Banff 1976 - 2008 Connoisseurs Choice

Banff is a name that excites whisky lovers – not because of abundance, but due to its scarcity and individuality. This Banff 1976 – 2008, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their classic Connoisseurs Choice series, is a throwback to a time when whisky didn’t aim to please everyone, but rather told its own story. Serge Valentin rated it 86 points, praising its raw, un-modern style – which, in this case, is high praise indeed.

Tasting Notes

Nose

An intriguing mix of green apples, leather, shoe polish and a touch of seaweed (nori). Spicy notes of ginger, cinchona bark and mustard seed follow, alongside hints of white rum and bitter orange peel.

Palate

Dry and characterful. Green herbs, pepper, mustard and apple form a lively core. Then come lemon marmalade, juniper, and a faint metallic-mineral edge. A true old-school dram.

Finish

Medium in length, herbal and bitter with touches of quinine, green tea and light metallic notes like old coins and walnut skin.

Banff Distillery

Banff Distillery was located near the village of Inverboyndie on the north-east coast of Scotland, close to the town of Banff in Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1824 by James McKilligan & Co, the distillery had a turbulent history with several changes of ownership and multiple incidents, including a devastating fire in 1877 and bombings during World War II. The distillery finally closed in 1983 and the buildings were later demolished.

Although Banff Distillery no longer exists, its remaining bottles remain highly sought after by whisky lovers, collectors and investors alike. Banff's whiskies are prized for their rarity and the unique glimpse they offer into a piece of lost whisky history.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.

Please note

This bottle was bottled a long time ago. Please be careful when opening. The closure may have deteriorated. The item is sold as photographed and described. We do not accept any liability for the condition of the closure.