Gordon & MacPhail unveils its last-ever release to feature the Talisker name - Part of its Connoisseurs Choice Heritage Range

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Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled an ultra-rare 39-Year-Old single malt Scotch whisky as part of its Connoisseurs Choice Heritage Range. One of the oldest expressions from the distillery ever released, the whisky has been matured in a Gordon & MacPhail cask since it was distilled in 1987. To add to its rarity, it is the very last time a Gordon & MacPhail label will feature the Talisker name. Only 451 bottles of this single cask are available worldwide.

The whisky was laid down on 3 March 1987 and matured for 39 years in a refill Sherry butt and was bottled at a cask strength of 51.4% on 30 April 2026. The price is £1,250.

This release honours the vision of George Urquhart, described by whisky writer Charles MacLean as “the father of single malt”, who launched the Connoisseurs Choice range in 1968 with the aim of giving whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to discover whiskies from distilleries seldom seen as single malts. The 'Connoisseurs Choice' range has featured more than 2,000 bottlings from almost 100 Scottish distilleries. The independent bottler is also honouring the original Connoisseurs Choice bottlings with the return of the iconic black label design.

The whisky opens with fragrant raisin and clove spice, complemented by a hint of leather, with tangerine zest giving way to walnut and prunes on the nose. On the palate, jammy figs combine with vibrant strawberries and cracked black pepper, while subtle cocoa develops alongside pressed apple and dried tobacco. The finish is full and spicy, with lingering citrus and a hint of ash.

Stuart Urquhart, Operations Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: "This release marks a poignant moment for us, as after several decades where bottlings from Talisker Distillery have been absent from our Connoisseurs Choice range, we are now releasing a final single cask bottling from this top distillery. Thirty-nine years in a refill sherry butt has given this whisky exceptional depth without ever losing Talisker's signature character. For collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike, this is a rare opportunity to own the final piece of our history with this distillery.”

Speaking about the whisky, renowned whisky critic Serge Valentin called it "yet another marvel," adding:

"It is rather splendid to see the old black CC labels again, the ones in use during the 1970s, before the 'brown banner labels' which themselves preceded the 'old map labels'. It is true that this series once sheltered many wonderful Taliskers, especially those from the 1950s. I also find that there is something exceedingly chic about releasing malts at 39 years of age, rather than waiting a few more months in order to display '40'.”

Talisker Distillery, Distilled 1987 will be available to purchase from gordonandmacphail.com. Retail price is £1,250 per bottle.

This follows the launch of the Connoisseurs Choice Heritage 1968 from Longmorn Distillery released earlier this year. Availability of this 57-year-old single malt whisky is dwindling fast so those interested are urged to register interest via the brand website.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: AMBER
NOSE: Fragrant raisin and clove spice are complemented by a hint of leather. Tangerine zest gives way to walnut and prunes.
TASTE: Jammy figs combine with vibrant strawberries and cracked black pepper. Subtle cocoa develops alongside pressed apple and dried tobacco.
FINISH: Full and spicy with lingering citrus and a hint of ash.