The Perfect Collection Part One

Strathisla 1963 Gordon and MacPhail

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.

As Strathisla was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, this good standing with the distillery has furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases.  

This is a 1963 vintage, bottled in 1996. The continued use of these classic liveries by Gordon & MacPhail is now called their Distillery Labels series.

St Magdalene-Linlithgow 1975 Signatory Vintage 22 Year Old / Silent Stills

St Magdalene, also known as Linlithgow (after its home town) was a large distillery who's output was almost entirely for the purposes of blending. It was built in the 18th century, but was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1912, who operated it until its closure in 1983. Like many others, it was deemed surplus to requirements as the blended Scotch market hit a downturn, leaving DCL over-supplied. As a result of this, its single malt is particularly rare. It was only officially bottled three times by Diageo, but a number of increasingly sought after releases have been bottled by independent companies over the years. The collectability of which is likely only to increase, as unlike other members of the 1983 club, St Magdalene was demolished and is not in line for a resurrection. 

Distilled on 2nd June 1975, this was bottled within Signatory Vintage's Silent Stills range, which at the time showcased Scotland's finest discontinued single malts (some, such as Glenglassaugh, have since returned).

Cask #96/3/01 produced 335 bottles.

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.

St Magdalene-Linlithgow 1975 Signatory Vintage 22 Year Old / Silent Stills

St Magdalene, also known as Linlithgow (after its home town) was a large distillery who's output was almost entirely for the purposes of blending. It was built in the 18th century, but was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1912, who operated it until its closure in 1983. Like many others, it was deemed surplus to requirements as the blended Scotch market hit a downturn, leaving DCL over-supplied. As a result of this, its single malt is particularly rare. It was only officially bottled three times by Diageo, but a number of increasingly sought after releases have been bottled by independent companies over the years. The collectability of which is likely only to increase, as unlike other members of the 1983 club, St Magdalene was demolished and is not in line for a resurrection. 

Distilled on 2nd June 1975, this was bottled within Signatory Vintage's Silent Stills range, which at the time showcased Scotland's finest discontinued single malts (some, such as Glenglassaugh, have since returned).

Cask #96/3/01 produced 335 bottles.

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 21 Year Old 75cl 1990s / 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 oldest offering from Springbank, the 21 year old is incredibly popular for drinkers and collectors, usually selling out in shops very quickly!

This is a 1990s release, bottled prior to the switch to the squat bottle packaging.

St Magdalene 1966 Gordon and MacPhail

St Magdalene, also known as Linlithgow (after its home town) was a large distillery who's output was almost entirely for the purposes of blending. It was built in the 18th century, but was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1912, who operated it until its closure in 1983. Like many others, it was deemed surplus to requirements as the blended Scotch market hit a downturn, leaving DCL over-supplied. As a result of this, its single malt is particularly rare. It was only officially bottled three times by Diageo, but a number of increasingly sought after releases have been bottled by independent companies over the years. The collectability of which is likely only to increase, as unlike other members of the 1983 club, St Magdalene was demolished and is not in line for a resurrection. 

This 1966 vintage was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail 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.

St Magdalene-Linlithgow 1982 Douglas Laing 18 Year Old 75cl / US Import

St Magdalene, also known as Linlithgow (after its home town) was a large distillery who's output was almost entirely for the purposes of blending.It was built in the 18th century, but was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1912, who operated it until its closure in 1983. Like many others, it was deemed surplus to requirements as the blended Scotch market hit a downturn, leaving DCL over-supplied. As a result of this, its single malt is particularly rare. It was only officially bottled three times by Diageo, but a number of increasingly sought after releases have been bottled by independent companyies over the years. The collectability of which is likely only to increase, as unlike other members of the 1983 club, St Magdalene was demolished and is not in line for a resurrection.

This is one of those independent bottlings, distilled in April 1982 and bottled August 2000.

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.

One of 288 bottles. 

Samaroli No Age Pure Malt 1999 Edition 75cl / US Import

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.

The companys No Age is a blended malt of vintages ranging from 10 year old to 40 year old, from a variety of cask types.

Speyburn 1968 Gordon and MacPhail 15 Year Old

Speyburn distillery was built by John Hopkin & Co at the end of the 19th century, eventually passing into the hands of DCL (now Diageo) in 1916. With the exception of a 4 year silence in the 1930s, they operated the distillery until 1991 when it was sold to current owners, Inver House. Aside from the short-lived and rare Flora & Fauna release, there are no distillery bottlings of its single malt from the United Distillers era, and it was not until Inver House acquired it that its single malt brand was launched. Predominantly sold in the US, it is still something of a rarity (despite its sales volume).    

This is a 1968 vintage Speyburn, bottled at 15 years old.

Speyburn distillery was built by John Hopkin & Co at the end of the 19th century, eventually passing into the hands of DCL (now Diageo) in 1916. With the exception of a 4 year silence in the 1930s, they operated the distillery until 1991 when it was sold to current owners, Inver House. Aside from the short-lived and rare Flora & Fauna release, there are no distillery bottlings of its single malt from the United Distillers era or earlier, and it was not until Inver House acquired it that its single malt brand was launched. Even with its increased presence through its single malt brand, and the independent releases like this that have appeared over the years, it is still something of a rarity.

Strathisla 1967 Hart Brothers 33 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / US Import

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.

This is a 1967 vintage Strathisla, bottled at cask strength for their US custromers.

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.

Strathisla 25 Year Old Celebration Edition

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.

This is a very limited edition release of Strathisla 25 year old. Only 600 bottles were produced to mark the restoration of Strathisla Distillery on Tuesday 9th May 1995.

Speyburn 21 Year Old Centenary Decanter 1997

Speyburn distillery was built by John Hopkin & Co at the end of the 19th century, eventually passing into the hands of DCL (now Diageo) in 1916. With the exception of a 4 year silence in the 1930s, they operated the distillery until 1991 when it was sold to current owners, Inver House. Aside from the short-lived and rare Flora & Fauna release, there are no distillery bottlings of its single malt from the United Distillers era or earlier, and it was not until Inver House acquired it that its single malt brand was launched. Predominantly sold in the US, it is still something of a rarity (despite its sales volume).   

This is a special release from Inver House distillers, a 21 year old Speyburn bottled in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of the distillery.

Packaged in an elegant decanter with a replacement crystal stopper.

One of 18,000.

St Magdalene 1982 Cadenhead's 11 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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

This is a 1982 vintage St Magdalene, bottled in June 1994.

St Magdalene, also known as Linlithgow (after its home town) was a large distillery who's output was almost entirely for the purposes of blending. It was built in the 18th century, but was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) in 1912, who operated it until its closure in 1983. Like many others, it was deemed surplus to requirements as the blended Scotch market hit a downturn, leaving DCL over-supplied. As a result of this, its single malt is particularly rare. It was only officially bottled three times by Diageo, but a number of increasingly sought after releases have been bottled by independent companies over the years. The collectability of which is likely only to increase, as unlike other members of the 1983 club, St Magdalene was demolished and is not in line for a resurrection. 

Strathisla 15 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail 1970s

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.

As Strathisla was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, this good standing with the distillery has furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases.  

This is a 15 year old, bottled in the late 1970s.

Springbank 15 Year Old Green Thistle 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 a 1990s bottle of the core range Springbank 15 year old, prior to it becoming a sherry casked expression.

These releases are affectionaltely known as the 'Green Thislte' bottlings on account of their packaging.

Singleton of Auchroisk 1974 Anniversary 20 Year Old 75cl

Auchroisk distillery was built by Justerini & Brooks in 1972 to provide malt for their blends. Despite this, there was an immediate focus on its single malt as well, and it was first bottled in 1986. These were vintage-dated releases, and some of the earliest to use cask finishing. This was never advertised though, and the distillery left Balvenie to take the credit for the innovation.

These bottlings were actually the first to be labelled under \"The Singleton of\" banner, however they were eventually discontinued in 2001, with Diageo re-introducing Auchroisk as part of the Flora & Fauna series instead. The company would later revive The Singleton brand in 2006, but Auchroisk was overlooked, giving way to the trio of Glendullan, Glen Ord and Dufftown instead.

This special anniversary bottling commemorated 20 years since the distillery began producing whisky, in 1974. It was bottled from casks of that inaugural vintage.

Springbank 1991 Blackadder 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 1991 vintage Springbank, bottled in 2000.

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.

Scapa 1979 Whyte and Whyte 14 Year Old 75cl / Spirits Library

Scapa distillery was the third to be constructed on Orkney, preceded by Highland Park and Stromness, although out-lasting the latter. It was built in 1885, and its early history was blighted with fires and closures. It was bought by Canadian giants, Hiram Walker, in 1954. As with several of their other distilleries, they experimented with the use of Lomond stills, installing Scapa's in 1959. Although itwas decommissioned 20 years later, the still itself continues to be used, now without the rectifying plates. It is the only one of this type still producing Scotch whisky. Its single malt has been bottled since the 1970s, first under license by Gordon & MacPhail, with a 10 year old distillery bottling then launched in the 1980s. Scapa has since passed through the hands of Allied Distillers and is now part of the Pernod-Ricard portfolio. 

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

Speyside 30 Year Old Centenary Blend

Speyside distillery was the second of those built by George Christie, his first being the North of Scotland grain plant in 1957. His malt distillery was not completed until 30 years later however, and only began production in 1990. In its short history it has appeared in several guises, including Drumguish, Spey, Cu Dhub, Glentromie and Black Burn. 

This is a limited edition 30 year old blended whisky, presented in an elegant, still shaped matte-black bottle.

The blend is named Centenary, although in reference to what is unclear.

Speyburn 1975 Cadenhead's 15 Year Old

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 15 year old Speyburn is one of a handful of bottlings that actually predate the original 150th anniversary releases.

Speyburn distillery was built by John Hopkin & Co at the end of the 19th century, eventually passing into the hands of DCL (now Diageo) in 1916. With the exception of a 4 year silence in the 1930s, they operated the distillery until 1991 when it was sold to current owners, Inver House. Aside from the short-lived and rare Flora & Fauna release, there are no distillery bottlings of its single malt from the United Distillers era or earlier, and it was not until Inver House acquired it that its single malt brand was launched. Even with its increased presence through its single malt brand, and the independent releases like this that have appeared over the years, it is still something of a rarity.

Springbank CV Green Thistle 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 a 1990s bottling of the CV, a former entry-level product in the distillery's core range. It disappeared at some point in the following decade, before making a brief return in 2010.

These releases are affectionaltely known as the 'Green Thislte' bottlings on account of their packaging.

Springbank CV Green Thistle 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 a 1990s bottling of the CV, a former entry-level product in the distillery's core range. It disappeared at some point in the following decade, before making a brief return in 2010.

These releases are affectionately known as the 'Green Thistle' bottlings on account of their packaging.

Springbank CV Green Thistle 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 a 1990s bottling of the CV, a former entry-level product in the distillery's core range. It disappeared at some point in the following decade, before making a brief return in 2010.

These releases are affectionaltely known as the 'Green Thislte' bottlings on account of their packaging.

Strathmill Fine Old Scotch Whisky 1930s Replica

Strathmill is a somewhat elusive single malt. The distillery was built in 1892 as Glenisla, and was renamed three years later by new owners, W&A Gilbey. A series of mergers over the years brought Gilbey's into the IDV fold, and Strathmill became a key component in its Justerini & Brooks blends (J&B). Now owned by Diageo, this remains the arrangement to this day. Such is the demand on its output by the blend, that only a single distillery bottling is permanently available, the Flora & Fauna release. A Diageo special release and a Manager's Dram are the only other official bottlings.

An unusual distillery bottling, this was produced to commemorate the centenary of the distillery in 1991, and was given only to members of staff there.

This is a replica of a 1940s example produced by W&A Gilbey.

Usquaebach Grand Whisky of the Highlands Decanter 1980s / US Import

Produced for the Twelve Stone Flagons Ltd, the Usquaebach Reserve refers to Scots Poet Robert Burn's immortalisation of \"the water of life.\".

Blended and bottled by Douglas Laing.

Speyside 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky

Speyside distillery was the second of those built by George Christie, his first being the North of Scotland grain plant in 1957. His malt distillery was not completed until 30 years later however, and only began production in 1990. In its short history it has appeared in several guises, including Drumguish, Spey, Cu Dhub, Glentromie and Black Burn. 

This is a distillery bottling of its 21 year old single malt.

Strathmill 1980 Cadenhead's 11 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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

This 1980 vintage Strathmill was bottled in August 1992.

Strathmill is a somewhat elusive single malt. The distillery was built in 1892 as Glenisla, and was renamed three years later by new owners, W&A Gilbey. A series of mergers over the years brought Gilbey's into the IDV fold, and Strathmill became a key component in its Justerini & Brooks blends (J&B). Now owned by Diageo, this remains the arrangement to this day. Such is the demand on its output by the blend, that only a single distillery bottling is permanently available, the Flora & Fauna release. A Diageo special release and a Manager's Dram are the only other official bottlings, and it is similarly rare independent releases like this that present the best chance to try Strathmill. 

Speyburn 1978 Single Cask 21 Year Old #1922

Speyburn distillery was built by John Hopkin & Co at the end of the 19th century, eventually passing into the hands of DCL (now Diageo) in 1916. With the exception of a 4 year silence in the 1930s, they operated the distillery until 1991 when it was sold to current owners, Inver House. Aside from the short-lived and rare Flora & Fauna release, there are no distillery bottlings of its single malt from the United Distillers era or earlier, and it was not until Inver House acquired it that its single malt brand was launched. Predominantly sold in the US, it is still something of a rarity (despite its sales volume).   

This is a 1978 vintage single cask, bottled in 1999 from cask #1922.

Strathisla 21 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail 1980s

Speyside's oldest operating distillery, Strathisla was founded in 1786 as Milltown, and later renamed Milton in 1890. The distillery was an early advocate of its single malt, which it sold under the brand name, Strathisla, after the river that runs past the site. Strathisla single malt was bottled as early as the late 19th century, and proved very popular. None-the-less, by the 1940s it was struggling, needing rescued by Canadian giants, Seagram, who bought it in 1950, renaming it Strathisla the following year, and tasking it as a key contributor to its Chivas blends. Despite this, the single malt brand remained a core part of the business, and remains so to this day.  

As Strathisla was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, this good standing with the distillery has furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases.  

This 21 year old was bottled in the 1980. The continued use of these classic liveries by Gordon & MacPhail is now referred to as their Distillery Labels series.

Singleton of Auchroisk 1981 75cl / US Import

Auchroisk distillery was built by Justerini & Brooks in 1972 to provide malt for their blends. Despite this, there was an immediate focus on its single malt as well, and it was first bottled in 1986. These were vintage-dated releases, and some of the earliest to use cask finishing. This was never advertised though, and the distillery left Balvenie to take the credit for the innovation.

These bottlings were actually the first to be labelled under \"The Singleton of\" banner, however they were eventually discontinued in 2001, with Diageo re-introducing Auchroisk as part of the Flora & Fauna series instead. The company would later revive The Singleton brand in 2006, but Auchroisk was overlooked, giving way to the trio of Glendullan, Glen Ord and Dufftown instead.

These early Singleton of Auchroisk releases were matured for 8 years in bourbon wood before being finished for a further two in sherry.

Springbank 10 Year Old 75cl 1990s / 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 a 1990s version of the core range 10 year old, matured in both bourbon and sherry wood.

Scapa 1984 Gordon and MacPhail 10 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Scapa distillery was the third to be constructed on Orkney, preceded by Highland Park and Stromness, although out-lasting the latter. It was built in 1885, and its early history was blighted with fires and closures. It was bought by Canadian giants, Hiram Walker, in 1954. As with several of their other distilleries, they experimented with the use of Lomond stills, installing Scapa's in 1959. Although itwas decommissioned 20 years later, the still itself continues to be used, now without the rectifying plates. It is the only one of this type still producing Scotch whisky. Its single malt has been bottled since the 1970s, first under license by Gordon & MacPhail, with a 10 year old distillery bottling then launched in the 1980s. Scapa has since passed through the hands of Allied Distillers and is now part of the Pernod-Ricard portfolio. 

As Scapa was one of the distilleries that licensed its brand to Gordon & MacPhail to produce official releases in the 1970s and 1980s, this good standing with the distillery has furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high quality casks, and subsequently, high quality releases.

This 1984 vintage is part of the Distillery Labels series, which replicates the liveries used by Gordon & MacPhail when they bottled under license for distilleries like this.

Scapa 1988 Cadenhead's 8 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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

This 1988 vintage Scapa was bottled for the US market in September 1996.

Scapa distillery was the third to be constructed on Orkney, preceded by Highland Park and Stromness, although out-lasting the latter. It was built in 1885, and its early history was blighted with fires and closures. It was bought by Canadian giants, Hiram Walker, in 1954. As with several of their other distilleries, they experimented with the use of Lomond stills, installing Scapa's in 1959. Although itwas decommissioned 20 years later, the still itself continues to be used, now without the rectifying plates. It is the only one of this type still producing Scotch whisky. Its single malt has been bottled since the 1970s, first under license by Gordon & MacPhail, with a 10 year old distillery bottling then launched in the 1980s. Scapa has since passed through the hands of Allied Distillers and is now part of the Pernod-Ricard portfolio.