The Perfect Collection Part One

Springbank 1919 50 Year Old

If you had propositioned the rarity of this whisky at the time when it was distilled, you would find have found few who would entertain such a fanciful notion. Although 1919 was approaching the end of the Campbeltown distilling heyday, it was still very much a powerhouse region in its prime. When Alfred Barnard visited Campbeltown in 1885, he counted no fewer than 21 distilleries, all but one of which were in the town itself.

Sadly this was not to last. Campbeltown had once thrived on its perfect cocktail of proximity to coal, a good water source and fertile barley farms, all within an 8 mile radius. Its coastal location on the Kintyre peninsula also served it lavishly, allowing easy import of peat and barley from the Western Isles and Ireland, and an unrivalled proximity to export markets in the US. Sadly, this latter hand was to take back all that it had given. So strong was the Campbeltown distilling industry that it was able to survive the enforced closures of the first world war, but it was no match for Prohibition, a two-headed snake that eliminated both a key market, but perhaps crucially, a supply of used bourbon casks.

The Volstead Act of 1920, which banned the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the US, partnered with the closure of the Drumlemble coal mine and a loss of favour among blenders for the traditional Campbeltown whisky character, created a perfect storm which saw off 17 of the region’s distilleries in the 1920s.

Springbank, thankfully, was one of the two eventual survivors. While the distillery today reserves all of its production for single malt, this was not always the case, and it is close to miraculous that a vintage like this was still warehoused by the time it was bottled in 1970. This whisky survived not only a long period where the single malt category was an unfashionable corner of whisky, but an era when its entire industry seemed to be collapsing around it, seeing more whisky dumped into Campbeltown Loch than actually bottled. With a 10 year old age-statement this would have been impressive, at 50 years old this is unprecedented. At an elusive 24 bottles, this is a crown jewel for any whisky collector.

Bottle 12 of 24.

Please Note: This lot is not eligible for Whisky Auctioneer storage. The winning bidder must arrange for collection within 7 days of purchase.

Springbank 12 Year Old Sherry Cask 1980s / Samaroli Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

This is a ludicrously rare and highly sought after Springbank, officially bottled for Samaroli Imports. This dates from the early 1980s when Silvano Samaroli's independent bottling business was still in its infancy, and he was still operating as an official importer. Taking inspiration from the legendary Edoardo Giaccone, proprietor of Edward & Edward (aka Whiskyteca Garten) in Salo, Samaroli imported outwith the standard distillery offerings, and sought out exclusive cask strength and sherry cask offerings like this for his clients. The back label of the bottle includes his tasting notes.

Rumoured to be the same liquid as that of the Samaroli Springbank that was awarded 98 points on WhiskyFun.com

These bottles make it to market so infrequently we wouldn't recommend missing out on this, there's no telling when you might get another chance to pick one up.

Bottle 1407 of 2400.

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. 

Springbank 1966 Sherry Cask #443 / Local Barley

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1966 vintage was bottled from sherry cask #4443 in 1996. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 1962 29 Year Old

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

This a very well-aged Springbank, distilled in December 1962 and bottled January 1992.

Springbank 50 Year Old Millennium Limited Edition 75cl / US Import

An older expression from this Campbeltown classic. This was bottled in September 1999 for the Millennium as part of a range of 6 bottles. 

The set comprised whiskies bottled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. 

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken  to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

Springbank 1958 36 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

The focus on single malt whisky at Springbank has allowed the distillery to retain a wealth of vintages in their warehouses over the years. This was distilled in 1958 and bottled after 36 years.

Sandy MacDonald Special Liqueur Whisky circa 1920-23

An incredibly rare 1920s bottling of the lost blended whisky, 'Sandy Mac,' or Sandy MacDonald. The brand was created by an Edinburgh whisky firm called Alexander & MacDonald in 1840. In 1890 they merged with the Greenlees Brothers, producers of the Grand Old Parr blend, to form Macdonald Greenlees. Despite the company becoming part of DCL in 1925, the Macdonald Greenlees name lived on well into the late 20th century, and the trademark is still owned by Diageo today.

This example dates from the 1920s, prior to the company being swallowed up by DCL and the Alexander & MacDonald name being switched out for MacDonald Greenlees on the label. The bottle bears a statement dated 1920 from the Ministry of Food on it, and lists both the Auchnblae distillery, which closed in 1930, and Argyll distillery, which shut down in 1923. Deduction places this bottling between 1920 and 1923 therefore, a spectacular old example of blended Scotch from the early 20th century.

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.

Springbank 1950 40 Year Old

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

The distillery's modern focus on single malt bottling means that there are some fantastic vintages in their warehouses, which have escaped the hands of blenders over the years. This one is from 1950, and was bottled in December 1990.

One of just 120 bottles.

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.  

Springbank 1965 Samaroli 23 Year Old / Ageing Monography

An iconic Springbank bottling from Samaroli.

Samaroli is 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!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

This is part of a series called Ageing Monography. Samaroli was fascinated with the whisky ageing process, both in cask and in the bottle. This series designed to explore the evolution of Sprinbank maturation from an 18 month old single malt spirit, right through to this 23 year old. There are five releases in the series.

Ageing Monography were bottled in 1989 for Samaroli by R.W. Duthie. Bottle number 388 of 660.

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

Springbank 45 Year Old Millennium Limited Edition 75cl / US Import

An older expression from this Campbeltown classic. This was bottled in September 1999 for the Millennium as part of a range of 6 bottles. 

The set comprised whiskies bottled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. 

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken  to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

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.  

Springbank 1966 Bourbon Cask #471 75cl / Local Barley - US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1966 vintage was bottled from bourbon cask #471 in 1996. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 40 Year Old Millennium Limited Edition / US Import

An older expression from this Campbeltown classic. This was bottled in September 1999 for the Millennium as part of a range of 6 bottles. 

The set comprised whiskies bottled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. 

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken  to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

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.

Springbank 1967 24 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

The 1960s are widely considered to be a golden era of production at the revered Campbeltown distillery.

This was distilled in April 1967 and bottled in January 1992 then exported to the USA. 

Springbank 1966 Bourbon Cask #479 75cl / Local Barley - US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1966 vintage was bottled from bourbon cask #479 in 1996. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 1966 Bourbon Cask #472 75cl / Local Barley - US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1966 vintage was bottled from bourbon cask #472 in 1996. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 1965 Local Barley #6 75cl / US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1965 vintage was bottled from cask #6 in 2001. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 1965 Local Barley #6 75cl / US Import

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is one of a select number of releases produced using malted barley harvested from neighbouring farms in the Campbeltown area. They were first introduced in the late 1990s, and were eventually re-named as the Local Barley series in the 2000s.

This 1965 vintage was bottled from cask #6 in 2001. The barely for the release is from the Machrimore farm, and even the coal, peat and water used in the production of the whisky were sourced from within an 8 mile radius of the distillery.

Springbank 1963

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

This is a fantastic old vintage bottling of Springbank single malt, distilled in 1963 and bottled at some point in the 1980s.

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.  

Springbank 1964 Private Bottling / Lateltin Lanz Ingold 100th Anniversary

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.  

This is an impressive 1964 vintage, a legendary decade of production in the eyes of connoisseurs.

This was privately bottled by the Campbeltown distillery for Lateltin Lanz Ingold, a Swiss drinks importer. The bottle celebrates their 100th anniversary.

Springbank 1968 Samaroli 20 Year Old / Ageing Monography

An iconic Springbank bottling from Samaroli.

Samaroli is 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!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

This is part of a series called Ageing Monography. Samaroli was fascinated with the whisky ageing process, both in cask and in the bottle. This series designed to explore the evolution of Sprinbank maturation an 18 month old single malt spirit right through to a 23 year old. There are five releases in the series.

Ageing Monography were bottled in 1989 for Samaroli by R.W. Duthie. Bottle number 584 of 660.

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts. 

Springbank 35 Year Old Millennium Limited Edition / US Import

An older expression from this Campbeltown classic. This was bottled in September 1999 for the Millennium as part of a range of 6 bottles. 

The set comprised whiskies bottled at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years. 

Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken  to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is the only distillery to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

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.