Highland Queen ‘Grand 15’ 15 Years Old (1960s Edition)
75cl / 70 Proof%
£199.00
- Cask type: Oak
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Peat, Honey, Beeswax, Fruits
Honey, Butterscotch, Smoke, Almonds, Grapes
Medium Finish, Oak, Menthol, Camphor
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A remarkable 15-year-old vintage blend from the mid-century era, distilled and bottled by the venerable MacDonald & Muir.
At-a-Glance
This particular expression of Highland Queen represents a distinct historical iteration of the blended Scotch whisky under the ownership of MacDonald & Muir, a time often considered a high point for aged blends.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | MacDonald & Muir Ltd. / Scotland (Blended Scotch Whisky) |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 15 Years Old / Circa 1960s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% (75cl, 100cl) or 43.4% (4/5 Quart, miniature) |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer. Assumed traditional Bourbon/Refill casks. |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. (Likely Chill-Filtered given the era and ABV). |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Continuous commercial blend. Not stated by the producer. |
| Intended channel | Domestic UK, European, and US Export Markets |
| Packaging | Standard glass bottle with stopper cork and lead capsule. |
| Notes on discrepancies | ABV varies between 43% and 43.4% depending on vintage and export destination. |
Historical Context
The Highland Queen brand has a long, complex lineage, but this 'Grand 15' is specifically prized for its association with its original custodian, MacDonald & Muir Limited, established in 1893.
This release holds significant value precisely because of the historical ownership structure of MacDonald & Muir. The company was the historical proprietor of Glenmorangie Distillery. During the 1960s, Glenmorangie served as the primary source of high-quality Highland single malt used in the Highland Queen blends. Therefore, acquiring a 15-year-old blend from this period implies that the malt component was distilled during the 1940s and 1950s. This connection elevates the liquid beyond a generic vintage blend, offering collectors a proxy experience for tasting mid-century Glenmorangie stocks—an assurance of high liquid quality and traditional production methods.
In the 1960s Scotch market, expressions bearing a 15-year age statement, such as the 'Grand 15', were positioned as premium offerings. The blend itself carries the motto of Mary Queen of France: "Sorrows Pass. Hope Abides," reinforcing its historical and noble branding.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The most critical technical challenge when assessing this vintage blend is interpreting the historical measures and strengths.
Documented variants
Analysis of secondary market listings reveals critical variations in both strength and volume dictated by export laws and customs. US Export bottlings frequently show specific metrics, such as 86.8 Proof, which converts to 43.4% ABV. The corresponding volume for the US market was typically specified as 4/5 Quart, which equates to approximately 75.7cl.
Conversely, bottlings designated for the UK or European markets are commonly found at 43% ABV, appearing in standard 75cl or 1 Litre formats. There are also older variants noted at 70 Proof (40% ABV) in 26 2/3 fl. oz sizes. The employment of imperial measures like Proof and fractional quarts firmly dates these releases to the pre-metric system era.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43.4% (86.8 Proof) | 4/5 Quart (approx. 75.7cl) | US Export | 1960s, Pre-Metric US tax strip | High—Rarer export specific ABV/size |
| 43% | 75cl or 1 Litre | UK/European | 1960s-1970s, Cork stopper closure | Medium-High—Classic UK presentation |
| 40% (70 Proof) | 26 2/3 fl. oz (approx. 75.7cl) | UK/Commonwealth | Pre-metric/Older low ABV style | Medium—Lower ABV may impact liquid integrity over time. |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The packaging of 1960s-era whiskies poses particular challenges for collectors. The bottle closure typically relies on a natural stopper cork, protected by a fragile lead capsule. Cork deterioration and shrinkage over decades are common issues. Collectors must therefore scrutinize the fill level rigorously. For bottles of this age, a fill level of ‘high shoulder’ or ‘into neck’ provides assurance of minimal evaporation and liquid integrity. Levels below ‘mid-shoulder’ indicate significant risk of degradation and severely impact valuation.
Authentication can often be corroborated by examining original tax strips. These labels offer concrete evidence of the bottle's origin and bottling era, reinforcing the dating established by the Proof and volume metrics.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The use of Proof (e.g., 86.8 Proof) in the US market confirms the pre-1980s origin, as this system was replaced by the metric ABV standard. Similarly, the use of imperial volumes such as 4/5 Quart is characteristic of export specifications before global volume standardisation became widespread. This terminology confirms the historical age of the bottling.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile of the 'Grand 15' is described as showcasing the richness and complexity of well-aged components, consistent with its 15-year age statement.
Nose: Offers a classic vintage composition featuring prominent notes of Peat, Beeswax, and Honey. This is complemented by Ripe Fruits, indicative of a quality, long-maturing blend.
Palate: The mouthfeel is rich and structured. Primary flavours include sweet Honey and creamy Butterscotch. Underlying complexity is provided by Smoke, balanced Almonds, and notes of dried Grapes.
Finish: Medium length, marked by noticeable influence from structured Oak, balanced by cooling notes of fresh Menthol and Camphor.
With water: Not stated by the producer. Given the bottling strengths generally hover around 43% ABV, the whisky is already at an accessible drinking strength, making further dilution optional.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The market for this vintage blend is niche, attracting collectors who value its historical context and the pedigree of its components (i.e., the presence of older Glenmorangie malt) over mass-market liquidity.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Highly illiquid in the primary retail sector. Valuation is dictated entirely by secondary auction performance.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): A miniature bottle (43.4% ABV, 1960s) sold for GBP 6.00. A full-sized bottle (4/5 Quart, 86.8 Proof, 1960s) sold at auction for approximately GBP 352.00. A later bottling iteration (1970s-1980s, 75cl, 43% ABV) realized GBP 35.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (Miniature) | Not Stated | 5cl, 43.4% ABV, 1960s | 6.00 | Miniature value |
| Auction (Full Bottle) | Not Stated | 4/5 Quart, 86.8 Proof, 1960s | 352.00 | Conversion from USD hammer price ($440) |
| Auction (Full Bottle) | Not Stated | 75cl, 43% ABV, 1970s/80s | 35.00 | Later bottling iteration, lower collector appeal |
Pricing stratification: Pricing is highly sensitive to the precise bottling era and condition. Bottles definitively identified as 1960s releases in excellent condition (high fill level) command prices significantly higher (around GBP 300+) than later 1970s or 1980s iterations.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate and velocity is slow, appealing specifically to collectors of vintage blends or artifacts from the MacDonald & Muir era.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
MacDonald & Muir Limited was instrumental in establishing the Highland Queen blend as a prestigious label. Their dedication to quality was ensured by their direct ownership and control over Glenmorangie, providing a reliable and high-quality malt foundation for the blend. This commitment to using aged malt components is the reason the 'Grand 15' is regarded as a hallmark of quality for its period.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras to prefer: Seek full-size bottles (75cl or 4/5 Quart) firmly established as pre-1970s via metric/imperial markings or verified tax stamps. The higher ABV expressions (43.4% or 43%) are generally preferred.
Red flags to avoid: Bottles exhibiting cork failure, leakage, or fill levels sinking below the mid-shoulder. Paying a premium for releases confirmed to be post-1970s must be avoided.
Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Minimum fill should be high-to-mid shoulder. High value is placed on intact lead capsules and legible historical tax strips.
Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: Expect low velocity and limited margin expansion. This is a heritage item best suited as a steady collector's piece.
