Gordon & MacPhail, the iconic Scottish distiller and independent bottler, has released the fifth and final expression in its Mr. George Legacy Series. The series, an “annual collection of rare, ultra-aged single malts,” honors George Urquhart, the second-generation leader of the family-owned company. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the latest Mr. George Legacy release and the four previous ones.
This year, Gordon & MacPhail celebrates its 130th anniversary. Long a fixture in Scotland’s Scotch whisky world, the firm, under the leadership of George Urquhart, affectionately known as “Mr. George,” was instrumental in championing single malt whisky when blends dominated the market. Famed whisky writer Charles McLain praised Urquhart as “the world’s foremost expert in combining spirit, oak and time” and is justifiably described as the father of malt whisky.
Each release in the series is a Glen Grant single malt matured in a first-fill sherry butt, laid down under Mr. George’s direction. The first two releases in the Mr. George Legacy Series are sold out. Small quantities from the Third and Fourth Editions are still available at leading retailers like The Whisky Exchange. All four expressions occasionally become available at whisky auctions.
The Mr George Legacy Series of Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whisky Editions 1-5
Mr George Legacy Series, First Edition – Glen Grant 1953, 67 Years Old, 59.4% ABV, 700 ml.
The whiskey was distilled on December 24, 1953, and bottled in January 2021. It was matured in a first-fill Sherry butt, Cask No. 4209. A total of 355 bottles were released.
The whisky features Sherry fruitcake aromas such as raisin, dried fig, molasses, candied orange zest, roasted nuts, burnt caramel, and rancio notes of old leather and waxy furniture polish.
It’s sweet and robust on the palate, featuring candied citrus zest, golden raisins, dark chocolate, and espresso coffee, along with herbal notes of anise/licorice, caramel, subtle hints of cold smoke and charred oak, cinnamon, and a touch of clove.
The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of licorice, candied orange zest, dark dried fruit, and subtle hints of smoke.
Mr. George Legacy Series, First Edition – Glen Grant 1957, 64 Years Old, 56.1% ABV, 700 ml.
The whisky was distilled in 1957 and bottled in 2021. It was matured in a first-fill Sherry butt, No. 3438. A total of 298 bottles were released.
The nose features distinctive berry aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and sweet cherries, followed by apples, dark chocolate, honey, toasted hazelnuts, freshly sawn pine wood/resin, and rancio notes of leather and furniture polish.
Dark chocolate, orange marmalade, honey, dried/fragrant tobacco, tea, herbal notes of eucalyptus and anise/licorice, seasoned oak, and spices of cinnamon and black pepper are featured on the palate. The whisky is oily with a pronounced mouth weight.
The finish is very long and slightly dry, with lingering dark chocolate, caramel, tobacco, herbal elements, a hint of oak, and black pepper notes.
Mr. George Legacy Series, Second Edition – Glen Grant 1959, 63 Years Old, 56.5% ABV, 700 ml.
The whisky was distilled on October 15, 1959, and bottled in 2022. It was matured in a first-fill Sherry butt, No. 3665. A total of 368 bottles were filled.
The nose showcases brown sugar, wood spices like cinnamon, clove, and a hint of nutmeg, along with dried fruit. The whisky is silky with a notable mouth weight. Stewed and baked red fruits, orange zest, mint, chocolate, and well-seasoned oak emerge on the palate. The finish is long and robust, with persistent fruity and spicy notes.
Mr. George Legacy Series, Fourth Edition – Glen Grant 1958, 65 Years Old, 59.4% ABV, 700 ml.
The whisky was distilled in 1958 and bottled in November 2023. It matured in a first-fill Sherry butt, No. 3818. A total of 376 bottles were produced.
The whisky is sweet and spicy on the nose, featuring candied orange peel, coffee, candied cherry, and caramel. It’s smooth, sweet, and robust on the palate, exhibiting spice, candied orange peel, candied cherry, caramel, espresso coffee notes, and rancio notes of leather and wax. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of dried fruit and cold smoke.
Mr. George Legacy Series, Fifth Edition – Glen Grant 1954, 70 Years Old, 59.4% ABV, 700 ml.
The whisky was distilled on April 24, 1954, and bottled on January 6, 2025. It was matured in a first-fill Sherry puncheon, No. 1823. A total of 130 bottles were produced.
The whisky is fruity and spicy on the nose, featuring dried fruit notes of prune, golden raisin, fig, black cherry, and blueberry, along with caramel, milk chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove.
The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.
The finish is lengthy and sweet, featuring lingering notes of dried fruits, cinnamon spice, and hints of black pepper and cold smoke.
According to Stuart Urquhart, G & M’s Operations Director, “The fifth and final release from the Mr. George Legacy Series is the perfect tribute to my grandfather’s lifetime of work, which still impacts the industry today.”
He added, “As we celebrate this milestone, we not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to continue the innovation and craftsmanship that Mr. George championed.”
Despite their shared DNA, this series’ five Mr. George expressions present different aroma and flavor profiles. They are all outstanding, a brilliant example of G & M’s “dedication to long-term maturation and the vision of George Urquhart.” These whiskies are rare and collectible, and they offer a deep insight into the art of whisky maturation, the rich history of single malt Scotch, and the singular contribution of G & M in developing the Scotch single malt whisky industry.