G&M Heritage Debut: Longmorn 56-Year-Old Single Malt

A Half-Century Sherry Legend: G&M and Longmorn Create the Ultimate Heritage Expression

Scottish independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail recently announced the launch of the all-new Connoisseurs Choice Heritage series, designed to pay tribute to the most iconic product lines in the brand's history. The inaugural release of this series is a 56-year-old single malt whisky from the Longmorn distillery in Speyside. This rare spirit was filled into a refill sherry butt in December 1968, coinciding with the year the series was originally established, and was bottled in 2025 at a cask strength of 54.3%. The whisky offers aromas of beeswax, red apples, and stewed raisins, with a palate of dry tobacco, fruit jam, and walnuts, finishing with rich layers of cigar box, citrus, and pepper.

The Visionary Spirit of the Father of Single Malt

The Connoisseurs Choice series was founded in the 1960s by George Urquhart, a pivotal figure in the family known as the "Father of Single Malt Whisky." During an era when blended whisky dominated the market, George Urquhart used his keen insight to foresee the potential demand for single malts. He began building partnerships with distilleries across Scotland, specifically bottling spirits independently that were originally intended for blending, showcasing their unique quality and flavor diversity. This pioneering move not only drove the global popularity of single malt whisky but also established the series as an internationally recognized benchmark.

Classic Black Label and a Brand Transformation Milestone

The new series continues the brand's tradition by featuring the most recognizable classic black label design. Gordon & MacPhail stated that through four generations of family management and deep experience collaborating with over 100 Scottish distilleries, the company combines oak casks and time to create unique whiskies. Although the company announced three years ago that it would stop purchasing third-party casks to focus on its own Benromach and The Cairn distilleries, the launch of this Heritage series serves not only as a tribute to the founder but also as a significant review and presentation of its deep inventory of rare aged whiskies during the brand's transformation.

📅 Published Date: 2026-06-22

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/gordon-macphail-launches-connoisseurs-choice-heritage-series-with-1960s-longmorn-single-malt/