The Perfect Collection Part One

Glen Grant 1974 Cadenhead's 23 Year Old Sherry Wood 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 1974 vintage Glen Grant was bottled for the US market from sherry wood in March 1998.

Glen Grant is one of Speyside's most recognised distilleries. It was built in 1839 by James and John Grant, and was a huge facility for its time. Its size increased exponentially over time, in the hands of John's son, John \"The Major\" Grant (who also built the short-lived Caperdonich next-door), and twice in the 1970s following the merger with The Glenlivet Distillers and its subsequent takeover by Seagram. Glen Grant was bottled as a single malt as early as the late-19th century, and developed a global export market. None perhaps as important as in Italy, where their agent in the 1960s, Armando Giovinetti, turned it into the nation's favourite whisky, after discovering the palate preferences of his countrymen for very young single malts. So loved is Glen Grant in Italy, that the distillery is now owned by Gruppo Campari, who bought it from Pernod Ricard in 2006. 

Glenury Royal 1973 Signatory Vintage 24 Year Old / Silent Stills

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare, especially those under the Downie and Garron brand names. Bottlings from independent labels like this are increasingly so as well.

Distilled on 21st June 1973, 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 #6851 produced 364 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.

Glenlivet 7 Year Old Campbell, Hope and King 1960s

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.  

This is a fantastic 7 year old bottling, produced in the later 1960s.

Bottled here using the classic George & J.G. Smith's branding, licensed out by the distillery to a number of companies in the mid-to-later 20th century in order to bottle their single malt. Gordon & MacPhail are perhaps the most prolific of these, however this example was bottled by Campbell, Hope & King, a brewer by trade but with a stake in the blending and bottling business through their premises in Elgin. They are perhaps best known for as the licensed bottler for Macallan during this period.

Glen Grant 1967 Hallmark of St James 75cl / US Import

Glen Grant is one of Speyside's most recognised distilleries. It was built in 1839 by James and John Grant, and was a huge facility for its time. Its size increased exponentially over time, in the hands of John's son, John \"The Major\" Grant (who also built the short-lived Caperdonich next-door), and twice in the 1970s following the merger with The Glenlivet Distillers and its subsequent takeover by Seagram. Glen Grant was bottled as a single malt as early as the late-19th century, and developed a global export market. None perhaps as important as in Italy, where their agent in the 1960s, Armando Giovinetti, turned it into the nation's favourite whisky, after discovering the palate preferences of his countrymen for very young single malts. So loved is Glen Grant in Italy, that the distillery is now owned by Gruppo Campari, who bought it from Pernod Ricard in 2006. 

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

Glenfarclas 1978 Cask Strength Edition No.1 / Bonnie Prince Charlie

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.  

This is a special release cask strength bottling of vintage Glenfarclas for the German market. Distilled in 1978 and it was bottled in 2002, this is the first in an exclusive series and features the image of the leader of the 18th century Jacobite rebellions, Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie).

One of 1200.

Glenury Royal 1973 Signatory Vintage 24 Year Old / Silent Stills

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare, especially those under the Downie and Garron brand names. Bottlings from independent labels like this are increasingly so as well.

Distilled on 21st June 1973, 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 #6851 produced 364 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.

Glenturret 1972 Ceramic Decanter 37.5cl / Velier Import

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.

A very rare ceramic decanter containing single malt distilled in 1972 and bottled in the early 1980's.  

Serge Valentin rated this a very very impressive 90 points on WhiskyFun.com

Velier import for the Italian market.

Glen Mhor 1977 Signatory Vintage 20 Year Old / Silent Stills

Glen Mhor was one of three distilleries based in Inverness along with Millburn and Glen Albyn, all of which closed within two years of each other. Glen Mhor was one of the earlier, in 1983, and it was demolished just three years later. A historically significant malt, this was just a small two still operation, but was bottled both as a single malt in the late 19th and early 20th century, as well as making its way into high profile blends such as the one discovered in ice under Ernest Shackleton's hut. The owners for the majority of its history were Mackinlays, who produced several official releases for the emerging Italian single malt market in the late 1960s, but this stopped when DCL took over 1972. They licensed the brand to Gordon & MacPhail until its closure, and Diageo later included it in the Rare Malts Selection series, all of which remain rare and increasingly sought after. Bottlings from independent labels like this are equally so.

Distilled on 12th May 1977, 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 #1552 produced 230 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.

Glen Elgin 16 Year Old Manager's Dram 1993

The Manager’s Dram series of whiskies were bottled exclusively for employees of what is now known as Diageo. These whiskies were selected by the respective distillery managers within Diageo malt distilling and bottled at natural cask strength. The selections were taken very seriously by each distillery, a point of principle, and the result has become a series of rare, sought after and highly regarded single malts.

This is a 16 year old Glen Elgin, sherry cask matured and chosen by distillery manager Harry Fox. It was bottled on 31st October 1993.

Glen Elgin was built in at the very end of the 19th century, with distilling commencing in 1900. Its success was sporadic in the early days, but it eventually joined DCL in 1930 as part of their White Horse Distillers arm. Unusually, the distillery had no electricity until 1950, and was entirely powered by paraffin until then. Although a key component in their blends, the fruity character of Glen Elgin was deemed worthy of being bottled as a single malt too, appearing as a 12 year old under White Horse branding from as early as the 1970s. Today the 12 year old remains the only permanent release, with limited edition distillery bottlings like this increasingly sought after.

Glen Elgin 1971 Cadenhead's 22 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 1971 vintage Glen Elgin was bottled for the US market in October 1993.

Glen Elgin was built in at the very end of the 19th century, with distilling commencing in 1900. Its success was sporadic in the early days, but it eventually joined DCL in 1930 as part of their White Horse Distillers arm. Unusually, the distillery had no electricity until 1950, and was entirely powered by paraffin until then. Although a key component in their blends, the fruity character of Glen Elgin was deemed worthy of being bottled as a single malt too, appearing as a 12 year old under White Horse branding from as early as the 1970s, with occasional sought after independent releases appearing from around this time onwards as well. 

Glenesk-Hillside 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.9% - US 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 is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Glenturret 1966 Cask Strength

Glenturret claims to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, although it was dismantled for over 25 years before James Fairlie built a new facility within the walls of the former site in 1959, using old equipment procured from Perthshire neighbours, Tullibardine. Despite using traditional whisky-making methods, the distillery was also a pioneer, opening Scotland’s second ever visitor centre in 1981. It was then transformed into the home of The Famous Grouse by Edrington in 2002, before changing hands again in 2018 when it was bought by the owner of Lalique crystal, with premium collaborations between it and this previously lesser-seen single malt expected in the future.  

Distilled in 1966 it's now very rare to see a Glenturret at this age, bottled as cask strength in 1993 by then-proprietors, Highland Distillers.

Glenesk-Hillside 1970 Rare Malt 25 Year Old / 60.10%

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 is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1970 and bottled at 25 years of age.

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now.

Glen Albyn 1963 Gordon and MacPhail 19 Year Old

One of three closed distilleries in Inverness, Glen Albyn was rarely seen as a single malt with the majority of its output being used in blends. The distillery was one of many which closed its doors in 1983. Its owners in the very early 1970s, Mackinlay’s, were early fans of single malt bottlings and produced a handful of official releases. Little was to follow when DCL (now Diageo) took control in 1972, with the next distillery bottling not appearing until the Rare Malts Selection was released over 20 years later. Most of the opportunities to sample this lost distillery therefore come in the form of independent labels like this. 

Distilled in 1963, this was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail at 19 years old.

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.

Glendullan 1967 Cadenhead's 32 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.

Distilled in February 1967, this was bottled in April the same month 32 year later.

Glendullan became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1925, and continues to be an important producer for their blends to this day. Production there was increased in 1972 following the opening of \"Glendullan 2\" next-door. Both sites ran simultaneously until 1985 when the original plant was closed, and Glendullan 2 became simply Glendullan. The key outcome of this was that more spirit could be reserved for bottling as a single malt, with a 12 year old distillery bottling appearing in the 1970s. Casks were also freed up for independent bottlers, resulting in a number of high quality releases like this. 

Glenesk-Hillside 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.9% - US 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 is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Glenlivet 25 Year Old Special Jubilee Reserve 

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.  

This is a special 25 year old distillery bottling for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, which marks a monarch's 25th year on the throne.

Glengoyne 1971 Vintage

Built in 1833, what is now known as Glengoyne is a Highland distillery so close to the Lowland region border that its warehouses across the road actually fall into the latter geographical category. The distillery was owned by the Lang Brothers for 89 years, who used it as provision for their blends. In that time it was also important to those of Robertson & Baxter, who would eventually acquire the site in 1966, and bottled it as a single malt for the first time in the 1970s. It was not until the 1990s that the single malt brand became the distillery’s main focus however. An eventual restructuring by Robertson & Baxter’s parent company, Edrington, saw its operations quieted, and Glengoyne was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers in 2003. 

This is a single vintage, bottled using whisky distilled in 1971 and matured for over 25 years. 

Glenesk-Hillside 1969 Rare Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / 61.9% - US 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 is a Hillside single malt, distilled in 1969 and bottled as a 25 year old

Known as Glenesk from 1980-85, and prior to that as Hillside since 1964, this distillery produced both malt and grain at different stages in its history. It is not often seen officially bottled, but has contributed to several Rare Malt releases. Distilling ceased there entirely in 1985, and the site operates exclusively as a maltings now. 

Glen Flagler 1972 Signatory Vintage 23 Year Old

Signatory Vintage were established in 1988 by Andrew Symington and are one of Scotland's most prolific independent bottlers. Their offices and bottling facility are located next to Edradour distillery, which they have also owned since 2002.

This is a Glen Flagler distilled on 10th November 1972 and bottled in June 1996 from cask #228442.

Glen Flagler distillery existed within the long lost Moffat distilling complex, which was constructed by Inver House Distillers between 1964 and 1965. Inver House was a subsidiary of US drinks giant, Publiker, and the Moffat complex was designed to provide both malt and grain for their blending operations. Glen Flagler was the primary malt, an unpeated spirit, although a separate set of stills were used to produce peated and heavily peated single malts, called Killyloch and Islebrae, respectively. These stills were set aside in their own distillery within the complex, which took its named from the lesser-peated, Killyloch (around 3ppm, according to Malt Maniacs). The stills at Killyloch were switched off in the 1970s, with Glen Flagler and the Garnheath grain distillery following suit in 1985 and 1986, leaving the whole complex in silence. 

Glenfarclas 1978 Cask Strength Edition No.3 / David Livingstone

Glenfarclas is considered by many to be one of the finest distilleries in Speyside. Its direct-fired stills produce a heavy single malt that is almost exclusively matured in Jerez sherry casks. The distillery focuses on single malt over blends, and a cool microclimate around the distillery that means that their casks are particularly stingy to the \"angels,\" resulting in an incredible depth of stock. Glenfarclas also feel they share some credit for the modern day love of cask strength whisky, introducing their acclaimed 105 proof expressions back in 1968.  

This is a special release cask strength bottling of vintage Glenfarclas for the German market. Distilled in 1978 and it was bottled in 2002, this is the first in an exclusive series and features the image of Scottish missionary, physician and explorer, David Livingstone.

One of 1200.

Glenmorangie 1972 Single Barrel Vintage 75cl

Despite being owned by blenders, MacDonald & Muir, for most of the 20th century, Glenmorangie had an early focus on bottling its single malt. Some records show that its single malt was being sold as early as the late 19th century. This became the distillery's main output in 1959, and with the unique flavours derived from Scotland's tallest stills, coupled with their pioneering use of wood finishing, Glenmorangie is now one of the world's biggest selling malts. As a result, the distillery portfolio over the years has been extensive, and little has been spared for independent bottlers. 

This is a rare vintage Glenmorangie, distilled in 1972 and bottled from a single barrel in 1993.

Glenrothes 1967 Caledonian Selection 32 Year Old 75cl / US Import

An elegant decanter from the Caledonian Selection series, a range of independently bottled single malts for various export markets.

Earmarked from an early stage an ideal component in blended Scotch whiskies, Glenrothes has long been a key part of big brands such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse. Its relationship with the former, lead to a two decade-long association with London wine-merchants, Berry Brothers & Rudd, when they traded their famous blend for the rights to the Glenrothes single malt brand in 2010. The distillery itself remained with Edrington through, and the two were reunited when the now hugely successful brand was returned in 2017. Releases from independent labels like this have also always been highly regarded.

Distilled in 1977, this was bottled in 2000 from a single hogshead.

Glen Albyn 1963 Gordon and MacPhail 19 Year Old

One of three closed distilleries in Inverness, Glen Albyn was rarely seen as a single malt with the majority of its output being used in blends. The distillery was one of many which closed its doors in 1983. Its owners in the very early 1970s, Mackinlay’s, were early fans of single malt bottlings and produced a handful of official releases. Little was to follow when DCL (now Diageo) took control in 1972, with the next distillery bottling not appearing until the Rare Malts Selection was released over 20 years later. Most of the opportunities to sample this lost distillery therefore come in the form of independent labels like this. 

Distilled in 1963, this was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail at 19 years old.

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.

Glengoyne 1972 Spring Release

Built in 1833, what is now known as Glengoyne is a Highland distillery so close to the Lowland region border that its warehouses across the road actually fall into the latter geographical category. The distillery was owned by the Lang Brothers for 89 years, who used it as provision for their blends. In that time it was also important to those of Robertson & Baxter, who would eventually acquire the site in 1966, and bottled it as a single malt for the first time in the 1970s. It was not until the 1990s that the single malt brand became the distillery’s main focus however. An eventual restructuring by Robertson & Baxter’s parent company, Edrington, saw its operations quieted, and Glengoyne was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers in 2003. 

This is the Spring release of 1972 vintage Glengoyne, matured for 29 years and then bottled in 2002, one of the last limited releases of the Edrington era.

Glen Grant 1972 Signatory Vintage 23 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Glen Grant is one of Speyside's most recognised distilleries. It was built in 1839 by James and John Grant, and was a huge facility for its time. Its size increased exponentially over time, in the hands of John's son, John \"The Major\" Grant (who also built the short-lived Caperdonich next-door), and twice in the 1970s following the merger with The Glenlivet Distillers and its subsequent takeover by Seagram. Glen Grant was bottled as a single malt as early as the late-19th century, and developed a global export market. None perhaps as important as in Italy, where their agent in the 1960s, Armando Giovinetti, turned it into the nation's favourite whisky, after discovering the palate preferences of his countrymen for very young single malts. So loved is Glen Grant in Italy, that the distillery is now owned by Gruppo Campari, who bought it from Pernod Ricard in 2006. 

This Signatory Vintage bottling was distilled in 1972 and bottled in July 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.

Glenrothes 1972 Restricted Release

Earmarked from an early stage an ideal component in blended Scotch whiskies, Glenrothes has long been a key part of big brands such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse. Its relationship with the former, lead to a two decade-long association with London wine-merchants, Berry Brother's & Rudd, when they traded their famous blend for the rights to the Glenrothes single malt brand in 2010. The distillery itself remained with Edrington through, and the two were reunited when the now hugely successful brand was returned in 2017. This success is due in no small part to these unusual vintage releases, bottled for many years in lieu of a traditional age-stated core range.

This is an example of the 1972 vintage, a particularly revered era of production. It was bottled in 1996.

Glenlivet 1976 Signatory Vintage 24 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year.  

This is an independent release from Signatory Vintage, distilled 26th March 1976 matured in sherry butt #547 for 24 years.

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.

Incidentally, Symington's first ever Signatory Vintage bottling was also sherry casked Glenlivet, a 1968 vintage. 

Glenury Royal 1978 Whyte and Whyte 14 Year Old 75cl / Spirits Library

Glenury Royal is so-called due to its earliest proprietor, Captain James Barclay, being a close friend of King William IV. The distillery is one of many picked up by DCL (now Diageo) during an era of optimism in the mid-20th century, before being closed down in the early 1980s after a market downturn created an oversupply. Indeed, Glenury closed in 1985 and subsequently demolished. As such, official bottlings are rare, especially those under the Downie and Garron brand names. Bottlings from independent labels like this are increasingly so as well.  

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.

Glenlossie 1973 Sestante 17 Year Old / Antica Casa Marchsi Spinola

Glenlossie became part of DCL (now Diageo) in 1919, who made it part of their Haig stable in the 1930s. The distillery has always been hugely important to the Diageo blends, and excepting the staff-only Manager's Dram, the Flora & Fauna is the only distillery bottling, and one of the few from the series still in production. Independent bottlings are more common, but are still decidedly rare.

This 17 year old was distilled in 1973 and matured in sherry wood casks. It is part of a Sestante series bottled in 1990 for the Antica Casa Marchesi Spinola.

The Sestante import company was founded in the 1970s by Ernesto Mainardi, and he bottled his first single casks under the name in 1985. Alongside his contemporary, Silvano Samaroli, Mainardi pioneered giving his customers a choice of both standard 40-46% bottlings, and cask strength releases from the same casks. Along with his other brand, Silver Seal, Mainardi's bottlings are incredibly sought after.

This is bottle 991.

Glenrothes 1968 First Cask 26 Year Old

The First Cask range is a no-frills collection of independent releases, simplistically labelled but with a real focus on high quality cask selection. The brand was produced by Direct Wines, a firm established in Windsor in 1973 and the casks are provided by Signatory Vintage. Often sold in mixed cases through Direct Wines' global distribution network, these bottles can be found all over the world yet have retained the allure of being a relatively boutique label, with many examples incredibly sought after.

This is a 1968 vintage Glenrothes, bottled from cask #9867.

Earmarked from an early stage an ideal component in blended Scotch whiskies, Glenrothes has long been a key part of big brands such as Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse. Its relationship with the former, lead to a two decade-long association with London wine-merchants, Berry Brothers & Rudd, when they traded their famous blend for the rights to the Glenrothes single malt brand in 2010. The distillery itself remained with Edrington through, and the two were reunited when the now hugely successful brand was returned in 2017. Releases from independent labels like this have also always been highly regarded.

Glendronach 1987 Signatory Vintage 9 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Glendronach was built in 1826 by James Allardice, and rebuilt following a fire in 1852 by an individual named Walter Scott (although not the one you might be thinking of). It eventually passed into the hands of perhaps Scotland's greatest distilling dynasty, the Grant's of Glenfiddich. Charles, the youngest son of William Grant procured the then-silent distillery from the government in 1920, and it remained in the family until they sold it to Wm. Teacher 40 years later. The Grant's and Teacher's were early champions of the single malt category, and distillery bottlings of Glendronach were produced for most of the 20th century until it was mothballed by Allied Distillers in 1996. The distillery was revived in 2002, and has since become one of the strongest single malt brands in the world. 

This is a Signatory Vintage release, bottled after 9 years of the distillery's preferred sherry cask maturation.

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.