The Perfect Collection Part Two

Macallan 1937 Gordon and MacPhail 32 Year Old / Donini Import

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

This is one of those Gordon and MacPhail bottlings. Gordon & MacPhail helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings to the Italian market.

These \"Macallan-Glenlivet\" labels were introduced in the 1950s and could be considered the first official label. Gordon & MacPhail began to use them in the 1960s for Donini. This 1937 vintage is one of theirs, bottled at the end of the decade.

Balvenie 1964 Vintage Cask #8997 

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times. 

The Vintage Cask series is a sought after range of single cask bottlings. This one was distilled in 1964 and bottled 30 at years old in 1996.

Black Maple Hill 18 Year Old Single Barrel Rye

Black Maple Hill is owned by Californian company, CVI Brands. They do not own a distillery and contract the bottling of the brand to outside sources, initially with Julian Van Winkle in 2000, and then Kentucky Bourbon Distillers.

This was matured in a single charred White Oak cask for over 18 years, and bottled by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers from cask #R66.

It is believed much of the rye whisky of this age in the KBD warehouses at the time was old Cream of Kentucky rye distilled at Ancient Age by the Schenley company in the 1980s. When the time came for it to be bottled, lack of demand left it in barrels in the warehouse to age significantly longer than expected. This is the same whiskey blended through the Van Winkle Family Reserve in 2004, and also used by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers for early Michter's releases. All of these bottlings are incredible whiskey.

Kentucky Bourbon Distillers are the owners of the Willett distillery in Bardstown. Willett distillery was built in 1936, just a few years after the repeal of National Prohibition by Lambert Willett, a former distiller for Max Selliger & Co. The distillery was initially a success, principally through its Old Bardstown and Johnny Drum brands, however it was hit hard by the bourbon slump of the 1970s. The result was an ill-advised move into producing ethanol for the production of \"gasohol,\" spurred by the 1979 energy crises. When that market re-stabilised, Willett was left floundering and eventually closed in the early 1980s. Lambert's granddaughter, Martha Willett and her husband, Even Kulsveen, then purchased the distillery and established Kentucky Bourbon Distillers in 1984. They originally bottled the remaining barrels of 1970s-distilled stock, however as that gradually diminished, they began sourcing barrels from other producers in order to replenish it, becoming one of the most important independent bottlers in Kentucky. The majority of their barrels were believed to have come from neighbouring Heaven Hill, and with these casks they developed a wealth of important brands, including the Willett Family Estate, Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. In addition, they contract-bottled brands for other companies, such as the Very Olde St Nick and this Black Maple Hill brand. Revered for the quality of their whiskey, their products have become some of the most collectible to come out of Kentucky. One January 21st, 2012, the company re-opened Willett distillery, and have been slowly replenishing its warehouses with its own whiskey ever since.

Macallan 1940 Fine and Rare 37 Year Old Miniature

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

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

This was distilled in 1940, originally bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1977 as a 37 year old, and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002.

Unique reference: jhx4u

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

Macallan 1937 Fine and Rare 37 Year Old Miniature 

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

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

This is one of two 1937 vintages in the series, and was originally bottled in 1974, under license by Gordon & MacPhail. The 37 year old was rebottled in 2002, and this is one of just 28 bottles.

Unique Reference: 6y4bq9.

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

Macallan 1938 Fine and Rare 35 Year Old Miniature 

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

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

Distilled in 1938, originally bottled under license by Gordon and MacPhail in 1973 as a 35 year old. This was re-bottled officially in 2002 and is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely old, pre-war distilled Macallan. 

Unique reference: py3680

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

Macallan 1939 Fine and Rare 40 Year Old Miniature 

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

This is a legendary spirit which is now part of the Fine and Rare range, launched in 2002 as the pinnacle of Macallan excellence.

Distilled in 1939, originally bottled by Gordon and MacPhail in 1979 and re-bottled officially by Macallan in 2002 as a 40 year old. The 1939 is third rarest in the series, one of only 58 bottles, and is considered one of best examples of single malt Scotch whisky from the distillery. An incredible opportunity to own a genuinely old Macallan. 

Unique Reference: e8rxh.

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

Macallan 1966 Anniversary Malt 25 Year Old 75cl / US Import

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

The distillery added a 25 year old to their annual output in 1983, called the Anniversary Malt and accompanied at the time by the limited edition 50 year old. The 25 year old Anniversary Malt was produced for two decades before being replaced, and is now one of the most highly prized expressions in the world of whisky.

This 1966 vintage was bottled for US customers in 1991.

Macallan 1950 Gordon and MacPhail Speymalt

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

Gordon & MacPhail helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, and this good standing has given them continued access to high quality casks over the years. The Speymalt series provided an excellent and affordable way to experience vintage Macallan as the popularity of distillery bottlings made them increasingly difficult to source.

This is a spectacular example, distilled in 1950 and bottled in 1994.

Bowmore 15 Year Old CHAS 10th Anniversary / One of 10 Bottles

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

Bottled in 2002, this is one of just 10 full sized versions of this commemorative release, produced for the 10th anniversary of Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Macallan 1937 Gordon and MacPhail 36 Year Old / Edward and Edward

A very rare bottle of Macallan, distilled in 1937 bottled in the 1970s by Gordon and MacPhail.

Gordon & MacPhail helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings to the Italian market. This was bottled especially for the legendary Italian bar owner, Edoardo Giaccone.

Giaccone was something of a trailblazer, and was importing specially bottled official single malts for his bar from the late 1960s, this is one of his earliest. He opened the famous venue in 1958, and it has been called a few different things over the years, including Garten, Edward & Edward (during the period this was imported), and La Taverna del Comandante.

Edoardo set the stage for later legendary bottlers such as Silvano Samaroli, Nadi Fiori and Ernesto Mainardi. Moon Import founder, Pepi Mongiardino said, \"he was the first person I visited\" when he became the distributor for Bruichladdich in 1981. Giaccone did not have any of his own labels or series, but was the first person in Italy to have official bottlings produced exclusively for him. Through his bar, Italy was treated to exclusive releases from Clynelish, Bowmore, Dalmore, Highland Park and even Jack Daniel's.

Macallan 1962 Campbell, Hope and King / Rinaldi Import

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

Macallan have only been bottling their own product since 1980, prior to which they licensed their branding to independent bottlers. The most prominent of these was Campbell, Hope & King, a brewer by trade but with a stake in the blending and bottling business through their premises in Elgin. They bottled near-annual vintage releases of the \"over 15 years old,\" as well as an 8 and 12 year old age-statement. These were predominantly produced for the booming Italian market for single malts in the 1960s, but are now located all over the world as absolute staple pieces in every serious whisky collection.

This 80 proof 1962 vintage was the last bottled by Campbell, Hope & King. Some were later rebottled by the distillery for a Fine and Rare release, the same one that features in the James Bond film, Skyfall.

Fratelli Rinaldi import for the Italian market.

Macallan 1965 Special Selection 17 Year Old / Rinaldi Import

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

Macallan vintage releases produced by Campbell, Hope & King tended to be aged around the 15 year old mark, but when Macallan took over the responsibility in 1980, they toyed for a few releases with more advanced age-statements before settling on the 18 year old as the optimum maturation.

This 17 year old was distilled in 1965 and bottled in 1983. The classic 18 year old distillery bottling was launched the following year.

Presented here with the plastic screw cap used between 1981 and 1984, and imported to the Italian market by Fratelli Rinaldi.

Macallan Nicols Nectar

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

A very very rare bottling of Macallan that was never made available to the public, this was produced for the retirement of Peter Nicol in 1996. Guests at a dinner in celebration of Peter's 43 year of service were presented with these bottles.

A mere 120 bottles were made which makes this one of the rarest bottles of Macallan and a must for any serious collector.

Bottled on 11th July 1996.

Macallan 1938 Gordon and MacPhail 70 Proof

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

This is one of those Gordon & MacPhail bottlings. The company helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings, primarily to the Italian market. The company mostly used the classic \"Macallan-Glenlivet\" label, but on occasions used this aesthetic, more synonymous with Campbell, Hope & King, and favoured by the distillery itself when it took over in 1980.

Distilled in 1938, this is an incredible example of a pre-war vintage Macallan.

Black Maple Hill 11 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon

Black Maple Hill is owned by Californian company, CVI Brands. They do not own a distillery and contract the bottling of the brand to outside sources, initially with Julian Van Winkle in 2000, and then Kentucky Bourbon Distillers.

This was matured in a single charred White Oak cask for over 11 years, and bottled by KBD from cask #300.

Kentucky Bourbon Distillers are the owners of the Willett distillery in Bardstown. Willett distillery was built in 1936, just a few years after the repeal of National Prohibition by Lambert Willett, a former distiller for Max Selliger & Co. The distillery was initially a success, principally through its Old Bardstown and Johnny Drum brands, however it was hit hard by the bourbon slump of the 1970s. The result was an ill-advised move into producing ethanol for the production of \"gasohol,\" spurred by the 1979 energy crises. When that market re-stabilised, Willett was left floundering and eventually closed in the early 1980s. Lambert's granddaughter, Martha Willett and her husband, Even Kulsveen, then purchased the distillery and established Kentucky Bourbon Distillers in 1984. They originally bottled the remaining barrels of 1970s-distilled stock, however as that gradually diminished, they began sourcing barrels from other producers in order to replenish it, becoming one of the most important independent bottlers in Kentucky. The majority of their barrels were believed to have come from neighbouring Heaven Hill, and with these casks they developed a wealth of important brands, including the Willett Family Estate, Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. In addition, they contract-bottled brands for other companies, such as the Very Olde St Nick and this Black Maple Hill brand. Revered for the quality of their whiskey, their products have become some of the most collectible to come out of Kentucky. One January 21st, 2012, the company re-opened Willett distillery, and have been slowly replenishing its warehouses with its own whiskey ever since.

Bowmore 1968 32 Year Old 75cl / Stanley P Morrison 50th Anniversary - US Import

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

An early 2000s bottling, this was distilled back in 1968 and bottled at 32 years old. The 1960s vintages produced following the takeover of the distillery are regarded by many as some of the finest whisky ever produced.

This was bottled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Stanley P Morrison Company. It was personally selected by Brian Morrison.

One of 1860 bottles.

Macallan 14 Year Old Moon Import 59% / Half Moon

Moon Import was founded by Pepi Mongiardino in 1980. Heeding the advice of the late, great, Silvano Samaroli, he opted to be \"free from the big companies,\" and became the official distributor for Islay's Bruichladdich, and later Tamnavulin and Tullibardine, preferring however to procure casks from private owners. Mongiardino bottled his first whisky in 1982, titled the Half Moon series. Always beautifully labelled, Pepi is acclaimed for designing the packaging for Moon Import bottles himself, using images found in old books. The famous Birds, Animals, Costumes and Sea series were all labelled using pictures he discovered in an 18th century German encyclopaedia. These iconic designs, coupled with the quality of the liquid saw Moon Import steadily grow in popularity, and with the help of Intertrade founder, Nadi Fiori, they exported their first bottles to Japan in 2001. 

This 14 year old Macallan is from Moon Import's inaugural 'Half Moon' series and is one of two from the distillery. Matured in sherry wood.

Bottle number 58 of 600.

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

Macallan 1960 Campbell, Hope and King 80 Proof / Rinaldi Import

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

Macallan have only been bottling their own product since 1980, prior to which they licensed their branding to independent bottlers. The most prominent of these was Campbell, Hope & King, a brewer by trade but with a stake in the blending and bottling business through their premises in Elgin. They bottled near-annual vintage releases of the \"over 15 years old,\" as well as an 8 and 12 year old age-statement. These were predominantly produced for the booming Italian market for single malts in the 1960s, but are now located all over the world as absolute staple pieces in every serious whisky collection.

The 1960 vintage was bottled in 1977.

Bowmore 1968 32 Year Old / Stanley P Morrison 50th Anniversary

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

An early 2000s bottling, this was distilled back in 1968 and bottled at 32 years old. The 1960s vintages produced following the takeover of the distillery are regarded by many as some of the finest whisky ever produced.

This was bottled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Stanley P Morrison Company. It was personally selected by Brian Morrison.

One of 1860 bottles.

Balvenie 1966 Vintage Cask 30 Year Old #1896 75cl / US Import

Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892 and remains part of his family's company to this day. In the early part of its history, its purpose was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant's blends, however following the global success of Glenfiddich, the Balvenie single malt brand was launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990, and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was given the freedom to focus on its single malt. Today it is one of the best recognised brands in the world. In 1993 they launched the 12 year old \"DoubleWood,\" an expression credited with pioneering the use of cask-finishing, and this has become a key motif for the distillery's output in recent times.

The vintage cask range of whiskies from Balvenie are a fantastic insight into single casks released from this popular distillery.

Distilled in 14th February 1966 and bottled on 20th November 1997,  this is a specially selected single cask Balvenie, from cask #1896.

Bottle number 159 of 204.

Macallan 1968 18 Year Old / I.H Barker Import

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

Macallan vintage releases produced by Campbell, Hope & King tended to be aged around the 15 year old mark, but when Macallan took over the responsibility in 1980, they toyed for a few releases with more advanced age-statements of 17 and 18 years old. The latter was deemed the optimum maturation, and the official 18 year old was launched in 1984. It is now an absolute classic of the whisky world.

Distilled in 1968, this was was bottled in 1987. These early releases were packaged in the instantly recognisable purple-sashed white boxes, featuiring the Sara Midda watercolours of Easter Elchies house, synonymous with Macallan of the period.

Imported to the Australian market by I.H Baker.

Macallan 1939 Gordon and MacPhail 70 Proof

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

This is one of those Gordon & MacPhail bottlings. The company helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings, primarily to the Italian market. The company mostly used the classic \"Macallan-Glenlivet\" label, but on occasions used this aesthetic, more synonymous with Campbell, Hope & King, and favoured by the distillery itself when it took over in 1980.

Distilled in 1939, this is an incredible example of a pre-war vintage Macallan.

Macallan 1965 Carn Mor #2114

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

This is a Celebration of the Cask bottling, the single cask sub-category of Morrison & Mackay's Carn Mor label. Morrison & Mackay are a Perth-based company, producing a number of whisky liqueurs as well as independent single malts and blends, including the popular recently revived Old Perth. In 2017 the firm completed the construction of the Aberargie distillery in the town of the same name.

This bottling came from a parcel of six butts of 1965 Macallan filled into both Oloroso and Fino Sherry casks. They were purchased by Stanley P Morrison Scotch Whisky Brokers and Distillers in the 1980s and sold to a Hugh Irvine Esq. The casks were then subsequently repurchased 25 years later and bottled in 2008 under the Carn Mor label.

Fino sherry butt #2114 produced 484 bottles.

Macallan 1967 18 Year Old

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

Macallan vintage releases produced by Campbell, Hope & King tended to be aged around the 15 year old mark, but when Macallan took over the responsibility in 1980, they toyed for a few releases with more advanced age-statements of 17 and 18 years old. The latter was deemed the optimum maturation, and the official 18 year old was launched in 1984. It is now an absolute classic of the whisky world.

Distilled in 1967, this was was bottled in 1985. These early releases were packaged in the instantly recognisable purple-sashed white boxes, featuiring the Sara Midda watercolours of Easter Elchies house, synonymous with Macallan of the period.

Macallan 1973 18 Year Old / Giovinetti Import

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

Macallan vintage releases produced by Campbell, Hope & King tended to be aged around the 15 year old mark, but when Macallan took over the responsibility in 1980, they toyed for a few releases with more advanced age-statements of 17 and 18 years old. The latter was deemed the optimum maturation, and the official 18 year old was launched in 1984. It is now an absolute classic of the whisky world.

Distilled in 1973, this was was bottled in 1991. These early releases are packaged in the instantly recognisable purple-sashed white boxes, featuiring the Sara Midda watercolours of Easter Elchies house, synonymous with Macallan of the period.

Imported to Italy by Giovientti & Figli.

Miltonduff 1966 Sestante 23 Year Old / Antica Casa Marchesi Spinola

Miltonduff is located in Speyside and is perhaps best known as one of the key malts in the Ballantine's blends. It was purchased by Hiram Walker in the 1930s, who installed the Lomond stills that briefly produced the now sought after Mosstowie single malt in 1964, but these were removed again in 1981. The distillery changed hands a few times before arriving with current owners, Chivas Brothers, and despite its requirements for Ballantine's blends, official bottlings of its single malt have been deemed worthy of bottling by each of its proprietors, a sentiment shared by many independent companies too.  

This is 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.

Macallan 1948/1961 Royal Marriage 1981

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

A wonderful addition to any Macallan collection, the Royal Marriage bottling was released in 1981 to celebrate the wedding of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.

It is a marriage of casks from 1948 and 1961, the years of the couple's births.

Macallan 1991 Masters of Photography Annie Leibovitz 'The Bar' #7023 75cl / US Import

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

The Masters of Photography series of whiskies by Macallan was launched in 2008 and contains numerous chapters, each showcasing the work of a legendary artist behind the lens. 

This is one of the Annie Leibovitz editions, of which there were four single casks released, each with a different image on the bottle. This third release carries an image of actor Kevin McKidd pictured enjoying a dram in an American Bar.

The liquid was distilled in 1991 and matured in single cask #7023, a sherry oak puncheon. 

One of 285 bottled in 2012.

Macallan 1940 Gordon and MacPhail 33 Year Old / Co. Pinerolo Import

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

This is one of those Gordon and MacPhail bottlings. Gordon & MacPhail helped Macallan survive during the 1930s and 1940s by buying a regular batch of stock from them, which in turn allowed them to release a lot of these special Macallan bottlings to the Italian market.

These \"Macallan-Glenlivet\" labels were introduced in the 1950s and could be considered the first official label. Gordon & MacPhail began to use them in the 1960s for Donini. This 33 year old was bottled in the 1970s for new distributors, Co. Import, Pinerolo.

Macallan 1950 Campbell, Hope and King 80 Proof / Rinaldi Import

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

Macallan have only been bottling their own product since 1980, prior to which they licensed their branding to independent bottlers. The most prominent of these was Campbell, Hope & King, a brewer by trade but with a stake in the blending and bottling business through their premises in Elgin. They bottled near-annual vintage releases of the \"over 15 years old,\" as well as an 8 and 12 year old age-statement. These were predominantly produced for the booming Italian market for single malts in the 1960s, but are now located all over the world as absolute staple pieces in every serious whisky collection.

The 1950 vintage was bottled between 1966 and 1967.

Macallan 1965 Whyte and Whyte 29 Year Old Sherry Casks 75cl / Spirits Library

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

An absolutely spectacular independent Macallan, distilled in 1965 and matured for over 29 years in sherry casks.

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.