April 2025 Auction

Glenallachie 2008 Whisky Taste 

Glenallachie distillery was built by Mackinlays in 1967 to meet the demands of its blends following an upturn in sales in the US. In its short history it has passed through the hands of Invergordon Distillers and Pernod-Ricard. During this period the focus was always on the provision of blends, with over 20 years between the first Mackinlay’s distillery bottlings of its single malt and the next official release from Chivas Brothers in 2005. Now in the hands of Billy Walker and being pushed as a single malt brand since 2017, prior to this, the only real opportunity to try Glenallachie was through sought after independent bottlings like this.

This Glenallachie was distilled in 2008 and matured in single sherry butt #901093. It was bottled by Whisky Taste in January 2020.

One of 629 bottles

Glenlivet 15 Year Old Sherry Cask / Taiwan 

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.

Released first time in 2019, this 15 year old followed on from the Taiwanese exclusive 13 year old the year prior, which was also matured in rare Oloroso sherry casks. This was succeeded by a 14 year old in 2020.

Glenturret 15 Year Old 2020 Maiden Release

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.

This 2020 release has been matured for 15 years, and bottled at a generous 55% abv.

Glenlivet 17 Year Old Batch #1.1

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

This Glenlivet was aged for 17 years in American and Spanish oak casks, before being bottled at cask strength. 

Glenlivet 15 Year Old Sherry Cask / Taiwan 

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.

Released first time in 2019, this 15 year old followed on from the Taiwanese exclusive 13 year old the year prior, which was also matured in rare Oloroso sherry casks. This was succeeded by a 14 year old in 2020.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glenfarclas 2004 Port Cask 12 Year Old Distillery Exclusive

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

Distillery exclusive from Glenfarclas matured in Port cask #1909.

One of only 657 Bottles.

Glenfarclas 2009 Distillery Exclusive / The Stillmen's Dram

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

This Glenfarclas was distilled in 2009 and matured in single cask #1446 for 10 years. It was bottled in 2020 under the title The Stillmen's Dram, and made exclusive to the distillery shop.

One of 658 bottles

Glengoyne 21 Year Old pre-2020

Built in 1833, what is now known as Glengoyne is a Highland distillery so close to the Lowland region border that its warehouses across the road actually fall into the latter geographical category. The distillery was owned by the Lang Brothers for 89 years, who used it as provision for their blends. In that time it was also important to those of Robertson & Baxter, who would eventually acquire the site in 1966, and bottled it as a single malt for the first time in the 1970s. It was not until the 1990s that the single malt brand became the distillery’s main focus however. An eventual restructuring by Robertson & Baxter’s parent company, Edrington, saw its operations quieted, and Glengoyne was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers in 2003.

Introduced in 2007, this is the very popular 21 year old expression from the distillery which has been matured exclusively in hand-selected sherry casks.

This packaging was introduced in 2013 and used until 2020 when the distillery range was rebranded.

Glenrothes 1988 Vintage bottled 2011

Earmarked from an early stage an an ideal component in blended Scotch whiskies, Glenrothes has long been a key component of big brands such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse. Its relationship with the former, lead to a two decade-long association with London wine-merchants, Berry Brother's & Rudd. They began to promote the single malt as well, introducing vintage releases like this one. The Glenrothes \"brand\" was eventually returned to distillery owners, Edrington, in 2017.

This Glenrothes was distilled in December 1988 and bottled in 2011.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glen Moray 1996 SMWS 15 Year Old 35.77

'Malted Vanilla Milkshake'

Originally built as a brewery, Glen Moray was converted into a whisky distillery during the market boom of the late 19th century. The subsequent slump saw it mothballed, before being bought by MacDonald & Muir in 1923, who later became the Glenmorangie Company in 1996. In the latter days of their ownership it was sadly treated as their budget single malt, but it has always been a high quality whisky, and its reputation it is now beginning to recover under the ownership of La Martiniquaise, who took over in 2008. Thankfully the distillery's excellent single malt has always been treated with the reverence it deserves by independent labels like this.

This Glen Moray was distilled in December 1996 and matured in a single first-fill bourbon barrel for 15 years. It was bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

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 208 bottles.

Glen Spey 2010 The National Choice / Diamond Royal Flush

Glen Spey is the historic home of the Gilbey's 'Spey Royal' blend, and currently provides the majority of its output to J&B, an arrangement in place since its acquisition by IDV in 1962. It was briefly available as a single malt in the 1980s, and Diageo launched an official distillery bottling in 2001 as part of the Flora & Fauna range. Outside of this however, it is a rarely seen single malt.

This Glen Spey was distilled in 2010 and matured in single sherry octave #363555. It was bottled at cask strength in 2021.

This was produced by Taiwanese importers and distributors 99 Bottle Co. under their The National Choice label. Produced alongside a number of playing card themed releases, this bottle features the necessary cards to form a royal flush with the suit of diamonds.

One of 75 bottles.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glenfarclas 1993 Oloroso Sherry Casks bottled 2012

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

This Glenfarclas was distilled in 1993 and matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry casks. It was bottled in 2012 exclusively for the German market.

One of 4,000 bottles.

Glenfarclas 2004 Distillery Exclusive 13 Year Old

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.

This Glenfarclas was distilled in 2004 and matured for 13 years. It was made available exclusively through the distillery shop.

One of 599 bottles.

Glenallachie 2006 Single PX Cask 14 Year Old #6608 / Denmark

Glenallachie distillery was built by Mackinlays in 1967 to meet the demands of its blends following an upturn in sales in the US. In its short history it has passed through the hands of Invergordon Distillers and Pernod-Ricard. During this period the focus was always on the provision of blends, with over 20 years between the first Mackinlay’s distillery bottlings of its single malt and the next official release from Chivas Brothers in 2005. Now in the hands of Billy Walker, Glenallachie is finally being pushed as an increasingly popular single malt brand since 2017.

This single cask release was distilled on 19th June 2006 and matured in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask. Bottled 14 years later in May 2021 exclusively for the Denmark market.

One of 330 bottles.

Glenturret 2007 The Hosh Single Cask #106

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.

This Glenturret was distilled in 2007 and matured in single first-fill European oak sherry cask #106. It was bottled in 2020 under the title The Hosh, drawn from the area that surrounds the distillery.

One of 602 bottles.

Glenturret 2007 The Hosh Single Cask #106

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.

This Glenturret was distilled in 2007 and matured in single first-fill European oak sherry cask #106. It was bottled in 2020 under the title The Hosh, drawn from the area that surrounds the distillery.

One of 602 bottles.

Glenturret 2007 The Hosh Single Cask #106

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.

This Glenturret was distilled in 2007 and matured in single first-fill European oak sherry cask #106. It was bottled in 2020 under the title The Hosh, drawn from the area that surrounds the distillery.

One of 602 bottles.

Glenallachie 13 Year Old Gleann Mór Rare Find / Franck Sauzee

Glenallachie distillery was built by Mackinlays in 1967 to meet the demands of its blends following an upturn in sales in the US. In its short history it has passed through the hands of Invergordon Distillers and Pernod-Ricard. During this period the focus was always on the provision of blends, with over 20 years between the first Mackinlay’s distillery bottlings of its single malt and the next official release from Chivas Brothers in 2005. Now in the hands of Billy Walker, Glenallachie is finally being pushed as an increasingly popular single malt brand since 2017.

This Glenallachie was aged for 13 years.

Gleann Mór is an independent whisky and spirits bottler, based in Edinburgh. It was founded in 2013 by Derek Mair, and is notable for its varied catalogue, often bottling casks acquired from private owners as opposed to through brokers. These are released under the A Rare Find label. The company also produces the popular Firkin gin, which is aged in small the cask type from which is derives its name.

Glen Grant 1998 Sansibar 25 Year Old Batch #14 / Finest Whisky Berlin

Glen Grant is one of Speyside's most recognised distilleries. It was built in 1839 by James and John Grant, and was a huge facility for its time. Its size increased exponentially over time, in the hands of John's son, John \"The Major\" Grant (who also built the short-lived Caperdonich next-door), and twice in the 1970s following the merger with The Glenlivet Distillers and its subsequent takeover by Seagram. Glen Grant was bottled as a single malt as early as the late-19th century, and developed a global export market. None perhaps as important as in Italy, where their agent in the 1960s, Armando Giovinetti, turned it into the nation's favourite whisky, after discovering the palate preferences of his countrymen for very young single malts. So loved is Glen Grant in Italy, that the distillery is now owned by Gruppo Campari, who bought it from Pernod Ricard in 2006.

This whisky was distilled in 1998 and aged for 25 years in an ex-Sherry butt.

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 331 bottles.

Glenrothes 2001 Single Sherry Cask #3213 / Bosmolen 20th Anniversary

Earmarked from an early stage an ideal component in blended Scotch whiskies, Glenrothes has long been a key part of big brands such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse. Its relationship with the former, lead to a three decade-long association with London wine-merchants, Berry Brothers & Rudd, who first approached Highland Distillers about licensing the Glenrothes single malt brand in 1983, eventually trading the Cutty Sark blend with Edrington for full ownership of it in 2010. The distillery itself remained with Edrington through, and the two were reunited when the now hugely successful brand was returned in 2017.

This Glenrothes was distilled in 2001 and matured in single Sherry hogshead #3213. It was bottled in 2021 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of De Bosmolen restaurant in Belgium.

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection 3 x 20cl

Glenfiddich was an early advocate of the single malt Scotch category, and their faith is rewarded today by being one of the best-selling Scotch brands in the world. The distillery was built by William Grant in 1886, distilling its first spirit on Christmas day the following year. Today it is still part of the family-owned, William Grant & Sons. They became the first distillery to actively market their single malt brand in 1963, and were the first to open their facility to visitors. Glenfiddich was an important trailblazer in the whisky industry, who's contribution cannot be forgotten. The scale of their operation today is a testament to this.

The Age of Discovery series was a travel retail exclusive range introduced in 2012. They were bottled to commemorate the 1831 voyage of the HMS Beagle, the ship that took Charles Darwin to South America.

This gift pack includes 20cl bottlings of each of the three expressions within the series:

• Glenfiddich 19 Year old Madeira Cask, 40% 20cl
• Glenfiddich 19 Year old Red Wine Cask, 40% 20cl
• Glenfiddich 19 Year old Bourbon Cask, 40% 20cl

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glenfiddich Mary Queen of Scots Decanter 75cl

Glenfiddich was an early advocate of the single malt Scotch category, and their faith is rewarded today by being one of the best-selling Scotch brands in the world. The distillery was built by William Grant in 1886, distilling its first spirit on Christmas day the following year. Today it is still part of the family-owned, William Grant & Sons. They became the first distillery to actively market their single malt brand in 1963, and were the first to open their facility to visitors. Glenfiddich was an important trailblazer in the whisky industry, who's contribution cannot be forgotten. The scale of their operation today is a testament to this.

This decanter is dedicated to Mary Queen of Scots, who reigned over Scotland from 14th December 1542 until 24th July 1567.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old 1980s

Glen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. For most of the 20th century it was self-sufficient, malting its own barley using peat from Pitsligo, giving it a unique smoky character. In fact, in 1968 it was short-listed by then-owners DCL, to convert to heavily peated production in order to make up for a shortfall on Islay caused by a drought. In an odd twist of fate, the decision was instead made to re-open Brora for the job, and close Glen Garioch down. Morrison Bowmore then spring to its rescue, restarting production in 1973. The maltings and distillery were closed down again by Beam Suntory in 1995, and only the latter resumed operations two years later, with contemporary Glen Garioch becoming an un-peated single malt. These pre-1995 vintages are worth investigating while you can. 

This is a 1980s distillery bottling of the core-range 10 year old expression, produced using the old-style single malt.

Glenburgie 5 Year Old 1980s / Soffiantino Import

First established as Kilnflat distillery in 1829, the plant became known as Glenburgie in 1871 when it was bought by Charles Hay. After closing down in 1925, it was eventually acquired by Hiram Walker, alongside Miltonduff distillery, as the firm sought to build a portfolio to supply its newly acquired Ballantine's blend. Today the distillery and Ballantine's are still closely linked, so much so that there have been very few distillery bottlings, the most recent being a 15 year old under the George Ballantine & Sons banner, released in 2017.

This is a rare distillery bottling from the 1970s, produced for the Italian market in the form of a youthful 5 year old age-statement that was the market preference. The Italian love of younger single malt was the discovery of Armando Giovinetti, the agent for Glen Grant in the 1960s. He, correctly, hypothesised that the lighter flavours of a 5 year old malt would be better suited to the grappa-loving palate of his countrymen, and the contined success of the Glen Grant 5 year old there today is testament to his foresight.

Glen Scotia 5 Year Old 1980s

Despite having been mothballed several times throughout its history, Glen Scotia is a proud survivor of the early 20th century desolation of Campbeltown, once known as \"the whisky capital of the world.” The Kintyre peninsula formerly boasted over 30 distilleries, but by the end of the 1920s, only this and Springbank remained. Shut for most of the 1990s before being re-opened by Loch Lomond Distillers, today it is one of only three in the region, and despite having a prominent portfolio of distillery bottlings in shops today, official releases like this from its previous operational periods are quite rare.

Glendronach 15 Year Old Revival pre-2015

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grants of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grants and Teachers were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world.

The Glendronach 15 year old was one of their most popular expressions before its closure in 1996. Launched in 2009, the Revival was no less well-loved, and the news in 2015 that it was to be discontinued was met with much dismay. The distillery's mothballing between 1996 and 2001 meant that the maturing stock in the warehouses eventually ran too thin to sustain it.

Aptly named though, the Revival reappeared in September 2018. Although they are packaged as the same product, this and its pre-2015 predecessor are subtly different whiskies. While the older release was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the revived expression is a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez matured whisky.