Miltonduff | 31 Jahre | 1990/2021 | Sherry Butt #19440 | Gordon & MacPhail | Connoisseurs Choice | 54,6%

The Miltonduff Distillery, founded in 1824 by Andrew Peary and Robert Bain, is located near Pluscarden Abbey in the Speyside region, about six miles southwest of Elgin. Originally, the distillery operated illicit stills until the Excise Act was passed, allowing for legal production. By the end of the 19th century, Miltonduff was one of Scotland's largest whisky producers, using a unique triple distillation method, a rare technique for Highland and Speyside distilleries.

The distillery primarily produces for blended whiskies, particularly for the brands Ballantine’s, Teacher’s, and Old Smuggler. However, Miltonduff has also released some notable single malt bottlings, including a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old whisky. Especially known is the rare "Very Rare" bottling, which is valued for its limited availability and high quality.

Miltonduff whiskies are characterized by their fruity and floral notes, often accompanied by hints of spices, vanilla, and honey. These flavor profiles result from the use of unpeated malt and aging in a combination of American white oak and sherry casks. The water source for the distillery is the Black Burn, known for its purity and significant contribution to the whisky's quality.

In 1964, Lomond stills were installed at Miltonduff to produce Mosstowie whisky, which was discontinued in 1981. Today, Miltonduff is part of Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, and has a production capacity of 5.8 million liters per year.

Although there are few official single malt releases from Miltonduff, independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail regularly release their own versions.

Gordon & MacPhail: A Guide to the Scottish Whisky Bottler with Tradition

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent whisky bottlers in Scotland, with origins dating back to 1895. Founded by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail, the company remains family-owned, managed by the Urquhart family, and is headquartered in Elgin, in the heart of Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production.

Over a Century of Whisky Expertise

Over the years, Gordon & MacPhail has developed unique expertise in maturing whisky. The company is known for selecting exceptional casks and aging them to perfection in their own warehouses. Many of their whiskies mature for decades, some for over 30, 40, or even 50 years before bottling.

A Diverse Portfolio

Gordon & MacPhail's range includes various product lines such as 'Connoisseurs Choice', 'Private Collection', and 'Generations'. Each line features its own theme and style, ranging from young, vibrant bottlings to rare, decades-old whiskies. Notably, Gordon & MacPhail also offers whiskies from closed distilleries, providing connoisseurs the chance to experience historically significant single malts.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In addition to preserving tradition, Gordon & MacPhail places great emphasis on sustainability and the advancement of their production processes. The company has recently announced plans to gradually reduce its role as an independent bottler and focus more on producing its own distillates. This includes using whisky from their own distilleries like Benromach and The Cairn to enhance the quality and uniqueness of their products.

For whisky enthusiasts, Gordon & MacPhail offer not just a tasting of top-quality malts but also a profound experience of Scottish whisky history, marked by the company's dedication and passion.