Glen Grant 1948 – Bottled 1980s – Gordon & MacPhail

A living legend in a bottle – this Glen Grant 1948, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in the 1980s, offers a rare glimpse into a long-lost era of Scotch whisky. Distilled just after World War II, this malt is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also a tangible piece of history. Presented in a classic 75cl bottle with the unmistakable old-style G&M label, this is a whisky that moves you with both flavour and soul.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Utterly refined with aromas of beeswax, antique wood, dried apricots and toasted hazelnuts. Subtle hints of old books, orange peel, pipe tobacco and a touch of waxy citrus.

Palate

Silky and noble. Rich flavours of fruitcake, honey, marzipan and gentle spices like cinnamon and clove. The age reveals itself in a perfect balance of fruit, oak and spice.

Finish

Long and elegant, with a graceful evolution of raisins, old leather, dried flowers and a soft, almost creamy spiciness that lingers beautifully.

Glen Grant Distillery

Glen Grant Distillery is located in Rothes, in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region. Founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant, the distillery has a long and rich history. Known for its innovative approach, Glen Grant became one of the first distilleries to use electric lighting in 1872.

A unique feature of Glen Grant is the use of water from the nearby Caperdonich spring, which contributes to the purity of their products. Glen Grant whiskies are known for their elegant, fruity and floral aromas, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla and a subtle hint of spiciness.

The whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensures a refined and balanced flavour. Glen Grant is recognised worldwide for its consistency and quality. The combination of a rich history, innovative techniques and high-quality whiskies makes Glen Grant a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.

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.