Gordon & MacPhail, has today announced the launch of a 72
Year Old Milton Distillery bottling - the oldest and last cask to be laid down
in the 1940s, by the independent bottler to carry the Milton Distillery name.
Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Milton Distillery (48.6%
ABV) from the distillery now known as Strathisla, was matured in a first-fill
Sherry puncheon.
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| Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Milton Distillery |
The name of this latest rare and limited-edition release, pays homage to the distillery’s original name given by founder George Taylor, and it represents one of very few releases ever to carry the Milton name.
In the mid-1940s, the distillery was undergoing several
changes in ownership which resulted in the eventual name change to Strathisla
in 1951. The picturesque distillery, with its distinctive twin pagodas, has
been in continuous production since the 1700s.
Despite the varied challenges of the whisky industry
including economic depression and war, Milton continued to operate even when
the majority of whisky production was halted in the 1940s due to a post-war
scarcity of barley.
Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Milton Distillery, is said
to deliver notes of sherry, vanilla, Seville orange, stewed forest fruits, festive
spice and soft lemon zest on the nose. Followed by notes of butterscotch, citrus,
nutmeg, baked apples, poached pears and honeycomb on the palate.
Commenting on the launch, Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director
at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Milton, or Strathisla as it is known today,
has small copper stills with a distinctive shape that helps to give the spirit
its rich, fruity and full-bodied character. Decades of experience led us to
fill the spirit into a first fill Sherry puncheon for long-term maturation.”
He went onto say: “Having carefully assessed its progress
down the decades, we feel now is finally the right moment to reveal this
landmark single malt to enthusiasts and collectors. In terms of rarity, this
deserves true ‘icon status. A Gordon & MacPhail whisky of this age bearing
the Milton name has never - and will never – be seen again. Its long maturation
has seen the cask gift the spirit notes of toffee, spice and a hint of smoke
not traditionally found in more modern Speyside releases.”
He concluded by saying: “Whether it was produced under the
name Milton or Strathisla, greatly aged single malts from the site have always
been met with anticipation. Given that so few releases have ever carried the
Milton name – and that this bottling represents the oldest and our last - we
expect demand for the 180 decanters to be extremely high.”
Limited to 180 bottles, Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from
Milton Distillery, will be available later this month from select specialist
retailers, for a RRP of £50,000.
Posted by Steve Rush