The Perfect Collection Part Two

Dallas Dhu 1921 Private Cask 64 Year Old #296

In its time a key component of the Roderick Dhu blended Scotch, Dallas Dhu is a rarely seen single malt. As with much of the DCL (now Diageo) portfolio, the distillery was deemed surplus to requirements during the market downturn of the 1980s, and closed in 1983. It is now run as a distillery museum by Historic Environment Scotland. Very few official bottlings exist, and it is incredibly sought after when rare independent bottlings appear.

This is a stunning private single cask release, distilled back in 1921 and some of the last whisky distilled while the distillery was under ownership of J.P. O'Brian. It would be sold later that year to the Benmore Distillery Company, who were in turn procured by DCL in 1929. J.P. O'Brian only held the distillery for a short time, buying it from Wright & Greig at the close of the first world war. The company went into liquidation, necessitating its sale in 1921.

This was bottled in 1965 after an incredible 64 years in cask.

Dalmore 1926 50 Year Old Decanter

Dalmore is undoubtedly the prize single malt in the Whyte & Mackay portfolio. This was not always the case though. The blenders purchased it from the Mackenzie family in 1960, having been long-standing customers. Due to the long-running importance of it to their blends, their distillery bottlings of its single malt were limited to a 12 year old expression. Nowadays however, it is positioned as a luxury brand, rubbing shoulder with the likes of Macallan, and is globally recognised.

A spectacular Dalmore distilled all the way back in 1926, just a few years after the distillery had re-opened after spending three years being used as a factory to produce American missiles. It was bottled in the 1970s by oweners, Whyte & Mackay.

Linkwood 1898 Ian Grant and Co

A spectacularly rare old bottle of Linkwood single malt, not just for its age, but for the provenance of the liquid. Even now, Linkwood is a rare single malt, its only core range product being the 12 year old Flora & Fauna bottling. This is not to do it a discredit however, as malt from the distillery is regarded by many to be an essential contribution to the body and flavour of several top blends, including Johnnie Walker and White Horse. For this reason, much of the output at Linkwood is reserved for such purposes.

To see a 19th century vintage Linkwood in single malt form then, is a near-impossible feat. This was distilled in 1898, a year subsequent to the the distillery's take-over by the Linkwood Glenlivet Distillery Company from the family of its founder, Peter Brown.

This was bottled by Ian Grant & Co, a small Glasgow based blending firm that were presumably Linkwood customers, and began bottling its Ian Grant's Liqueur Scotch Whisky in 1920, marketing it as \"pre-war excellence maintained in every way.\" This is certainly that. The firm operated until the 1950s when it became the Old Grantian Company, and appears in several trademark dispute cases with William Grant & Sons into the 1960s, and very little mention is made of them since. This bottling likely dates from around the early 1920s therefore, and is a spectacular time-capsule from a bygone era of whisky production.

Laphroaig 12 Year Old Cadenhead's 1960s

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.  

This is a wonderful old bottling of Laphroaig from Scotland's oldest Independent bottler. Exceptionally rare on a number of counts, bottles like this rarely make it to auction and the liquid is of a bygone age before the advent of many modern techniques and technologies.

This is real dream whisky.

Laphroaig 1967 Whyte and Whyte 27 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / Spirits Library

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

This 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.

The 1967 vintages are legendary Laphroaig, contributing to many of the most revered bottlings of single malt whisky ever produced.

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 1967 Signatory Vintage 28 Year Old

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

This is a fantastic single cask distilled in 1967, the same vintage as the celebrated 15 year old Samaroli bottling. 

Distilled in September 1967 and bottled in 1995.

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

Daly's Tullamore 1949 Cadenhead's 41 Year Old / 150th Anniversary

Today, Tullamore Dew is a very popular Irish blend, produced by William Grant & Sons at a new Tullamore distillery. Daly's Tullamore on the other hand, was a historic site for distilling since the 1780s, with a distillery being built there in 1829. This Daly's distillery produced a range of whiskies.

The Dew took its name from Daniel E Williams, the hugely successful manager of the distillery who worked there over a 60 year stretch. 

The distillery operated until 1954 when it closed. This whisky was distilled in 1949 and bottled at cask strength in 1991 as a 41 year old, by Wm. Cadenhead to celebrate their 150th anniversary. They are Scotland's oldest independent bottler.

This and a number of releases from other closed distilleries are the first incarnations of  theCadenhead's Authentic Collection, now its flagship brand.

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Laphroaig 1966 Signatory Vintage 30 Year Old Cask #560

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

This is a spectacular Signatory Vintage bottling, distilled on 18th February 1966 and bottled 30 years later on 18th June 1996. The 1960s was a truly golden era for the distillery and these vintages are increasingly sought after.

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

Laphroaig 1966 Signatory Vintage 30 Year Old Cask #560

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

This is an independent Signatory Vintage bottling. The 1960s are considered to be a golden era of production at Laphroaig, and many of these vintages are regarded as classics.

This was distilled in 1966 and bottled in 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.

Laphroaig 40 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

Distilled in 1960 and matured in oak casks in Warehouse #1 for over 40 years, this is the oldest age statement that has been available from Laphroaig officially. Bottled on 29th May 2001.  

Yoichi 1984 Single Cask 15 Year Old #103440 75cl 

A very rare bottling from Nikka's flagship distillery in Hokkaido, Japan. Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a former Suntory employee who had studied at the University of Glasgow, and later trained as a blender at the now lost Hazelburn distillery in Campbeltown.  Taketsuru opened the Yoichi distillery in the same year as establishing the company, modelling its pot stills on the long-necked design of the Longmorn stills in Speyside.  

This is a 1984 vintage single cask, bottled in April 2000.

Lagavulin 1985 Cask Strength 21 Year Old 75cl / US Import

Lagavulin distillery is one of the quintessential Islay producers, built in the early 19th century before eventually finding itself in the hands of White Horse blenders and their infamous proprietor, Sir Peter Mackie. It has truly captured the imagination of the whisky world in modern times, with the 16 year old becoming an instant (if unexpected) favourite when introduced as one of Diageo's classic malts in 1988. The company had not expected the smoky flavours to be as popular as lighter offerings such as Dalwhinnie and Glenkinchie. Lagavulin was also home to the legendary (and near mythical) Malt Mill distillery in the first half of the 20th century. 

This is a truly legendary bottling, released in 2007 within Diageo's Special Releases range that year

Distilled in 1985 and bottled as a 21 year old at cask strength, this is incredibly highly acclaimed, a must for any Lagavulin collector or drinker.

One of 6642.

Longrow 1973 First Distillation - Last Cask

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. ​​​​​​

This special release was bottled from cask #1723, the last to be filled during the inaugural year of production in 1973.

Laphroaig 1977 Vintage

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.  

An exceptionally rare bottle, 1977 is considered to be a classic vintage for Laphroaig, owing to some exceptional barley crops in the late 1970s.

Bottled in 1995.

Longrow 1974 25 Year Old 75cl / US Import

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. 

This limited edition bottling is a 25 year old, distilled in the spirit's second year of production, 1974.

Longrow 1974 25 Year Old

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day. 

This limited edition bottling is a 25 year old, distilled in the spirit's second year of production, 1974.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old White Horse early 1980s / Carpano Import

Lagavulin distillery is one of the quintessential Islay producers, built in the early 19th century before eventually finding itself in the hands of White Horse blenders and their infamous proprietor, Sir Peter Mackie. It has truly captured the imagination of the whisky world in modern times, with the 16 year old becoming an instant (if unexpected) favourite when introduced as one of United Distillers' Classic Malts in 1988. The company had not expected the smoky flavours to be as popular as lighter offerings such as Dalwhinnie and Glenkinchie. Lagavulin was also home to the legendary (and near mythical) Malt Mill distillery in the first half of the 20th century.  

DCL (now Diageo) acquired Lagavulin in 1927, and it was commonplace for them to grant the licenses for their distilleries to the subsidiary blending companies within their portfolio. Lagavulin was obtained through their acquisition of White Horse Distillers, and remained an important component of its blends, so the license was immediately granted to its former owner along with Glen Elgin. 

This is the 12 year old age-statement that made up DCL's Ascot Malt Cellar collection, launched in 1982 alongside the Rosebank and Talisker 8 year olds, Linkwood 12 year old, and the Strathconon and Glenleven blended malts, from James Buchanan and Haig, respectively. The Ascot Malt Cellar was a spiritual successor to the Classic Malts range, within which Lagavulin retained its place, as the Islay representative. This 12 year old was discontinued though, replaced by the much-loved 16 year old expression.

Longmorn 1974 Cadenhead's 17 Year Old 75cl / 150th Anniversary

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

This 17 year old Longmorn is one of the original 150th anniversary releases.

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.   

Yamazaki Suntory White Whisky 1950s

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is a 1950s example of the classic Suntory White.

These bottles would have been produced using malt and grain distilled at Yamazaki distillery. Suntory's grain whisky production was moved to Chita distillery during their expansion in the 1980s.

Dailuaine 1966 Cadenhead's 31 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 1966 vintage Dailuaine was bottled for the US in June 1997.

Dailuaine was at a time in the 19th century, Speyside's largest distillery, and it was home to Scotland's first pagoda roofed kiln. That distillery perished in a fire however, in 1917. The newly rebuilt distillery was acquired by DCL (now Diageo) who used its \"meaty\" spirit as a filler for their many blends. As with most of the single malt operations in the Diageo portfolio, the Flora & Fauna release was Dailuaine's first ever distillery bottling. Its single malt had been available in the form of independent releases like this in the preceding years though.

Longrow 19 Year Old Single Cask #1548

First distilled in 1973, Longrow is the peated single malt produced at Springbank distillery. Although very popular, Longrow remains an elusive whisky, with only 100-150 casks of it filled at the distillery each year. Early champions of this spirit included the legendary Italian bottler, Silvano Samaroli, who bought and bottled a number of famous casks from the inaugural vintage, and is credited by many with a good deal of the brand's success. It remains revered by connoisseurs to this day.

This is a rare late 1990s single cask bottling, aged for 19 years in cask #1548.

Longmorn 1964 Whyte and Whyte 30 Year Old Cask Strength 75cl / Spirits Library

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.  

This was bottled 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.

Laphroaig 30 Year Old 

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile. 

The 30 year old was originally released at the top of the core range in 2000, but was discontined in 2008. This well aged Laphroaig has been out-matured by only a few releases since.

Longmorn 1969 The Prestonfield 27 Year Old

Longmorn is a popular Speyside distillery, and an essential component in many blends over the years. As such, much of its production is reserved for this purpose and although distillery bottlings first appeared in the 1980s, it was rarely seen before the 15 year old expression was relaunched in 1993. The distillery has long been prominent on the independent scene however, and has cult following in Japan, perhaps in no small part to its connection with Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, who modelled the stills at Yoichi on those at Longmorn.

This is a Signatory Vintage bottling, distilled in 1969.

Prior to founding Signatory Vintage, Andrew Symington was the Assistant Manager at Edinburgh's famous Prestonfield House Hotel. In his first years as an independent bottler, he produced several sought after single malts for them. He later launched The Prestonfield as a secondary brand in order to capitalise on the renown of the hotel bottlings in the wider market. Like their Dun Eideann label, it also allowed them to grant exclusivity to different distributors. Many of The Prestonfield releases were bottled for La Maison du Whisky in Paris.

Linkwood 1969 Cadenhead's 21 Year Old 75cl

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 21 year old Linkwood is one of a handful of bottlings which actually predate the original 150th anniversary releases.

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In the 1990s it was short-listed for Diageo's Classic Malts series, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore instead, later opting to maintain the 12 year old Flora & Fauna as the only permanent official bottling.  Independent releases are more common however. 

Linkwood 1938 Sestante 45 Year Old

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In the 1990s it was short-listed for Diageo's Classic Malts series, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore instead, later opting to maintain the 12 year old Flora & Fauna as the only permanent official bottling.  Independent releases are more common however. 

Pre-war vintages like this are exceptionally rare. Distilled in 1938, this was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for Sestante in 1983.

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.

Littlemill 1965 Scott's Selection 75cl / US Import

Littlemill was one of Scotland's oldest distilleries in its time, with distilling rumoured to have taken place there as far back as the late 18th century.​​ It has a turbulent history of ownership changes and mothballings, as well as briefly experimenting with producing a lightly and heavily peated single malt as well, called Dunglass and Dumbuck, respectively. Barton Brands, the owners at the time, called a halt to these in 1971 however. The distillery closed again for a time in the 1980s, with its still falling silent for the final time in 1994. The distillery buildings were then lost in a fire in 1996, bringing an end to the its tumultuous story. 

This 1963 vintage was bottled for the US market.

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.

Linkwood 1939 Gordon and MacPhail 43 Year Old

Linkwood single malt has always been considered a key component of many popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker and White Horse, with much of its output reserved for these as a result. In 1982 it was selected for the Ascot Malt Cellar range by DCL, an early precursor to the Classic Malts range later launched by United Distillers. It had been on the short-list for the subsequent range at the time, but the company eventually opted for Cragganmore as the Speyside representative instead, later opting to revive the 12 year old under the Flora & Fauna brand. That remains the only permanent distillery bottling, but independent releases like this are more common however. 

Gordon & MacPhail were granted a license by DCL to officially bottle Linkwood single malt in the 1970s and 1980s. This long-standing relationship with the distillery has since furnished the Elgin-based independent firm with a steady supply of high-quality casks, and subsequently, high-quality releases.

The distilleries in the DCL portfolio were always licensed to one of their blending companies, who often had their own single malt brands for them. As a result, those also licensed to Gordon & MacPhail (Linkwood, Mortlach and Talisker) were bottled using special labels, each recognisable by their uniform use of the eagle motif. When United Distillers succeeded DCL in the late 1980s, they returned the licenses to their distilleries. Gordon & MacPhail continued to buy and bottle Linkwood however, and also continued to use the eagle label. As of 2018, bottles in this style have been branded as part of the Distillery Labels range, which replicates the \"house labels\" used by the company for many distilleries like this over the years.

This is a rare pre-war vintage, bottled in the early 1980s.