Skip to content

Discovery Flight

The Discovery Range by Gordon & MacPhail is a relatively recent initiative designed to make the world of whisky more accessible to both new drinkers and experienced enthusiasts. Gordon & MacPhail is one of the oldest independent bottlers in Scotland,  with over a century of experience in the whisky industry. They are known for sourcing casks from a variety of distilleries and maturing them to perfection.

The Discovery Range focuses on offering a curated selection of whiskies that represent the three main different styles and flavour profiles, making it easier for consumers to explore and discover the vast world of Scotch whisky.

Fresh & Fruity – Whiskies in this category are often lighter in style and highlight the natural fruitiness of the whisky. The use of American Oak ex-bourbon casks gives a refreshing, citrusy, and often floral profile - the classic flavours of American Oak.

Sherry & Sweet – This category highlights whiskies aged in sherry casks, which impart rich, fruity, and sweet characteristics to the whisky. Think dark chocolate, dried fruits, and sometimes a little spice, with a smooth and warming finish.

Smoke & Peat – For those who enjoy whiskies with bold, smoky, and peaty flavours. These are typically made using malt from distilleries that have a heavy emphasis on peat during the malting process. Expect lots of earthy, smoky, and medicinal notes.

Each whisky in the range is selected to offer clear examples of these core categories, with an emphasis on taste and ease of exploration. The idea is to help drinkers develop a better understanding of different whisky styles, whether they are novices or more seasoned connoisseurs.

The labels are also designed to be approachable and educational, with a focus on flavour, so you can easily identify which styles suit your personal preferences.

Gordon & MacPhail’s experience and commitment to quality mean that even within the accessible Discovery Range, the whiskies still uphold a high standard of craftsmanship.

 

Auchroisk 10 Year Old Ex-Bourbon Cask

Auchroisk Distillery, located in Speyside, Scotland, was established in 1974 by the Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD), a subsidiary of Diageo. It is known for producing a large quantity of malt whisky primarily used in blended Scotch, such as J&B and Johnnie

Walker. Auchroisk's single malts are less common but valued for their rich, fruity profile with notes of orchard fruits, honey, and subtle oak. The distillery's name is derived from the Gaelic for "field of the rushes." Auchroisk is part of Diageo's portfolio and operates with a focus on both traditional and modern methods.

There is only one distillery release, a 10 year old as part of the range given the moniker 'Flora & Fauna' by the late whisky writer, Michael Jackson. It is, however, a favourite amongst Independent Bottlers due to its flexible spirit, creamy fruit notes and sometimes a tiny puff of smoky complexity.

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old Ex-Sherry Cask

Bunnahabhain Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, is known for producing a distinctive style of whisky that is notably unpeated compared to many other Islay whiskies. Established in 1881, Bunnahabhain was initially designed to serve the local community and nearby coal ships. The distillery’s proximity to the sea gives its whiskies a subtle maritime influence, with flavours of salt, brine, and coastal air often emerging.

Their core expressions include the 12-year-old, 18-year-old, and occasional limited editions that feature rich, sherried flavors and complex layers of dried fruit, nuts, and spices. The distillery also produces some peated releases, providing a contrast within its range.

The stills at Bunnahabhain are known for producing a heavier, oilier spirit, adding to the complexity of their whiskies. Its traditional, unhurried approach to whisky-making, along with its long-standing heritage, has made Bunnahabhain a beloved distillery among whisky enthusiasts and Independent Bottlers.

Caol Ila 10 Year Old Peated Ex-Bourbon

Caol Ila Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, is renowned for its peated, smoky whiskies that are a signature of the island’s whisky-making tradition. Founded in 1846, Caol Ila is one of the largest distilleries on Islay and sits on the shores of the Sound of Islay, just along the coast from Bunnahabhain, with a scenic view of the Jura mainland. The distillery is known for producing a range of expressions, from lighter, more delicate versions to full-bodied, heavily peated releases.

Caol Ila’s whiskies typically feature a balance of rich smoke, brine, and maritime notes, complemented by a subtle sweetness and hints of citrus or vanilla. The distillery’s use of both ex-bourbon and sherry casks adds layers of complexity to its flavour profile. Although Caol Ila produces some of the most distinctively peated whiskies on Islay, their style is generally considered smoother and less intense than those of other peaty Islay distilleries like Laphroaig or Ardbeg.

While it has a strong core range, including the 12-year-old expression, Caol Ila is also known for limited releases that highlight its ability to create diverse, nuanced flavours.