Gordon & MacPhail Unveil “The Wood Makes The Whisky”

Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s leading single malt whisky specialists, has selected a special series of whiskies to showcase the company’s ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign which highlights the importance of this essential element in the whisky maturation process.

For over 120 years Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit with oak in order to ensure a premium taste which reflects the company’s philosophy. Through ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign consumers are invited to gain a more in-depth insight into how Gordon & MacPhail’s approach to matching wood to spirit has shaped a number of whiskies in their portfolio.

Using expertise honed over four generations, Gordon & MacPhail believe that wood really does make the whisky, with their skilfully coopered casks delivering a full spectrum of flavor compounds; from sweet vanilla notes found through Bourbon cask maturation to rich toffee, dark chocolate and spice notes derived through maturation in Sherry casks.

The array of flavors derived from oak are abundant across the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio, with each whisky demonstrating a unique flavor profile which reflects the cask type as well as the distillery character.

Gordon & MacPhail has selected a series of whiskies, from various Collections including Connoisseurs Choice, The MacPhail’s Collection and Rare Vintage, which they feel best demonstrate ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ philosophy.

A book and website have been created to accompany the campaign which can be used to guide whisky lovers through the series, explaining the flavors of each whisky and how this relates to the wood.

Ewen Macintosh, Chief Operating Officer said:“Here at Gordon & MacPhail we have always been focused on the close relationship between oak and spirit, and have learned from vast experience that wood really does make the whisky. We have selected the special series of whiskies to demonstrate this complex relationship.

“Our unrivaled collection is a liquid library showcasing whiskies from numerous Scottish distilleries, age profiles and whisky characteristics. From branch to barrel, we aim to deliver a perfectly matured whisky time and time again.”

This series includes:

Connoisseurs Choice Speyburn 1991 (46% ABV, matured in a Refill Sherry Hogshead cask)

The MacPhail’s Collection Bunnahabhain 8 Years Old (43% ABV)

Distillery Labels Ardmore 1996 (43% ABV)

Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1954 (40% ABV, matured in 1st Fill Sherry casks)

Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey 2004 (46% ABV)

Connoisseurs Choice Tormore 1997 (46% ABV)

Speymalt Macallan 2006 (43% ABV)

Rare Vintage Strathisla 1965 (43% ABV, matured in 1st Fill Sherry Butt)