This Glencraig 1975 is the final release in the 125th Anniversary series from Gordon & MacPhail, and with 110 bottles the rarest as well.
Glencraig is the name of the whisky produced in Lomond stills at the Glenburgie distillery (much like Mosstowie was distilled at Miltonduff – also in this series). It was produced from 1958, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, mostly as a blending malt for Ballantine’s Finest. As the cleaning of the rectifying plates inside Lomond stills is notoriously hard, the stills were removed in 1981.
Another very rare name in this anniversary series, and the last remaining cask from this distillery in G&M’s warehouse.
Glencraig 44 yo 1975 (54,2%, Gordon & MacPhail 2020, refill American oak hogshead #9686, 110 btl.)
Nose: a lovely, seductive profile that reminds me of some of the old Glen Grants and Caperdonichs at first. You know, plenty of honey and beehive notes, waxy touches and plenty of stewed fruits. Apricots and apples, then also pineapple and hints of banana. Light floral notes (hand cream), some thyme and eucalyptus. Whiffs of guimauve candy. All this brought together by some polished exotic wood.
Mouth: starts oily and sweet, still with lots of honey, sweet orange and vanilla custard. Bergamot tea and nectarines. A bit more white pepper from the oak now, as well as some nutmeg and herbal teas. Dark liquorice. Mint leaves and some oak char.
Finish: long, rather bittersweet, on resinous notes, nutmeg and herbal tea.
Another great addition to this series. One of the nicest noses I’ve come accross lately – on the palate there’s lots of concentration and a bitter side. Elegant, fresh and simply another great release from this bottler. Around € 1900.