Glen Mhor, often overshadowed by its more celebrated peers like Brora and Port Ellen, holds a distinct allure in the realm of lost distilleries. While it may lack the romanticism of its counterparts, its significance cannot be understated, particularly as one of the components used to recreate the legendary Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt. Now, four decades removed from its last spirit run, Glen Mhor releases are increasingly scarce and highly coveted, exemplified by offerings like this one. Bottled from Refill Sherry Hogshead #72, yielding a mere 174 bottles, this expression has garnered an impressive 93 points on Whiskyfun, a testament to its exceptional quality. With its natural color, non-chill filtration, and robust 50.8% ABV, this bottling embodies the essence of Glen Mhor's legacy, destined to be cherished by whisky enthusiasts fortunate enough to acquire it.

The Private Collection by Gordon & MacPhail stands as a testament to the distilleries that have fallen silent over the years, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare glimpse into their storied past. This exclusive collection presents exceptionally rare and aged malts, carefully curated by members of the Urquhart family, who have steered Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. Among these treasures are releases from iconic distilleries like Dallas Dhu and Longmorn, each hand-selected to showcase the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, emphasizes the legacy of his grandfather, George Urquhart, who pioneered the art of matching new make spirit with select casks, ensuring each whisky reached its peak before bottling. The latest addition to this illustrious lineup is a Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu from a single refill American hogshead, yielding just 134 bottles after 38 years of ageing at a bold 60.1% ABV, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this iconic Speyside distillery.

Part of Gordon & MacPhail's esteemed Private Collection, this Speyside single malt hails from the shuttered Convalmore distillery in Dufftown. Distilled in 1975, it spent 46 years maturing in a refill American oak hogshead, yielding just 138 bottles at 47.8% ABV. On the nose, expect fragrant Turkish delight, zestful lemon, and candied orange peel. The palate offers a floral character accompanied by nuances of lemon curd and orange rind. Finishing smoothly, it unveils hints of Madagascan vanilla and lingering citrus notes.

This 39-year-old Private Collection Benromach, aged initially in a Sherry Cask for 19 years before a further 20-year finish in a Burgundy Hogshead, boasts a robust 60.2% ABV. Remarkably rare, independent bottlings of Benromach are scarce, with fewer than a dozen in the last two decades, many of which were by Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery's owner. The decision to release these Burgundy-finished expressions under Gordon & MacPhail's label likely stems from their deviation from the distillery's usual style, ensuring clarity between these and Benromach's recent 40-year-old releases, which adhere to a more traditional profile.

What those of us know in Alberta as the gateway to the Rockies, Banff is well known here. In Scotland though, the Banff Distillery, built in 1824 established itself in the Highlands until a fire destroyed all the maltings and the warehouses. Further calamities from World War II bombers ignited many casks of whisky and leaked the precious liquid all over the countryside where legend has that this caused the drunkenness of local farm animals. The distillery closed permanently in 1983 but left a legacy: a few remaining casks filled with a whisky of deep rich flavour and long lingering spice notes.

The third edition of the Mr. George Legacy Collection has arrived, featuring a 63-year-old single malt aged in First Fill Sherry casks and bottled at a bold 56.5% ABV. Named after George Urquhart, affectionately known as ‘Mr. George,’ this collection pays homage to his pivotal role in championing single malt whisky. Distilled on October 15th, 1959, and aged exclusively in cask no. 3665, a first-fill Sherry butt, this edition represents Gordon & MacPhail’s final cask from 1959. Bottled on November 2nd, 2022, this exceptional whisky captures the essence of Mr. George’s vision and legacy, making it a prized addition to any collection.

From the Glen Grant Distillery, the whisky was laid down in a Sherry cask in November of 1969. The Sherry cask invokes aromas of rich fruits and woody spices combining traces of wood polish and old leather. On the palate, find dried figs, and spice with an abundance of wood flavours and even sweet fudge nuances, and hints of bitter oak tannins. The finish is long and lingering with drying notes of cinnamon, clove and walnuts.

The second batch of the 2022-release Benromach 40 Year Old has been carefully matured in sherry casks, resulting in a captivating array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries entice the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper emerge, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

The 2022-release of Benromach 40 Year Old has been meticulously matured in sherry casks, resulting in a complex array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries captivate the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper unfold, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

Glenfarclas 37 Year Old 1985 Family Casks Release S23 #2606 is a true embodiment of excellence crafted by one of Scotland's most esteemed distilleries. This exquisite single malt whisky represents a culmination of tradition, expertise, and unparalleled craftsmanship, proudly bearing the rich legacy of the Grant family. Nurtured within the hallowed walls of Glenfarclas Distillery, this expression is a testament to the passage of time, having matured gracefully for 37 years in carefully selected refill sherry hogsheads. Distilled in 1985, this particular release unveils a distinctive character and depth that can only be achieved through decades of patient aging. Limited to 192 bottles.

Glenfarclas 22 Year Old 2000 Family Casks Release S23 #6226 is a remarkable expression from one of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries. Crafted with meticulous care and aged to perfection, this single malt whisky embodies the rich heritage and tradition of the Grant family, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence. Distilled in 2000 and matured for 22 years in refill sherry hogshead, this exceptional release represents a harmonious balance of time, craftsmanship, and natural elements. Each sip invites you to experience the depth and complexity that can only be achieved through patient maturation. Limited to 268 bottles.

Glenfarclas 19 Year Old 2004 Family Casks Release S23 #1106 is a captivating single malt whisky that epitomizes the rich tradition and exceptional craftsmanship of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2004 and aged for 19 years in a refill port pipe, this expression showcases a harmonious balance of time, expertise, and natural elements. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle of Glenfarclas 19 Year Old Family Casks Release S23 #1106 reflects the distillery’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. This release is a true testament to the Grant family’s legacy, highlighting their dedication to producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 457 bottles.

This Glenfarclas Single Cask Single Malt from the Family Casks Summer Release 2023 was distilled in 2005. It spent its entire maturation time in a 4th fill butt with the number 3034 before being bottled on July 19, 2023, at cask strength with 59.6% vol.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks whiskies are renowned for their excellence, representing vintage single cask single malts. Each vintage is represented by only a single barrel, with each barrel boasting its own unique story and complexity of flavors. True to Glenfarclas tradition, the bottlings in the Family Cask series are exclusively matured in sherry casks.

Glenfarclas 16 Year Old 2006 Family Casks Release S23 #2528 is a remarkable single malt whisky that embodies the rich heritage and unwavering dedication to quality of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2006 and aged for 16 years in a sherry butt, this expression represents a harmonious marriage of time, expertise, and tradition. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to excellence. This release is a true reflection of the Grant family’s legacy, showcasing their passion for producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 600 bottles.

Distilled in 1991 and matured in a sherry butt, this single cask Highland single malt whisky showcases the rich and complex profile that Glenfarclas is renowned for, particularly when it comes to their sherry-cask matured expressions. The bottling in July 2022 with an outturn of 567 bottles makes it a limited release, adding to the desirability for collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks series is a unique collection of the best single casks from the distillery's extensive and historic warehouses. Initiated in 2007, the collection spans every year from 1952 to recent years, making it a fascinating journey through the distillery's history with each bottle.

Given its single cask nature, this particular 1991 vintage would express a distinct character influenced by its specific sherry butt. Typically, such maturation imparts rich notes of dried fruits, spices, chocolate, and a deep, complex sweetness to the whisky, complemented by the distillery's characteristic robust and malty profile.