Gordon & MacPhail Unveil Final Chapter in Mr George Legacy Series with a 70-Year-Old Glen Grant

A historic release pays tribute to the man who changed the whisky world.

Gordon & MacPhail, the renowned Scotch whisky bottler, has released 130 bottles of the fifth and final expression in its prestigious Mr George Legacy Series—a line of whiskies that celebrates the pioneering spirit of George Urquhart, affectionately known as the “father of single malt.”

A Tribute Seventy Years in the Making

The latest release is a remarkable 70-year-old single malt from Glen Grant, one of the oldest age-statement whiskies ever bottled. Distilled in 1954 and aged in a first-fill sherry puncheon, this rare spirit is a fitting tribute to the visionary who dared to champion single malts in an era when blends ruled the Scotch industry.

George Urquhart—known simply as “Mr George”—believed in the value of patience and maturity in whisky, and this release reflects that ethos perfectly. His bold choices decades ago laid the foundation for a legacy that has allowed Gordon & MacPhail to routinely bottle whiskies well beyond half a century in age.

A Legacy of Age and Excellence

Every whisky in the Mr George Legacy Series is more than 60 years old and sourced exclusively from Glen Grant—a distillery Mr George held in particular regard. Glen Grant’s elegant, fruity character has long made it a favorite for long-term maturation, and it plays a central role in many of Gordon & MacPhail’s most treasured releases.

This final bottling takes ageing to its extreme. Unlike most whiskies of similar age, which typically rest in second- or third-fill casks to prevent overpowering influence from the wood, this spirit spent its full 70 years in a highly active first-fill sherry puncheon—direct from the bodega and rich with fortified wine character.

Complex and Mature Flavour Profile

The result is a single malt unlike any Glen Grant seen before. Gone are the typical light and fruity hallmarks. Instead, the whisky boasts layers of stewed prunes, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and warming oak spice. On the nose, subtler notes of dried orange peel and apple skin hint at its origins, but the palate leans deeply into aged richness—more reminiscent of antique wood and old libraries than fresh fruit.

At 50.5% ABV, the whisky is robust enough to handle a touch of water, which mellows the spice and brings out more of its dark chocolate undertones.

Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Stuart Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Operations Director and Mr George’s grandson, called the final release “the perfect tribute” to his grandfather’s life’s work. He added:

“As we celebrate our 130th anniversary, we not only honour the past but also inspire future generations to continue the innovation and craftsmanship championed by ‘Mr George.’”

As a fourth-generation family-owned business, Gordon & MacPhail continues to balance heritage and progress, with Mr George’s meticulous standards still influencing their approach today.

Rare Whisky for the Serious Collector

The Mr George Legacy Series 1954 is now available globally with a suggested retail price of £8,000 (approximately $10,800 USD), though pricing may vary by region. More information can be found at gordonandmacphail.com.

This final release not only closes a remarkable series but stands as a testament to a man whose foresight and passion reshaped the world of Scotch whisky.

We have covered two unique releases from Glen Grant:

• The Glen Grant 65-Year-Old release to start the Splendours Collection
• Another 70-year-old single malt whisky from Glen Grant, Devotion

At UKV International A, we work with our clients to acquire fine and rare whisky to add to their collections or help them expand their interest with whisky cask investments.

We also help store casks of whisky in UK government bonded facilities until they are ready to be bottled.