The Perfect Collection Part One

Ardbeg 1974 Double Barrel Casks #3145 & #3524 / US Import

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. 

Released in 2007, the Ardbeg Double Barrel were rare and sought after pairs of single casks, presented in a leather case from Purdey & Sons. Here, casks #3145 and #3524 were both distilled in 1974, and are bottled with sterling silver labels and individually stamped wax seals. The presentation is completed by eight sterling silver cups, and a pen (fashioned from a barrel) and notebook.

One of 250 sets.

This lot also includes a custom made display stand, engineered to the exact measurements of the case.

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. 

Talisker 1934 Berry Brothers and Rudd

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland. As such, independent bottlings like this are scarce, and particularly sought after when they appear. 

This is a spectacular old 1934 vintage from Berry Brothers and Rudd, bottled at some point in the 1950s.

Berry Brothers & Rudd is a firm steeped in history. They were established in the late 17th century, and received a Royal Warrant from King Edward VII in 1903. The company has been bottling single malt whisky from almost as early as that, and produced their first ever blend, Cutty Sark, in 1923.

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.

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.  

Talisker 1956 Intertrade 31 Year Old

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market.

This is a very rare indepdent bottling of Talisker, distilled in 1956 and bottled in 1987.

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland. As such, independent bottlings like this are scarce, and particularly sought after when they appear. 

Ardbeg 1967 Signatory Vintage 29 Year Old / Pale Oloroso Butt #576

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 is a 1967 Ardbeg, a legendary vintage. Bottled from a pale Oolroso butt in February 1996.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.  

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Ardbeg 1967 Signatory Vintage 30 Year Old / Dark Oloroso Butt #578

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 is a legendary Ardbeg and part of the same batch of single casks as one awarded an impressive 93 points by Serge Valentin at WhiskyFun. Distilled on the 15th February 1967 and matured in a single dark Oloroso sherry butt #578 for 30 years before bottling on 17th February 1997 by Signatory Vintage.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Ardbeg 1967 Signatory Vintage 30 Year Old / Dark Oloroso Butt #578

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 is a legendary Ardbeg and part of the same batch of single casks as one awarded an impressive 93 points by Serge Valentin at WhiskyFun. Distilled on the 15th February 1967 and matured in a single dark Oloroso sherry butt #578 for 30 years before bottling on 17th February 1997 by Signatory Vintage.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Ardbeg 1976 Single Sherry Cask #2391

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.  

This is a very highly sought after Ardbeg, distilled on 24th November 1976 and bottled on 23rd June 2000.

Exclusively bottled by hand for the Ardbeg Committee this single cask sherry butt yielded only 497 bottles.

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.

Tamnavulin 1966 R.W. Duthie for Europvin 22 Year Old

Tamnavulin distillery was opened in 1966 by Invergordon Distillers as a response to the increasing demands for their blends, and such provision has always been the distillery's focus. Despite this, Invergordon Distillers were always interested in bottling their single malts, and Tamnavulin was no different. They even boasted the legendary Moon Import are their Italian agents in the later 1980s. When Invergordon were bought over by Whyte & Mackay in 1995, the distillery was mothballed, but eventually re-opened in 2007. It now has a more prominent range for its single malt brand and earlier bottlings, even from independents are becoming something of a rarity. 

R.W. Duthie & Co of Aberdeen are a subsidiary company of Wm. Cadenhead, and handle the majority of the physical bottling operations for the company. In addition to this, they also provided casks to a number of international distributors, including the sought after portfolios of the Corti Brothers in the US, and early Samaroli releases.

This is part of a several bottle series produced for Europvin in 1989, a French wine and spirits company based in Bordeaux. In the end, Europvin actually exported these bottles to Japan and the US, and they are incredibly rare as a result.

Distilled in 1966 and bottled at 22 years old. The sought after series also incudes a Bowmore, Glenlivet and a Rosebank.

Talisker 1973 Single Cask 28 Year Old #4633 / Oddbins

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range in 1988, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland.

At the time of release, the 100 bottles of this were from the oldest casks at Talisker.  Exclusive to Oddbins, this very, very limited release sold out within hours and has been one of the rarest since.

Bottle 41 of the hundred drawn from cask number #4633.

Ardbeg 1963 Sestante 30 Year Old / White Crest

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike. 

This was released as part of the White Crest label series from Sestante, which included a number of releases from Ardbeg as well as other distilleries. The range was bottled from the 1980s all the way through to the early 2000s.

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.

Ardmore 15 Year Old Teacher's 1980s

Ardmore was built by Wm. Teacher at the end of the 19th century, and as a rare peated Highland single malt, provided the smoky qualities in their well-loved blends. Now in the hands of Beam Suntory, there have been very few official bottlings, but the independent releases that have appeared over the years are much sought after. 

This is an incredibly rare bottling from the 1980s, bottled for the directors of WM. Teacher & Sons (by this time part of Allied Distillers). This and its 16 year old counterpart from the 1970s are rarely seen and incredibly sought after.

One of just 600 bottles.

Ardbeg 1974 Cadenhead's 17 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 17 year old Ardbeg is one of the original 150th anniversary releases.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.  

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.  

Ardbeg 1974 Provenance 1st Release

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.  

This is one of the legendary Ardbeg Provenance bottlings, distilled in 1974 and matured for 23 years until being released in 1997. These whiskies are highly acclaimed and equally desirable.

This is the first release of four, and was bottled on 18th November 1997.

Talisker 1973 Single Cask 28 Year Old #4633 / Oddbins

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range in 1988, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland.

At the time of release, the 100 bottles of this were from the oldest casks at Talisker.  Exclusive to Oddbins, this very, very limited release sold out within hours and has been one of the rarest since.

Bottle 67 of the hundred drawn from cask number #4633.

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.

Tamdhu 1963 R.W. Duthie for Europvin 26 Year Old

Tamdhu is a historic Speyside producer, and for many years was alone with Springbank and Glen Ord as being the only fully self-sufficient distilleries in Scotland. It was the first in Scotland to install Saladin boxes for malting and today it is the last distillery to still use them, which in its years being owned by Edrington, also supplied malt to Glenrothes and Highland Park. Traditionally, Tamdhu was mostly used in blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse, but it has always been regarded as a great single malt, and new owners, Ian Macleod Distillers, are now focussing on this. 

R.W. Duthie & Co of Aberdeen are a subsidiary company of Wm. Cadenhead, and handle the majority of the physical bottling operations for the company. In addition to this, they also provided casks to a number of international distributors, including the sought after portfolios of the Corti Brothers in the US, and early Samaroli releases.

This is part of a several bottle series produced for Europvin in 1989, a French wine and spirits company based in Bordeaux. In the end, Europvin actually exported these bottles to Japan and the US, and they are incredibly rare as a result.

Distilled in 1963 and bottled at 26 years old. The sought after series also incudes a Bowmore, Glenlivet and a Rosebank.

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.

Ardbeg 1967 Douglas Laing 32 Year Old Sherry Cask

The Old Malt Cask series is one of the most established independent labels on the market. It was launched by Douglas Laing in 1998 and bottled by them until 2013 when the brand became part of the Hunter Laing portfolio instead.

This is a 1967 vintage Ardbeg, bottled from a sherry cask in November 1999 at a cask strength due to the whisky having dropped below the brand's preferred 50% ABV.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.  

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.  

Talisker 1955 Gordon and MacPhail 37 Year Old Cask Strength

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland. As such, independent bottlings like this are scarce, and particularly sought after when they appear. 

This is a rare 1990s bottling of Talisker from Gordon & MacPhail. Despite their close association in the 1970s and 1980s, the Eglin bottlers access to casks from the Isle of Skye has dried up in recent years, meaning most releases are necessarily very old vintages like this.

This is part of the Cask Strength range, a more recent version of the Original 'Cask' series, which represented their first foray into cask strength bottlings in order to keep up with the market trend in preference for these in the late 1980s.

Ardbeg 1964 Gordon and MacPhail 30 Year Old 75cl / US Import

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

This is a 1964 vintage from Gordon & MacPhail, bottled in 1995.

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.

Tamdhu 1970 Signatory Vintage 27 Year Old

Tamdhu is a historic Speyside producer, and for many years was alone with Springbank and Glen Ord as being the only fully self-sufficient distilleries in Scotland. It was the first in Scotland to install Saladin boxes for malting and today it is the last distillery to still use them, which in its years being owned by Edrington, also supplied malt to Glenrothes and Highland Park. Traditionally, Tamdhu was mostly used in blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse, but it has always been regarded as a great single malt, and new owners, Ian Macleod Distillers, are now focussing on this. 

This 1970 vintage is an independent release from Signatory Vintage, bottled in 1997 from a single sherry butt.

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.

Talisker 1951 Gordon and MacPhail 21 Year Old / Edward and Edward

This Talisker was distilled on Skye in 1951 and bottled as 21 year old by Gordon and 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.

These particular bottlings all scored between 90 and 94 points when reviewed by Serge Valentin for WhiskyFun. Very impressive indeed!