Gordon & MacPhail release wartime whisky in HK

Scotch whisky producer Gordon & MacPhail has released a ‘Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail’ in Hong Kong, that has been matured in a first-fill Sherry hogshead since the Second World War at the Speyside distillery.

Only 40 decanters, bottled at cask strength of 49.1 ABV, have been released for sale worldwide and will retail for HK$395,000 (US$50,561) each.

Distilled on 14 January 1943, the release of Cask 121 also represents the last 1943 Glenlivet vintage from the Gordon & MacPhail stock inventory.

In 1943, Cask 121 was selected by John and George Urquhart, first and second generation of the Urquhart family for filling at the Glenlivet Distillery. Stephen Rankin, a director of the company and John Urquhart’s great-grandson, made the decision to bottle it, according to the company.

Each decanter also comes with a commemorative book, written by whisky author Jonny McCormick, and is individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin, director and member of the Urquhart family.