Glen Albyn 1976 (bottled 2012), Gordon & MacPhail – Rare Vintage, 43%

Introduction

Glen Albyn 1976 is a rare and historical single malt whisky from a distillery that closed its doors forever in 1983, making this Gordon & MacPhail bottling not just a fine whisky but a precious liquid archive of Scotland’s distilling heritage.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Traditional Scottish malted barley sourced from the Highland region, processed using the distinctive Glen Albyn production techniques from the 1970s
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Glen Albyn’s original copper pot stills, known for their unique shape that contributed to the distillery’s characteristic spirit profile
• Maturation: Carefully aged for 36 years (1976-2012) in hand-selected refill sherry casks under Gordon & MacPhail’s expert supervision
• Special techniques: Part of Gordon & MacPhail’s historic cask program, where they acquired and matured casks from operational distilleries, preserving spirits that would otherwise be lost to time

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dried fruits, candied orange peel, and subtle oak spices with hints of vanilla, toasted almonds, and gentle sherry influences
• Palate: Rich, velvety mouthfeel with layers of fruit cake, cinnamon, clove, honeyed sweetness, and elegant oak tannins balanced with gentle maltiness
• Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering notes of dried fruit, spice, and a pleasant oakiness that speaks to its considerable age

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the rare aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity and historical significance, with a few drops of still water to open up additional layers
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, dried fruits, or enjoyed on its own as a contemplative dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 43% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Northern Highlands
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Gordon & MacPhail’s prestigious Rare Vintage series, recognized internationally for preserving Scotland’s whisky heritage

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Glen Albyn 1976 offers an exceptional opportunity to taste a slice of whisky history that can never be replicated, with a character that showcases the distinctive Highland style from a bygone era.

With Glen Albyn distillery demolished in 1986, these bottles represent finite glimpses into Scotland’s lost whisky heritage, making each one increasingly precious as global supplies continue to diminish.

Gordon & MacPhail’s century-long expertise in cask selection and maturation has been recognized by whisky experts worldwide as instrumental in preserving the legacy of closed distilleries like Glen Albyn.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Serious whisky collectors and connoisseurs consistently seek out these rare Glen Albyn expressions, particularly those from the mid-1970s which are considered among the distillery’s finest production years.

Many enthusiasts who add this bottle to their collection report it becoming a centerpiece of their whisky library, often saved for the most special occasions that warrant a truly historic dram.

The Rare Vintage series from Gordon & MacPhail has received accolades from major whisky competitions and publications, cementing these bottlings as important historical documents in liquid form.

From Gordon & MacPhail to You

By preserving and sharing these rare casks, Gordon & MacPhail has provided whisky lovers with an invaluable gift – the chance to experience spirits that would otherwise have been lost to time and corporate consolidation.

The passion and dedication evident in this bottling reflects the family-owned company’s century-long commitment to Scottish whisky heritage, values that resonate deeply with those who appreciate authentic craftsmanship.

When you acquire this Glen Albyn 1976, you join a select group of guardians preserving Scotland’s whisky history – will you be the one to experience this remarkable testament to a lost Highland distillery?