Blending whisky is an art which demands vast experience, a highly developed sense of smell and an uncanny measure of judgement. Blending a whisky which remains popular for a hundred years is an artistic achievement of some note.
James
Gordon, one of the founders of the firm, established an affiliated but separate
whisky broking business under his own name, and some of our blends date from
this era. BEN ALDER, for example was first created in 1900 as DEW OF BEN ALDER.
It is named after the mountain in central Highlands which sheltered Prince
Charles Edward Stuart for a time after his defeat at Culloden.
We
have always enjoyed strong connections with the distilleries of Speyside and the
East Highlands, and the availability of mature whiskies of great distinction and
individuality has enabled us to create blends of unusually mellow character.
GLEN CALDER - Named not after a place but a person, Sir James Calder, who was an MP for the Royal Burgh of Elgin in the 17th Century. He built a mansion not far from the Gordon & MacPhail shop in Elgin, which later acquired a reputation for being haunted. Malt whiskies, predominately from the Glenlivet area of Speyside, are used to give this blend its sweet and slightly smoky character.
AVONSIDE - The River Avon rises near Tomintoul distillery, runs past Glenlivet Distillery and meets the Spey close to Cragganmore distillery. The Junction Pool, where the two rivers mingle is one of the Spey's most famous stretches. This is a choice blend, generous in malt whiskies of over 8 years old, with a classic Speyside aroma.
Home | History | Sample Room | News | Product Range | Shop