We are incredibly fortunate in Moray Speyside to have over 50 distilleries producing the finest Scotch whisky. The Duffus Estate team were delighted to have been invited to attend a special whisky tasting session of some of these fine whiskies at Gordon & MacPhail’s store on the High Street in Elgin.
Off the four of us went with spring in our step, after Ed parked in Elgin town centre. The store on the High Street is beautifully decorated with the luxurious style which is synonymous with Gordon & MacPhail.
Nigel, our expert for the afternoon met us when we arrived. We had a time for a browse around the offerings on the shelf and were wowed by the choice of spirits. Equally important, there is something there for everyone and a great selection to choose a special gift or souvenir too!
The Boardroom Table
We were taken into the exclusive area, where our tasting was set out. The most beautiful white oak boardroom table was ours to sit at during the tasting.
The historic premises on South Street (where the boardroom table normally resides) are undergoing a major redevelopment to create a unique whisky experience, incorporating displays, tasting rooms and a liquid library of some of the world’s rarest whiskies.
Whisky Tasting Journey
We went on a journey tasting 5 single malt whisky’s. G&M offer five different tastings; Discovery, Connoisseurs Choice, Single Cask, Vintage & Rare and a Bespoke tasting. Visit Gordon & PacPhail’s’ website for price and further information and booking.
Auchroisk
Number 1 for us was from the Discovery range, Auchroisk – meaning ‘the ford across the stream’. We tasted it as it came and then added a drop of water using an ‘Angels Share’ pipette. This is a fresh and light Speyside whisky, and at 43% was enough to make us begin to relax and enjoy the experience.
Inchgower
Onto Number 2 – from the Connoisseurs Choice, Inchgower – meaning ‘field of the goats’. This had a much richer flavour, I could imagine sitting by the fireside, sipping this dram. Inchgower comes from a single cask. From hereon in my notes begin to get a bit patchy!
Caol Ila
Number 3 was also from the Connoisseurs Choice, Caol Ila – meaning ‘Sound of Isla’. This tasted quite different and was very mellow, despite being a peaty one! The peaty flavour is imparted when drying the malted barley over a peat fire.
Tormore
Onto Number 4, we are all quite cheery now. Tormore – meaning ‘Big Hill’. This was the first distillery built in the 20th century, in 1958. It is a stunning distillery with a very grandiose design, including topiary hedging shaped like whisky stills. If you find the opportunity to take a tour here, don’t miss it!
Surprisingly, the country which consumes the most whisky is India, with France coming a close second.
Mortlach
Number 5, the time is flying past, we are learning lots about whisky and distilleries, Moreover, Nigel is keeping us entertained! Our final try is Mortlach, from the Distilleries Labels range. It is the name of the original village. It is a 46% sherry cask and hogshead vatting. There will be a mix of different casks and at least one 85 year old included! Uniquely, Gordon & MacPhail are masters of older maturation, giving a high quality product.
We learned lots of other interesting particulars about whisky and the whisky industry. I won’t share them here, but will leave them to the experts such as Nigel to tell.
Warm Glow
Our team had an amazing afternoon tasting drams from all over Scotland. We left with a warm glow and a lot more knowledge of our national drink than when we arrived!
“It was an informative and enjoyable tasting delivered by a passionate and knowledgeable host. I was the nominated driver but got to enjoy the samples at home with a special drivers pack.” Said Ed when reflecting on the whisky tasting.
We are incredibly lucky to have Gordon & MacPhail, the ‘home of whisky’ on our doorstep. Their knowledge of the world of whisky is unparalleled and no visit to Speyside is complete without a trip their store in Elgin. Better still, why not book a private tasting – you will not be disappointed.
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