On 3rd February 1940 in a quiet corner in the north of Scotland, George Urquhart and his father, John, had the extraordinary foresight and vision to lay down spirit from Glenlivet Distillery in a bespoke Gordon & MacPhail cask to be enjoyed by future generations.

On 5th February 2020, leaning on the unique skill and experience acquired by over more than 125 years, the decision was taken to finally bottle the cask’s precious out-turn of 250 decanters.

As part of the project launch, colleagues at Gordon & MacPhail have been actively involved in personally planting trees – including oaks - at Glen Affric as part of our partnership with charity partner, Trees for Life. With a mission to rewild The Caledonian Forest, Trees for Life will receive proceeds, minus costs, from the Sotheby’s auction of Generations decanter #1 in Hong Kong on 2nd October 2021.

“It’s fitting that this release will provide a relevant, valuable and long-lasting legacy with direct benefits for all,” comments Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail.

More details of the Sotheby’s auction can be found here

Distillery Glenlivet
Region Speyside
Distilled 3 February 1940
Bottled 5 February 2020
ABV 44.9%
Years Old 80
Cask No 340
Cask Type First fill Sherry butt
Colour Darkest Mahogany

From whisky writer, Charlie MacLean MBE:-

Appearance: Deep umber with magenta lights; old polished rosewood.
Aroma: A complex, mellow nose-feel, still vivacious after all these years. Top notes of almond oil, scented hand-soap, backed by sandalwood and gorse flowers on a warm day. A whiff of peat-smoke in the empty glass.
Palate: An oily texture, and lightly sweet to start (dates, salted plums, figs), drying elegantly (traces of dry Oloroso Sherry), towards a lengthy menthol finish. Drop of water increases spiciness.
Summary: Vibrant and wholly satisfying. One of the finest malts I have ever encountered.