The Perfect Collection Part One

Macallan Special Reserve 1990s

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This is a 1990s bottling of the Macallan Special Reserve, in a short-lived alteration to the classic livery.

Midleton 26 Year Old 175th Anniversary

A very, very rare bottling of Midleton, distilled in 1973 at the original Old Midleton distillery, and bottled in 2000.

The Old Midleton distillery was established by the Murphy brothers in 1825, having converted an old woolden mill originally built by Marcus Lynch on land granted to him by the Viscount Midleton. The Cork Distilleries group was formed in 1867, with Midleton joining the following year, and over the next century, it was the last in the company still active. Cork Distilleries has been the product of a market downturn caused by various political, social and economic factors, and just shot of 100 years later, a similar melting pot of problems was boiling over. The result was that Ireland remaining three companies, Cork Distilleries, Powers and Jameson, all joined forces to become the Irish Distillers group. Their distilleries were closed down over the next decade, with all operations moved to a New Midleton distillery, which opened in 1975. Old Midleton is now the home of a Jameson visitor experience, and whiskey distilled there in its time is increasingly valuable.

This was matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks before being finished in port pipe #39810.

One of only 1,000 bottles.

Macallan 1949 Fine and Rare 53 Year Old #136 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1949 and bottled 53 years later from single second fill cask #598. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest representations of the vintage.

Unique Reference: WYHYST.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1955 Fine and Rare 46 Year Old #1851 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1955 and then bottled 46 years later from single hogshead #1851. 

Unique reference: RSPE90.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

MacPhail's 1945 Pure Malt

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

This is a blended malt, bottled using whiskies distilled in 1945.

Macallan 1967 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old #1195 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1967 and bottled 35 years later from single sherry butt #1195.

Unique Reference: EQXU6G.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1938 Fine and Rare 31 Year Old Miniature 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1938, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1969 as a 31 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, pre-war distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: OIJXRE

Signed and dated by N McKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1968 Fine and Rare 34 Year Old #2875 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1968 and bottled 34 years from single sherry hogshead cask #2875. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: UWVWII.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1984 15 Year Old 75cl / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

Although the 18 year old is most synonymous with the Macallan brand, this short-lived vintage 15 year old is another sought after and highly regarded whisky. The expression was introduced alongside a new label and packaging design for the 18 year old in 1999, but disappeared again shortly after. Only two vintages were ever bottled, this and the 1985.

Macallan 1968 Prime Malt 30 Year Old 75cl / Carlton Import, US

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This is an independent bottling, produced by Munro Watson & Co for the Carlton Company in Baltimore, MD. Reverence is a premium sub-range within their now sought after Prime Malt series.

Midleton Very Rare 1985 Edition

This famous blend of whiskies was initially produced by Jameson's Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, and has been released in very limited quantities on an annual basis since 1984.

The whiskey is aged somewhere between 12 and 20 years and matured solely in Bourbon casks. Each bottle is individually numbered and carries the signature of the Master Distiller.

The 1985 edition contains whisky of vintages exclusively matured at Old Midleton distillery and is the second release in the Very Rare series.

Macallan 1940 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old Miniature 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1940, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1975 as a 35 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, wartime distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: Q87PTU

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 12 Year Old Bicentenary of French Revolution 1989

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

When Macallan assumed the rsponsibility for their own bottlings from Campbell, Hope & King in 1980, they inherited both an 8 and 12 year old age-statement release, quickly adding a new 10 year old into the mix as well. The 12 year old however was the firm favourite, and is the only of the three still in production today.

This is a very rare bottling from 1989, produced to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the French Revolution.

'Whisky Officiel Du Bicentenaire De La Revolution'

Millburn 1966 Sestante 20 Year Old Sherry Wood Decanter

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.

Mainardi was a former employee of Co. Import, Pinerolo, and was inspired to bottle these crystal decanters based on similar bottlings of Macallan that they had produced. The Sestante decanters were Edinburgh crystal, and Mainardi estimates he produced around 3500 of these over the years.

Millburn was the oldest of the three distilleries based in Inverness, the others being Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn, all of which closed within two years of each other. Millburn was the last, in 1985. The distillery was brought to prominence under the ownership of the Haig family at the end of the 19th century, but was always a small operation. It passed via the hands of Booth's (a London-based gin distillery), to DCL (now Diageo) in 1937. Its small stature made it an easy pick for closure during the era of oversupply in the 1980s, and sadly it has never returned. Never officially bottled in its time, the only distillery bottlings are within the Rare Malt Selection, and elusive independent releases like this are incredibly sought after. 

Macallan 1974 Scott's Selection 75cl / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Scott's Selection range was launched in the 1990s and was originally bottled from casks hand-selected by former Speyside distillery Master Distiller, Robert Scott. They are always filled un-chillfiltered and at a natural cask strength.​​​​​​​

This is 1974 vintage, bottled in 2004 for the US market.

Macallan 1991 Blackadder 14 Year Old Raw Cask 75cl / US Import

Blackadder International were founded in 1995 by whisky writers, Robin Tucek and John Lamond, authors of the 1987 publication, The Malt Whisky File: The Essential Guide for the Malt Whisky Connoisseur. The company has gained great affection from whisky enthusiasts for its Raw Cask series, which is deliberately drawn un-filtered from the cask so as to retain all cask sediment along with any natural oils and fats. The company is credited with a key role in the popularisation of cask strength whiskies since its inception.

This is a Raw Cask bottling of Macallan, distilled in 1991 and drawn from a bourbon cask in 2006.

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

Macallan 1988 Moon Import / Horae Solaris

Moon Import was founded by Pepi Mongiardino in 1980 and he bottled his first whisky in 1982. Always beautifully labelled, Pepi is acclaimed for designing the packaging for Moon Import bottles himself, often using images found in old books. These iconic designs, coupled with the quality of the liquid saw Moon Import steadily grow in popularity. The company is still going strong, and their early releases are some of the brightest gems in any whisky collection.

This Macallan was distilled in 1988 and bottled as part of seven bottle series titled Horae Solaris in 1998.

Bottle number 28 of 480. 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

Macallan 1975 The Ultimate 19 Year Old / Holland Whisky Association

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

This early bottling from The Ultimate Whisky Company was distilled on 8th May 1975 and bottled in January 1995.

Matured in single cask #8888, this is bottle number 9 of 252.

The Ultimate Whisky Company was founded in The Netherlands in 1994 by long-time whisky enthusiast, Han and Maurice van Wees. Their releases are always bottled without colouring or chill-filtration, with the most special casks saved for their Rare Reserve series.

Mortlach 1972 Rare Malt 23 Year Old 75cl / 59.4% - SA 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 Mortlach was distilled in 1972 and bottled as a 23 year old.

Mortlach was founded in 1823 and was the first of Dufftown's \"Seven Stills\" to be licensed. It rose to pre-eminence under George Cowie & Son, who's unique distillation regime produced a famously \"meaty\" whisky, which was highly prized by blenders. It was for this reason that it was acquired by John Walker & Sons, and so important to them was it that little stock was left available for bottling as a single malt. The Flora & Fauna release was the first official distillery bottling, but it was not until 2014 that Mortlach was bottled under its own fully fledged single malt brand.

Macallan Distiller's Choice 1990s / Japanese Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

You don't see these turn up very much, the Distiller's Reserve was a non-age statement official Macallan produced for the Japanese market.

Jim Murray describes this as 'great fun.'

Macallan 1970 Fine and Rare 32 Year Old #241 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

Distilled in 1970 and bottled 30 years later from single sherry butt #241. This is one of only two casks selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: VJYTOS.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1974 Hart Brothers 23 Year Old 75cl / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

This 1974 vintage was bottled by Hart Brothers in 1997.

The Hart Brothers bottling company was founded in 1964 when Iain and Donald Hart incorporated as a wine and spirit merchant and Scotch whisky blenders. They have been bottling independent single malts since the 1980s.

Macallan 10 Year Old 1980s

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

When Macallan assumed the responsibility for their own bottlings from Campbell, Hope & King in 1980, they inherited both an 8 and 12 year old age-statement release, quickly adding a new 10 year old into the mix as well. The 10 year old was a popular edition for many years, but was eventually discontinued in 2013.

Macallan 12 Year Old 75cl 1990s / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

When Macallan assumed the rsponsibility for their own bottlings from Campbell, Hope & King in 1980, they inherited both an 8 and 12 year old age-statement release, quickly adding a new 10 year old into the mix as well. The 12 year old however was the firm favourite, and is the only of the three still in production today.

This is a 1990s bottling for the US market.

Monarch Old Scotch Whisky circa 1940s

An old bottling of The Monarch blend, produced for many decades by Lambert Brothers. This one dates from around the 1940s and early 1950s.

Lambert Brothers began trading in 1939 as a whisky merchants in Edinburgh. The had a shop on Frderick Street there until the early 1990s, with the firm ceasing trading altogether in 1996.

Mortlach 1980 Flora and Fauna Cask Strength

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

One of the nine rare Flora & Fauna releases bottled at cask strength, this Clynelish was distilled in 1980 and bottled in 1997.

Mortlach was founded in 1823 and was the first of Dufftown's \"Seven Stills\" to be licensed. It rose to pre-eminence under George Cowie & Son, who's unique distillation regime produced a famously \"meaty\" whisky, which was highly prized by blenders. It was for this reason that it was acquired by John Walker & Sons, and so important to them was it that little stock was left available for bottling as a single malt. The Flora & Fauna release was the first official distillery bottling, but it was not until 2014 that Mortlach was bottled under its own fully fledged single malt brand. 

Macallan 1972 Fine and Rare 29 Year Old #4043 Miniature

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1972 and bottled 29 years later. Described as a 'Black Mac,' this was drawn from single first fill, Spanish oak sherry cask #4043. This is one of only two hogsheads selected as the finest examples of this vintage.

Unique Reference: 9GY54M.

Signed and dated by N MacKellar on 23rd September 2003.

Macallan 1980 Signatory Vintage 14 Year Old 75cl / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This is a Signatory Vintage bottling, distilled in 1980 and bottled for the US market in 1995.

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.

Macallan Decades Twenties

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

The Macallan Decades consists of four whiskies that were created to recreate the style of single malt produced as the distillery in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Thankfully their reference material for these was more reliable than the 19th century examples used to create their infamous Replica series.

Macallan 12 Year Old 75cl 1990s / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

When Macallan assumed the rsponsibility for their own bottlings from Campbell, Hope & King in 1980, they inherited both an 8 and 12 year old age-statement release, quickly adding a new 10 year old into the mix as well. The 12 year old however was the firm favourite, and is the only of the three still in production today.

This is a 1990s bottling for the US market.

Macallan 12 Year Old 75cl 1990s / US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

When Macallan assumed the rsponsibility for their own bottlings from Campbell, Hope & King in 1980, they inherited both an 8 and 12 year old age-statement release, quickly adding a new 10 year old into the mix as well. The 12 year old however was the firm favourite, and is the only of the three still in production today.

This is a 1990s bottling for the US market.

Macallan Decades Thirties

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

The Macallan Decades consists of four whiskies that were created to recreate the style of single malt produced as the distillery in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Thankfully their reference material for these was more reliable than the 19th century examples used to create their infamous Replica series.