April 2025 Auction

Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

The Nikka Taketsuru range marries single malt Japanese whisky produced at the company's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.

This 35 year old is the oldest available and originally reserved for the Japanese market.

One of only 1,000 bottles.

Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

The Nikka Taketsuru range marries single malt Japanese whisky produced at the company's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.

This 35 year old is the oldest available and originally reserved for the Japanese market.

One of only 1,000 bottles.

Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

The Nikka Taketsuru range marries single malt Japanese whisky produced at the company's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.

This 35 year old is the oldest available and originally reserved for the Japanese market.

One of only 1,000 bottles.

No Age Declared by Silvano Samaroli Blended Malt Cuvée 2016

The No Age Declared blend is a vatting of some spectacular vintage from some similarly sought after distilleries, including 1960s Springbank, 1970s Ardbeg, 1973 Longrow, and 1970s Glen Garioch to name but a few.

Previous editions of the blend were bottled by the Samaroli company, but this 2016 edition was bottled by Silvano himself from his own private stocks as he had handed the running of his brand to Antonio Bleve two years earlier. This is a precursor style to what would become the Masam independent bottler, run by his wife Maryse following his death in 2017.

Samaroli is perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, (if not English spelling at times!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

North of Scotland 'Alloa' 1964 Rare & Old Selection 43 Year Old / Alambic Classique

North of Scotland began production in 1958, and was the first venture from George P. Christie, who later opened the Speyside distillery as well. North of Scotland originally distilled malt whisky as well, known as Strathmore, but its pot still were removed after just one year to focus on its grain production. Sadly the distillery was short-lived, shut down by Christie in 1980 in anticipation of the era of oversupply, also referred to as the \"whisky loch.\" The site was sold to DCL in 1982 and is nowadays used as a bond and warehousing operation by Diageo. Primarily tasked with provision for blends, there are very few releases of North of Scotland grain. An official 50 year old was bottled in 2017 in partnership with Elixir Distillers, but the majority of independent bottlings are from independent labels like this.

This is a 1964 vintage bottling of single grain from North of Scotland distillery, bottled under the name, Alloa, after its hometown.

One of only 121 bottles. 

North of Ireland 1988 Whisky Agency 27 Year Old / ACLA Selection

This is a unnamed Irish single malt whiskey which was distilled in 1988 and aged in a single cask for 27 years. It was bottled at cask strength in 2015. It is unclear whether \"North of Ireland\" refers to Old Bushmills in Northern Ireland or Cooley, the northernmost distillery in the Republic of Ireland.

The Whisky Agency was founded in Germany by Carsten Ehrlich, who is also the driving force behind The Whisky Fair in Limburg, one of the world's most renowned annual whisky gatherings. Their passion is unquestionable, and they have a regular release schedule of high quality single casks, often in collaboration with some of the most respected whisky bars and retailers. The Whisky Agency's labels include The Perfect Dram, Liquid Library, Private Stock, and Liquid Sun.

One of 201 bottles produced in collaboration with ACLA Selection.

North of Ireland 1991 Whisky Agency 24 Year Old / ACLA Selection

The Whisky Agency was founded in Germany by Carsten Ehrlich, who is also the driving force behind The Whisky Fair in Limburg, one of the world's most renowned annual whisky gatherings. Their passion is unquestionable, and they have a regular release schedule of high quality single casks, often in collaboration with some of the most respected whisky bars and retailers. The Whisky Agency's labels include The Perfect Dram, Liquid Library, Private Stock, and Liquid Sun.

Distilled in 1991 and matured for 24 years in a bourbon barrel before being bottled in 2015.

It is unclear whether \"North of Ireland\" refers to Old Bushmills in Northern Ireland or Cooley, the northernmost distillery in the Republic of Ireland.

One of only 218 bottles. 

North British 1962 Hunter Laing 50 Year Old Sovereign

Hunter Laing & Co was established in 2013 by Stewart Laing. Having co-managed his father's Douglas Laing company with his brother Fred since 1982, the two eventually decided to split the company assets and strike out on their own with two separate enterprises. Stewart was joined by his two sons, Andrew and Scott, absorbing their Edition Spirits company in the process. Hunter Laing had grand ambitions beyond its traditional independent bottling roots, and announced its plans to open Ardnahoe distillery on Islay in 2016. The first casks were filled there two years later under the guidance of the legendary Jim McEwan.

The Sovereign is a range of premium single cask, single grain whiskies from Hunter Laing, bottled at cask strength and often of an incredible age.

This North British was distilled in 1962 and bottled an impressive 50 years later in August 2013.

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

North Port 1970 Gordon and MacPhail 17 Year Old

The Brechin distillery was built in 1820 by the Guthrie family, who changed its named to North Port at some point later that century. It was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1922, who closed it down six years later. Production briefly resumed for two years before the war, but it was not until 1945 that regular distilling recommenced. North Port was one of the nine distilleries closed by DCL in 1983 after a market downturn meant their blends were oversupplied. It never re-opened and the site now houses a supermarket. Its single malt is very rare, and was never officially bottled in its lifetime. Diageo have produced only a handful of distillery bottlings, the first of which were in the Rare Malts Selection. Rare and increasingly sought after independent releases like this have also appeared over the years though.

This was distilled in 1970 and bottled within Connoisseur's Choice range.

The Connoisseurs Choice label is one of the most recognisable independent bottlings on the market. It was initially created for renowned Italian importer, Edoardo Giaccone in the early 1970s, but became a mainstay of the core Gordon & MacPhail portfolio in 1979.

North Port-Brechin 1976 First Cask 24 Year Old #3907

The Brechin distillery was built in 1820 by the Guthrie family, who changed its named to North Port at some point later that century. It was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1922, who closed it down six years later. Production briefly resumed for two years before the war, but it was not until 1945 that regular distilling recommenced. North Port was one of the nine distilleries closed by DCL in 1983 after a market downturn meant their blends were oversupplied. It never re-opened and the site now houses a supermarket. Its single malt is very rare, and was never officially bottled in its lifetime. Diageo have produced only a handful of distillery bottlings, the first of which were in the Rare Malts Selection. Rare and increasingly sought after independent releases like this have also appeared over the years though.

This North Port was distilled in December 1976 and matured in single cask #3907 for 24 years. It was bottled by Direct Wines as part of their First Cask series.

The First Cask range is a no-frills collection of independent releases, simplistically labelled but with a real focus on high quality cask selection. The brand was produced by Direct Wines, a firm established in Windsor in 1973 and the casks are provided by Signatory Vintage. Often sold in mixed cases through Direct Wines' global distribution network, these bottles can be found all over the world yet have retained the allure of being a relatively boutique label, with many examples incredibly sought after.

Nikka 2003 Coffey Malt Single Cask #130541

Distilled 6th March 2003 and bottled on 11th July 2014, this is Malt whisky that has been produced in a Coffey still and then matured in a single re-charred hogshead. 

North of Scotland 1963 Scott's Selection

North of Scotland began production in 1958, and was the first venture from George P. Christie, who later opened the Speyside distillery as well. North of Scotland originally distilled malt whisky as well, known as Strathmore, but its pot still were removed after just one year to focus on its grain production. Sadly the distillery was short-lived, shut down by Christie in 1980 in anticipation of the era of oversupply, also referred to as the \"whisky loch.\" The site was sold to DCL in 1982 and is nowadays used as a bond and warehousing operation by Diageo. Primarily tasked with provision for blends, there are very few releases of North of Scotland grain. An official 50 year old was bottled in 2017 in partnership with Elixir Distillers, but the majority of independent bottlings are from independent labels like this.

This North of Scotland whisky was distilled in 1963. It was bottled at cask strength in 1998 as part of the Scott's Selection range.

The Scott's Selection range was launched in the 1990s and was originally bottled from casks hand-selected by former Speyside distillery Master Distiller, Robert Scott. They are always filled un-chillfiltered and at a natural cask strength.

North Port 1970 Gordon and MacPhail

The Brechin distillery was built in 1820 by the Guthrie family, who changed its named to North Port at some point later that century. It was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1922, who closed it down six years later. Production briefly resumed for two years before the war, but it was not until 1945 that regular distilling recommenced. North Port was one of the nine distilleries closed by DCL in 1983 after a market downturn meant their blends were oversupplied. It never re-opened and the site now houses a supermarket. Its single malt is very rare, and was never officially bottled in its lifetime. Diageo have produced only a handful of distillery bottlings, the first of which were in the Rare Malts Selection. Rare and increasingly sought after independent releases like this have also appeared over the years though.

This was distilled in 1970 and bottled within Connoisseur's Choice range.

The Connoisseurs Choice label is one of the most recognisable independent bottlings on the market. It was initially created for renowned Italian importer, Edoardo Giaccone in the early 1970s, but became a mainstay of the core Gordon & MacPhail portfolio in 1979.

North Port-Brechin 1976 First Cask 24 Year Old #3905

The Brechin distillery was built in 1820 by the Guthrie family, who changed its named to North Port at some point later that century. It was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1922, who closed it down six years later. Production briefly resumed for two years before the war, but it was not until 1945 that regular distilling recommenced. North Port was one of the nine distilleries closed by DCL in 1983 after a market downturn meant their blends were oversupplied. It never re-opened and the site now houses a supermarket. Its single malt is very rare, and was never officially bottled in its lifetime. Diageo have produced only a handful of distillery bottlings, the first of which were in the Rare Malts Selection. Rare and increasingly sought after independent releases like this have also appeared over the years though.

This North Port was distilled in December 1976 and matured in single cask #3905 for 24 years. It was bottled by Direct Wines as part of their First Cask series.

The First Cask range is a no-frills collection of independent releases, simplistically labelled but with a real focus on high quality cask selection. The brand was produced by Direct Wines, a firm established in Windsor in 1973 and the casks are provided by Signatory Vintage. Often sold in mixed cases through Direct Wines' global distribution network, these bottles can be found all over the world yet have retained the allure of being a relatively boutique label, with many examples incredibly sought after.

Nc'nean 2017 Single Tequila Cask #329 / Selfridges

\"AON means one in Gaelic and represents our collection of single cask bottlings.\"

The idea for Nc'nean distillery was conceived in 2012 by Annabel Thomas and her family, who had acquired the Drimnin Estate on the Morvern Peninsula of Scotland's west coast just 10 years prior. The following year, Annabel Thomas left her job in London to build the distillery from the ground up. As manger and CEO she secured nearly £7.5m throughout two rounds of fundraising, and work began on building the distillery from scratch in 2014. It was designed by the legendary late Dr. Jim Swan, and the first spirit ran from its stills in March 2017. The name, pronounced [nc-nee-an] is an abbreviation of Neachneohain, a figure from Gaelic folk legend known as the Queen of the Spirits.

This Nc'nean was distilled in 2017 and initially matured in a bourbon cask, then finished in single Tequila cask #329. It was bottle exclusively for high-end British retailer Selfridges in late 2021.

One of 289 bottles.

North Highland 1995 Creative Whisky Company 20 Year Old Single Malt / Glenmorangie

Bottled for the Creative Whisky Company's 10th anniversary in 2015, this \"North Highland\" is strongly believed to be Glenmorangie.  

Despite being owned by blenders, MacDonald & Muir, for most of the 20th century, Glenmorangie had an early focus on bottling its single malt. Some records show that its single malt was being sold as early as the late 19th century. This became the distillery's main output in 1959, and with the unique flavours derived from Scotland's tallest stills, coupled with their pioneering use of wood finishing, Glenmorangie is now one of the world's biggest selling malts. As a result, the distillery portfolio over the years has been extensive, and little has been spared for independent bottlers.

This whisky was distilled in March 1995 and aged for 20 years. It was bottled by the Creative Whisky Company in celebration of their 10th anniversary.

The Creative Whisky Company was established in 2005 by David and Dawn Stirk. David had been involved in the industry for a long time, both writing extensively about whisky in magazines and books, as well as being a former employee of Scotland's oldest independent bottler, Wm. Cadenhead. His new family company bottled its first whiskies in 2011. Their brands include the Exclusive Malts, Exclusive Grains, and a range of Exclusive Blends as well.

One of only 271 bottles. 

North of Scotland 'Strathmore' 1970 Malts of Scotland Bourbon Cask

North of Scotland began production in 1958, and was the first venture from George P. Christie, who later opened the Speyside distillery as well. North of Scotland originally distilled malt whisky as well, known as Strathmore, but its pot still were removed after just one year to focus on its grain production. Sadly the distillery was short-lived, shut down by Christie in 1980 in anticipation of the era of oversupply, also referred to as the \"whisky loch.\" The site was sold to DCL in 1982 and is nowadays used as a bond and warehousing operation by Diageo. Primarily tasked with provision for blends, there are very few releases of North of Scotland grain. An official 50 year old was bottled in 2017 in partnership with Elixir Distillers, but the majority of independent bottlings are from independent labels like this.

Although labelled Strathmore, this is a single grain whisky from North of Scotland and was distilled in 1970. It matured in single bourbon hogshead #14032. It was bottled by Malts of Scotland in June 2014.

Malts of Scotland is a German independent bottler, founded in 2005 by whisky enthusiast and connoisseur, Thomas Ewers. The company also bottles rum through its Isla del Ron brand.

One of only 212 bottles.

North British 1988 Sansibar 35 Year Old / Dein Whisky

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

This single grain whisky was distilled in 1988 and aged for 35 years in a single sherry butt. It was bottled in 2023 as a collaborative, independent release by Sansibar and Dein Whisky.

Sansibar Whisky is a German independent bottler, specialising in Scotch, Japanese whisky and rum. Founded by connoisseur, Jens Drewitz, he tastes and hand-selects almost every cask he purchases, on site at the distilleries. An impressive eye for quality, Sansibar have also supported other small independents, acting as the exclusive German distributor for Glasgow's North Star, and Hidden Spirits in Italy.

Nc'nean 2018 SMWS 6 Year Old 161.1

'The Caped Cake Wrestler'

The idea for Nc'nean distillery was conceived in 2012 by Annabel Thomas and her family, who had acquired the Drimnin Estate on the Morvern Peninsula of Scotland's west coast just 10 years prior. The following year, Annabel Thomas left her job in London to build the distillery from the ground up. As manger and CEO she secured nearly £7.5m throughout two rounds of fundraising, and work began on building the distillery from scratch in 2014. It was designed by the legendary late Dr. Jim Swan, and the first spirit ran from its stills in March 2017. The name, pronounced [nc-nee-an] is an abbreviation of Neachneohain, a figure from Gaelic folk legend known as the Queen of the Spirits.

This Nc'nean was distilled in April 2018 and matured in a single first-fill STR barrique for 6 years. It was bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. This was the first cask of Nc'nean that the SMWS had ever bottled.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) was founded in 1983 by a group of friends lead by tax accountant Phillip ‘Pip’ Hills as a private members club. The concept behind the society was to source casks from all over Scotland which would then be bottled and made available exclusively to its members. Perhaps the most famous feature of these bottles are the unique codes. Each distillery is represented by a different number and the following digits indicate that particular release. That same year, the SMWS set up its first location in Leith’s Vault buildings in Edinburgh where it still stands today.

One of 288 bottles.

Nikka Gold and Gold Samurai 75cl

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the largest whisky producers in Japan.

Originally only available in the Japanese duty free market, this is a modern iteration of this Nikka blend, adorned by a Samurai ornament. Gold and Gold is a blend of pot and coffey still whiskies from Nikka's distilleries.

Please note due to the size of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

North British 1993 Sansibar 30 Year Old

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

This North British whisky was distilled in 1993 and aged for 30 years before being bottled in 2023.

Sansibar Whisky is a German independent bottler, specialising in Scotch, Japanese whisky and rum. Founded by connoisseur, Jens Drewitz, he tastes and hand-selects almost every cask he purchases, on site at the distilleries. An impressive eye for quality, Sansibar have also supported other small independents, acting as the exclusive German distributor for Glasgow's North Star, and Hidden Spirits in Italy.

One of only 180 bottles.

Nikka Grand Age Art of Blend 66cl

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the largest whisky producers in Japan.

Part of the Art of Blend series, the Grand Age is a well-aged blend matured in sherry casks.

North British 1993 Sansibar 30 Year Old

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

This North British whisky was distilled in 1993 and aged for 30 years before being bottled in 2023.

Sansibar Whisky is a German independent bottler, specialising in Scotch, Japanese whisky and rum. Founded by connoisseur, Jens Drewitz, he tastes and hand-selects almost every cask he purchases, on site at the distilleries. An impressive eye for quality, Sansibar have also supported other small independents, acting as the exclusive German distributor for Glasgow's North Star, and Hidden Spirits in Italy.

One of only 180 bottles.

North British 28 Year Old Cadenhead's World Whiskies

Wm. Cadenhead is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, founded in 1842 by George Duncan. His brother William Cadenhead joined the company in 1952, taking over after George’s death in 1958. The company got into the whisky bottling business after 1904, when his nephew Robert Duthie took over, and since its sale to J&A Mitchell in 1972, Wm. Cadenhead has become on of the most sought after names in whisky. Its Authentic Collection is the flagship brand, but the portfolio of the company has expanded in recent years with labels like this.

This grain whisky has been aged for 28 years in a single ex-Bourbon Hogshead before being bottled in Spring 2018.

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

One of 168 bottles.

Never Say Die Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon #001 / British Bourbon Society

This is a single barrel bourbon from the Never Say Die distillery of Daville, Kentucky. The name comes from a race horse of the same name who won the Epsom Derby at 33/1, This example was bottled for the British Bourbon Society. 

Nikka Super Whisky Decanter 60cl / Dragon Boat

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the largest whisky producers in Japan.

An older bottling of this famous Japanese blend presented in an elegant ceramic decanter depicting a Dragon-shaped Boat.

New Riff 4 Year Old Bottled in Bond Balboa Rye

New Riff distillery was established in Kentucky in 2014 by Ken Lewis, recognising thr trend in the bourbon community for greater transparency about the products being produced. The distillery sticks resolutely to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, ageing their casks for a minimum of four years, and bottling at 100 proof only from a single distilling season. The operation distils using both rye and bourbon mashbills, and has developed a strong following for its high quality and straight-forward output.

A Bottled in Bond whiskey, by law, must be 100 US proof, be comprised only of spirit distilled in a single season, and state the location of distillation and bottling on the label.

Titled Balboa Rye, this particular bottling takes its name from a rare heirloom grain which dates back to the 1940s. It is made-up of a mashbill of 95% Balboa Rye and 5% Malted Rye.

Nikka The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword 50cl

A very interesting presentation of Nikka blended whisky.

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown. Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

Part of the Design Bottle series.

North British 1991 Signatory Vintage 16 Year Old Cask Strength #259480

Prior to 1885, Scottish blenders were only able to acquire grain whisky from DCL. This changed when the firms of John Crabbie, Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Watson collaborated to open the North British distillery in Edinburgh. Production began two years later on a single coffey still, and the distillery continued to grow, flourishing in the post-war period. In 1993 it was taken over by Lothian Distillers, a partnership between IDV and Robertson & Baxter, the modern iterations of which, Diageo and Edrington, retain a controlling stake in today. Occasional distillery bottlings have appeared over the years, but the majority of examples of its single grain come from independent labels like this.

This whisky was distilled in August 1991 and laid to rest in sherry cask #259480 for 16 years before being bottled in 2008 by Signatory Vintage.

Signatory Vintage were established in 1988 by Andrew Symington and are one of Scotland's most prolific independent bottlers. Their offices and bottling facility are located next to Edradour distillery, which they have also owned since 2002.

One of 601 bottles.

Nikka 12 Year Old Premium

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown.  Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

Released in 2014 which was Nikka's 80th Anniversary, this is a premium blend of 12 year old whiskies. 

Nikka 12 Year Old Premium

Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown.  Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, followed by the Nishinomaya and Miyagikyo distilleries in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Since 1989 the company has also has also had a stake in the Scotch whisky industry after they purchased the struggling Ben Nevis distillery. Today they are one of the second largest whisky producer in Japan.

Released in 2014 which was Nikka's 80th Anniversary, this is a premium blend of 12 year old whiskies. 

Normandin Cognac circa 1960s

A well-aged bottle of cognac from Normandin-Mercier.