The Perfect Collection Part One

Auchentoshan 1965 Single Cask 31 Year Old #2495 75cl / US Import

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.

This is a single cask bottling, distilled in the era of brewery ownership and bottled by Morrison Bowmore.

Hogshead #2495 was a 1965 vintage, bottled at 31 years old for the US market.

Ardbeg Supernova Committee Release 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.  

Released in 2009 to members of the Ardbeg Committee, this original Ardbeg Supernova was peated to 100 ppm, at the time the peatiest Ardbeg yet.

This was an advance release for the Ardbeg Committee, a fan club that was officially launched in January 2000, loosely tasked with safeguarding the distillery from a return to its darker days of the previous century.

Ardbeg 1974 Gordon and MacPhail

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 1974 vintage from Gordon & MacPhail, bottled in 1997.

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.

Aultmore 1974 Rare Malt 21 Year Old / 60.90%

Built in 1896 by Alexander Edward, Aultmore distillery was procured by John Dewar & Sons in 1923. They joined DCL two years later. So key is it to the Dewar's blends, that it has been part of their outfit ever since, and has rarely been bottled as an official single malt. United Distillers included it in the Flora & Fauna range of the 1990s, but it was not until after Bacardi acquired the Dewar's brand and associated distilleries in 1998 that Aultmore's excellent spirit was rewarded with a permanent range. 

This was distilled in 1974 and bottled as part of the limited edition Rare Malts Selection range.

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.

Aberlour Centenary Decanter 1979

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after.  

This is a very rare and spectacular decanter produced by Aberlour to commemorate the distillery's 100th birthday in 1979. This represents one of the earlier examples of the increased single malt output fro the distillery under the ownership of Pernod-Ricard, particularly in more premium bottlings like this.

Aberlour released various examples of these Edinurgh Crystal decanters, some containing much darker liquid than others. Hang-tags usually denoted the vintage and cask number, but there in not one present here.

Aberlour 1969 21 Year Old 75cl  / US Import

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

The 1969 vintage was a classic for Aberlour, and this is one of a number of bottlings they released from it. This 21 year old was drawn from sherry casks in 1991 for the US market.

One of 3600 bottles.

Auchentoshan 1966 Decanter

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.

This is a crystal decanter bottling, distilled in the era of brewery ownership in 1966 and bottled in the 1980s.

Aultmore 16 Year Old Centenary Edition

Built in 1896 by Alexander Edward, Aultmore distillery was procured by John Dewar & Sons in 1923. They joined DCL two years later. So key is it to the Dewar's blends, that it has been part of their outfit ever since, and has rarely been bottled as an official single malt. United Distillers included it in the Flora & Fauna range of the 1990s, but it was not until after Bacardi acquired the Dewar's brand and associated distilleries in 1998 that Aultmore's excellent spirit was rewarded with a permanent range. 

This limited edition 16 year old was one of the last to be bottled by Diageo, released in 1997 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the distillery.

This is a particularly rare Aultmore, bottled at cask strength and with a label which lists the employees working for the distillery at the time.

Bottle number 73. 

Aberlour 1976

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after.  

This is a 1976 vintage, the first full year of production at the distillery following its purchase by Pernod-Ricard. The blenders had increased the production capacity at the distillery a few years earlier, meaning more of its casks could be set aside for releases like this down the line.

Aberlour 12 Year Old A'Bunadh Silver Label Millennium Bottle

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

A'Bunadh is bottled at cask strength in the tradition of 19th century single malts when villagers would come to the distillery to collect their dram straight from the cask, often in apothecary bottles obtained from the village chemist. These were the inspiration for the A'Bunadh bottle shape today.

The whisky is bottled exclusively from Spanish Oloroso sherry butts.

Usually a non-age statement expression, this is a special 12 year old A'Bunadh, released as a special edition with a sterling silver label, featuring legitimate silver hallmarks. 

Ardbeg 17 Year Old

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 Glenmorangie plc revival in 1997 saw Ardbeg receive its first official distillery bottlings. Due to the years of inactivity, this 17 year old was the first age-statement they could release. The classic 10 year old did not appear until 2000. The spirit used to make up this release would have been distilled and filled in to casks during the period when Hiram Walker owned the distillery, with production taking place between 1977 and 1981.

Now, years after being discontinued in 2004, it is still recognised as a sensational Ardbeg.

Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1 Litre

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 Glenmorangie plc revival in 1997 saw Ardbeg receive its first official distillery bottlings. Due to the years of inactivity, this 17 year old was the first age-statement they could release. The classic 10 year old did not appear until 2000. The spirit used to make up this release would have been distilled and filled in to casks during the period when Hiram Walker owned the distillery, with production taking place between 1977 and 1981.

Now, years after being discontinued in 2004, it is still recognised as a sensational Ardbeg.

Auchentoshan 25 Year Old Decanter

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.  

This is a 25 year old, bottled in an elegant ceramic decanter.

Aultmore 16 Year Old Centenary Edition

Built in 1896 by Alexander Edward, Aultmore distillery was procured by John Dewar & Sons in 1923. They joined DCL two years later. So key is it to the Dewar's blends, that it has been part of their outfit ever since, and has rarely been bottled as an official single malt. United Distillers included it in the Flora & Fauna range of the 1990s, but it was not until after Bacardi acquired the Dewar's brand and associated distilleries in 1998 that Aultmore's excellent spirit was rewarded with a permanent range. 

This limited edition 16 year old was one of the last to be bottled by Diageo, released in 1997 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the distillery.

This is a particularly rare Aultmore, bottled at cask strength and with a label which lists the employees working for the distillery at the time.

Bottle number 247. 

Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1 Litre

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 Glenmorangie plc revival in 1997 saw Ardbeg receive its first official distillery bottlings. Due to the years of inactivity, this 17 year old was the first age-statement they could release. The classic 10 year old did not appear until 2000. The spirit used to make up this release would have been distilled and filled in to casks during the period when Hiram Walker owned the distillery, with production taking place between 1977 and 1981.

Now, years after being discontinued in 2004, it is still recognised as a sensational Ardbeg.

Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch #6 75cl / US Import

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

A'Bunadh is bottled at cask strength in the tradition of 19th century single malts when villagers would come to the distillery to collect their dram straight from the cask, often in apothecary bottles obtained from the village chemist. These were the inspiration for the A'Bunadh bottle shape today.

The whisky is bottled exclusivley from Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, believed to age from 5-25 years old.

This is batch #6 released in 1999. This is the first of the releases to actually bear a batch number, with the first five being unmarked.

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old QE2 Decanter 1 Litre

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.  

This is a very elegant decanter of Auchentoshan 12 year old. Bottled for Cunard Lines in a Glencairn Crystal Studios decanter, and adorned with the image if its ship, QE2.

Ardbeg 1992 Douglas Laing 12 Year Old Rum Finish 75cl / Park Avenue Liquor Shop

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 Ardbeg was distilled in March 1992 and bottled in 2004. The cask was finished for 6 months in a rum barrel and selected exclusively by Park Avenue Liquor Shop in New York.

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.  

Auchentoshan 1978 Signatory Vintage 18 Year Old

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years. 

This is an independent bottling from Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1978 and bottled in June 1996.

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.

Aberlour 1970 21 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

This is a 21 year old distillery bottling, distilled in 1970 and bottled in 1991. As with many vintage Aberlour from this period, the back label gives an interesting insight into what was happening in the world when this spirit was casked.

One of 3,600 bottles.

Auchentoshan 1981 Cadenhead's 15 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 1981 vintage Auchentoshan was bottled for the US market in March 1996.

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years. 

Aberlour A'Bunadh / Very Early Batch

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

A'Bunadh is bottled at cask strength in the tradition of 19th century single malts when villagers would come to the distillery to collect their dram straight from the cask, often in apothecary bottles obtained from the village chemist. These were the inspiration for the A'Bunadh bottle shape today.

The whisky is bottled exclusively from Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, believed to age from 5-25 years old.

This is one of the first five batches, bottled between 1997 and 1999. Batch numbers were only added to the label fro the 6th edition onwards.

Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch #6 75cl / US Import

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

A'Bunadh is bottled at cask strength in the tradition of 19th century single malts when villagers would come to the distillery to collect their dram straight from the cask, often in apothecary bottles obtained from the village chemist. These were the inspiration for the A'Bunadh bottle shape today.

The whisky is bottled exclusivley from Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, believed to age from 5-25 years old.

This is batch #6 released in 1999. This is the first of the releases to actually bear a batch number, with the first five being unmarked.

Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch #6 75cl / US Import

Aberlour is a picturesque Speyside distillery, owned nowadays by Pernod Ricard. The reverence for the sherry-casked A'Bunadh, launched in 1997, greatly boosted the popularity of the distillery, and its output from all eras is increasingly sought after. 

A'Bunadh is bottled at cask strength in the tradition of 19th century single malts when villagers would come to the distillery to collect their dram straight from the cask, often in apothecary bottles obtained from the village chemist. These were the inspiration for the A'Bunadh bottle shape today.

The whisky is bottled exclusivley from Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, believed to age from 5-25 years old.

This is batch #6 released in 1999. This is the first of the releases to actually bear a batch number, with the first five being unmarked.

Auchentoshan 22 Year Old Decanter

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.  

This is an elegant ceramic bottling of Auchentoshan, matured for 22 years and bottled in the 1990s.

Ardmore 1978 Cadenhead's 13 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 13 year old Ardmore is one of the original 150th anniversary releases.

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 independent releases like this have appeared over the years and are much sought after. 

Aberfeldy 1978 Cadenhead's 17 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 1978 vintage Aberfeldy was bottled in September 1995.

Aberfeldy distillery was built in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons to provide whisky for their famous blends. Although the capacity of the distillery was doubled in 1973, it was still rarely seen as a single malt, appearing only occasionally in limited releases while part of what is now the Diageo stable. It was only in 1999 that it was marketed under its own single malt brand, when a 12 year old was released by new distillery owners, Bacardi. Despite being so prized by its ownership, there are a number of fantastic casks that have made their way to market via independent bottlers over the years, like this one. 

Aultmore 1983 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 Aultmore was distilled in 1983 and bottled in 1997.

Built in 1896 by Alexander Edward, Aultmore distillery was procured by John Dewar & Sons in 1923. They joined DCL two years later. So key is it to the Dewar's blends, that it has been part of their outfit ever since, and has rarely been bottled as an official single malt. United Distillers included it in the Flora & Fauna range of the 1990s, but it was not until after Bacardi acquired the Dewar's brand and associated distilleries in 1998 that Aultmore's excellent spirit was rewarded with a permanent range. 

Aberfeldy 1978 Hallmark of St James 75cl / US Import

Aberfeldy distillery was built in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons to provide whisky for their famous blends. Although the capacity of the distillery was doubled in 1973, it was still rarely seen as a single malt, appearing only occasionally in limited releases while part of what is now the Diageo stable. It was only in 1999 that it was marketed under its own single malt brand, when a 12 year old was released by new distillery owners, Bacardi. Despite being so prized by its ownership, there are a number of fantastic casks that have made their way to market via independent bottlers over the years, like this one. 

This was bottled for Vintage Hallmark Collection, the US distribution arm of the Vintage Hallmark of St James wine shop in London. This independent whisky label is named after the eponymous store. Distilled in August 1978 and bottled in April 2000.

Bottled at cask strength and featuring tasting notes from the legendary Wallace Milroy.

Auchentoshan 1973 21 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years. 

This is a 1973 vintage bottling of a 21 year old age statement, bottled in the latter days of the Morrison Bowmore era.

Auchentoshan 1978 Scott's Selection 75cl / US Import

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years. 

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.

Aberfeldy 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 Aberfeldy was distilled in 1980 and bottled in 1997.

Aberfeldy distillery was built in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons to provide whisky for their famous blends. Although the capacity of the distillery was doubled in 1973, it was still rarely seen as a single malt, appearing only occasionally in limited releases like this while part of what is now the Diageo stable. It was only in 1999 that it was marketed under its own single malt brand, when a 12 year old was released by new distillery owners, Bacardi.