'Father' of single malt honoured
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AN ELGIN whisky creator has released a 62-year-old single malt to honour one of its most influential forefathers.
The spirit celebrates George Urquhart, a second-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family, in what would have been his centenary year. He was known as "Mr George" by colleagues.
Laid down in 1956, the year George became senior partner, the 62-year-old single malt features spirit from one of his favourite distilleries, Glen Grant.
Only 235 bottles have been filled with the special single malt, with a price tag of £5000.
Whisky writer Charles MacLean said: "It is no exaggeration to say that George Urquhart was the father, the originator, of the current success and appreciation of Scotch malt whiskies."
Joining the business in 1933, George was instrumental to the success of single malt, championing the drink at a time when the vast majority of whisky went towards the production of blends.
The Mr George Centenary Edition 1956 from Glen Grant Distillery has been selected for bottling by George’s grandson, Stuart, operations director.
Laid down by George himself on December 13, 1956, the expression also pays tribute to Speyside.
George’s grandson, Stephen Rankin, director of prestige, said: "My grandfather’s drive, commitment and foresight helped to ensure that single malt Scotch whisky grew in popularity."
Mr Maclean added: "It would be true to say that during the 'dark days' for Scotch malt whisky (1940s-1970s) when all malt went into blends, Gordon & MacPhail kept the amber light burning. Indeed, when times were really tough, some distilleries survived on orders from that company."
