New Gordon & MacPhail

I really like the Gordon & MacPhail palate.  They seem to often choose smart casks for their bottlings and that only enhances the reputation of their brand's quality.  What I especially like is that some of their bottlings are at 43%, bucking the current trend that believes malt tastes better at 46% (as if that's a magic number).  Euan from G&M told me in person that he doesn't understand the fascination with percentages, saying that a whisky tastes best at the level where it tastes best, not necessarily a set ABV.  I completely trust that G&M has tried their barrels at both cask strength and with water.  If they decide to bottle at 43% then I assume that it tasted better at that proof.  The previous releases (Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Rosebank) that were at 43% were fantastic and I assume these will be as well.  Can't wait to taste them.  Here's what just came in.  I had to pre-order them to secure them, so haven't sampled them yet, but the selection is fascinating.  A load of distilleries that are closed or rarely available.

1991 Ardmore 16 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $94.99

1976 Banff 28 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Whisky $139.99

1984 Convalmore 22 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $149.99

1975 Glen Albyn 31 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Whisky $195.99

1984 Glenesk 20 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Whisky $139.99

-David Driscoll