October 2025, with decanter #1 auctioned by Christie’s New Yorkin November 2025. To continue the legacy theme, auction proceeds (minus costs) will be donated to the oldest national non-profit conservation organisation in the United States, American Forests, a leader in forest restoration.
“Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations, via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees,” Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige
To be among the first to hear more about the release of Artistry in Oak - the world's oldest single malt Scotch whisky - please register your interest and you will be contacted shortly.
