April 2025 Auction

Caol Ila 1994 Gordon and MacPhail 30 Year Old Batch #24/229

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

This was distilled in 1994 and aged for 30 years in first fill sherry butt #12431. It was then bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2024.

The Connoisseurs Choice label is one of the most recognisable independent bottlings on the market, and this release follows the 2018 rejuvenation of the brand, which saw it reimagined as a premium single casks range.

One of 532 bottles. 

Caol Ila 1994 Gordon and MacPhail 30 Year Old Batch #24/229

Caol Ila distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson, who was bought out from the venture a little over 10 year later by Bulloch Lade. The blending firm merged with DCL (now Diageo) in 1927, who still run the distillery today. In 1972 the original site was demolished and replaced by a new one. When distilling resumed in 1974, Caol Ila was the largest producer of single malt on the Isle of Islay. Despite this, due to its importance in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker, its single malt brand disappeared under United Distillers, and it was not until 2002 that it would return, when the 12 year old was revived by Diageo. The Flora & Fauna release was well-regarded in the meantime, but it was independent releases like this that gave the best opportunity to sample this much-loved single malt.

This was distilled in 1994 and aged for 30 years in first fill sherry butt #12431. It was then bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2024.

The Connoisseurs Choice label is one of the most recognisable independent bottlings on the market, and this release follows the 2018 rejuvenation of the brand, which saw it reimagined as a premium single casks range.

One of 532 bottles. 

Chichibu 2015 Single Bourbon Cask #5494 / Spirits Shop' Selection

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This Chichibu was distilled in 2015 and matured in single second-fill bourbon barrel #5494. It was bottled in 2022 exclusively for Spirits Shop' Selection.

One of 183 bottles.

Caledonian 1976 Douglas Laing 45 Year Old XOP

Douglas Laing & Co was established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, affectionately known as “FDL.” The company started out as a blending business, but over time their focus shifted towards independently bottlings single malts. Fred died in 1982, leaving the business to his two sons, Stewart and Fred Jr, who eventually carved it up in 2013, with Stewart leaving to establish Hunter Laing. Fred Jr and his daughter Cara now run Douglas Laing, which continues to bottle single malt and has also revived its blending business. Additionally, the company has recently moved into distilling as well, announcing plans to construct the new Clutha distillery in Glasgow, and taking over Strathearn in Perthshire in 2019.

Old Particular is Douglas Laing's flagship label, and was launched in 2013 after their Old Malt Cask series became part of the portfolio of the newly established Hunter Laing. Xtra Old Particular is the premium version of the brand, and is reserved for casks the company considers the Laing \"family jewels.\"

Caledonian is a lost grain distillery, built in Edinburgh by Graham Menzies & Co. It operated a single column still, once described by James Grant as the \"greatest in Scotland,\" and later two pot stills which produced an Irish-style grain whisky. It became the seventh member of DCL in 1884. When DCL merged with Guinness in 1986 to form United Distillers, the company's enormous portfolio of distilleries required streamlining, and Caledonian was one of those that did not survive the cull, shut down for good in 1988. It has only twice been officially bottled as a single grain, once in its lifetime as a commemorative bottling for the 1986 Commonwealth games in its home city, and later under The Cally brand by Diageo. Thankfully, releases like this have appeared over the decades under independent labels.

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Limited Release 2024

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

This is a barrel-proof expression from Wild Turkey bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

This is the 2024 installation of the brand's Rickhouse Collection, this time matured on floor 6 of their Camp Nelson B rickhouse.

Rosebank 1989 Signatory Vintage 12 Year Old

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.

This whisky was distilled on 5th April 1989 and aged in single cask #722 for 12 years. It was bottled by Signatory Vintage on 27th February 2002.

Rosebank is a much-sought after Lowland single malt. The distillery was initially shortlisted by United Distillers as their Lowland entry to the Classic Malts series when it was slated for launch in 1988, but was eventually substituted for Glenkinchie on the belief that it provided better opportunities for tourism. Rosebank was then shut down in 1993, but has recently been acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, who have a view to resurrecting this classic lost distillery in the near future.

One of 438 bottles.

Compass Box Eleuthera 2003

Despite brands like Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal remaining the best-selling Scotch whisky brands in the world, the blended Scotch category played second fiddle to the more fashionable single malt market in the second half of the 20th century. This remains largely true today, however in recent decades the perception of the blend has improved. The company at the forefront of this is Compass Box, founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand. Their core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Story of the Spaniard, Oak Cross and Hedonism blends, and they regularly produce limited editions as well. The company prides itself on its boundary-pushing approach to its creations, and on occasion, boundary-crossing creations, such as the original Spice Tree in 2005 which was banned by the Scotch Whisky Association for its use of suspended staves in casks. Despite investment from Bacardi in 2015, the company continues to push the envelope and rebel against tradition, most notably in its Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign, launched in 2016 following another disagreement with the SWA, this time about their detailed revealing of the recipes of their whiskies.

This is an early Compass Box release from a time when \"vatted malt\" was still a legally accepted term. Produced from 2001 until 2003, this was actually their first blended malt, and the recipe contained 15 year old Clynelish from re-charred casks, and a 12 year old single malt from the Port Askaig area of Islay. The blend was retired when the Clynelish needed became unavailable.

Compass Box Three Year Old Deluxe

A typically rebellious bottling of Scotch whisky from Compass Box. Taking aim at UK and EU restrictions on stating the ages of component whiskies in blends (other than the youngest), here we have the Compass Box 3 Year Old Deluxe.

Despite brands like Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal remaining the best-selling Scotch whisky brands in the world, the blended Scotch category played second fiddle to the more fashionable single malt market in the second half of the 20th century. This remains largely true today, however in recent decades the perception of the blend has improved. The company at the forefront of this is Compass Box, founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand. Their core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Story of the Spaniard, Oak Cross and Hedonism blends, and they regularly produce limited editions as well. The company prides itself on its boundary-pushing approach to its creations, and on occasion, boundary-crossing creations, such as the original Spice Tree in 2005 which was banned by the Scotch Whisky Association for its use of suspended staves in casks. Despite investment from Bacardi in 2015, the company continues to push the envelope and rebel against tradition, most notably in its Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign, launched in 2016 following another disagreement with the SWA, this time about their detailed revealing of the recipes of their whiskies.

The 3 year old whisky in the blend comprises only 1%, and was distilled near the town of Brora, which for now can only mean Clynelish. 90% of the blend is older whisky from the same distillery, with some Talisker in the mix too. The 3 year old was matured fully by Compass Box in their warehouses, in first fill American oak casks.

One of 3,282 bottles.

Rosebank 12 Year Old Flora and Fauna

Following on from the successful introduction of the Classic Malts range in 1988 (at the time only six expressions), United Distillers sought to build on this by releasing a further 22 single malts in 1991. These became affectionately known as the Flora & Fauna series, a term coined by whisky writer, Michael Jackson, in reference to their labels. The range showcased the lesser-seen distilleries from the company’s extensive portfolio at the time, with the intent of using collective branding to help them raise each other’s profiles. Despite four further additions in 2001, only a handful of these are still permanent distillery bottlings, making it a highly collectible series.

Rosebank is a much-sought after Lowland single malt. The distillery was initially shortlisted by United Distillers as their Lowland entry to the Classic Malts series when it was slated for launch in 1988, but was eventually substituted for Glenkinchie on the belief that it provided better opportunities for tourism. Rosebank was then shut down in 1993. Seemingly closed for good, many were surprised in 2017 when Ian Macleod Distillers announced that they had acquired the distillery and brand with a view to resurrecting it. After a long at times difficult restoration project, the first casks were filled at on 18th July 2023.

This release was a repackaging of the already circulated 12 year old age-statement, despite the 8 year old was preferred by DCL for their Ascot Malt Cellar range in 1982. This was the spiritual predecessor to the Classic Malts range, Rosebank's ommisssion from which was the end of its unique single malt brand. This brief return under the Flora & Fauna banner were the last distillery bottlings before its closure.

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Limited Release 2024

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

This is a barrel-proof expression from Wild Turkey bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

This is the 2024 installation of the brand's Rickhouse Collection, this time matured on floor 6 of their Camp Nelson B rickhouse.

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Limited Release 2024

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

This is a barrel-proof expression from Wild Turkey bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

This is the 2024 installation of the brand's Rickhouse Collection, this time matured on floor 6 of their Camp Nelson B rickhouse.

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Limited Release 2024

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

This is a barrel-proof expression from Wild Turkey bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

This is the 2024 installation of the brand's Rickhouse Collection, this time matured on floor 6 of their Camp Nelson B rickhouse.

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon

A non-chill filtered expression from Wild Turkey, bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

Chichibu Paris Edition 2023

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This is the sixth release of the Chichibu Paris Edition, which was sold via legendary French spirits merchant, La Maison du Whisky.

This whisky is a marriage of nine bourbon, quarter and hogshead casks which have been matured between five to seven years. The label artwork features several different examples of Parisian shopping avenues built in the 19th-Century. These include Samaritaine, Le Bon Marché, Le Printemps and the Galerie Lafayette.

One of 2,100 bottles.

Chichibu 2015W

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This is an older Chichibu bottling from Ichiro's Malt, bottled in 2015.

Chichibu 2016 Single Bourbon Cask #5617 / Whisky Magazine

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This Chichibu was distilled in 2016 and matured in single first-fill bourbon barrel #5617. It was bottled in 2023 exclusively for Whisky Magazine, as part of their Japanese Craft Whisky series.

One of 193 bottles.

Chichibu 2008 Port Pipe

Chichibu distillery in Saitama, Japan was opened in 2008, and was the country’s first new distillery since Suntory opened Hakushu back in 1973. Chichibu was the brainchild of Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the legendary Hanyu distillery. The Ichiro’s Malt brand appeared in 2005 and rose to fame through the bottling of the last casks from Hanyu, particularly the sought after ‘Card’ series. The first Chichibu releases appeared under it in 2011.

This Chichibu was distilled in 2008 and matured exclusively in Port Pipes.

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon

A non-chill filtered expression from Wild Turkey, bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon

A non-chill filtered expression from Wild Turkey, bottled under the Russell's Reserve brand, named after their Master Distillers, Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie.

The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as \"some of that wild turkey whiskey.\" It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.

Rémy Martin Centaure Cristal Cognac Baccarat Decanter 1982

In 1724, a young winegrower named Rémy Martin started to produce cognac under his own name. What started out as a small operation would go on to become one of the most famous names in the history of distilled wines. So successful were his first few decades that he would attract the attention of King Louis XV, who in 1738 personally granted him the incredibly rare permission to plant new vines in recognition of his fine product. After Rémy Martin died in 1773, the family business passed through the hands of several different family members and close associates of the company, before merging with Cointreau in 1990 to form the Remy Cointreau group. Rémy Martin VSOP was launched in 1927 and today remains the best-selling VSOP cognac of all time. At the end of the Second World War a bold decision was made when the then head of the business, André Renaud decides that the house will exclusively produce cognac made from Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne crus only. After almost 300 years of production, today Rémy Martin is one of the most celebrated cognac producers in history and a well-established symbol of luxury.

Rémy Martin Centaure Cristal was a super premium bottling from this renowned house, produced between 1981 and 1991.

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

Clynelish 1995 Samaroli Glen Cawdor 50cl #1469

Clynelish distillery as it is recognised today, was built in 1967 to replace the smaller distillery next-door, which was the original site of that name. The first distillery was closed, but later re-opened, changing its name to Brora (but that’s another story). Clynelish is part of the Diageo stable, having been taken over by DCL in 1912. Despite being an important part of the Johnnie Walker blends, it has long been bottled as a single malt.

This Clynelish was distilled in 1995 and matured in single cask #1469. It was bottled in May 2010 by Samaroli as part of their Glen Cawdor series.

Samaroli are perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), founder Silvano Samaroli is regarded by many as a visionary. Since his passing in 2017, the company has been run by his friend Antonio Bleve, who continues his tradition of high quality releases. Many of Silvano’s early bottlings occupy deserved spots on the pantheon of all-time whisky greats.

The Glen Cawdor name was in part borrowed by Silvano Samaroli from Shakespeare; Castle Cawdor of course being the setting for MacBeth. Samaroli used the Glen Cawdor name to disguise the the real name of certain distilleries, most commonly Springbank.

One of only 531 bottles.

Cream of Kentucky Double Rich Bourbon 1970s / Rinaldi Import

An old bottling of Cream of Kentucky bourbon, produced by the Schenley company at James E. Pepper distillery and bottled at Bernheim , nowadays the home of Heaven Hill. Schenley closed James E. Pepper in 1958, moving production of the brand to George T. Stagg distillery. 

The James E. Pepper distillery was a historic site, formerly known as the Henry Clay distillery, which was resurrected following the repeal of Prohibition by Schenley. They renamed it James E. Pepper after the famous 19th century Master Distiller (the Old Fashioned cocktail is said to have been created in his honour). A new James E. Pepper distillery was opened on the site in 2017.

Imported to the Italian market by Fratelli Rinaldi.

Coleburn 12 Year Old James Macarthur

Coleburn is a lesser-seen single malt, important in its time to the Usher's and Johnnie Walker Red Label blends. It was owned for the majority of the 20th century by DCL (now Diageo), who closed it down alongside many others in their portfolio in the early 1980s. There have been no official distillery bottlings outside of the Rare Malts Selection series, but a number of sought after independent releases like this have appeared over the years. The site of Coleburn is now owned by Aceo, the parent company of Murray McDavid. 

James MacArthur & Co were founded in 1982 and are a no-frills independent label, focussed bringing lesser-seen and often closed distilleries to the market. Their simple approach and fine selection of cask strength and single cask whiskies has earned them an army of fans amongst connoisseurs across the world.

Compass Box Whisky de Table No.1-3 / LMDW 3 x 70cl

Despite brands like Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal remaining the best-selling Scotch whisky brands in the world, the blended Scotch category played second fiddle to the more fashionable single malt market in the second half of the 20th century. This remains largely true today, however in recent decades the perception of the blend has improved. The company at the forefront of this is Compass Box, founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand. Their core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Story of the Spaniard, Oak Cross and Hedonism blends, and they regularly produce limited editions as well. The company prides itself on its boundary-pushing approach to its creations, and on occasion, boundary-crossing creations, such as the original Spice Tree in 2005 which was banned by the Scotch Whisky Association for its use of suspended staves in casks. Despite investment from Bacardi in 2015, the company continues to push the envelope and rebel against tradition, most notably in its Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign, launched in 2016 following another disagreement with the SWA, this time about their detailed revealing of the recipes of their whiskies.

Whisky de Table is a blended malt from four distilleries which was matured in barrels sourced from Buffalo Trace in Kentucky. Originally released in 2016 as a collaboration with La Maison du Whisky.

• Compass Box Whisky de Table No.1 / LMDW 60th Anniversary
• Compass Box Whisky de Table No.2 / LMDW
• Compass Box Whisky de Table No.3 / LMDW

Note- this lot will incur a three-bottle shipping fee

Rosebank 1990 Gordon and MacPhail bottled 2006

Rosebank is a much-sought after Lowland single malt. The distillery was initially shortlisted by United Distillers as their Lowland entry to the Classic Malts series when it was slated for launch in 1988, but was eventually substituted for Glenkinchie on the belief that it provided better opportunities for tourism. Rosebank was then shut down in 1993. Seemingly closed for good, many were surprised in 2017 when Ian Macleod Distillers announced that they had acquired the distillery and brand with a view to resurrecting it. After a long at times difficult restoration project, the first casks were filled at on 18th July 2023.

This Rosebank was distilled in June 1990 and matured in refill sherry casks. It was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail in April 2006 under their Connoisseur's Choice label.

Gordon & MacPhail are one of the largest and most recognisable whisky companies in the world. Although they began distilling at the newly refurbished Benromach distillery in 1998, for most of their history they were an independent bottler. Their labels are recognised by whisky lovers the world over, and their licensed bottlings from distillery's like Macallan and Talisker in the 1970s and 1980s, when the companies were not bottling themselves, are a huge part of the success of those distillers today.

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.

Compass Box This Is Not a Luxury Whisky

Despite brands like Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal remaining the best-selling Scotch whisky brands in the world, the blended Scotch category played second fiddle to the more fashionable single malt market in the second half of the 20th century. This remains largely true today, however in recent decades the perception of the blend has improved. The company at the forefront of this is Compass Box, founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director for the Johnnie Walker brand. Their core range consists of The Spice Tree, The Peat Monster, Story of the Spaniard, Oak Cross and Hedonism blends, and they regularly produce limited editions as well. The company prides itself on its boundary-pushing approach to its creations, and on occasion, boundary-crossing creations, such as the original Spice Tree in 2005 which was banned by the Scotch Whisky Association for its use of suspended staves in casks. Despite investment from Bacardi in 2015, the company continues to push the envelope and rebel against tradition, most notably in its Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign, launched in 2016 following another disagreement with the SWA, this time about their detailed revealing of the recipes of their whiskies.

Inspired by René Magritte's 1929 surrealist painting Ceci n'est pas une pipe, this limited release was bottled in July 2015. Challenging people's perceptions of what is and \"isn't a luxury whisky,\" this was designed to be consumed rather than collected and gives a time sensitive-ish best before date of 3027.

Transparency:

• 79% Glen Ord, first-fill sherrybutt
• 10.1% Strathclyde, refill American oak hogshead
• 6.9% Girvan, refill American oak hogshead
• 4% Caol Ila, refill American oak hogshead

One of 4,992 bottles.

Rosebank 1989 Cadenhead's 8 Year Old

Rosebank is a much-sought after Lowland single malt. The distillery was initially shortlisted by United Distillers as their Lowland entry to the Classic Malts series when it was slated for launch in 1988, but was eventually substituted for Glenkinchie on the belief that it provided better opportunities for tourism. Rosebank was then shut down in 1993, but has recently been acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, who have a view to resurrecting this classic lost distillery in the near future.

This Rosebank was distilled in April 1989 and aged in oak for 8 years. It was bottled at cask strength by Wm. Cadenhead in October 1997 as part of their Authentic Collection series.

The Authentic Collection was launched by Wm. Cadenhead in 1991, and included whiskies from several rare closed Scottish and Irish distilleries, bottled for the company's 150th anniversary. It would later go on to become a mainstay of their portfolio, as the cask strength alternative to the Original Collection, which replaced their famous \"dumpy\" bottlings in the early 1990s. The Authentic Collection is now the flagship Cadenhead brand, and one of the most recognisable independent labels on the market.

Chivas Jubilee Reserve 1990 Blend

Issued in the 25th year of the Queen's awards to industry, this was bottled in 1990 to celebrate the third occasion Chivas brothers received an award for Export Achievements. 

One of 2000 bottles.

Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Diamond Tribute

The first Chivas Regal blend was launched by Chivas Brothers in 1909, a premium brand that quickly developed a big market in the US. While Prohibition put a temporary halt to its success ten years later, it also allowed Canadian distillers, Seagram, to become the biggest drinks company in North America, and they targeted Chivas Brothers straight away when buying into the Scotch market. They acquired the firm in 1949, adding Strathisla to its portfolio, and building a further three more distilleries. Over the years they also acquired the assets of Campbell Distillers and The Glenlivet Distillers, positioning it as one of the largest whisky companies in Scotland. The Seagram empire eventually collapsed in the early 2000s, with its Chivas Brothers arm picked up by Pernod-Ricard, along with Allied Domecq in a separate acquisition, bringing over the Ballantine's brand. Chivas now produces two of the top three selling blends in the world, and its distillery portfolio, with Glenlivet as its flagship brand, is rivalled only by that of Diageo.

Royal Salute's 21 year old 'The Diamond Tribute' was launched in June 2013, to coincide with The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miniature / The Couture Collection I - Richard Quinn

The first release of the Richard Quinn The Couture Collection, this 21 year old - featuring a floral design, was produced in collaboration with British fashion designer, Richard Quinn. 

The first Chivas Regal blend was launched by Chivas Brothers in 1909, a premium brand that quickly developed a big market in the US. While Prohibition put a temporary halt to its success ten years later, it also allowed Canadian distillers, Seagram, to become the biggest drinks company in North America, and they targeted Chivas Brothers straight away when buying into the Scotch market. They acquired the firm in 1949, adding Strathisla to its portfolio, and building a further three more distilleries. Over the years they also acquired the assets of Campbell Distillers and The Glenlivet Distillers, positioning it as one of the largest whisky companies in Scotland. The Seagram empire eventually collapsed in the early 2000s, with its Chivas Brothers arm picked up by Pernod-Ricard, along with Allied Domecq in a separate acquisition, bringing over the Ballantine's brand. Chivas now produces two of the top three selling blends in the world, and its distillery portfolio, with Glenlivet as its flagship brand, is rivalled only by that of Diageo.

Chivas Royal Salute 25 Year Old Miniature Flagon

The first Chivas Regal blend was launched by Chivas Brothers in 1909, a premium brand that quickly developed a big market in the US. While Prohibition put a temporary halt to its success ten years later, it also allowed Canadian distillers, Seagram, to become the biggest drinks company in North America, and they targeted Chivas Brothers straight away when buying into the Scotch market. They acquired the firm in 1949, adding Strathisla to its portfolio, and building a further three more distilleries. Over the years they also acquired the assets of Campbell Distillers and The Glenlivet Distillers, positioning it as one of the largest whisky companies in Scotland. The Seagram empire eventually collapsed in the early 2000s, with its Chivas Brothers arm picked up by Pernod-Ricard, along with Allied Domecq in a separate acquisition, bringing over the Ballantine's brand. Chivas now produces two of the top three selling blends in the world, and its distillery portfolio, with Glenlivet as its flagship brand, is rivalled only by that of Diageo.

Created by master blender, Charles H Julian, the Royal Salute was launched in 1953 as a tribute to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II.

Chivas Royal Salute 25 Year Old Miniature Flagon

The first Chivas Regal blend was launched by Chivas Brothers in 1909, a premium brand that quickly developed a big market in the US. While Prohibition put a temporary halt to its success ten years later, it also allowed Canadian distillers, Seagram, to become the biggest drinks company in North America, and they targeted Chivas Brothers straight away when buying into the Scotch market. They acquired the firm in 1949, adding Strathisla to its portfolio, and building a further three more distilleries. Over the years they also acquired the assets of Campbell Distillers and The Glenlivet Distillers, positioning it as one of the largest whisky companies in Scotland. The Seagram empire eventually collapsed in the early 2000s, with its Chivas Brothers arm picked up by Pernod-Ricard, along with Allied Domecq in a separate acquisition, bringing over the Ballantine's brand. Chivas now produces two of the top three selling blends in the world, and its distillery portfolio, with Glenlivet as its flagship brand, is rivalled only by that of Diageo.

Created by master blender, Charles H Julian, the Royal Salute was launched in 1953 as a tribute to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II.