Part of the Connoisseurs Choice series by Gordon & MacPhail. Distilled in 1983 at Port Ellen Distillery, this expression matured in refill sherry casks before being bottled in 2001 at 40% abv.

Please note: This bottle was purchased as part of a private collection.

A stunning 13-year-old single malt from Aultmore, this bottling was first matured in refill bourbon casks before finishing its time in a St Joseph red wine cask. An extra special release, the liquid was distilled in 2009 and opened by Gordon & MacPhail in 2023, part of the independent releasing for its Connoisseurs Choice collection.

From its time in red wine casks, expect a right and fruity nose with a buttery sweet palate and a hint of orange on the finish.

From Gordon & MacPhail’s Connoisseurs Choice Selection, this single malt whisky hails from Caol Ila distillery on Islay. Matured in a single first-fill sherry butt for 25 years, the expression was drawn from the cask at 56.7% abv. One of 532 bottles. 

Cured meat aromas infuse with peanuts and red apple on the nose. Raspberry and citrus peel flavours lead to milk chocolate on the palate, before a full and smoky finish with lingering dried banana.

A collection created in 1968 by ‘Mr George’ Urquhart, a man considered to be a whisky visionary, the Connoisseurs Choice range has had more than 2,000 bottles added to it over the intervening years, from almost 100 Scottish distilleries! Each bottling in this iconic collection is a small batch expression chosen and created by Gordon & MacPhail’s unique expertise in matching spirit to oak casks, an expertise that’s been passed through the generations.

This bottling comes from Islay distillery Caol Ila and was matured for 16 years in a Refill American Hogshead (cask #312775) before being bottled at 58.1% abv. The release is full of rich chocolate and nuts which are lightened by citrus peel, before delving into a cloud of bonfire smoke. Bottom of Form

The Connoisseurs Choice range showcases single malts from distilleries across Scotland, uniting rare and highly sought-after single malts from some of Scotland’s most established names, maturing and bottling whiskies from distilleries as varied as Caol Ila on Islay to Strathmill in Speyside.

Exclusive to The Whisky Shop, this Connoisseurs Choice Dalmore 2008 17 Year Old #800117 is a limited-edition Highland region dram, released at 57.3% abv with only 146 bottles available world-wide. Filled in 2008 and aged 17 years, this is a liquid was matured in a refill bourbon barrel. 

Expect a nose of grapefruit and malted biscuit, a palate of grass, melon, nectarine and lime, before a perfect close of citrus, charred oak, and pepper. Not just rare and collectable – also delicious!

This Connoisseurs Choice single malt from Glen Elgin is a testament to its Speyside roots. Distilled in 2005 and matured for 18 years in a single first-fill sherry hogshead (#18604902), it is bottled at a strength of 57.8% ABV, one of only 249 bottlings. This limited edition showcases depth and elegance with every sip. 

Matured and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Connoisseurs Choice released as a part of their The Recollection Series #2 hails from Glenesk distillery in the Highlands. The refill sherry butt was filled in 1984, and was decanted in 2023 into just 103 bottles. Presented at 50.5% abv, free from chill filtration and at natural colour.

Berry compote aromas complement autumnal spice and sultanas, leading to a palate of stewed forest fruits, dark chocolate and hazenuts. A medium-bodied finish with coffee bean and apple.

A collection created in 1968 by ‘Mr George’ Urquhart, a man considered to be a whisky visionary, the Connoisseurs Choice range has had more than 2,000 bottles added to it over the intervening years, from almost 100 Scottish distilleries! Each bottling in this iconic collection is a small batch expression chosen and created by Gordon & MacPhail’s unique expertise in matching spirit to oak casks, an expertise that’s been passed through the generations.

This particular bottling comes from Highland distillery Macduff, and was matured for 15 years in a First Fill Bourbon Barrell before being bottled at 58.6% abv. On the nose there is lime and lemon zest with boozy vanilla, red apple, and coco powder. The taste is full of tropical fruits, butterscotch, and honey. With a medium finish, you’ll be left with lingering tropical fruit and spice notes.