From Hoarder to Pioneer: The Story of Mr. George BY TERRI LAM
When one receives an invite to attend the launch of a 50 year old scotch, one says YES! Terri had the privilege of attending Richard Urquhart’s introduction to the family’s Benromach 50 year old in Calgary Alberta. (Needless to say, this editor is slightly envious!)
Imagine stepping back in time to meet a man whose decisions would shape the future of an entire industry—a man with a vision, Mr. George, often called “the father of single malt whisky.” But long before he earned that title, he was just a man making choices that seemed unconventional and risky, driven by a belief that went against the grain. In the early days of whisky, the world of distilling was more about blended whisky and single malts were almost an afterthought. Yet, Mr. George saw something others obviously didn’t. He began to buy casks, not for blending, but for aging and bottling as single malts, a bold move in his time. This willingness to do something no one else was doing, would ultimately make him a pioneer.
Richard Urquhart, a fourth generation of the family, often reflects on the decisions made by his grandfather, Mr. George. He maintains “Our generation is benefiting from the choices they made, laying the foundation for what Gordon & MacPhail is today.” But the man behind those decisions wasn’t just about whisky. Richard recalls growing up in the Urquhart family, where sailing was a shared passion. He would set sail from his grandfather’s place, sailing off the shores of Findhorn Beach, the sea breeze carrying the spirit of adventure that seemed to run in their veins. The family garage was always filled with all things nautical: from kitchen sinks to a 35-foot yacht, the garage was a testament to Mr. George’s habit of collecting. Richard jokes that his grandfather’s tendency to hold on to things may be why they had so many whisky casks lying around in the first place. Through his seemingly eccentric habits and bold decisions, Mr. George left a legacy of innovation and risk- taking that transformed the whisky world at large. His story reminds us that being a pioneer isn’t about certainty— it’s about daring to do something different and trusting that, in time, others will see the value in what you’ve built. Cask #21602403 The Benromach 50 Year Old: A Testament to Time and Craftsmanship Outturn 248 bottles | Filled 13/12/1972 | Canadian Allocation 10 bottles Founded in 1898, Benromach Distillery is nestled in Forres, Scotland. Revived in 1993 by Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery honors Speyside traditions, crafting whisky with a subtle peat influence that reflects a lost style of the region.
Benromach 50 Year Old, 54.6% ABV, $33,800* CDN
This special 50-year-old whisky predates the distillery’s acquisition by the Urquhart family. Over the years, Gordon & MacPhail have earned a reputation as Scotch maturation experts, carefully stewarding their casks. Cask #2162403, aged 50 years in a sherry cask, embodies their meticulous attention to maturation. Rebecca Wood, Assistant Brand Manager, notes that this project has been more than two years in the making and highlights the importance of this extraordinary whisky, explaining that it deserved a bottle just as remarkable. That’s where Glasstorm, the renowned artisan glass studio, came in. “There’s a great synergy between glassblowing and whisky- making,” says Brodie Nairn, Glasstorm’s owner. “Both crafts take years to master, passed down from generation to generation. I learned the intricate battuto technique 25 years ago in Italy and have been waiting for the right project to showcase it and this whisky was that perfect opportunity.” The battuto technique is an Italian glass-carving method that involves grinding and polishing glass to create intricate, textured patterns. Each bottle took around three weeks to craft, reflecting the precision and highly skilled process involved. The battuto portion alone required a full day of dedicated work, adding depth and the unique tactile quality to each piece. With only 248 bottles produced from this cask, the time and craftsmanship behind each bottle is remarkable. This partnership between Benromach and Glasstorm creates a masterpiece that celebrates time, tradition, and the artistry of both whisky-making and glassblowing.
Nose: Smooth citrus peel with hints of strawberry and a touch of smoke. Pineapple notes emerge, followed by fruitcake and a dash of lemon sherbet. Taste: Stewed fruit aromas blend with orange zest and subtle aged leather, while Medjoul dates and flambéed banana transition to toasted almonds.
Finish: A full and long finish with cracked black pepper and a delicate wisp of smoke.
*Kensington Wine Market in Calgary Alberta
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the whisky explorer magazine
the whisky explorer magazine
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