Close
Type to search or Esc to close
ARTISTRY IN OAK
GORDON & MACPHAIL 85 YEARS OLD FROM GLENLIVET DISTILLERY
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JEANNE GANG
Eighty Five Years
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.
125 decanters of this whisky at £125,000 - 85 years in the making – the oldest single malt Scotch the world has ever seen.
Jeanne Gang
The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.
“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
Creating Future Legacies
Jeanne Gang’s stunning decanter #1 will be auctioned by Christie’s New York in 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
A Taste of Liquid History
Dave Broom, Whisky Writer
At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.
Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.
Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.
Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.
Are you of legal drinking age in the country where you are right now?
By pressing "yes" and entering the site, I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use the website, you agree to the use of cookies. You can find out more about cookies — including how to block them — in our Cookie Policy.