Ulf Buxrud's Rare Malts Auction

Brora 1972 Rare Malts 22 Year Old / 60.02%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

When Brora was re-opened in 1969 it was to produce heavily peated spirit to make up for a shortfall of Islay whisky after a drought on the island. Brora vintages from 1973 onwards reverted to the lightly peated Highland style. Many of the bottlings of this brief period of heavily peated vintages are legendary.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Brora 1972 Rare Malts 22 Year Old / 58.7%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

When Brora was re-opened in 1969 it was to produce heavily peated spirit to make up for a shortfall of Islay whisky after a drought on the island. Brora vintages from 1973 onwards reverted to the lightly peated Highland style. Many of the bottlings of this brief period of heavily peated vintages are legendary.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Brora 1972 Rare Malts 22 Year Old / 61.1%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

When Brora was re-opened in 1969 it was to produce heavily peated spirit to make up for a shortfall of Islay whisky after a drought on the island. Brora vintages from 1973 onwards reverted to the lightly peated Highland style. Many of the bottlings of this brief period of heavily peated vintages are legendary.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Brora 1975 Rare Malts 20 Year Old 75cl / 59.1% - US Import

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Glenlochy 1969 Rare Malts 26 Year Old 75cl / 59.0%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

A rising demand for imported Scotch in 1930s America saw Glenlochy acquired and re-opened after many years of closure, by National Distillers in 1937. National Distillers were one of the \"big 4\" American distilling companies to emerge after the repeal of Prohibition, but they were hit hard by the second world war, eventually selling off their assets in the Scottish whisky industry. Glenlochy was purchased by DCL (now Diageo) in 1954, who ran it for two briefs stints to provide malt for their blends, but closed it for good, like many others, in 1983. Glenlochy is extremely rarely seen as a single malt, and no official bottlings were produced in its lifetime. The Rare Malt Selections are the only distillery bottlings produced by Diageo, and examples from the independent labels are increasingly sought after.

Distilled in 1969, this is one of the rarer in the series.

Glenlochy 1969 Rare Malts 26 Year Old 75cl / 58.8% - SA Import

A rising demand for imported Scotch in 1930s America saw Glenlochy acquired and re-opened after many years of closure, by National Distillers in 1937. National Distillers were one of the \"big 4\" American distilling companies to emerge after the repeal of Prohibition, but they were hit hard by the second world war, eventually selling off their assets in the Scottish whisky industry. Glenlochy was purchased by DCL (now Diageo) in 1954, who ran it for two briefs stints to provide malt for their blends, but closed it for good, like many others, in 1983. Glenlochy is extremely rarely seen as a single malt, and no official bottlings were produced in its lifetime. The Rare Malt Selections are the only distillery bottlings produced by Diageo, and examples from the independent labels are increasingly sought after. 

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This 1969 vintage was bottled for the South African market.

Glenlochy 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 62.08% - US Import

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old, this is one of the rarer releases in the series.

A rising demand for imported Scotch 1930s America saw Glenlochy acquired and re-opened after many years of closure, by National Distillers in 1937. National Distillers were one of the \"big 4\" American distilling companies to emerge after the repeal of Prohibition, but they were hit hard by the secodn world war, eventually selling off their assets in the Scottish whisky industry. Glenlochy was purchased by DCL (now Diageo) in 1954, who ran it for two briefs stints to provide malt for their blends, but closed it for good, like many others, in 1983. Glenlochy is extremely rarely seen as a single malt, and no official bottlings were produced in its lifetime. The Rare Malt Selections are the only distillery bottlings produced by Diageo, and examples from the independent labels are increasingly sought after.

This was bottled for the US market.

Brora 1977 Rare Malts 24 Year Old / 56.1%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malt Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Bottled October 2001.

Brora 1977 Rare Malts 21 Year Old / 56.90%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

This bottle was distilled in 1977 and bottled in October 1998.

Brora 1975 Rare Malts 20 Year Old / 54.9%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Malts 28 Year Old 75cl / 58.4%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare. Rarer still are those bottled under the Downie and Garron brand names.  

This is one of only two releases in the Rare Malt Selection series, and of only a handful more distillery bottlings in the Diageo era.

Brora 1975 Rare Malts 20 Year Old 75cl / 59.1% 

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

Brora 1982 Rare Malts 20 Year Old / 58.1%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19th May 2021.

Although an extensive series of annual releases was to follow, the Rare Malts Selection were the first official distillery bottlings to bear the Brora name.

This one was distilled in 1982 and bottled April 2003. 

Glenlochy 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 62.2%

A rising demand for imported Scotch in 1930s America saw Glenlochy acquired and re-opened after many years of closure, by National Distillers in 1937. National Distillers were one of the \"big 4\" American distilling companies to emerge after the repeal of Prohibition, but they were hit hard by the second world war, eventually selling off their assets in the Scottish whisky industry. Glenlochy was purchased by DCL (now Diageo) in 1954, who ran it for two briefs stints to provide malt for their blends, but closed it for good, like many others, in 1983. Glenlochy is extremely rarely seen as a single malt, and no official bottlings were produced in its lifetime. The Rare Malt Selections are the only distillery bottlings produced by Diageo, and examples from the independent labels are increasingly sought after.

This is a very sought after bottling of Glenlochy from within the Rare Malts Selection and one of the scarcer bottles from the series. Distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old.

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glenury Royal 1971 Rare Malts 23 Year Old / 61.3%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare. Rarer still are those bottled under the Downie and Garron brand names.  

This is one of only two releases in the Rare Malts Selection series, and of only a handful more distillery bottlings in the Diageo era.

Glenury Royal 1970 Rare Malts 29 Year Old / 57.0%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare. Rarer still are those bottled under the Downie and Garron brand names.  

This is one of only two releases in the Rare Malt Selection series, and of only a handful more distillery bottlings in the Diageo era.

Glenury Royal 1971 Rare Malts 23 Year Old 75cl / 61.3%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare. Rarer still are those bottled under the Downie and Garron brand names.  

This is one of only two releases in the Rare Malts Selection series, and of only a handful more distillery bottlings in the Diageo era.

Glenesk-Hillside 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.9%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Glenesk-Hillside 1969 Rare Malts 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.9% - US Import

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Blair Athol 1975 Rare Malts 27 Year Old / 54.7%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This Blair Athol was distilled in 1975 and bottled as a 27 year old.

Blair Athol distillery is one of Scotland's oldest, dating back into the late 18th century. Its modern story begins when it was closed down by Peter Mackenzie in 1932, and was purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons the following year. Distilling recommenced in 1949, and with Blair Athol malt at its heart, Bell's became one of the world's best-selling whiskies. Despite its importance to the blend, Blair Athol was also bottled as a single malt under the Bell's banner in the 1970s and 1980s. New owners, Guinness, were less interested in this when they took over in 1985, but their subsequent iteration, United Distillers, brought a back distillery bottling with the Flora & Fauna release. Despite its popularity, Blair Athol has yet to be bottled under its own single malt brand. Other official bottlings from the Diageo era are very rare too.

Glenesk-Hillside 1970 Rare Malts 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.1%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1970 and bottled at 25 years of age.

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now.

Banff 1982 Rare Malts 21 Year Old / 57.1%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Distilled in 1982 and bottled in April 2004 as a 21 year old, there was only one release of Banff under the Rare Malts Selection.

A distillery almost as synonymous with fire as it is with whisky, Banff experienced four separate blazes during its chequered history, including a bombing by the Luftwaffe in 1941. The distillery operated until 1983 when it was closed by DCL (now Diageo) after a downturn in the market lead to an oversupply. Unsurprisingly, it caught fire in the process of being dismantled and has never re-opened. Its malt was predominantly reserved for blending in its time, but it has contributed to some particularly sought after independent releases over the years.

Glen Mhor 1976 Rare Malts 28 Year Old / 51.9%

Glen Mhor was one of three distilleries based in Inverness along with Millburn and Glen Albyn, all of which closed within two years of each other. Glen Mhor was one of the earlier, in 1983, and it was demolished just three years later. A historically significant malt, this was just a small two still operation, but was bottled both as a single malt in the late 19th and early 20th century, as well as making its way into high profile blends such as the one discovered in ice under Ernest Shackleton's hut. The owners for the majority of its history were Charles Mackinlay & Co, who produced several official releases for the emerging Italian single malt market in the late 1960s, but this stopped when DCL took over 1972. They licensed the brand to Gordon & MacPhail until its closure, and Diageo later included it in the Rare Malts Selection series, all of which remain rare and increasingly sought after.

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This was distilled 1976 and bottled April 2005 at 28 years old.

Glenesk-Hillside 1971 Rare Malts 25 Year Old / 62.0%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1971 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Glendullan 1973 Rare Malts 23 Year Old 75cl / 58.6%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

One of the rarer Glendullan, this 23 year old was distilled in 1973.

Glendullan became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1925, and continues to be an important producer for their blends to this day. Production there was increased in 1972 following the opening of \"Glendullan 2\" next-door. Both sites ran simultaneously until 1985 when the original plant was closed, and Glendullan 2 became simply, Glendullan. The key outcome of this was that more spirit could be reserved for bottling as a single malt, with a 12 year old distillery bottling appearing in the 1970s. Several Rare Malts Selections and a Flora & Fauna release increased its presence in the 1990s, before the distillery became the US exclusive side of The Singleton banner in 2007.

Glen Ord 1973 Rare Malts 23 Year Old 75cl / 59.8%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This Glen Ord was distilled in 1973 and bottled 23 years later in September 1997. 

Glen Ord is a well-respected distillery, sought after as a single malt and by blenders alike. The distillery operates its own in-house maltings, which supply all of Diageo's northern distilleries, as well as Talisker and occasionally heavily-peated malt for the Islay sites. Glen Ord was first officially bottled as a single malt in the 1980s, but has had a bounty of different names over the years; Glen Ord, Glenordie, Ordie, Ord, and Muir of Ord. It is currently part of the Singleton stable.

Glenesk-Hillside 1970 Rare Malts 25 Year Old / 60.10%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1970 and bottled at 25 years of age.

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now.

Glendullan 1972 Rare Malts 23 Year Old 75cl / 62.43%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This Glendullan was distilled in 1972 and aged for 23 years.

Glendullan became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1925, and continues to be an important producer for their blends to this day. Production there was increased in 1972 following the opening of \"Glendullan 2\" next-door. Both sites ran simultaneously until 1985 when the original plant was closed, and Glendullan 2 became simply, Glendullan. The key outcome of this was that more spirit could be reserved for bottling as a single malt, with a 12 year old distillery bottling appearing in the 1970s. Several Rare Malts Selections and a Flora & Fauna release increased its presence in the 1990s, before the distillery became the US exclusive side of The Singleton banner in 2007.

Glendullan 1978 Rare Malts 26 Year Old / 56.6%

Glendullan became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1925, and continues to be an important producer for their blends to this day. Production there was increased in 1972 following the opening of \"Glendullan 2\" next-door. Both sites ran simultaneously until 1985 when the original plant was closed, and Glendullan 2 became simply, Glendullan. The key outcome of this was that more spirit could be reserved for bottling as a single malt, with a 12 year old distillery bottling appearing in the 1970s. Several Rare Malts Selection and a Flora & Fauna release increased its presence in the 1990s, before the distillery became the US exclusive side of The Singleton banner in 2007.

This is one of the Rare Malts Selection bottlings. It was distilled in 1978 and bottled in April 2005.

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

Glendullan 1972 Rare Malts 22 Year Old / 62.6%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

One of the rarer Glendullan, this 22 year old was distilled in 1972.

Glendullan became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1925, and continues to be an important producer for their blends to this day. Production there was increased in 1972 following the opening of \"Glendullan 2\" next-door. Both sites ran simultaneously until 1985 when the original plant was closed, and Glendullan 2 became simply Glendullan. The key outcome of this was that more spirit could be reserved for bottling as a single malt, with a 12 year old distillery bottling appearing in the 1970s. Several Rare Malts Selections and a Flora & Fauna release increased its presence in the 1990s, before the distillery became the US exclusive side of The Singleton banner in 2007.

Bladnoch 1977 Rare Malts 23 Year Old / 53.6%

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.

This Bladnoch was distilled in 1977 and bottled 23 years later in October 2001, several years after the distillery had been sold by Diageo to Colin and Raymond Armstrong. They had retained the stock inventory however, as the brothers from Northern Ireland had initially bought the decommissioned distillery with the intent of developing a holiday village there.

Bladnoch is a Lowland distillery with a turbulent history. For the majority of which it struggled to remain open, changing hands on many occasions. Among the its former owners were Inver House and Bell's, who changed the style of the distillery's production to meet their needs, meaning there is a great variety in the flavours of both the distillery bottlings and independent releases that have appeared over the years.

Benrinnes 1974 Rare Malts 21 Year Old / 60.4%

Until 2007, Benrinnes had a unique triple distillation process that resulted in a single malt highly prized by blenders for its distinct \"meaty\" quality. So much so in fact, that none was spared for an official distillery bottling until Diageo included a 15 year old within the Flora & Fauna collection. A popular addition, it was one of the few retained as a permanent release, and only a spartan number of limited edition distillery bottlings have ever followed.

This 1974 vintage is part of the historic Rare Malts Selection.

The Rare Malts Selection was a historic selection of single malt whiskies from operational and lost distilleries that were released by Diageo between 1995 and 2005. As with the Flora & Fauna series, they were often from lesser-seen single malt distilleries.