The Perfect Collection Part One

Linkwood 1898 Ian Grant and Co

A spectacularly rare old bottle of Linkwood single malt, not just for its age, but for the provenance of the liquid. Even now, Linkwood is a rare single malt, its only core range product being the 12 year old Flora & Fauna bottling. This is not to do it a discredit however, as malt from the distillery is regarded by many to be an essential contribution to the body and flavour of several top blends, including Johnnie Walker and White Horse. For this reason, much of the output at Linkwood is reserved for such purposes.

To see a 19th century vintage Linkwood in single malt form then, is a near-impossible feat. This was distilled in 1898, a year subsequent to the the distillery's take-over by the Linkwood Glenlivet Distillery Company from the family of its founder, Peter Brown.

This was bottled by Ian Grant & Co, a small Glasgow based blending firm that were presumably Linkwood customers, and began bottling its Ian Grant's Liqueur Scotch Whisky in 1920, marketing it as \"pre-war excellence maintained in every way.\" This is certainly that. The firm operated until the 1950s when it became the Old Grantian Company, and appears in several trademark dispute cases with William Grant & Sons into the 1960s, and very little mention is made of them since. This bottling likely dates from around the early 1920s therefore, and is a spectacular time-capsule from a bygone era of whisky production.

The authentication of this bottle has been informed by using two separate practices. Firstly, the age of the liquid was confirmed by radiocarbon dating. A subsequent test by a different lab then confirmed the categorisation of this as a malt whisky through an analysis of the major volatile congeners. 

Linkwood 1898 Ian Grant and Co

A spectacularly rare old bottle of Linkwood single malt, not just for its age, but for the provenance of the liquid. Even now, Linkwood is a rare single malt, its only core range product being the 12 year old Flora & Fauna bottling. This is not to do it a discredit however, as malt from the distillery is regarded by many to be an essential contribution to the body and flavour of several top blends, including Johnnie Walker and White Horse. For this reason, much of the output at Linkwood is reserved for such purposes.

To see a 19th century vintage Linkwood in single malt form then, is a near-impossible feat. This was distilled in 1898, a year subsequent to the the distillery's take-over by the Linkwood Glenlivet Distillery Company from the family of its founder, Peter Brown.

This was bottled by Ian Grant & Co, a small Glasgow based blending firm that were presumably Linkwood customers, and began bottling its Ian Grant's Liqueur Scotch Whisky in 1920, marketing it as \"pre-war excellence maintained in every way.\" This is certainly that. The firm operated until the 1950s when it became the Old Grantian Company, and appears in several trademark dispute cases with William Grant & Sons into the 1960s, and very little mention is made of them since. This bottling likely dates from around the early 1920s therefore, and is a spectacular time-capsule from a bygone era of whisky production.

The authentication of this bottle has been informed by using two separate practices. Firstly, the age of the liquid was confirmed by radiocarbon dating. A subsequent test by a different lab then confirmed the categorisation of this as a malt whisky through an analysis of the major volatile congeners. 

Longmorn 1939 Mayor, Sworder and Co

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long been prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.   

This was bottled by Mayor, Sworder & Co, a fine wine merchant from London. Up until the mid-1960s, the company also had many dealings in spirits, bottling whisky and gin. The firm contracted blends from Bulloch Lade, but also produced their own label called Red Monogram. They regularly received fillings of Glenlivet and Ardbeg for its production, and in earlier years, sought after Longmorn malt as well. These casks would occasionally be bottled as single malts for the company's more discerning customers, as was the case here. This was bottled at some point in the early 1950s, prior to their move from Budge Row to Southwark Street in 1955.

Clynelish 1965 Whyte and Whyte 28 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / Spirits Library

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 will contain pre-closure single malt from the original Clynelish. This distillery was closed in 1969, re-opening as Brora the following year to produce heavily peated whisky for blending, to make up for a shortfall after a drought on Islay. 

This was bottled for Whyte and Whyte, a Chicago-based independent spirits distributor in the US. The company had a UK arm that sourced casks of single malt from a variety of specialist firms, including Signatory Vintage and Wm. Cadenhead. This bottle is part of a sought after series the company imported for the Spirits Library, a Scotch and Cognac retailer in the US. Whyte and Whyte ceased trading in 1998, and these bottles are an increasing rarity.

Clynelish 1965 Whyte and Whyte 29 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / Spirits Library

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 (and the rest is history). 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 will contain pre-closure single malt from the original Clynelish. This distillery was closed in 1969, re-opening as Brora the following year to produce heavily peated whisky for blending, to make up for a shortfall after a drought on Islay. 

This was bottled for Whyte and Whyte, a Chicago-based independent spirits distributor in the US. The company had a UK arm that sourced casks of single malt from a variety of specialist firms, including Signatory Vintage and Wm. Cadenhead. This bottle is part of a sought after series the company imported for the Spirits Library, a Scotch and Cognac retailer in the US. Whyte and Whyte ceased trading in 1998, and these bottles are an increasing rarity.

Laphroaig 1960 Vintage Reserve 40 Year Old

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.  

This is a vintage release, distilled in 1960 and bottled in 2001. Laphroaig of this age is incredibly rare!

Distilled under the care of Scotland's first female Distillery Manager, Bessie Williamson,  and presented here with a certificate from then-Distillery Manager, Iain Henderson. The casks were matured for 40 years in warehouse #1.

This is bottle 55 of 300. 

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 1966 Signatory Vintage 30 Year Old

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

This is a spectacular Signatory Vintage bottling, distilled on 18th February 1966 and bottled 30 years later on 18th June 1996. The 1960s was a truly golden era for the distillery and these vintages are increasingly sought after.

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.

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Clynelish 12 Year Old Ainslie and Heilbron Cask Strength 1973 / Edward and Edward

A fantastic old bottling of Clynelish, bottled by proprietors, Ainslie & Heilbron Distillers in the classic orange label used between 1977 and 1984 (Gordon & MacPhail also used it from 1984 onwards). Should the bottle have been filled prior to 1981, it will contain single malt from the original Clynelish distillery, nowadays referred to as Brora. This distillery was closed in 1969 when the current Clynelish was built nextdoor, re-opening the following year to produce heavily peated whisky to make up for a shortfall after a drought on Islay. 

This was bottled on behalf of the legendary Italian bar owner, Edoardo Giaccone.

Giaccone was something of a trailblazer, and was importing specially bottled official single malts for his bar from the late 1960s, this is one of his earliest. He opened the famous venue in 1958, and it has been called a few different things over the years, including Garten, Edward & Edward (during the period this was imported), and La Taverna del Comandante.

Edoardo set the stage for later legendary bottlers such as Silvano Samaroli, Nadi Fiori and Ernesto Mainardi. Moon Import founder, Pepi Mongiardino said, \"he was the first person I visited\" when he became the distributor for Bruichladdich in 1981. Giaccone did not have any of his own labels or series, but was the first person in Italy to have official bottlings produced exclusively for him. Through his bar, Italy was treated to exclusive releases from Clynelish, Bowmore, Dalmore, Highland Park and even Jack Daniel's.

This 12 year old was bottle at a cask strength of 56.9%, at his request. Clynelish bottled three batches of this for Giaccone in 1969, 1971 and 1973. This particular release is the first outing for the new orange and brown label style, that would become the official Clynelish livery in 1977.

Locke's Kilbeggan 1946 Last Known Cask 34 Year Old

Formerly known as Brusna, Locke's distillery in Kilbeggan, Ireland was founded in 1757. It became Locke's Distillery in 1843 when it was acquired by John Locke, who oversaw an early period of flourishing for the business. It remained in his family until 1893, when it was converted to a limited stock company known as John Locke & Co. The distillery contiued to thrive until the outset of the Irish wars of independence, which halted production between 1924 and 1931, leaving the company in financial strife. Prohibition in the US had not helped matter either. After struggling for many years to recover, the distillery was put up for sale in 1947, but after struggling to find a buyer, eventually shut down in 1953, with the company folded 5 years later, bringing a 201 year legacy to an end. All was not lost though. After re-opening as a museum in the 1980s, the site was acquired by the owners of Cooley distillery who have since revived it as a working distillery, now known as Kilbeggan. The first sprit ran from its stills in 2010.

Bottled in March 1980 by The Uisge Beatha Malt Whiskey Co in London, this was produced from the last known cask of Locke's Distillery whiskey, distilled in 1946.

Lochside 1959 Signatory Vintage 31 Year Old

Lochside was founded in 1957, however single malt vintages only date from the early to mid-1960s and from the early 1980s as its Spanish owners in the intervening period, Destilerias y Crianzas (DYC), used its malt exclusively for export blends. Prior to this it was in the hands of Joseph Hobbs who had operated both pot and a coffey still, blending both malt and grain at birth for the distillery's Sandy MacNab brand. Some of these \"blended at birth\" casks have subsequently been bottled by independent labels. The practice stopped with Hobbs' death in 1964, and the distillery exclusively produced malt until it eventually closed in 1992. 

This is a particularly rare example from Signatory Vintage, with a rarely seen 1950s distillation date. Filled into a single cask on 22nd June 1959, this was bottled in March 1991.

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.

Longmorn 1971 Sestante 18 Year Old / Antica Casa Marchesi Spinola

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long been prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.   

This 18 year old was distilled in 1971 and is part of a Sestante series bottled in 1990 for the Antica Casa Marchesi Spinola.

The Sestante import company was founded in the 1970s by Ernesto Mainardi, and he bottled his first single casks under the name in 1985. Alongside his contemporary, Silvano Samaroli, Mainardi pioneered giving his customers a choice of both standard 40-46% bottlings, and cask strength releases from the same casks. Along with his other brand, Silver Seal, Mainardi's bottlings are incredibly sought after.

Clynelish 1972 Rare Malt 22 Year Old 75cl / 58.64% - US Import

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

This Clynelish was distilled in 1972 and bottled as a 22 year old.

Clynelish distillery as it is recognised today, was built in 1967 to replace the a smaller distillery next-door, which was the original site of that name. The original distillery was closed, but later re-opened, changing its name to Brora (and the rest is history). 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. 

Coleraine 1959 Cask Strength 34 Year Old Irish Single Malt

A true piece of Irish whiskey heritage. Established in 1820 in Coleraine, Ulster, it was one of only two distilleries on the isle of Ireland to produce malt.

Famously supplying whisky to the Houses of Commons, the brand proudly bore \"H.C.\" on the label.

In a tale familiar to lovers of Irish whiskey, the 20th century was not kind to Coleraine and it spent most of the 1920s silent before being acquired in 1933 by the Boyds of Bushmills.

A Patent still was installed after the second world war, but malt distillations ceased in 1964 with grain following suit in 1978, and now only a scant few pieces of masonry stand as testament to this once illustrious distillery.

Produced from very limited stocks laid down in 1959 and aged 34 years, only 400 bottles were produced in 1993.

Longrow 1973 First Distillation - Last Cask

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. ​​​​​​

This special release was bottled from cask #1723, the last to be filled during the inaugural year of production in 1973.

Laphroaig 30 Year Old 

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

The 30 year old was originally released at the top of the core range in 2000, but was discontined in 2008. This well aged Laphroaig has been out-matured by only a few releases since.

Lagavulin 1985 Cask Strength 21 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Lagavulin distillery is one of the quintessential Islay producers, built in the early 19th century before eventually finding itself in the hands of White Horse blenders and their infamous proprietor, Sir Peter Mackie. It has truly captured the imagination of the whisky world in modern times, with the 16 year old becoming an instant (if unexpected) favourite when introduced as one of United Distillers' Classic Malts in 1988. The company had not expected the smoky flavours to be as popular as lighter offerings such as Dalwhinnie and Glenkinchie. Lagavulin was also home to the legendary (and near mythical) Malt Mill distillery in the first half of the 19th century. 

This is a truly legendary bottling, released in 2007 within Diageo's Special Releases range that year

Distilled in 1985 and bottled as a 21 year old at cask strength, this is incredibly highly acclaimed, a must for any Lagavulin collector or drinker.

One of 6642.

Longrow 1974 25 Year Old

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. 

This limited edition bottling is a 25 year old, distilled in the spirit's second year of production, 1974.

Clynelish 5 Year Old Ainslie and Heilbron 1970s / Di Chiano Import

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. 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. 

These 5 year old bottlings were distributed in Italy by Di Chiano in the early 1970s.

This will contain pre-closure single malt from the original Clynelish. This distillery was closed in 1969, re-opening as Brora the following year to produce heavily peated whisky for blending, to make up for a shortfall after a drought on Islay. 

Linkwood 1939 Gordon & MacPhail 42 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In 1982 it was selected for the Ascot Malt Cellar range by DCL, an early precursor to the Classic Malts range later launched by United Distillers. It had been on the short-list for the subsequent range at the time, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore as the Speyside representative instead, later opting to revive the 12 year old under the Flora & Fauna brand. That remains the only permanent distillery bottling, but independent releases like this are more common however. 

Linkwood was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, not having the capacity to do so itself at the time. This good standing with the distillery furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases. 

This is a rare pre-war vintage, bottled in the early 1980s.

Longmorn 1969 Gordon and MacPhail Cask Strength

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long been prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.   

Longmorn was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, not having the capacity to do so itself at the time. This good standing with the distillery furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases.

This 1969 vintage is from the Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength collection, bottled from two casks in October 1993.

Inchgower 1967 Cadenhead's 25 Year Old / 150th Anniversary

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.

This 25 year old Inchgower is one of the original 150th anniversary releases.

Inchgower was built in 1871 by Alexander Wilson, using equipment rescued from the disused Tochineal distillery nearby. When his family went bankrupt, the distillery was bought by the town council, who sold it to Arthur Bell in 1937. As you would expect it has been a key constituent in the Bell's blend ever since. As with Blair Athol and Dufftown, Arthur Bell & Sons took an early interest in bottling its single malt, with official releases appearing from the 1970s. These disappeared when Guinness bought Bell's in 1985 however, and it was not until United Distillers launched the Flora & Fauna brand in 1991 that the former Bell's stable would receive distillery bottlings again. Nowadays important to the Johnnie Walker blend too, other official releases of Inchgower are rare, and it is with independent releases like this where it enjoys the prominence it deserves.

Longrow 1974 25 Year Old 75cl / US Import

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. 

This limited edition bottling is a 25 year old, distilled in the spirit's second year of production, 1974.

Linkwood 1938 Gordon and MacPhail 44 Year Old

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In 1982 it was selected for the Ascot Malt Cellar range by DCL, an early precursor to the Classic Malts range later launched by United Distillers. It had been on the short-list for the subsequent range at the time, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore as the Speyside representative instead, later opting to revive the 12 year old under the Flora & Fauna brand. That remains the only permanent distillery bottling, but independent releases like this are more common however. 

Linkwood was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, not having the capacity to do so itself at the time. This good standing with the distillery furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases. 

This is a fantastic pre-war vintage, distilled in 1938 and bottled after 44 years in cask.

Longrow 1974 Single Cask 21 Year Old #1550 75cl / US Import

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day.

This is a 21 year old distillery bottling from the second year of this single malt's production, distilled in 1974.

Bottled in February 1996 from single cask #1550.

Ledaig 1972 Cadenhead's 22 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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.

This is a rare single malt from the Isle of Mull's Tobermory distillery. Opened way back in 1798, it was originally known as Ledaig, which was the case for much of its history. It was dormant for the majority of the 20th century, shut down by DCL in 1930, and when it re-opened in 1972, it did so as again as Ledaig distillery. Its revival was only brief however, and it closed down again in 1975. When the distillery was again re-opened in 1979, it was now known as Tobermory. Its production in former years had generally been peated whisky, and this single malt was still bottled as Ledaig. However the newly revived company also began producing non-peated as well, for the provision of a blended malt which they marketed under the Tobermory name. Burn Stewart discontinued the blend when they took over in 1993, opting to continue the production of both styles as two distinct single malt brands. The un-peated single malt took over the Tobermory name, while the traditional peated style fittingly retained the historic Ledaig name.

Linkwood 1938 Sestante 45 Year Old

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In 1982 it was selected for the Ascot Malt Cellar range by DCL, an early precursor to the Classic Malts range later launched by United Distillers. It had been on the short-list for the subsequent range at the time, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore as the Speyside representative instead, later opting to revive the 12 year old under the Flora & Fauna brand. That remains the only permanent distillery bottling, but independent releases like this are more common however. 

This is a rare pre-war vintage, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Sestante in Italy.

The Sestante import company was founded in the 1970s by Ernesto Mainardi, and he bottled his first single casks under the name in 1985. Alongside his contemporary, Silvano Samaroli, Mainardi pioneered giving his customers a choice of both standard 40-46% bottlings, and cask strength releases from the same casks. Along with his other brand, Silver Seal, Mainardi's bottlings are incredibly sought after.

Caol Ila 1974 Whyte and Whyte 19 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / Spirits Library

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 bottled for Whyte and Whyte, a Chicago-based independent spirits distributor in the US. The company had a UK arm that sourced casks of single malt from a variety of specialist firms, including Signatory Vintage and Wm. Cadenhead. This bottle is part of a sought after series the company imported for the Spirits Library, a Scotch and Cognac retailer in the US. Whyte and Whyte ceased trading in 1998, and these bottles are an increasing rarity.

Linkwood 1939 Gordon and MacPhail 37 Year Old / Edward & Edward

This Linkwood was distilled in Speyside in 1939 and bottled as a 37 year old by Gordon & MacPhail ​​​​​​.

The black and red labelled Connoisseurs Choice labels were the very first. The range was devised for Edoardo Giaccone in Italy in the early 1970s, and became part of the main Gordon & MacPhail portfolio in 1979. It is now one of the most widely recognised independent whisky labels in the world.

Giaccone was something of a trailblazer, and was importing specially bottled official single malts for his bar from the late 1960s, this is one of his earliest. He opened the famous venue in 1958, and it has been called a few different things over the years, including Garten, Edward & Edward (during the period this was imported), and La Taverna del Comandante.

Edoardo set the stage for later legendary bottlers such as Silvano Samaroli, Nadi Fiori and Ernesto Mainardi. Moon Import founder, Pepi Mongiardino said, \"he was the first person I visited\" when he became the distributor for Bruichladdich in 1981. Giaccone did not have any of his own labels or series, but was the first person in Italy to have official bottlings produced exclusively for him. Through his bar, Italy was treated to exclusive releases from Clynelish, Bowmore, Dalmore, Highland Park and even Jack Daniel's.