Mr George Urquhart: 'The Father of Single Malt Scotch Whisky'
‘Mr George’ joined his father, John, at the family business almost a century ago and became a key advocate of single malt whisky at a time when most whisky went into blends. ‘The father of single malt’ as he’s been called, George Urquhart was a true pioneer and instrumental to the success and popularity of single malt whisky. The fifth and final edition in the Legacy – a Glen Grant from 1954 – exemplifies his philosophy and spirit.
The Final Chapter
This fifth and final release in the ‘Mr George’ Legacy Series pays tribute to Mr George Urquhart’s unrelenting desire to create the perfect dram. Referred to by renowned whisky expert, Charlie MacLean as ‘the father of single malt’, ‘Mr George’ was fascinated by the interaction of spirit, cask and time.
This exceptional single malt – limited to 130 bottles in celebration of our 130th anniversary – is a fitting tribute to a lifetime’s work which endures today at Gordon & MacPhail.
This exceptional single malt – limited to 130 bottles in celebration of our 130th anniversary – is a fitting tribute to a lifetime’s work which endures today at Gordon & MacPhail.
The Whisky
Laid down by ‘Mr George’ Urquhart in 1954, this whisky has been carefully nurtured for 70 years in a first-fill Sherry puncheon. Distilled on 24th April 1954 and spending its entire maturation in cask no. 1823, this fifth edition of the Mr George Legacy Series was bottled on 6th January 2025 at cask strength of 50.5% ABV.
The Verdict
“The ‘legacy’ series of five very old whiskies from Glen Grant Distillery – Mr George’s favourite malt – commenced in 2021 and this outstanding 70 year old, distilled in 1954 and filled into a fresh, Sherry puncheon, will be the final release under this title. It is a worthy celebration of the achievement and legacy of a remarkable man”.
Charlie MacLean, renowned whisky writer
The Fourth Edition Glen Grant 1958
Watch the film for Mr George Legacy Fourth Edition. The film pays celebrates the fourth annual release in the legacy series exemplifies his philosophy and spirit; the lone oak standing firm. A fitting tribute to a man who was steadfast behind his principles, creating single malts of exceptional character and quality.
The Third Edition Glen Grant 1959
Watch the film for Mr George Legacy Third Edition. The film celebrates his commitment to the guiding principles around quality, fairness, relationship building and supporting the local community which formed the bedrock of the pathway to ‘Mr George’s’ long-term success.
The Second Edition Glen Grant 1957
Watch the film for Mr George Legacy Second Edition which celebrates his long term approach to maturation. Thought eccentric by some,
‘Mr George’ would always give his whiskies
all the time they needed, often longer than many thought sensible or even possible.
‘Mr George’ would always give his whiskies
all the time they needed, often longer than many thought sensible or even possible.
The First Edition Glen Grant 1953
Watch the film for Mr George Legacy First Edition. The film explores the story of ‘Mr Georges’ spirit for adventure and how he championed single malts, matured in his own bespoke casks on the international stage.