Mosstowie 1979 – 2010 – Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old

Mosstowie is a true whisky curiosity: not an independent distillery, but a malt produced on a Lomond still within Miltonduff between 1964 and 1981. That makes every release rare – and this Mosstowie 1979 – 2010 from Gordon & MacPhail’s Rare Old series is a perfect chance to explore its character. Matured in refill sherry hogsheads, this whisky offers a fascinating blend of fruity elegance and gentle wood influence. A unique dram with both story and soul.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Gentle aromas of stewed pears, marzipan and raisins, with hints of beeswax, old books and floral spice in the background.

Palate

Full and silky with flavours of dried fruit, toffee, roasted nuts and subtle spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The sherry influence is delicate and well-integrated.

Finish

Medium to long with elegant sweetness, soft oak tones, a touch of tobacco and a floral, almost waxy finish.

Miltonduff Distillery

Miltonduff Distillery is located in the Speyside region, near Elgin in Moray. Founded in 1824, Miltonduff has a rich history of producing high-quality whiskies. Built on the site of an old mill, the distillery uses water from the Black Burn, which contributes to the purity and quality of their whiskies.

Miltonduff whiskies are known for their smooth and elegant character, with notes of honey, apple, pear, and a subtle spiciness.

Miltonduff plays an important role in the production of blended whiskies, particularly Ballantine's, but also offers excellent single malt expressions. The whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensures a balanced and refined flavour.

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.