Glenturret 2002 The MacPhail’s Collection (43%, Gordon & MacPhail, 2016)

Whisky Review

• Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Glenturret Distillery
• Bottling: Gordon & MacPhail, The MacPhail’s Collection
• ABV: 43%
• Cost: £40.19

What they say:

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 flavour 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 flavours derived from oak are abundant across the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio, with each whisky demonstrating a unique flavour 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 flavours 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 unrivalled 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.”

For more information on the Wood Makes the Whisky campaign please visit [http://wood.gordonandmacphail.com/].

Colour

Dark Gold.

What I say:

The first in a further 4 selected drams provided by Gordon & MacPhail to highlight their Wood Makes The Whisky campaign.

Colour:

Orange/bronze gold (11/20), medium tears with medium legs

Nose:

Floral, toffee, sweet, roses and violets, perfumed, tablet; sweet and buttery, rich and spiced, toasted marshmallows, zesty orange and ginger marmalade, fruity cherry.

Taste:

Creamy milk chocolate, slightly bitter, cocoa powder, toasted woody oak, woody rosemary, dried fruits, juniper berries, caramel, bitter liquorice, slight black pepper spice; much more bitter than the toffee nose

Finish:

Medium, bitter oak, creamy milk chocolate & buttermilk pancakes

Overall:

The bitterness was slightly challenging in places; perhaps this is one for gin or bitters lovers as it had quite a peculiar flavour profile underneath the traditional whisky flavour elements.

Score: 83/100

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