Gordon & MacPhail Unveils Whisky History with an 85-Year-Old Single Malt

Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 07:03

Gordon Macphail Glenlivet 85 Year Old Single Malt whisky

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The independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail has released the oldest single malt whisky ever. It is a rare Glenlivet whisky, aged 85 years.

This article was previously published on our Dutch website.

FAQ

When was the Gordon & MacPhail whisky put into the barrel?
The spirit began aging in February 1940 and wasn’t bottled until 2025.
Who held the previous record?
The Macallan with the Space: Time Collection The Macallan Vintage 1940 whisky.
Where can you buy the whisky?
Directly from Gordon & MacPhail. Interest can be registered.

Independent bottler makes whisky history with the oldest single malt ever

Gordon & MacPhail has broken the record for the oldest single malt whisky ever. In October 2025, the new whisky carrying this title will be released: the Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 85 Year Old Single Malt whisky.

The previous record holder for the world's oldest whisky was The Macallan, with the Time: Space Collection's The Macallan Vintage 1940, a whisky aged 84 years. That whisky was released last year.

What is the Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 85 Year Old whisky?

The new whisky from Gordon & MacPhail was distilled on February 3, 1940, at The Glenlivet Distillery. George Urquhart bought the spirit from the distillery and put it into an American oak barrel to age.

On February 5, 2025, the whisky was finally bottled at exactly 85 years old. This happened at 43.7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

A special collaboration for the whisky release

Gordon & MacPhail is taking great care with the release, as the world's oldest whisky deserves no less. Jeanne Gang, a leading architect, has designed the elegant decanter. The theme 'Artistry in Oak' connects barrels and vision.

The first bottle will be auctioned off at Christie's in New York in November 2025, with the proceeds (minus costs) going to American Forests, the oldest conservation organization in the United States.

Where can you buy the world's oldest whisky?

The Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 85 Year Old whisky is not easily found on every shelf. The release is limited to just 125 bottles. Anyone interested can fill out a registration form through the bottler. The price per bottle has not been disclosed.