Take Three: Remarkable Fine Scotch Whiskies

Elite Traveler takes a closer look at three fine Scotch whiskies from some of Scotland’s legendary distilleries.

Gordon & MacPhail 1948 from Glen Grant Distillery

Gordon & MacPhail curates rare single malt whiskies from more than 100 distilleries around the globe. This 70-year-old single malt, filled on June 11, 1948 and stored at Scotland’s Glen Grant Distillery, was the perfect addition to its new ‘Private Collection,’ which has bottles from now-closed distilleries. The amber-hued elixir is history in the making, boasting smooth and sweet aromas of vanilla fudge, strawberry and candied orange peel, finished with notes of charred oak and citrus.

Price: $22,500

gordonandmacphail.com

The Glenlivet 35 Year Old

For Dubai Duty Free’s 35th anniversary late last year, The Glenlivet introduced its 35 Year Old Dubai Duty Free Exclusive Edition, available exclusively at Dubai International Airport. As its name suggests, the single malt Scotch whisky was aged for 35 years in an oak hogshead cask, giving it an aroma of pear and strawberry jam and tasting notes of cinnamon and ginger biscuits. Fittingly, only 35 bottles have been produced, and each comes with a signed letter from master distiller Alan Winchester.

Price: $10,000

theglenlivet.com

Bowmore 1965 52 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch

It’s a common opinion among whisky enthusiasts that bottles born in the 1960s are some of the best — and now the rarest — in the market, boasting the perfect balance of smoke and fruit. From a time dubbed the “golden era of distillation” comes Bowmore 1965, a single malt Scotch whisky that was primed for aging and carefully watched over by master distillers. Indulge in its savory-sweet beeswax and fragrant fruit notes with a finish of burnt heather and spring flowers.

Price: $30,000

bowmore.com

The Most Exclusive Whiskies in the World