Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium whisky business based in Elgin, Moray. Established in 1895 as a grocer, Gordon & MacPhail has grown significantly over the years, and today is the proud owner of two Scotch whisky distilleries and an expert in whisky maturation, bottling arguably the world’s greatest selection of single malt whiskies from more than 100 of Scotland’s distilleries. A retail shop continues to operate from the same location where the business was first established, and a specialist wholesaler business serves trade customers throughout the UK.

Gordon & MacPhail matures and bottles some of the world’s rarest single malts to be enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts in more than 50 markets worldwide. Since its founding, the company has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin. Recently the company released Generations 80 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – at the time the world’s oldest single malt whisky; testament to the long-term view and approach to quality that has held the company in good stead for over 125 years.

In 1998, the company’s first distillery, Benromach, was opened by HRH Prince Charles. The multi-award winning range of single malts is made by hand by a small team of distillers using traditional working practices and the finest natural ingredients. This year will see the company add to its production capability as it officially opens The Cairn Distillery, near Grantown-on-Spey. Overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorm Mountains, a high-quality visitor experience will offer tours and tastings along with a menu of produce sourced from some of Scotland’s finest suppliers.

The company remains rooted to the Moray community, employing more than 150 people, the vast majority of whom live and work in the area. Moray is malt whisky country, with distilleries peppered around the countryside, due in no small part to the favourable climate, and the abundance and quality of its water and barley. Gordon & MacPhail not only employs people in whisky production, bottling and distribution, but also in IT, finance, HR, marketing and sales, as the company grows its international business.

Ben Cookman, Finance Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “It’s a positive story of growth and sustainable investment, which is crucially important given the long-term time horizons inherent in the whisky business. With 95% of the company’s workforce based in Moray, there is a comprehensive pool of talent and skills locally, but Moray is also an attractive area for people to relocate to. I recently moved to Moray from Bedfordshire, keen to live somewhere more rural, with access to the coast and the mountains: the opportunity in Moray was a fantastic chance to achieve this.”