Glenfiddich Special Old Reserve Clan Macpherson 75cl (1980s Edition)
75cl / 40%
£99.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Part of the Clans of the Highlands series, this Glenfiddich single malt celebrates Scotland’s storied Clan Kennedy with a classic Speyside profile. Bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format, it offers Glenfiddich’s signature notes of ripe pear, honey, and soft oak, with a touch of heathery sweetness—a tribute to Highland heritage.
While the exact maturation isn’t specified, Glenfiddich’s traditional ex-bourbon cask influence shines through, making this an approachable yet collectible dram. The Clan Serie 1 label adds historical charm, ideal for whisky lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, Fruity, Nuts and Coconut
Sweet, Herbal, Bitter Oak
Long Finish, Dusty, Liquorice
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1980s triangular-bottle Glenfiddich in the collectible Clans of the Highlands Macpherson tin, 75cl at 40–43%, now a core piece for Glenfiddich tin runs.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Distillery / Region | Glenfiddich, Dufftown, Speyside |
| Category | Distillery-bottled pure malt/single malt with special packaging |
| Era / Bottled | 1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% or 43% ABV (both recorded) / 75cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Standard Glenfiddich bourbon-led maturation of the era |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (coloured standard) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer; part of a multi-clan series (11 tins) |
| Intended channel | Global export/souvenir market |
| Packaging | Clans of the Highlands tin featuring Clan Macpherson; standard triangular bottle inside |
| Notes on discrepancies | Some 1980s Macpherson tins are 40%, others 43%; some are 70cl, others 75cl. Quote what is on your bottle. |
Historical Context
In the 1980s Glenfiddich used its marketing muscle to produce collectible tins that celebrated Scottish clans. Each tin held what was, essentially, the house Special Old Reserve/Pure Malt, but the clan artwork created multiple SKUs and encouraged repeat buying. The Macpherson tin is one of these 11 or so designs. These were sold widely in Europe and duty free, so they still surface today, but clean tins and 75cl 43% bottlings are now collector territory, especially since most current Glenfiddichs are 70cl and labelled single malt, not pure malt.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented variants
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Glenfiddich Pure Malt Special Old Reserve Clan Macpherson, 75cl, 40%, 1980s.
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Glenfiddich Special Old Reserve Clan Macpherson, 75cl, 43%, 1980s (seen in Italian specialist listing at €256.22).
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Glenfiddich Clan Macpherson 70cl, 40%, late 1980s/early 1990s (Cyprus retailer, €155).
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43% | 75cl | 1980s, continental EU | Tin marked Macpherson, 43% on bottle | Highest (strongest and largest) |
| 40% | 75cl | 1980s export | Tin marked Macpherson, 40% on bottle | High |
| 40% | 70cl | Late 1980s/early 1990s | Slightly newer tin | Good, but smaller |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist
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Tin must depict Clan Macpherson; some sellers mix tins and bottles.
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Bottle must be triangular Glenfiddich of the era and read Special Old Reserve/Pure Malt.
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Check ABV – 40% and 43% both exist.
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Tin edges often show rub; describe clearly.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes
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In the 1980s Glenfiddich often used “Pure Malt” even though it was a single malt; keep the original wording in catalogues to match the bottle.
Liquid Profile
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Nose: Light Speyside orchard fruit, barley sugar, soft vanilla, a little malt biscuit.
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Palate: Easy, sweet, malty, gentle oak, faint citrus; the 43% version can feel a touch fuller.
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Finish: Medium, clean, cereal-led.
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With water: Not needed at 40–43%.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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UK auction: £65 current bid for 75cl, 40% Macpherson tin on whisky.auction; typical hammer is in the £65–£95 range depending on tin condition.
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Stratification: 75cl/43% in excellent tin at the top; 75cl/40% or 70cl/40% with modest wear at mid; bottle-only at auction level.
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Liquidity: consistent – “Clans of the Highlands” is a known mini-collection.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU specialist | 2025 | 70cl, 40%, Macpherson tin | 136 | From €155 |
| EU specialist | 2025 | 75cl, 43%, Macpherson tin | 225.47 | From €256.22 |
| UK auction | 2025 | 75cl, 40%, Macpherson tin | 65–95 | Condition-led |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Glenfiddich in the 1980s was already the flagship single malt brand and used this to experiment with packaging. Content is their classic, light, approachable Speyside style. These clan tins are a packaging story first, liquid story second.
Sourcing
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Target 75cl 43% if possible; otherwise 75cl 40%.
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Demand the correct tin; mismatched tins reduce value.
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Pay closer to auction (£70–£90) and list closer to £160–£190 depending on ABV and condition.
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