Dram Review: Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Longmorn 1961 (Cask No. 508)

[45.0%・57 Years Old・Distilled in 1961・Bottled in 2018・Gordon & MacPhail Bottling・Cask No. 508・Single Cask Release of 97 Bottles]

Nose:

Breathtakingly thick mahogany oozing out rich cocoa and dark tannins.  Dates and figs caramelising in simmering syrup, a creamy and bright Sherry body still rather lively for its age.  The wood is majestic and elegantly elongated, coconut flakes and cinnamon with the leather bringing on an earthier tone.

Palate & Finish:

Stupendously juicy and acidic with the dates carrying the tannins.  Surprisingly though there exists perhaps a suggestion of smoke along with the earthy notes.  The wood is well seasoned in brown sugar syrup, mellow and elongated, releasing notes of burnt toast brushed with syrupy black cherries and very dark chocolate.

Wood and leather as the European oak tannins continue to ooze out.  The cereal chewiness is joined by some preserved orange slices at the very end to lift the tail.

Thoughts:

Bravo, I was concerned that as a 57 year old this would be far too polite but in fact this is rather dramatic with a finish that just keeps on giving.

It’s hard to definitively draw a line on whether a dram this old would be considered to be over-oaked, I think most people would find themselves having to make this personal judgement call.  On this occasion I have to trust my instinct, I was satisfied.

I suspect many will consider that Mr. Richard Urquhart now holds the slight bragging rights over his twin..

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

Thank you Gordon & MacPhail for the sample, it’s much appreciated.

-Nicholas