Lochside 1981 – 2021 #802 – Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection

A rare piece of whisky history, bottled with elegance. This Lochside 1981 – 2021, released by Gordon & MacPhail in their prestigious Private Collection, is a true gem. Drawn from refill sherry hogshead #802 and bottled after 40 years at 49.2%, only 141 bottles were ever made. Whiskyfun’s Serge Valentin rated it 91/100 points, calling it “sublime” – and it’s easy to see why. Tropical fruit, soft spice, coastal charm – this is Lochside at its finest.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Opens beautifully with aromas of mint, tropical fruits (mango, papaya), pine needles and heather honey. With a splash of water: toast and cigars, cherry wood, humus, and stewed vine peaches.

Palate

A true fruit bomb – mango, stewed bananas, and peaches, balanced by gentle oak, tea tannins and a touch of cedarwood dryness. With water: salty notes emerge – sardines, anchovies, olives – adding unexpected depth.

Finish

Medium in length, gracefully fading with fruit salad, herbal teas and a refined, salty touch.

Lochside Distillery

Lochside Distillery was located in Montrose, on the east coast of Scotland. Founded in 1957 by Joseph Hobbs, the distillery was located in a former brewery building dating back to 1781. Lochside produced both single malt and grain whisky, a rarity in the whisky world.

A specific feature of Lochside was the production of both types of whisky, allowing them to make their own blends. The distillery traditionally used spring water from the nearby Lochside Well, which contributed to the purity and character of their whiskies. Lochside whiskies were known for their light, tropical-fruity flavour profiles, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla and a subtle spiciness.

The whiskies were mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensured a balanced and refined flavour. Despite its closure in 1992 and subsequent demolition in 2005, Lochside's remaining bottles remain highly sought after by enthusiasts, collectors and investors due to their rarity and historical value. Lochside remains a fascinating chapter in Scotch whisky history, remembered for the unique and high-quality whiskies it produced.

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.