Gordon & MacPhail to debut world’s oldest single malt
Independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail will release the world’s oldest single malt Scotch in October, an 85-year-old Glenlivet whisky.
At 85 years of age, the new whisky will surpass The Macallan’s 84-year-old Time: Space for the title of world’s oldest single malt Scotch. Time: Space was unveiled in September 2024.
George Urquhart and his father, John Urquhart, laid the single malt to rest on 3 February 1940 in an American oak cask (cask 336).
On 5 February this year, Gordon & MacPhail emptied the cask, filling 125 decanters of the 43.7% ABV liquid.
Stephen Rankin, director of prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company, described the whisky as “truly exceptional due to its remarkable history and unique maturation process”.
He said: “The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky with a strength of 43.7% ABV that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.”
The 85-year-old whisky will be housed in a decanter designed by American architect Jeanne Gang. Based on the theme of ‘artistry in oak’, the decanter’s design will be revealed in October.
“I was excited to learn about everything involved in whisky’s creation,” Gang explained.
“Each careful step lends something to a whisky’s unique flavour. Then, there are years of protecting the casks so they can age. In architecture, these elements of materiality and time also play a critical role in the design process.
“Both are about creating something enduring. This is what I found inspiring about this opportunity to design a decanter for Gordon & MacPhail’s 85-year-old single malt whisky.”
Christie’s New York will auction decanter number one in November 2025. Proceeds minus costs will be donated to non-profit conservation organisation American Forest.
Gordon & MacPhail is known for often releasing the oldest expressions from a particular distillery.
The independent bottler has sourced liquid from more than 100 Scottish distilleries. Its cask collection has been built over four generations of family ownership.
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