To mark the 350th anniversary of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, the Master, Chris Porter visited distilleries throughout the UK to raise awareness of the work that it does. On 28 June 2022 he visited Gordon & MacPhail and after a ‘convivial night’ with Gordon & MacPhail’s Managing Director, Ewen MacKintosh and Michael Urquhart CBE Decanter number 3 of Glen Grant 1952, bottled in 2022 to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was presented to the Distillers Charity, boosting the Master’s 350th Anniversary Appeal.
We are honoured to be auctioning the very same decanter on 13 September 2022 to raise money for charity. All proceeds from its sale will go towards the Livery’s 350th Anniversary Appeal.
The Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 1952 from Glen Grant Distillery
The Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 1952 from Glen Grant Distillery in Speyside spent 70 years maturing in a first fill sherry butt. The single cask (numbered 321) was bottled at 52.3% ABV, on 6 February at the date of the Queen’s accession, and ‘serves as a tribute, exemplifying how character, patience and wisdom can mature over decades to deliver an exceptional legacy’.
The nose has notes of beeswax polish which give way to ripe fig aromas, toffee and orange zest. Aged leather tempers rum and raisin. There is stewed blackberry compote on the palate, with sweet clementine and milk chocolate flavours followed by a menthol undertone. The long finish has a touch of smoke and a hint of pepper.
Glen Grant Distillery
Glen Grant Distillery was built in 1840 by John and James Grant. Located at Rothes, it overlooks the river Spey and is thought to be the only Scotch whisky distillery to be named after its owners. Glen Grant draws its water from the Caperdonich well, the same water source used by its sister distillery which was mothballed in 2002. Glen Grant’s whiskies are famed for their deliciously light, fruity and gentle character that matures wonderfully.
Gordon & MacPhail
Exterior of Gordon & MacPhail’s historical grocery shop
Established as a grocery business in 1895 in Scotland’s Speyside region, Gordon & MacPhail originally sold groceries from around the world such as teas, coffees, wines and whisky. The founders, James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail, set out to complement its varied stock with single malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside.
The Worshipful Company of Distillers
There are currently 110 City Livery Companies, each numbered according to precedence, primarily based on the date of foundation. Royal Charter was granted to The Distillers’ Company in 1638 and it is ranked number 69. Livery companies’ role within the City (the financial district and historic heart) of London is significant. Liverymen have voting rights for senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor and other local government powers.
The Drinks Trust
Since 1886, The Drinks Trust (formerly The Benevolent) has provided care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, both past and present. The Drinks Trust is run by drinks industry professionals, funded by drinks industry fundraisers, volunteers and contributors.
