{"title":"Miniatures","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tomatin-12-year-old-finished-in-spanish-sherry-casks-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-2004-5cl-miniature","title":"Tomatin 12 Year Old Finished in Spanish Sherry Casks Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2004) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTomatin 12 Year Old Finished in Spanish Sherry Casks Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2004) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eTomatin 12 Year Old Spanish Sherry Cask was launched in 2004. This 12 year old Speyside single malt is matured in a combination of first-fill ex-bourbon casks, refill American oak casks and Spanish sherry casks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eAroma:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSherry\/fruit sweetness, raisins, orange with fresh, distinct malt, sour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eTaste:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eToffee, spicy. Creamy, easy to drink, well-rounded, full-bodied in nuances.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003eAftertaste:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSlightly short, malt sweetness, soft at the back of the tongue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Tomatin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eAlways an intense, high-toned and fruity spirit (its oldest expressions move into the realms of tropical fruits).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"company-profile__item company-profile__profile\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is Tomatin’s much improved wood policy which has brought it to the notice of single malt lovers. A higher percentage of first-fill casks – ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry – has given more flesh and structure to the always top-notch spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the first manifestation of Tomatin only ran between 1897 and 1906, its reopening under new management in 1909 saw the start of a remarkable journey which would culminate in this remote Highland outpost in between Aviemore and Inverness becoming the largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts expansion (and contraction) mirrors accurately the mood of the industry: from two stills to four in 1956, four to six in ‘58, an upping to 11 in ’61 and then in 1974 the most dramatic expansion of all, with 12 stills being installed, bringing the total to 23 and overall capacity to 10m litres per annum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt couldn’t last. Even in 1974 the first indications of a downturn in Scotch’s fortunes were being noticed. Tomatin never ran at full capacity and in 1986 went into liquidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe site was saved however by two of its Japanese bulk customers, Takara Shuzo and Okura \u0026amp; Co [Okura’s stake was taken by Marubeni in 1998], making it the first Scotch distillery to be under Japanese control.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere has been a slow but steady recalibration ever since. The company bought blending firm J\u0026amp;W Hardie in 1997, adding the prestigious Antiquary blend to its portfolio. Eleven of the stills were taken out of commission in 2000 and today only 2m litres are produced from six wash and four spirit stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other major change has been a shift in emphasis from bulk supply to single malt (as well as Antiquary) – again Tomatin is mirroring the market's continuing evolution. The single malt range has been widened in terms of age statements and introduced a peated variant, Cu Bocan. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tomatin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791427268946,"sku":"TOMA12SCF2004MINI","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Tomatin12YearOldFinishedinSpanishSherryCasksHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_2004_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771959653"},{"product_id":"royal-lochnagar-12-year-old-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRoyal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old 1990s Royal Lochnagar miniature. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"value\"\u003eAbout Royal Lochnagar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eThe smallest member (by some way) of Diageo’s 29-strong distillery portfolio, Royal Lochnagar is a conundrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything about the plant, especially its two small stills and worm tubs, point to this being a classic, ‘heavy’ 19th century site. Instead, its distilling team work to make it ‘light’. The wort – from a rake and plough mash tun – manages to be clear (which is not easy to achieve). Ferments are long, but it is the way in which the stills and worms are utilised which makes the difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistillation is slow to maximise reflux and the stills’ doors are opened after distillation to allow air in to rejuvenate the copper. Meanwhile, the worm tubs are run warm. All of this maximises copper conversation and produces a new make with the aroma of dry grass, a background of fruit and mid-palate depth. It is this weight which allows the bulk of the make to be aged in ex-Sherry butts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoonshining was a profitable activity in Upper Deeside in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As a result, when licit distilling was attempted post-1823, the reaction of the whisky smugglers was extreme. The first distiller to attempt legal whisky-making in the parish of Crathie, James Robertson, had three distilleries burned down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Begg, however, had both time (opposition to legal distilling had faded by the end of the 1820s), and a powerful patron on his side when he commenced distilling across the river from Crathie in 1845. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had only recently bought the neighbouring Balmoral Estate (complete with castle), a move which not only confirmed Scotland as a fashionable destination for the English middle classes, but began to give whisky a foothold in the wider British consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegg invited his new neighbours to his distillery soon after he opened and in 1848 what is claimed to be the first ever distillery tour took place. The Queen, her consort and their three eldest all took a dram of Begg’s make [the Queen would go on to favour mixing hers with claret] and a few weeks later Albert awarded a Royal Warrant to the distillery. No-one would now dare to burn the place down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegg’s own blend built a solid reputation and his firm was absorbed into John Dewar in 1916. In 1925 it became part of DCL [now Diageo]. A small site, its make was destined for a number of blends and in more recent times became the named malt in Korea’s top seller, Windsor, and among the list of malts used in Johnnie Walker Blue Label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has also played a small but significant role in single malt. For a period its no-age-statement, 100% Sherry cask brand, Selected Reserve, was the most expensive whisky in the Diageo portfolio. It, an expression finished in Moscatel casks, and a 12-year-old make up the current range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal Lochnagar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791428612434,"sku":"RLOCH1290SMINI","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/RoyalLochnagar12YearOldHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771959666"},{"product_id":"raasay-single-unpeated-ex-rye-cask-cask-strength-island-single-malt-whisky-2024-5cl-miniature","title":"Raasay Single Unpeated Ex-Rye Cask Cask Strength Island Single Malt Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRaasay Single Unpeated Ex-Rye Cask Cask Strength Island Single Malt Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur signature Isle of Raasay Single Malt combines two Isle of Raasay spirits – peated and unpeated – with three distinct cask types – Rye Whiskey, Chinkapin Oak, and Bordeaux red wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Raasay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eRaasay \u0026amp; Borders Distillers – also known as R\u0026amp;B Distillers – is currently building the first Scotch whisky distillery on the Isle of Raasay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u0026amp;B Distillers Ltd. was co-founded in 2014 by whisky blender Alasdair Day and online dating entrepreneur Bill Dobbie. While it doesn’t currently own a distillery, it does already have a successful whisky brand in The Tweeddale Blend. Plans are in place for the company to build two new distilleries: one on the north western island of Raasay that is currently under construction, and the other in the Borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Borders distillery is still very much in the pipeline, construction of Isle of Raasay distillery is underway and when fully running will employ nearly 10% of the island’s population of 120 residents, producing around 150,000 bottles per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR\u0026amp;B Distillers was founded in 2014 by online dating entrepreneur Bill Dobbie and Alasdair Day, whose background was in cheese and mushroom production, rather than whisky. However Day’s family connection to Scotch dated back to 1895 when his great grandfather, Richard Day, joined Coldstream grocer J\u0026amp;A Davidson as an office clerk. By 1923 Richard had taken over the business and was particularly involved in the blending of several styles of Scotch whisky, the recipes for which still exist in the company ‘cellar book’, or accounts book from 1899.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne recipe for a particular blend – The Tweeddale – caught Alsadair’s eye and in 2009 he purchased nine casks from the same nine distilleries listed in his great grandfather’s book to recreate the recipe exactly. Stonedean Ltd. was registered as the trading company and The Tweeddale blend exported in small batches around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay soon realised that to continue momentum for Tweeddale he’d need to open his own distillery, preferably in the Borders where his great grandfather had lived. Having partnered with Dobbie, the duo set about securing a site in the Borders, but it was a recommendation from an old friend that set them down the path of the Isle of Raasay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaasay, or the ‘isle of the roe deer’ lies between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Skye and makes up part of the Inner Hebrides. After the Battle of Culloden, the island was one of the many places Bonnie Prince Charlie found welcoming while he was evading the English army during his escape to France. R\u0026amp;B Distillers created a small piece of history itself when planning permission was granted in 2016 to construct the first legal distillery on the island. The company expects to draw the first spirit off in 2017. It also purchased a neighbouring derelict hotel – Borodale House – which is being converted into a visitor centre with five accommodation rooms for the Na Tusairean (The Pioneers) club members.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Isle of Raasay is settled in, the group will continue its search for an appropriate location for its Borders site, which is most likely to be Peebles following an online poll of its followers to suggest their favoured spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn late 2015, R\u0026amp;B Distillers expanded its product range by introducing two conceptual whiskies, the Raasay While We Wait single malt and Borders single grain. The flavour profiles of these whiskies are representative of the styles that will be released from the sites, with Raasay’s lightly peated, single malt character juxtaposed by the mellow single grain whisky that will be the signature of the Peebles distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStonedean is now a wholly owned, soon-to-be dormant subsidiary of R\u0026amp;B Distillers and The Tweeddale part of the R\u0026amp;B portfolio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e62.1% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Raasay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791428710738,"sku":"RAASSCEXRYEMINI","price":7.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/RaasaySingleUnpeatedEx-RyeCaskCaskStrengthIslandSingleMaltWhisky_2024_5clMiniature1.jpg?v=1771959694"},{"product_id":"dufftown-glenlivet-10-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Dufftown Glenlivet 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDufftown Glenlivet 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn older 1980s miniature from Dufftown distillery in Speyside\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Dufftown\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eOne of the few distilleries whose spirit stills are larger than its wash stills, for years Dufftown was produced in the ‘Bell’s’ style – a malt-heavy, ‘nutty-spicy’ character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"company-profile__item company-profile__profile\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years fermentation has been lengthened, the wort runs clear and a grassy new make is made. This is down to the needs of Diageo’s blenders.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of a number of distilleries which started as a mill, Dufftown started producing whisky in 1896 for its owner, the blending firm Mackenzie \u0026amp; Co (which already owned Blair Athol). It became part of Arthur Bell \u0026amp; Sons in 1933 and was a key player within that blender’s estate, increasing its stills to eight by 1979 – currently there are six.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBell’s also built the neighbouring Pittyvaich distillery in 1975 (it was run more or less as Dufftown 2) to cater for the rise in demand for its blend. Pittyvaich closed in 1993 and was demolished in 2002. Bell’s was bought by Guinness in 1985 and two years later Diageo was formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil the opening of Roseisle, Dufftown was Diageo’s largest distillery. In 2006, it joined the Singleton\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efamily (alongside Glendullan and Glen Ord) with its market being, predominantly, UK and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dufftown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791430218066,"sku":"DUFF1080SMINI","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/DufftownGlenlivet10YearOldSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771959791"},{"product_id":"dallas-dhu-1974-gordon-macphail-connoisseurs-choice-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1996-50cl-miniature","title":"Dallas Dhu 1974 Gordon \u0026 Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1996) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDallas Dhu 1974 Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1996) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of the rare Dallas Dhu highland whisky. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Dallas Dhu distilled in 1974 and bottled as part of the Connoisseur Choice range by independent bottler Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail was founded in Elgin in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. As was often the case at the time, the business started out as a delicatessen and wine merchant. In 1915, John Alexander MacPhail retired and a new partner joined the business, John Urquhart. He was joined by his son George in 1933, a few years after James Gordon died in a car crash. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail works with many of Speyside’s leading distilleries, from whom it has accumulated considerable stocks. It is also licensed to bottle whiskies for many of them, including Glen Grant, Linkwood, Mortlach, Macallan and Glenlivet. The business really took off in the 1970s, acquiring distributors in a huge range of countries and selling casks to several Italian bottlers in selections that would become legends in their own right. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail is still run by the Urquhart family today, from the same building, and is one of the most iconic bottlers in the industry, with incredible stocks of sometimes very old and rare whiskies. The company is in complete control of the entire maturation process. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail has also owned the Benromach distillery since 1993.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Dallas Dhu\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dallas Dhu Distillery, built less than two miles outside of Forres, is one of the westernmost Speyside distilleries and uniquely powered parts of its production with a water wheel until 1971. As an operational distillery, Dallas Dhu has had somewhat of a rocky time; for more than twenty years of its distilling history it lay silent. Between its founding in 1898 and its final closure in 1983, Dallas Dhu changed hands three times, endured a fire that caused over £7000 worth of damage, and was forced to close due to World War II’s barley rationing. The mothballed distillery was purchased in 1988 by Scotland’s Historic Buildings and Monuments Directorate who\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dallas Dhu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791460725074,"sku":"DDHU1974GMCC5CL","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_121752.jpg?v=1771960892"},{"product_id":"glenallachie-12-year-old-miniature-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-2024-5cl","title":"GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Miniature Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenAllachie 12 Year Old Miniature Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cute 5ml version of the GlenAllachie 12.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistilled at The GlenAllachie in Speyside, this single malt is crafted in a combination of first fill bourbon, sherry and virgin oak casks, each one selected by Master Distiller, Billy Walker. Matured for at least 12 years before bottling, this flagship expression from The GlenAllachie is presented at 46% abv.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose is sweet with butterscotch and honey, with rich raisins and mocha notes. The palate brings lashings of butterscotch and honey with banana and marzipan, before a lingering raisin and mocha finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinner of Malt of the Year 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout GlenAllachie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough its whisky was predominantly used by past owner Chivas Brothers for blending, under new ownership GlenAllachie is emerging as a single malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLightness is a characteristic of most of the 1960s distilleries and Glenallachie has been no exception. A malty undertone adds some textural quality to the palate while delicate fruits rise above. Under the new ownership of the GlenAllachie Distillery Company however fermentation times have been lengethened, lending the spirit a fruitier, and more muscular quality. Peated runs now account for 20% of production, although peated GlenAllachie won't appear on shelves for a number of years yet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the results of the US-fuelled 1960s whisky boom, GlenAllachie was built in 1967 by Scottish \u0026amp; Newcastle Breweries’ distilling subsidiary, Mackinlays. It is notable for being one of the distilleries designed by William Delmé-Evans who was also behind Macduff, Tullibardine and Jura.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1985, Mackinlays became part of own-label specialist Invergordon Distillers which flipped Glenallachie to Campbell Distillers\/Pernod Ricard four years later, during most of which it had been mothballed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has only very rarely been seen as a single malt bottling – most notably as part of Chivas Brothers’ Cask Strength series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn July 2017, it was announced that Chivas Brothers had agreed to sell GlenAllachie to The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, operated by former BenRiach MD Billy Walker, ex-Inver House Distillers MD Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage. A capital ‘A’ was added to the distillery name, in keeping with the changes Walker made to BenRiach and GlenDronach under his stewardship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new owners are in the process of relaunching GlenAllachie as a distillery known for its ‘big’, fruity malt whisky. Six single cask bottlings were released in April 2018, with GlenAllachie’s first core range of single malts set for launch in June 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl Miniature\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GlenAllachie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791462789458,"sku":"GLENAL12SM2025MINI","price":7.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/GlenAllachie12Miniature.jpg?v=1771960957"},{"product_id":"benriach-10-year-old-curiositas-peated-malt-speyside-single-malt-whisky-2013-5cl","title":"Benriach 10 Year Old Curiositas Peated Malt Speyside Single Malt Whisky (2000s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBenriach 10 Year Old Curiositas Peated Malt Speyside Single Malt Whisky (2000s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"prose max-w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCuriositas is a 10 year old, peated release from the BenRiach distillery in what they call the 'classic Speyside style'. A distinct malt with great depth and a bittersweet balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"border-b border-gray-300 pb-2 last-of-type:border-none last-of-type:pb-0\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eNose\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet grassy malt, succulent fudge and hints of smoke and heather lead. There's a touch of malmsey underneath with fragrant honey and mellow oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"border-b border-gray-300 pb-2 last-of-type:border-none last-of-type:pb-0\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003ePalate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaramelised sugar and strong cereal flavours form the core. Marshmallows, ripe stone fruit and a warm nuttiness develop while peppery spice tingles in the backdrop with green wood smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"border-b border-gray-300 pb-2 last-of-type:border-none last-of-type:pb-0\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"font-semibold\"\u003eFinish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBittersweet with slight suggestions of dry oak, beeswax and fennel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Benriach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a similar vein to its immediate neighbours (Glen Elgin and Longmorn), fruit is at the heart of the Benriach character, here manifesting itself as pears and peaches with an added aromatic top note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVibrant when young, it matures well – especially in refill casks where fruits take on a more tropical edge and extra spiciness steadily develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the latter years of the Seagram era, Benriach produced a smoky distillate for blending purposes. The enthusiastic reaction to this style when its new owner bottled examples means a peated season takes place every year. A wide range of finishes – of both styles – is also available. Many of the bottlings have been given Latin names and the brand name has been rewritten as BenRiach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery is currently operated by Jack Daniel’s producer, Brown-Forman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The best laid schemes o’mice and men gang aft a-gley’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Burns could well have been writing about John Duff [builder of Glenlossie and Longmorn] and his intention to establish a whisky-making fiefdom close to Elgin. His Longmorn distillery had been built in 1893, and having achieved early success he decided what was needed was another plant next door. In 1897, he built Benriach. Sadly, his timing could not have been worse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pattison crash of 1899, coupled with a downturn in the domestic market, saw a huge number of distilleries (many of which had only just opened) close down. Benriach was once of those, only running for two years before languishing in silence for the next 65, during which its large malting facility was used to supply Longmorn’s requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upturn in whisky’s fortunes in the 1960s saw Benriach run from 1965 onwards. A single malt was bottled in 1995 as part of then owner Seagram’s version of UDV’s Classic Malts, but volumes were limited and its reputation was not particularly high. As a result, most malt whisky drinkers dismissed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Pernod Ricard took over Seagram’s whisky division in 2001 Benriach was closed once again, but bought in 2003 by Billy Walker, the former production director of Burn Stewart, and two South African entrepreneurs (an ironic echo of Duff’s attempts to establish whisky production in that country in the late 19th century). The BenRiach Distilling Co. now owns Benriach itself, Glendronach (where, incidentally, John Duff was once manager) and Glenglassaugh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a former blender, Billy Walker had insight into the true quality of Benriach. A selective series of bottlings, mixing old (from Seagram days), very young (from their ownership) and peated (from both) proved an eye-opener to malt drinkers. It has rapidly become a strong performer on the global market. Today it is back in full production and in 2013 the floor maltings reopened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery was picked up by Brown-Forman, one of the largest US wine and spirits producers, in 2016 along with the Louisville-based company’s acquisition of the entire BenRiach Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e46% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BenRiach","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791463444818,"sku":"BENRI10CURIOMINI","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120421.jpg?v=1771960970"},{"product_id":"glenfarclas-10-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenfarclas 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenfarclas 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mini version of the 1990s 10 Year Old Release. A smart addition to the collection of Glenfarclas or a much older and still direct fire distilled Oloroso sherry matured drink to sneak at the Golf course. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout J \u0026amp; G Grant, Glenfarclas Distillery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenfarclas means \"The Valley of the Green Grass\" in Gaelic, and the skilled Scots obtain the water used in the distillation from a small spring that rises from the beautiful and dramatic Ben Rinnes. The distillery is located at the foot of the heather-covered mountain, where the water spurts out from the underlying granite when the winter snow melts. The combination of the very pure, soft water and the unique shape of the pot stills that Glenfarclas uses contributes to the distillery's unique Highland Single Malts .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenfarclas Distillery has been family-owned since 1865, and it is the Grant family who have established the Scotch whisky distillery as one of the best in the world. Glenfarclas is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that are still family-owned. Since 1865, the distillery has been in the hands of the same family: The Grants. John Grant was actually a cattle farmer when he bought Recherlich Farm and Glenfarclas Distillery in 1865 for £511. It is six generations of whisky knowledge that benefits us consumers today. This continuity has made it possible for Glenfarclas to still use older ways of making whisky. Not because of romance and a longing for history. Glenfarclas is a success, and rightly so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs George Grant, the sixth generation of the family, puts it: \"We've lived through 22 recessions. We make the whisky we can afford to make and never borrow money to make it.\" During the 1980s, when the whisky industry itself was cutting back on production, Glenfarclas's was on the rise. Glenfarclas has larger volumes in stock than most distilleries. A reluctance to independent bottlers using the distillery's name on their (rare) offerings has also helped maintain a strong identity for the Glenfarclas brand itself. Glenfarclas also insists on maturing its whiskies in ex- sherry casks . This helps the whisky achieve greater body, complexity and sweetness. It's no small operation, and today they have 80,000 casks for ageing. Since 1989 they have come from Spain, specifically Huelva near Jerez - and they do so almost every month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenfarclas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791468884306,"sku":"GLFAR1090SMINI","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_121516.jpg?v=1771961025"},{"product_id":"bowmore-12-year-old-old-style-1980s-islay-single-malt-scotch-whisky-5cl-miniature","title":"Bowmore 12 Year Old Old Style 1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBowmore 12 Year Old Old Style 1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 5cl Miniature \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Islay's finest whiskies in the direct fire distillation era. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack from the Morrison Bowmore days. A full bottle of this is not low priced anymore and difficult to source now. Back then the sugars would caramelise more under the heat spots caused by the contact of fire on copper. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey were bought by Suntory in 1989\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay however it didn’t have much notable history until Suntory bought 35% in Morrison-Bowmore in 1989. After this point we saw huge changes in how Bowmore was marketed to the world. The launch of Black Bowmore in 1993, arguably, signalled the induction of whisky as a collectable asset. Suntory bought Morrison-Bowmore outright in 1994. Following this was the launch of Bowmore 15 Darkest in 1999, and the eventual release of the oldest and most sought-after Bowmore stocks to the world. There was also the change in distillate style after Suntory became involved, with the pre1990 stock of Bowmore always being given the ‘lavender’ moniker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBowmore \u003cspan\u003edistilled in the 60s and 70s has legendary status amongst those who love their Islay \/ peated whiskies. Here is one more of those.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl Miniature\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bowmore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791468917074,"sku":"BOW12SM1980MINI","price":52.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120318.jpg?v=1771961038"},{"product_id":"clynelish-12-year-old-gordon-macphail-ainslie-heilbron-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Clynelish 12 Year Old Gordon \u0026 Macphail Ainslie \u0026 Heilbron Macleod Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature with box","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClynelish 12 Year Old Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Ainslie \u0026amp; Heilbron Macleod Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature with box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese rare whisky miniatures are perfect for collectors or make the best gifts for whisky lovers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis goes back to the time when whisky was direct fire distilled meaning a different flavour profile due to the caramelization of the sugars from heat spots on the copper. Muskier stuff from a time long ago. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Clyenelish \/ Brora\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClynelish is, today, a rarity in that it produces a ‘waxy’ new make spirit – think snuffed candles or waxed jackets – a character which is created in a most unusual fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClear worts and long ferments start the process, while distillation involves maximising copper conversation – unusually, but not uniquely, Clynelish’s spirit stills are larger than its wash stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis regime would help to produce a fruity spirit were it not for what happens in the feints receiver. In any distillery there is a natural precipitation of oils in this tank which would normally be removed during the distillery’s annual silent season when the plant is fully cleaned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen this happened at Clynelish, the waxy character disappeared. Realising that the gunk had specific qualities, these days it is removed during silent season and then replaced. The mature character retains waxiness as a mouth-coating texture allied to citric notes and, occasionally, a little mineral\/ozone hint. Tastings of single malts (and blends) from the 1950s and 1960s suggest that waxy was a significantly more prevalent style industry-wide in those days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen low-peated or unpeated, Brora shares this thick, waxy, oilskin-like character, along with scented grass, fruits and pepper. When heavily smoked, the peat comes across as maritime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClynelish’s ultimate success – indeed cult status – is one which came out of human tragedy. This is one of a number of ‘Clearance’ distilleries (Talisker is another example) which appeared in the earlier part of the 19th century. This was a period when some landowners, seeing the profits which could be made from sheep farming, forcibly moved their tenant farmers from their ancestral lands. Caithness and Sutherland were the scenes of the most brutal of these clearances, the perpetrators The Duke (and especially Duchess) of Sutherland and their estate managers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the farmers were shipped abroad, others went to the Central Belt, and those who remained were in this case moved to new settlements where they were put to work for their laird’s new business enterprises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Duke of Sutherland established a number of businesses in the town of Brora: a coal mine, brick and tile works, weaving, salt panning and a distillery which he called Clynelish. All were staffed by former farmers who were paid in coin which could only be redeemed at the company’s shops – whose profits went to the Duke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery was not a success in its early years. It only began to build a reputation in 1896 when blenders Ainslie \u0026amp; Heilbron bought it in partnership with John Risk, who was to become the outright owner in 1912. By the end of the century it had become the most highly-priced single malt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRisk worked in close co-operation with DCL and the blending firm of John Walker \u0026amp; Sons and, when the latter was folded into DCL in 1925, Clynelish came too. It closed in the 1930s, but produced small amounts of spirit during the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn common with a large number of DCL distilleries, a new plant with six stills was built alongside the original distillery in 1968 (until then, Clynelish had only a single pair of stills). The old plant was put into mothballs for a year before running alongside as ‘Clynelish B’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was renamed Brora in 1969, when it began producing a heavily-peated spirit for blending purposes. This was the result of, initially, Islay suffering from a drought and then Caol Ila being rebuilt. Brora’s heavily peated years continued until 1973, after which the smoke was cut back (sometimes totally). It finally closed in 1983. These days, like many lost distilleries, it has become a cult malt, and the original distillery is currently being rebuilt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClynelish itself has long played an important role within the house of John Walker \u0026amp; Sons, with a 14-year-old, originally launched as part of Diageo’s ‘Hidden Malts’ portfolio, and an oloroso-finished Distiller’s Edition as the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2014, Diageo announced a £30m expansion of Clynelish, but the plan has since been postponed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2018, the company revealed plans to spend £150m on upgrading tourism facilities, including a new brand home for Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh, and improved visitor centres at Clynelish, plus Glenkinchie, Cardhu and Caol Ila, representing regional styles present in Walker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClynelish’s ‘comprehensive upgrade’ will include a new bar and tasting area, as well as improved landscaping around the distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clynelish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791491133778,"sku":"CLY12GMAHMINIB","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_122147.jpg?v=1771961531"},{"product_id":"glenury-royal-12-year-old-gordon-macphail-john-gillon-company-ghost-distillery-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1982-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenury Royal 12 Year Old 1970 Gordon \u0026 Macphail John Gillon \u0026 Company Ghost Distillery Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1982) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenury Royal 12 Year Old 1970 Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail John Gillon \u0026amp; Company Ghost Distillery Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1982) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature from John Gillon \u0026amp; Company LTD by way of Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenury Royal is a closed distillery with liquid that grows more valuable as each month passes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field field--name-field-history-summary field__item\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA former Highland malt distillery that was located in Stonehaven on the east coast of Scotland. Some of its single malt was bottled under license by John Gillon \u0026amp; Co in the 1970s and 1980s, however it was shut down by Distillers Company in 1985 and subsequently demolished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glenury Royal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrams from Glenury Royal are rare, but can be found, while bottlings from the now demolished distillery come under the Garron and Downie brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, slightly oily and fragrant, think Oolong tea with a little smoke, Glenury Royal is a lesser spotted malt, though occasionally bottles do appear from independent bottlers. Two releases under the Diageo Rare Malts range showed tropical fruit characters. Even rarer are the distillery’s own bottlings which came out under the names Garron and Downie. The ‘Royal’ suffix was added in its earliest incarnation, thanks to then owner Captain William Barclay being a personal friend of King William IV [see Royal Brackla].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/a4965708c6ab5a993140b7413224c254.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was, apparently, a distillery on the Ury estate in the early 1820s which had been established by the Duke of Gordon in an attempt to stamp out illicit distillation on his lands. Whether the fire which destroyed this structure was a deliberate act of arson by moonshiners or an accident is unknown. The Duke got his way in the end as one of the main forces behind the reforming 1823 Excise Act which ushered in the birth of the modern Scotch whisky industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was possibly only two years later (sources disagree) that Captain Robert Barclay, then the Laird of Ury, built his own distillery. Barclay was a famous figure: friend of royalty, gambler, improving agriculturalist he was also a noted long-distance walker who, among many other feats, once walked 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours for 1,000 guineas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Walking Captain’ retained ownership until 1858, when he sold it William Ritchie whose descendants ran it until 1938. At this point, Joseph Hobbs bought it for Train \u0026amp; Macintyre, the UK arm of National Distillers of America [see Glenesk]. It was then run as part of T\u0026amp;Ms Associated Scottish Distilleries portfolio which used Glenury as its head office\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot much whisky was made under its new owner. The distillery closed during World War Two and in 1953, NDA’s Scottish venture came to an end, just before the American market went into overdrive. Glenury Royal was then picked up by DCL.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the mid 1960s, it was expanded and doubled in capacity, but was another which fell victim in whisky’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eera\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ehorribilis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eof the early 1980s. The land was sold for housing and the distillery buildings demolished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenury Royal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791491756370,"sku":"GURYR12GMJGMINI","price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/GlenuryRoyal12YearOldGordon_amp_MacphailJohnGillon_amp_CompanyGhostDistilleryHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1982_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771961570"},{"product_id":"blair-athol-8-year-old-pure-malt-arthur-bell-sons-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Blair Athol 8 Year Old Pure Malt Arthur Bell \u0026 Sons Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBlair Athol 8 Year Old Pure Malt Arthur Bell \u0026amp; Sons Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn older miniature from the Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date of production of this is approximately early 1980s.\u003cbr\u003eDistillation in the late 1970s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Blair Athol...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA member of the ‘nutty-spicy’ camp which defined the old Bell’s distilleries, Blair Athol takes the first part of the descriptor to its boldest expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloudy worts and a short fermentation time give the nutty base, but it is distillation which adds real weight to the distillate. A controlled level of solids coming across in the wash still add a rich, deep, malt-loaf character to the new make. It is this character which allows it to show so well in ex-Sherry, although for blending purposes the majority of the make is destined for ex-Bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/c7d83fbedddbac084456b79ec43e7cac.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central Perthshire town of Pitlochry sits on the banks of the River Tay and has had a distillery since 1798, making its plant one of the oldest legal whisky-making sites in Scotland. The original distillery was named Aldour after the burn which supplied it with process water, but changed its name to Blair Athol [after a village seven miles to the north] in 1825. This could conceivably have been to sweeten the Duke of Athol who owned the land\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt became part of the Peter Mackenzie blending house in 1886, but like many distilleries suffered during the economic troubles of the 1930s and fell silent between 1932 and 1949. In the interim period however Mackenzie (and its estate, which also included Dufftown distillery) had been bought by Perth-based blender, Arthur Bell \u0026amp; Sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 1970s, Bell’s was being built into the UK’s top-selling blended Scotch and, as a result, Blair Athol was doubled in capacity. Guinness (which bought Bell’s in 1985, and after further mergers evolved into Diageo) opened a visitor’s centre in 1987.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to tap into the then infant single malt market, Bell’s bottled it as an eight-year-old in the 1980s, but in the Diageo era it has only appeared as a member of the Flora \u0026amp; Fauna range (at 12 years of age), matured in first-fill ex-Sherry casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blair Athol","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791494902098,"sku":"BLAT08ABSMINI","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120126.jpg?v=1771961694"},{"product_id":"auchentoshan-10-year-old-triple-distilled-lowland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Auchentoshan 10 Year Old Triple Distilled Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAuchentoshan 10 Year Old Triple Distilled Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature Auchentoshan from the late 80s \/ early 90s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot many people kept the whisky around back then for the future but now Whisky Situation has several old school miniature bottles of various brands. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Auchentoshan (OH-KEN-TOE-SHAN)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuchentoshan’s claim to fame is that it is the only distillery in Scotland which exclusively uses triple distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wash still operates as per normal, while the spirit coming from the intermediate still is split into two, with only the high-strength ‘heads’ being carried forward for the final distillation. The low-strength ‘tails’ are mixed with the next distillation from the wash still.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ‘heads’ are then mixed with the ‘feints’ from the previous spirit still distillation and a cut with an average strength of 81% is taken. A short fermentation gives Auchentoshan a cereal note which acts as a grounding flavour during maturation as well as balancing the high-toned citric notes. Its high strength means that it can easily be overpowered by oak. Consequently, the older the expression, the more ‘relaxed’ the wood influence is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLegal whisky-making started here on the banks of the Clyde in 1817 when the Duntocher distillery was built by John Bulloch. Like many early start-ups it had a chequered early history and Bulloch went bankrupt soon after. It wasn’t to put his family off however. His grandson co-founded one of the 19th century’s most famous blending and broking firms, Bulloch Lade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was bought in 1834 by John Hart and Alexander Filshie who changed its name to Auchintoshan [sic]. The Filshie’s sold up in 1875 to a local grain merchant and again like so many stills, ‘Auchie’ spent almost a century being passed from one owner to another. During the Clyde Blitz of 1941 a warehouse was hit, sending a stream of blazing whisky into the river. A bomb crater has been turned into the distillery pond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was one of a number of distilleries purchased by brewers in the 1960s – in Auchie’s case Glasgow-based Tennant’s were owners from 1960 to 1969 when they offloaded it to a publican, Eadie Cairns. The upgraded distillery was then sold to Stanley P Morrison in 1984. It is now part of Beam Suntory. A new visitor facility was built in 2004.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnusually, all of its production is used for single malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Auchentoshan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791496900946,"sku":"AUCH1090SMINI","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Auchentoshan10YearOldTripleDistilledLowlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771961721"},{"product_id":"glenfiddich-special-reserve-pure-malt-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenfiddich Special Reserve Pure Malt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenfiddich Special Reserve Pure Malt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare miniature that is from the late 70s \/ Early 80s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old pure malt single malt of the famous Glenfiddich. Great for collectors or drinkers who want a taste of more of that direct heat distillation products that tasted a tad smokier than today's smoother malts if you will. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glenfiddich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eThe first impression of Glenfiddich is that of its scale. This 35 hectare site contains a cooperage, coppersmith, bottling lines, a vast warehousing complex and two stillhouses containing 28 stills – by some distance the largest number in Scotland. This is malt whisky making on a huge scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the stills in ‘Stillhouse 2’ remain directly fired (by gas). The size and shape of the stills have not changed since 1886 (see below) which seems to contradict Glenfiddich’s new make character – light, estery, pear and apple-accented. Small stills and direct fire are meant to combine to make a heavy style. Here, however, having an early cut point preserves that delicacy. The number of stills is another clue. More spirit could have been made with a smaller number of stills by widening the cut, but that would have meant that character would have been lost. The only solution was to add more stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat delicacy is seen most clearly in the 12-year-old. After that, a steady increase in the amount of ex-Sherry casks used adds increasing layers of fruit and weight but the light notes seen in the new make are never fully lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firm has also pioneered (or maybe revived) a type of solera ageing. This involves a set recipe of mature stock from specific cask types being mingled together in a solera vat which is then never more than half emptied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe technique was pioneered for the 15-year-old expression and now three more vats have been constructed for the Select, Reserve and Vintage Cask range. The vatting cask for the 40-year-old, containing whiskies from the 1920s, is also never fully emptied. Because none of the vats are fully emptied some of the original whiskies are still contained in the mix, something which adds mouthfeel and harmony to the final whisky. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndeed, all Glenfiddich undergoes a marrying process – if not in solera vats then in marrying tuns where the component parts are allowed time to meld together. It is time consuming – and expensive – but William Grant \u0026amp; Sons believes it adds quality to the final product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of the building of Glenfiddich has the air of a Victorian fairy tale. It was in 1886 that William Grant of Dufftown decided to leave his position as manager of Mortlach and start up on his own. He had saved assiduously and, fortuitously, was starting his project just as Elizabeth Cumming was revamping Cardhu and replacing her old small stills. Along with his wife and nine children, William built his distillery near to the Fiddich river by hand. The first new make trickled out on Christmas Day, 1887. At a time when more distilleries had foundered than succeeded, and those which were being built tended to be bankrolled by brokers, bonders and blenders, his enterprise and stubborn belief was remarkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe must have been a talented distiller, for his whole output was soon snapped up by Aberdeen blender and broker William Williams. Within 25 years, the family firm had 63 agencies internationally, proving them with their family blend, ‘Grant’s Standfast’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firm is still wholly owned by the Grant family (now in its fifth generation), and has expanded to include three more malt distilleries [Balvenie, Kininvie and Ailsa Bay], a grain plant [Girvan] and other brands such as Monkey Shoulder and Hendrick’s gin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1963, after a dispute over grain supply (which prompted the firm to build the Girvan plant) the decision was made to bottle and promote Glenfiddich as a single malt, the first concerted effort to create a global malt brand. In the late 1960s it was one of the first to be sold in new duty free outlets and in 1969 the distillery’s doors were opened to the public – another first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Glenfiddich remains the world’s best-selling single malt with sales in excess of a million cases a year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenfiddich","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791497163090,"sku":"GLFISRPM80SMINI","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/GlenfiddichSpecialReservePureMaltSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771961733"},{"product_id":"bunnahabhain-12-year-old-old-style-islay-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Old Style Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBunnahabhain 12 Year Old Old Style Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature from the late 80s \/ early 90s with the old style 12 Year Old whisky from Bunnahabhain. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBunnahabhain is a substantial Victorian distillery which smacks of the confidence of that period. Everything about it is large, from the huge courtyard to the stills. It is these with their low fill levels and massive amount of available copper which help to craft what has always been a light style of malt. Ageing has traditionally been in ex-Sherry casks which adds a sumptuous sweet richness to the spirit though quite where the spicy ginger note, which is a marker for Bunna’, comes from is unclear. Occasionally refill casks show an almost salty edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough peat levels had dropped to virtually nothing from the 1960s onwards, Bunna’ did start life smokier than it is now, something which Burn Stewart is reviving. These days, around 20% of production is heavily peated, destined for a variety of bottlings, the main one being Toiteach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIslay’s remote north east coast might seem a strange place to find a substantial Victorian distillery, but it was chosen in 1881 by William Robertson (of Robertson \u0026amp; Baxter) in partnership with Greenlees Bros. as the perfect spot for his island vision. Constructing it meant not only building the distillery but houses as well, putting in a road, and adding on a pier so that casks and barley could come in, and whisky go out. It cost Robertson £30,000 (£2.6m in today’s money). In 1887, when Bunnahabhain merged with Glenrothes, Highland Distillers [now Edrington] was formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile other Islay distilleries sold their make as single malts and for blending, Bunna’s destiny was always with the latter. While it was used across the industry, it performed a central role in three R\u0026amp;B blends: Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and, in time, Black Bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRapid growth for Scotch in the early 1960s saw the stills being doubled in 1963, the same year as the floor maltings came out. Its good fortunes weren’t to last and like many distilleries it was mothballed in 1982. Although this only lasted two years, production levels were kept low for many years. By the end of the 1980s it was finally ready to emerge as a single malt with the tag-line ‘the unpronounceable malt’. The vast bulk of its make was however still making its way into blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite an upturn in the whisky market, Edrington sold it (while retaining fillings contracts) in 2003 to Burn Stewart for £10m. Burn Stewart itself was owned by Trinidad-based conglomerate CL Financial which went spectacularly bust in 2009. In 2013 CL’s receivers sold Burn Stewart to its long-term South African distributor, Distell. Since then production levels have increased as have sales of the single malt – with significant success in Africa and Taiwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2017 Distell announced an £11 million investment in upgrading Bunnahabhain’s ‘scruffy’ appearance, and transform the site into a ‘world-class whisky destination’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three-year upgrade programme began in 2019 with the demolition of shoreline warehouses, which will make way for a new visitor centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bunnahabhain","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791498015058,"sku":"BUN1290SMINI","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Bunnahabhain12YearOldOldStyleIslaySingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771961747"},{"product_id":"old-pulteney-8-year-old-gordon-macphail-macpherson-rare-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Old Pulteney 8 Year Old Gordon \u0026 Macphail Macpherson Rare Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOld Pulteney 8 Year Old Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Macpherson Rare Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn older 1980s Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Miniature of a previously released 8 Year Old Old Pulteney. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"product-navigation\"\u003eAbout Old Pulteney \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cnav class=\"product-navigation\"\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\u003cnav class=\"product-navigation\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eOld Pulteney single malt is distilled in the historic Caithness fishing port of Wick at the Pulteney distillery, and appropriately is marketed by owner Inver House Distillers as ‘The Genuine Maritime Malt’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many years Old Pulteney was only available from independent bottlers such as Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail, but under the ownership of Inver House, distillery bottlings have proliferated, with the best-selling 12-year-old expression achieving strong sales in many international markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the 12-year-old, other core variants of Old Pulteney include 12, 17, 21 and 35-year-old expressions, along with the NAS Voyager. Stylistically, Old Pulteney is sweet, fruity and malty, with an edge of salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery is equipped with a single pair of highly individual stills, with condensing taking place in a pair of stainless steel worm tubs. Both stills boast large boil balls, and the wash still has a unique, truncated, flat-topped appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePulteney distillery was established in 1826 in the newly-developed Pulteneytown area of Wick by James Henderson, who had previously distilled at Stemster, near Halkirk, some 15 miles away. After almost a century of operation, Pulteney was acquired by the Dundee blending firm of James Watson \u0026amp; Co in 1920.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive years later, Watson’s was absorbed into the Distillers Company, having previously been purchased by John Dewar \u0026amp; Sons. In 1930 production ceased at Pulteney, due to the imposition of prohibition in Wick in an attempt to curb drunkenness. The town remained ‘dry’ until 1947, and four years later Pulteney distillery re-opened, now in the hands of lawyer Bertie Cumming, who also owned Balblair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1955 Cumming sold Pulteney on to the Canadian distilling giant Hiram Walker \u0026amp; Sons, through its James \u0026amp; George Stodart subsidiary. The distillery was substantially rebuilt during 1958\/59, at which point floor maltings were abandoned. The plant was then acquired in 1961 by Allied Breweries – later Allied Domecq – who operated it until its sale to Inver House Distillers in 1995.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Allied regime, Old Pulteney, as the ‘make’ of the distillery had long been known, was destined almost exclusively for the blending vats – with Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail bottling small quantities as an 8-year-old single malt – but Inver House set out to build a successful single malt brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as developing a range of aged expressions, In 2010 Pulteney introduced into the travel retail arena an expression with no-age-statement called WK499 Isabella Fortuna. This took its name from one of the last surviving herring drifters, built in 1890 and now preserved by the Wick Society. This was followed in 2012 by WK209, matured in European Sherry casks and named after another herring drifter, WK209 Good Hope, built in Wick during 1948, and by WK217 Spectrum which commemorated the steel-hulled steam drifter Spectrum, launched in 1920.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese bottlings further reinforced Pulteney’s role as the ‘Genuine Maritime Malt,’ as did their travel retail successors, a trio of expressions named after local lighthouses – Noss Head, Duncansby Head and Pentland Skerries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 60% of the output of Pulteney distillery is retained by Inver House – now owned by Thai Beverage – for single malt bottling, and of that 60% some 95% is filled into ex-Bourbon casks for maturation in Pulteney’s five on-site warehouses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Please Note mild staining to interior floor of the box inside. Whisky is unaffected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Old Pulteney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791502995794,"sku":"OLDP8GM80SMINI","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_122206.jpg?v=1771961826"},{"product_id":"auchroisk-the-singleton-ruchill-ross-ltd-speyside-single-malt-whisky-1970s-5cl-miniature","title":"Auchroisk The Singleton Ruchill \u0026 Ross LTD Speyside Single Malt Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAuchroisk The Singleton Ruchill \u0026amp; Ross LTD Speyside Single Malt Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Ruchill \u0026amp; Ross miniature is so old that it bypassed the requirements of needing to put on it how strong it is or how big it is. It is a 50ml. This puts it in the late 60s\/70s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Auchroisk\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eAuchroisk [pronounced Orth-rusk] is one of Diageo’s ‘nutty-spicy’ sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere the heavy character is produced by rapid mashing, quick fermentation and, in the wash stills, a rapid boiling regime which almost cooks the solids and allows controlled carryover of some solids. This almost singed character [shared with Blair Athol] is most obvious at new make but recedes with maturation, being replaced by a balanced honeyed cereal sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe building of Auchroisk in 1972 was meant to herald the start of a new era for blended Scotch. Certainly architecturally (like its contemporary, Allt-a-Bhainne) it stands out – a white, harled, modernist structure in the moorland. It was commissioned by IDV, at that time the parent firm of J\u0026amp;B which had decided that sales of the blend justified another distillery being built to join its Speyside portfolio of Glen Spey, Knockando and Strathmill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuchroisk was first bottled as single malt in 1986 and was the first to carry the prefix ‘Singleton’, a name now attached to single malts from Glen Ord, Glendullan and Dufftown. Although highly regarded by writers and judges in its time, it never quite made the leap from cult to major brand. Interestingly, the maturation process involved decanting 10-year-old ex-Bourbon matured whisky into ex-Sherry casks for a further two years of secondary maturation, making it the first example of finishing, but IDV never thought of talking up the process, leaving Balvenie and Glenmorangie to be regarded as the pioneers of the technique. The brand was dropped in 2001 and has subsequently quietly slipped back into the shadows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough somewhat remote, the large tracts of land surrounding the distillery make this the ideal site for one of Diageo’s main northern warehousing complexes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV (ESTIMATED)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Auchroisk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791503323474,"sku":"AUCHSING70SMINI","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120249.jpg?v=1771961865"},{"product_id":"glen-garioch-8-year-old-morrisons-glengarioch-distillery-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glen Garioch 8 Year Old Morrisons Glengarioch Distillery Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlen Garioch 8 Year Old Morrisons Glengarioch Distillery Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature from the 1980s from before Glen Garioch was purchased by Beam Suntory. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"productView-descriptionWrap\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glen Garioch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"productView-descriptionWrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eThis is an old distillery which for many years was self-sufficient in malt. In fact, the maltings, sadly now disused, dwarf the production facility. That malted barley would have been dried with peat from Pitsligo, giving Glen Garioch its distinctive reek.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the layout inside Glen Garioch is typical of a centuries-old site, with small rooms being added on and converted into use as production increased, it contains relatively modern kit. The mash tun, squeezed inside a tiny chamber, has a lauter system; the washbacks, in another tight room nearby, are stainless steel. The stillhouse with a panoramic window facing the road has three stills, but only one pair is used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFerments are short, giving a deep cereal and spice note to the new spirit which also has a distinctive waxy, tallow-like, character. When mature, the heaviness changes into a thick, fat texture, allowing honeyed fruits and heather to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been unpeated since the 1990s, but in recent years, small batches of smoky barley have once again been run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the date of Glen Garioch is officially given as being 1797, there are claims (still to be substantiated) of it producing legally at an even earlier date, a claim which if proved true would make this Oldmeldrum plant the oldest distillery in Scotland. It would make sense that there was whisky being distilled in The Garioch – a fertile part of Aberdeenshire long given over to arable farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhatever the date of its formation, Glen Garioch survived when other eastern distilleries foundered. This was initially thanks to its ownership by blenders J.F. Thompson of Leith in 1884. William Sanderson of Vat 69 (at that point one of the top-selling blends in the world) became a partner in 1886 and took full control in 1908.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanderson owned it outright until 1935 when it joined with Booth’s [Royal Brackla, Millburn, Stromness] and then two years later, following a merger, into DCL. It continued in production until 1968 when it and Brora were considered as the sites which could produce heavily-peated whisky for DCL’s blending requirements. Glen Garioch had always struggled for water and it was felt that this would impact on an increase in production. DCL’s response to this was to close Glen Garioch, and re-open Brora.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo years later, the Glasgow broker Stanley P Morrison [Bowmore, Auchentoshan] bought it. The firm brought in a local water diviner who found a new source and production not only restarted, but increased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorrison’s brought in the same design of heat recovery system it had installed at Bowmore. In that distillery waster heat warmed the water of the town’s swimming pool. At Glen Garioch, it heated two acres of greenhouses where tomatoes were grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavily peated malt was produced until 1995 when the distillery closed once more. Thankfully it opened again two years later, though by now the peat had gone (as had the distillery’s own maltings) as a different style was being made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it is a member of the Beam Suntory stable, with all of its production going to single malt. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glen Garioch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791505682770,"sku":"GLGAR8MGD80SMINI","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/GlenGarioch8YearOldMorrisonsGlengariochDistilleryHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771961993"},{"product_id":"dalmore-12-year-old-black-label-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Dalmore 12 Year Old Black Label Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDalmore 12 Year Old Black Label Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn older black label Dalmore miniature from the 1990s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Dalmore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDalmore’s character, densely fruity with a cereal background, is the product of one of the strangest distillation regimes in Scotland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wash stills at Dalmore have flat tops, and are also in two sizes. Three are 13,000-litres in capacity, the fourth is double that. The spirit stills all sport water coolers around their necks to assist in reflux. Again, one of the quartet is double the size. Because of this discrepancy in size and the fact that the spirit stills are charged when the low wines and feints receiver is full, the strength of the charge to those stills varies, creating different end flavours. Though it seems random to an outsider, thankfully it is controlled by high experienced stillmen. All these distillates are vatted before being casked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondensing is also unusual. The spirit stills have external shell and tube condensers which lie horizontally. This mirrors the old worm pipe which lay in the burn which runs outside the stillhouse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEx-Sherry casks are the most commonly-used maturation vessel and unlike many distilleries, ex-solera casks soaked in oloroso and PX Sherry for decades are preferred over the oak-driven bespoke casks now common across the industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe northern distilleries seem to have a disproportionately high number of wealthy backers. Dalmore is typical of this. It was founded, in 1839, by Alexander Matheson who had made his fortune as a partner in Jardine Matheson the trading firm which took over from the East India Company and which, by that time, was controlling exports of opium trade into China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lease (and eventually ownership) was taken by the Mackenzie family in 1878 and it remained family-owned until 1960 when one of Dalmore’s main customers, Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay, took control. A significant contributor to W\u0026amp;M’s blends, for many years Dalmore’s presence in the world of single malt was restricted to a 12-year-old expression. In recent times however the range has expanded dramatically, with a core range of 12, 15, 18 and 25-years-old, plus no-age-statement specialities like King Alexander III, Cigar Malt, and an ever-growing selection of luxury expressions such as the 21-strong Constellation range (comprising vintages from 1964 to 1992) and 1951 ‘Sirius’. Prices at the top end regularly top five figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eW\u0026amp;M itself has gone through a dizzying number of hands in recent times. Its current custodian is Emperador of the Philippines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*tube is not in perfect condition with a couple of small minor dents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dalmore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791506960722,"sku":"DAL1290SMINI","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Dalmore12YearOldBlackLabelHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMinuature.jpg?v=1771962006"},{"product_id":"tamdhu-10-year-old-fine-single-malt-speyside-single-malt-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Tamdhu 10 Year Old Fine Single Malt Speyside Single Malt Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTamdhu 10 Year Old Fine Single Malt Speyside Single Malt Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old Fine Single Malt miniature from the 1990s distilled by Tamdhu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Tamdhu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA major player in blends such as The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark, Tamdhu was also the spiritual home of the lesser seen (but high quality) Dunhill blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a few official single malt bottlings appeared, including a light-bodied 10-year-old, Tamdhu could hardly be regarded as a frontline player. It has a fragrant fruitiness with notes of honey and apple but sufficient weight to cope with ageing in ex-Sherry casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/8104d793442aca36864d561968a203ef.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/13793346d90a806dfaf738bc10bc91f8.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike neighbouring Knockando, this is another late 19th century railway distillery which has quietly provided fillings for blends ever since. It was built in 1897 by a group of blenders headed by William Grant who was both a director of Highland Distillers and, handily enough, on the board of the Elgin bank. The famous distillery designer Charles Doig was the architect. ‘[It is] perhaps the most efficient and designed distillery of its era,’ wrote Alfred Barnard in 1898.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighland Distillers (now Edrington) purchased it outright in 1899, but like many sites it had a rocky time, closing from 1927 and remaining silent for two decades. Soon after its reopening, the old floor maltings were replaced with 10 Saladin boxes, each capable of holding 22 tons of malt. This would become the last site in Scotland to retain this method of malting and was one of the few distilleries in the modern era to malt all of its own requirements (the others being Springbank, Glen Ord and more recently, Roseisle). As well as its own needs, it supplied all of the malt for Glenrothes and the unpeated component of Highland Park’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTamdhu grew substantially in the 1970s with four stills added to the original pair, while a change in wood policy in the 1990s saw it being filled exclusively into Edrington’s bespoke ex-Sherry casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSomewhat surprisingly, Edrington mothballed it in 2010, but two years later, Ian MacLeod stepped in. The firm has since installed new washbacks, built new warehouses, opened a visitors' centre (in the old Dalbeallie station) and released a 100% Sherried 10-year-old. Older releases are planned.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamdhu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791513416018,"sku":"TAM10FSM90SMINI","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120725.jpg?v=1771962125"},{"product_id":"glenrothes-8-year-old-glenrothes-glenlivet-gordon-macphail-macbeth-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenrothes 8 Year Old Glenrothes Glenlivet Gordon \u0026 Macphail Macbeth Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenrothes 8 Year Old Glenrothes Glenlivet Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Macbeth Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old 1980s Miniature from the old Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail distillery collection. Titled Macbeth in their series. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was distilled in the 70s so direct fire. A different taste profile than that of today's stuff. Some barrels used in the marriage of casks would have been older at times than the claimed age on the front of the bottle. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Glenrothes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a word, Glenrothes is complex. It is a slow whisky which because of its weight takes time to mature. It also needs longer than most to open up in the glass. This notion of time and speed are central to its production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMashing is speedy, while fermentation in a mix of steel and wood is on the shorter side. A ratio of two wood to one steel balances any differences in character, while the length of the fermentation introduces a cereal note beneath the fruit. Distillation, however, is long in very tall stills with boil bulbs which help to maximise reflux and allow the full range of Glenrothes’ complexities to be teased out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bulk is then aged in ex-Sherry casks (European and American) which again necessitates the need for lengthy maturation. Ex-Bourbon is also used. The result is a multifaceted single malt which combines nuts and fruits with a distinctly sweet spiciness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt in 1878 at the start of the third wave of distilleries, Glenrothes almost foundered before it was even completed. Like any number of what were still speculative ventures, the initial investors (all of whom owned Macallan at the time) fell foul of wider economic circumstance, in their case the collapse of the Glasgow Bank. The group split, with William Grant (not the same as Glenfiddich), Robert Dick and John Cruikshank continuing with their Rothes plan which was only completed thanks to a timely loan from the United Free Presbyterian Church of Knockando who though strict Rechabites (teetotalers) were clearly imbued with the spirit of Christian charity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenrothes prospered after this less than happy start and when it amalgamated with Bunnahabhain in 1887 it brought Highland Distillers into existence. With Robertson \u0026amp; Baxter as agents, Glenrothes was immediately marked out as top-class blending material, its most notable destinations being Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many distilleries, the 1960s boom saw an increase in capacity (here from four to six stills), and continuing optimism saw another pair being added in 1980 just as the rest of the industry was calming supply down. In 1989 it once again defied the market and upped the number to ten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1987 its long relationship with Cutty Sark brought Glenrothes into the portfolio of London wine merchants Berry Brothers \u0026amp; Rudd (which owned 50% of the Cutty brand). This was given greater impetus in 1993 when Berrys repackaged the single malt and began releasing expressions as vintages rather than standard age statements. These smaller single year batches allowed Berrys to express different aspects of the whisky’s evolution during maturation (rather than differences between flavour from year to year).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years the vintages have been joined by larger volume no-age-statement releases such as Select Reserve and Alba Reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2010, Berrys sold Cutty Sark to Edrington (the firm formed out of Highland Distillers) in exchange for ownership of The Glenrothes brand. The plant itself however remained part of Edrington and the liquid played a significant role in the firm’s blends as well as those from competitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2017 Edrington bought the Glenrothes brand back from Berry Bros. in a bid to accelerate the single malt’s growth in international markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenrothes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791514366290,"sku":"GLRO8GMM80SMINIB","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Glenrothes8YearOldGlenrothesGlenlivetGordon_MacphailMacbethSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962138"},{"product_id":"laphroaig-10-year-old-islay-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLaphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-desc__desc\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir original expression. Laphroaig 10 is the foundation of all our whisky created to bottle the nature of Islay. Expect a big peaty slap, hints of seaweed and a surprising sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose: Peat smoke, seaweed scent and a 'medicinal' essence hit the nose with a hint of sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate: Surprising sweetness with hints of salt and layers of peatiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish: Long and lingering. Wait for the sweet seaweed afterglow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Laphroaig\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother of the Kildalton triumvirate, Laphroaig is a substantial distillery with seven stills and a capacity of over 3m litres per annum (that’s 1m more than Lagavulin and 2m more than Ardbeg).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnusually for a distillery of this size Laphroaig has retained its own floor maltings which still account for 20% of its requirements. They have been retained specifically because it is believed that the Laphroaig kiln produces a more creosote-like phenolic character than the malt the distillery receives from the Port Ellen maltings. Certainly, a tarry iodine note is one of the signatures of the spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe odd number of stills includes a spirit still which is double the size of its neighbours. As this produces a different character new make it is always blended in with those from the smaller ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very long fore shot run means there are less estery notes in the new make, while a deeper cut means that heavier phenolics are captured compared to Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Its distinct sweet note therefore comes from the preferred cask type used – ex-Bourbon barrels. These, the distillery says, became the norm at Laphroaig post-Prohibition when Ian Hunter began travelling to the US. The effect of this type of oak is showcased in the Quarter Cask release where a vatting of younger Laphroaigs is finished in small casks. Some Sherry casks are in the inventory and are mostly used for longer-term maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Laphroaig","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791517905234,"sku":"LAP1090SMINI","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_122005.jpg?v=1771962204"},{"product_id":"cragganmore-12-year-old-d-j-macallum-ltd-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Cragganmore 12 Year Old D \u0026 J Macallum LTD Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCragganmore 12 Year Old D \u0026amp; J Macallum LTD Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature from the late 80s, early 90s from Diageo owned Cragganmore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Cragganmore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCragganmore uses lightly peated malt, long fermentation, unusually shaped stills (see below) and worm tubs to produce a rich, meaty new make which adds a mix of citrus, spice and fruit as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/45974c566ed80c5064c03efd109e6f5c.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Cragganmore is that of one of Scotch whisky’s greatest pioneers, John Smith. Some believe he was the illegitimate son of George Smith of Minmore and whether true or not it cannot be doubted that he was an experienced distiller who had spent time managing The Glenlivet, Dailuaine, Macallan, Wishaw and, briefly, as leaseholder at neighbouring Glenfarclas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe chose the riverside site at Ballindalloch in 1869 for a number of reasons: spring water for process, Spey water for cooling and perhaps most significantly because the Strathspey Railway was going to run virtually outside the distillery's front door. This would allow Smith to get casks and coal up from the Lowlands and ship his new make rapidly to the blending houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf location showed his skill as a businessman you only have to enter the stillhouse to see evidence of his talent as a distiller. The two wash stills are large but with very acutely-angled lyne arms which descend into worm tubs. The spirit stills are small with flat tops and a long, gently angled lyne arm sticking out of the side of the still. They too end up in worms. It is the latter pair – the only such type in Scotland – which help to generate the make’s complexity. Cragganmore was one of the few single malts to be classed as A1 by blenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmith died in 1886 and his family ran the plant until 1923 when it was owned by a partnership of the Macpherson-Grants of Ballindalloch Estate and White Horse Distillers. While the White Horse half of the shareholding passed to DCL it wasn’t until 1965 that the Macpherson-Grants sold their shareholding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it is owned by Diageo and was one of the original ‘Classic Malts’ although its importance as a contributor to blends means that a significant percentage is still used for fillings. Strangely for such a complex malt it has never achieved the same status as some of its Speyside neighbours. Some put this down to the lack of volume available for single malt bottlings (even now it only has two regular expressions, a 12-year-old and a Distiller’s Edition finish), others feel that the label design is hard to read. Whatever the truth, it remains a somewhat hidden dram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cragganmore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791520133458,"sku":"CRAG12DJM90SMINI","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Cragganmore12YearOldD_JMacallumLTDHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962217"},{"product_id":"aberlour-10-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Aberlour 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAberlour 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Aberlour miniature from the late 80s \/ early 1990s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Aberlour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA medium-weight single malt, Aberlour’s character balances malt, fruit and a distinctive blackcurrant note. It is a whisky which gains in weight and toffee-like sweetness as it matures and has sufficient depth to be able to cope with Sherry cask maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe range is large, with many different variations on ex-Sherry and ex-Bourbon cask matured whiskies – some mixed, some 100%, others finished. Its greatest cult following is for the small batch, 100% Sherry-matured, cask-strength variant A’Bunadh which has run since 2000. Aberlour was also one of the first distilleries to offer a ‘bottle your own’ whisky to visitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/3024ebdb2d0bc4f090e63c2ebc2439d8.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/a20d315dc2dd681f51e1ff53e7b4b897.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/ec1186bfa410a2422d6b89be2adcea41.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/5548d5c6620b1d7007adb86bf06e6754.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/f875ccde89d529ca069cf11edaa4db74.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/0ea5e489cb0e45b1ea8de6e235ebcd56.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/media.scotchwhisky.com\/images\/media\/1c6159b6be7dbca6490f7fbd4645d479.jpg\" alt=\"Image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first distillery in the village of Aberlour was established in 1825 and ran until 1833, when the co-lessees James and John Grant left to build their own distillery, Glen Grant, in Rothes. The current distillery was the brainchild of James Fleming who built it in 1879 using water from St. Drostan’s Well, named after an early Columban monk, which is situated on the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eLike many Victorian distilleries, it burnt down and, in 1898, had to be rebuilt. During World War II when the distillery was on short-term working, locals used to smuggle wash up the Aberlour burn and distil illicitly under the Linn Falls.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe distillery became part of Campbell Distillers in 1945, passing into the Pernod Ricard stable in 1974, the year after it had been expanded from two to four stills and wholly modernised internally. Its ownership has long given it a strong following in France. It is now part of Pernod’s whisky division, Chivas Brothers.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aberlour","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791521149266,"sku":"ABL1090SMINI","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_121657.jpg?v=1771962237"},{"product_id":"springbank-30-year-old-countdown-collection-campbeltown-single-malt-scotch-whisky-2025-70cl-copy","title":"Springbank 30 Year Old Countdown Collection Limited Edition Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2025) 1.5cl Miniature","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 28px;\"\u003eSpringbank 30 Year Old Countdown Collection Limited Edition Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2025) 1.5cl Miniature \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 of 500 bottles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged for 30 years, the 2025 release was made from a marriage of three casks; one fresh bourbon cask, one refill bourbon cask and one refill sherry cask which have been nestled in our warehouses for the entirety of their maturation, destined to be part of this very special and significant collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose: The third release in our Countdown Collection series opens with notes of red apple, peach and raspberry, with a touch of dunnage and a caramel note developing over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavour: Creamy on the palate with a subtle oaky element, there are notes of lemon rind, kiwi fruit, clotted cream and leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish: The finish is sweet with notes of soft fudge and tea leaf\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Springbank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpringbank is the only distillery in Scotland to malt, distil, mature and bottle on the same site. It manages to do this while operating a highly complex distillation regime, which creates three different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe equipment at Springbank is resolutely old-style: an old Boby mill, an open-top cast-iron mash tun, wooden washbacks made from boatskin larch; and three stills, direct fire on one of them, a worm tub on another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe malt is handled in three ways to produce three contrasting whiskies – Springbank itself is medium-peated, Longrow is heavily peated, while Hazelburn has no peat at all. Ferments are very long – in excess of 100 hours; with low-gravities which both produces a low-strength wash and high levels of esters. This fruity base is then distilled in three different ways, depending on the style being produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpringbank is partially triple-distilled. The wash still (which is direct fired) works as normal producing low wines, the strongest portion of which are directed to the spirit still charger. The remainder is redistilled in the intermediate still (which has a worm tub) and put into the feints receiver along with the heads and tails from the spirit still distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mix makes up 80% of the final charge, with the strong portion of low wines from the wash still making up the remaining 20%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnsurprisingly, the result is a highly complex new make that is collected at an average strength of 71-72% – lightly smoky, oily, fruity, delicately fragrant yet powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongrow is heavier and smokier – the malted barley obviously playing a significant part, but so does distillation in the direct-fired wash still and second distillation in the spirit still which has the worm tub. It is collected at 68%, lower than Springbank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazelburn undergoes standard triple distillation and is collected at between 74-76% abv.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaturation for all three is in a mix of casks – as well as the standard ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and refill, other types [wine and rum] and sizes [60 litre ‘rundlets’ and 50 litre ‘kilderkan' are used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinuity is the watchword at Springbank. This distillery has been in the ownership of the Mitchell family and its ancestors since 1837. Indeed, as its founder William Reid was related to the Mitchells by marriage you could argue that they were there from the word go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was in 1828 that Reid took out a licence, but there was a rich – and extensive – heritage of illicit distillation in the Kintyre Peninsula. Indeed, thanks to the Still Books of Campbeltown plumber and coppersmith, Robert Armour, we can accurately chart how many there were. The books show that Armour made 400 sma’ stills from 1811-1817, bringing him an income of £350 per year, and the surnames Reid and Mitchell appear in his detailed accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike many smugglers, Reid didn’t survive long once he joined the legitimate trade and in 1837 he sold to his in-laws John and William Mitchell. The latter brother left in 1872 to join his other two brothers at Riechlachan, at which point John’s son Alexander joined Springbank [hence the J\u0026amp;A Mitchell still on the label].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 19th and early 20th centuries were a boom time for Campbeltown. Thanks to a fast sea crossing to Glasgow and a small coal seam at nearby Machrihanish it became Scotland’s whisky capital. At some point or other there were 35 distilleries operational. The style tended to be medium- to heavy-bodied, with some smokiness and an oily texture (though each distillery would work its own variation on this theme).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distilling trade, however, collapsed in the 1920s. All of Scotland was affected with 50 distilleries closing, but Campbeltown was disproportionately affected, with only Springbank, Glen Scotia and Hazelburn surviving the Great Purge. By the 1960s only it and Glen Scotia were left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is not to say it was not immune to the vagaries of the whisky trade. Despite beginning to build a reputation as a single malt, Springbank was mothballed between 1979 to 1987. On reopening, owner Hedley Wright [John Mitchell’s great-great grandson] made the momentous decision to no longer sell to blenders, but develop single malt sales. Maltings were re-opened in 1992 and while the combination of managing limited stocks – the result of the mothballed period and somewhat over-eager sales of what was left – it has taken a number of years to get the Springbank range fully balanced, which now it is. It remains, deservedly, one of Scotland’s cult malt whiskies and a template for many new distillers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e47.3% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.5cl \/ 15ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Springbank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791521739090,"sku":"SPR30CDMINI","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Springbank30YearOldCountdownCollectionLimitedEditionCampbeltownSingleMaltScotchWhisky_2025_1.5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962250"},{"product_id":"tamnavulin-glenlivet-10-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Tamnavulin Glenlivet 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature with tube","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTamnavulin Glenlivet 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature with tube\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of a time when distilleries had Glenlivet attached to them and then later removed to avoid confusion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Tamnavulin \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eIn the 19th century, the term ‘Glenlivet’ was used to describe the whiskies of what we now know as Speyside. Its ubiquity also resulted in distilleries appending the name to their own. The irony of this is that until 1965 there was only one distillery in the glen of the River Livet - The Glenlivet. Tamnavulin was the second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a large plant whose sign rather baldly states ‘NO VISITORS’ rather than ‘WELCOME’. This is not unfriendliness, simply a manifestation of the reality of the whisky business. In fact, there used to be a visitor facility nearby. The majority of distilleries are there to make spirit for blends, not to entertain tourists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts half dozen stills are large, the fermentation short and the make is light and cereal accented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTamnavulin was one of the distilleries built in the whisky boom of the early 1960s when demand was so far outstripping supply that new facilities had to be constructed. It was built by Invergordon Distillers (whose portfolio also included a grain distillery, Bruichladdich, Tullibardine and Jura). It had six stills and, for a period, Saladin maltings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvergordon was in turn bought by Whyte and Mackay In 1995, with the whisky market in steady decline, it was mothballed, only reopening in 2007 when Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay was purchased by Indian giant United Spirits. Its function as a supplier of fillings however hasn’t altered. It changed hands once again in 2014 when Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay was sold to Philippine-based Emperador.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamnavulin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791528096082,"sku":"TAMN1090SMINIT","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/TamnavulinGlenlivet10YearOldSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1783453760"},{"product_id":"glen-moray-12-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glen Moray 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlen Moray 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old 1990s miniature of Glen Moray 12. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Glen Moray\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft and fruity are the key words when talking of Glen Moray which makes it a very amenable partner with American oak. That is unless you single cask a sleeping beast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is believed that the closeness of the river and the high water table produces a slightly warmer and more humid microclimate which assists maturation. Since the La Martiniquaise takeover [see below] a higher percentage of first-fill American oak is used, adding more buttery notes to the mix. It was one of the first whiskies to be ‘finished’ in wine casks – Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay specifically – as well as Port. After a few quiet years, new releases are beginning to appear. Some peated malt is now being run as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough now in the midst of housing, Glen Moray originally sat outwith Elgin’s boundaries (it was where the burgh’s gallows once stood) and started life as a brewery, taking its water and power from the fast-flowing River Lossie alongside. The downside of this watery proximity is the act that the distillery regularly floods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts function changed in 1897 as one of the many new distilleries built (or in this case converted) at a time when the whisky boom seemed never-ending. Like many [Imperial, Benriach] it fell victim to the slump which took place at the start of the 20th century and closed in 1910, being snapped up in 1923 by Macdonald \u0026amp; Muir (owner of Glenmorangie).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large Saladin maltings was installed in 1958 when the number of stills doubled to four. The maltings ran until 1978.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the latter part of its ownership by Glenmorangie, Glen Moray became the firm’s ‘budget’ malt with a price often the same as standard blends. While sales rose, there was little profit made and the distillery’s image was badly damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2008, it was sold to French distilling firm La Martiniquaise, predominantly for fillings for its Label Five and Glen Turner brands. Capacity has since been increased by 40% with new washbacks and another pair of stills being installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glen Moray","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791533076818,"sku":"GLMO1290SMINI","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_120634.jpg?v=1771962364"},{"product_id":"glenkinchie-10-year-old-lowland-single-malt-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenkinchie 10 Year Old Lowland Single Malt (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenkinchie 10 Year Old Lowland Single Malt (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature bottle from Glenkinchie Distillery from 30 years or so ago. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glenkinchie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eA sniff of Glenkinchie’s new make will confuse those who equate Lowland whiskies with gossamer-like delicacy. At this stage, Glenkinchie is anything but.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClear wort and long ferments have pushed things towards lightness and fruit, while a glance at the enormous stills (the wash still is the largest in Scotland) immediately suggests masses of copper contact and reflux.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are run, however, to cut down on copper contact, and the steeply angled lyne arms run into worm tubs filled with cold water. All of this results in a new make which has a smell akin to over-boiled broccoli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sulphurousness is a marker, however, (it means that the spirit behind isn’t fruity) and disappears in cask, leaving this light, fragrant whisky with just a hint of meadow flowers and lemon, although the mid-palate has the texture you expect from a worm tub site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rate brothers, who founded Glenkinchie, started their legal whisky making adventure in 1825 when they opened a distillery nearby, which they called Milton. Like many distilleries of that time, the name gives an indication as to the original use of the site, and there is also the inference that anyone who ran a mill at that point was also probably more than aware of (illicit) whisky making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rate brothers then built a more substantial distillery on the current site in 1837, calling it Glenkinchie. (The name Kinchie, it is believed, comes from de Quincey, the family which originally owned the estate, an ancestor of whom, Thomas de Quincey, wrote\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eConfessions of an English Opium Eater\u003c\/em\u003e.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir project, like so many, foundered, and in 1853 they were bankrupted and the site converted to a sawmill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt wasn’t until 1881 that whisky-making restarted, when a group of Edinburgh investors, seeing the rise in blended whisky sales, came on board. Under the eye of Major James Grey the plant was rebuilt and expanded into its current form in 1890.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1914, Glenkinchie joined forces with fellow Lowland distillers Rosebank, St Magdalene, Grange and Clydesdale to form Scottish Malt Distillers. In 1925, after further expansions, SMD merged with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/scotchwhisky.com\/whiskypedia\/5893\/distillers-company-limited\/\"\u003eDCL\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto form the most powerful consortium in Scotch whisky. The firm has since evolved into Diageo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenkinchie’s maltings remained open until 1968. The buildings have since been turned into a museum which contains a remarkable scale model of a working distillery built by SMD in 1925 for the British Empire Exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts time as a single malt brand only came in 1998, when it was chosen ahead of Rosebank as the Lowland representative within Diageo’s Classic Malt Selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2018, Diageo revealed plans to spend £150m on upgrading tourism facilities, including a new brand home for Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh, and improved visitor centres at Glenkinchie, plus Clynelish, Cardhu and Caol Ila, representing regional styles present in Walker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenkinchie’s red-brick warehouse will be converted into a multi-level visitor experience, including welcome lounge, shop, bar and cocktail-making classroom, tasting room and ‘cask draw experience’. Some buildings will be demolished to create a new garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenkinchie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791534485842,"sku":"GLKNCH1090SMINI","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_121543.jpg?v=1771962377"},{"product_id":"balvenie-10-year-old-founders-reserve-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBalvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn auld miniature of a Balvenie Founder's Reserve before barcodes and iPhones etc. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Balvenie Founders Reserve is a classic whisky created by Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart. It is a 10-year-old single malt that has been matured in both Bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a rich and balanced flavour profile. This whisky was a key member of the Balvenie range from the early 1980s until it was retired a few years ago. It is known for its fruity notes complemented by darker, earthier, sweet, and spicy undertones. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Balvenie \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eBalvenie distillery shares the same (massive) site with Glenfiddich and Kininvie but makes its whisky in a very different manner to its two sisters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts floor maltings have been retained and although this only makes up a small percentage (up to 15%) of the total mash, it is believed that it helps contribute character to the new make – the small amount of peat which is burned might help. Given that Balvenie has only opened to visitors in recent times, it certainly wasn’t kept for cosmetic or touristic reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a large distillery with nine, fat, short-necked stills producing a new make character which is notably sweet and honeyed – completely different to both Glenfiddich and Kininvie. Interestingly, when William Grant built its Ailsa Bay malt distillery in Girvan, the still shape replicated that of Balvenie, but the new make is different again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was one of the first distilleries to introduce a ‘finished’ single malt with the launch in 1993 of Double Wood, which was first aged in ex-Bourbon casks before being given a short period of secondary maturation (aka finishing) in ex-Sherry. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis utilisation of different wood types runs through the Balvenie range with a new 17-year-old Double Wood recently joining Caribbean Cask (ex-rum) 14 year old, and the 21-year-old Port Wood as part of the core range. As well as single barrel releases and older age variants up to 50 years in the range, a cult small batch, Tun 1401, has also recently appeared, followed by Tun 1509.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalvenie was built on a 12 acre site adjacent to Glenfiddich in 1892\/3. Originally known as Glen Gordon it took the name of the huge (ruined) castle which was located next door. The ‘new’ castle, already derelict in 1893, was turned into maltings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery provided fillings, primarily for the Grant’s Standfast blend, until 1973 when the first official bottling was made. Its continued requirements as a contributor to blends initially restricted its growth as a stand-alone brand (although increasing its cult status). This was eased slightly with the opening of Kininvie in 1990, but it was only with the building of Ailsa Bay that greater stocks were finally made available. It is now one of the fastest-growing single malt brands in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Balvenie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791535108434,"sku":"BAL10FR80SMINI","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Balvenie10YearOldFounder_sReserveSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962390"},{"product_id":"glencraig-1970-gordon-macphail-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1996-5cl-miniature","title":"Glencraig 1970 Gordon \u0026 Macphail Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1996) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlencraig 1970 Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1996) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product attribute description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003eA bottle of Connoisseurs Choice Glencraig 1970 Speyside Miniature Malt Whisky . These rare whisky miniatures are perfect for collectors or make the best gifts for whisky lovers. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003eThis rare single malt was only produced from 1956 until 1981.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"value\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glencraig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"value\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eGlencraig was produced throughout the 1960s and ‘70s at Glenburgie on Speyside as a blending malt on a pair of Lomond stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile independent bottlings of Glencraig occasionally appear, it was never intended as a single malt in its brief life. It was distilled by Hiram Walker at the Glenburgie distillery to provide a different style of malt for the firm’s blends, such as its top-selling Ballantine’s Finest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference came from using Lomond stills which incorporated various perforated plates and an adjustable lyne arm to vary the reflux. It was named Glencraig after Hiram Walker’s production director, Willie Craig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1975 bottling by Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail was described as ‘sweet and fruity… with a spicy edge and orange peel aromas’. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1955 Alastair Cunningham and his Hiram Walker colleague, draftsman Arthur Warren, developed the Lomond still to produce a light, fruity spirit for the likes of Ballantine’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a successful trial at Inverleven, the malt whisky distillery within the firm’s Dumbarton distillery complex in Dumbarton, it was decided to install a Lomond wash and spirit still at Glenburgie in Moray in 1958.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristened Glencraig, its newmake spirit was distinct from Glenburgie’s, and gave Hiram Walker another malt for its blends without having to invest in a whole new distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately the so-called rectifying plates in the neck of Lomond stills were notoriously hard to clean, and in 1981 they were abandoned at Glenburgie. Since then occasional bottles of Glencraig single malt have been released by Duncan Taylor, Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail, Signatory and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday Glenburgie distillery is operated by Chivas Brothers, its whisky still largely used for the Ballantine’s blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glencraig","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791566991698,"sku":"GLENCRAIG70GMMINI","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Glencraig1970Gordon_MacphailSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1996_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962416"},{"product_id":"glenlivet-12-year-old-pure-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenlivet 12 Year Old Pure Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature with box","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenlivet 12 Year Old Pure Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature with box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1970s miniature of the most popular whisky in the USA, Glenlivet. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Glenlivet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eSituated high above the river Livet with a view out towards Cardhu and the slopes of Ben Rinnes, The Glenlivet has been operational on this site since 1859.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a recent expansion and refurb it is one of the most modern distilleries in Speyside with a vast Brigg’s mash tun which sends clear wort to wooden washbacks. Distillation, which is slow, takes place in two stillhouses, in seven sets of stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Smith’s greatest achievement wasn’t simply the taking out of a licence, but his decision to make a new style of whisky. By the 1860s, The Glenlivet was noted for producing a spirit with a ‘pineapple’ note, evidence that the floral, estery character seen today has a long history – and one which broke with the heavy, dense, rich styles prevalent at that time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough The Glenlivet is widely believed to be the oldest operational distillery in Scotland, it isn’t. That honour goes to Strathisla, while Glen Garioch could be even older. The Glenlivet was however one of the first to take out one of the new licences issued after the passing of the 1823 Excise Act which is accepted as being the starting point of the modern Scotch whisky industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Smith was the man who did it. A farmer (which in those days in this region pretty much meant an illicit distiller), he had the ‘tack’ [rent] of the Upper Drumin farm in the southern part of Glen Livet. As it was his landlord, the Duke of Gordon, who had helped to push the Act through, there was little chance that Smith wouldn’t get a knock on the door from the Duke’s factors ‘persuading’ him to mend his ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot that this was without danger. Whisky smuggling had been underway for almost 40 years by that time and the gangs were both well-established and relatively wealthy. Plenty of the new distilleries were razed to the ground. George Smith famously travelled with a pair of pistols in case he was attacked by his former colleagues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis venture was a success and his Glenlivet whisky – conceivably made in a lighter style even at this stage – became popular. As the money came in, he took the tacks of Minmore and Nevie and with demand rising, built a second distillery at nearby Delnabo in 1850. His Edinburgh agent, Andrew Usher, then released ‘OVG’ [Old Vatted Glenlivet] initially as a vatted malt and then the first recognised blend. Smith’s Glenlivet was at the core of both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Drumin distillery burned down in 1858, and Delnabo (always suffering from water issues) closed the year after, Smith had started work on a new, larger plant at Minmore which opened in 1859 and still operates today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Glenlivet’ had been used as a shorthand for what we now know as Speyside whiskies since the smuggling era. By the 1860s, the title was being appended to distilleries’ names as far north as Elgin, much to the irritation of the Smith family who had by then trademarked Glenlivet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1881, George’s grandson, George Smith Grant, by then running the family firm, sued the companies who had added Glenlivet to their name. It took a further three years for a compromise resolution to be signed. This allowed the Smith’s distillery to call itself The Glenlivet, while the others could hyphenate their name with ‘-Glenlivet’. Over the years, 26 distilleries have styled themselves in this way although the practice now appears to have died out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Glenlivet was always available as single malt, but it wasn’t until after the Second World War that it began its rise. By then the firm was being run by Bill Smith Grant who saw the American market as offering new opportunities for the whisky, making it arguably the first single malt brand of the modern era. That said, even in the 1970s, 95% of its production was for fillings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1952 it merged with Glen Grant, then that firm joined forces with blender Hill, Thompson \u0026amp; Co (owner of Queen Anne and Something Special) and the Longmorn\/Benriach distilleries. In 1978, three years after Bill Smith Grant’s death, Seagram (owner of Chivas) paid £46 million for a controlling stake. Soon after, The Glenlivet became the largest selling single malt in America, a position it still holds today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mighty Seagram empire was divided up in 2001, with Pernod Ricard and Diageo dividing the spoils between them, with the former taking the Scotch division, renaming it Chivas Brothers. It was its new owner who, a decade later, unveiled a £10m investment which increased the distillery’s capacity by 75%. The aim is now to make The Glenlivet the world’s top selling single malt. Sales now top a million cases a year. When Bill Smith Grant started in the 1950s, it was less than 700 cases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery runs its own community, The Glenlivet Guardians. Membership includes access to a club room in the distillery and chances to assist in special bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenlivet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791568695634,"sku":"GLLIV1290SMINIB","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Photoroom_20250331_121821.jpg?v=1771962444"},{"product_id":"macallan-10-year-old-old-style-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Macallan 10 Year Old Old Style Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMacallan 10 Year Old Old Style Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\" data-set=\"append--section--s147375485668072\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container container--pad section--s147375485668072\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row section section--s147375485668072\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col l-col-13 l-offset-2 s-col-32 col--s147375485668072_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-slice slice-large slice-small slice-tabs\" data-set=\"append--product-slice--s147375494098924\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-slice--s147375494098924\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"js-product-tabs__s147375494098924\" data-slice-id=\"s147375494098924\" class=\"product-tabs-slice__s147375494098924 product-tabs product-tabs-horizontal product-tabs-header-full-width product-tabs-layout-outline\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tab-s147375494098924-1\" class=\"product-tabs__content active\" data-slice-id=\"s147375494098924\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid-32 product-tabs__content_expander\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col l-col-32\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-tabs__content__slice\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"product__description\" class=\"product-tabs__content__cms\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacallan 10 Year Old Bottled 1990s 5cl Miniature is a mini bottling of the older 1990s style labelled bottle of the 10 year aged Macallan dram. This fine whisky has a beautiful label that reflects the quality of the product inside and with the miniature size, you can give it a try for yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee what 40 years ago tasted like! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Macallan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacallan is an excellent example of the significance of size on whisky character. It is a large producer certainly, but its spirit stills are small (3,900 litres). This is a major contributing factor to the rich and oily nature of its new make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven with an extremely tight (ie small) cut there is little time for copper to do its lightening job on spirit vapour in tiny stills the lyne arms of which are so acutely angled. The opposite applies to maturation, however, where the balance between large and small is more fully revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat heavy new make then goes into large, predominantly 500-litre ex-Sherry casks (made of both European and American oak). A large surface-to-volume ratio means that maturation will take longer – Macallan, it is widely agreed, hits its stride fully in its mid-teens. A heavy new make will also require longer in cask to lose any vestigial sulphurous notes. The nature of the extractives in the European oak (higher levels of tannin, powerful clove and resinous aromas) also needs a heavy spirit to achieve balance. American oak, on the other hand, adds and enhances sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo colour adjustment takes place at Macallan, meaning that each vatting needs to not only replicate the previous one in terms of aroma and taste, but must hit the same hue, despite every cask having a different tint. It is this understanding of the way in which colour is an indication of character which was behind whisky-maker Bob Dalgarno’s creation of the ‘1824 Range’ in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the original farm distilleries of Speyside, Macallan became legal in 1824 when Alexander Reid obtained (or was persuaded to obtain) one of the new licences issued after the passing of the 1823 Excise Act. In 1868, James Stuart took the lease and rebuilt the plant. His ownership ended in 1892, when he sold Macallan to one of the giants of Victorian distilling, Roderick Kemp, who had previously owned Talisker. Kemp’s descendants – in particular the Shiach family – retained ownership until the 1996 takeover by Highland Distillers (now Edrington).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant has continually been expanded from its original wooden shed with two stills. It was increased to five stills (two wash, three spirit) in 1954 and then more significantly in 1965 when a new stillhouse with seven stills was built. This process continued throughout the 1970s with the total number of stills reaching 21 by 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a distillery which has become synonymous with the growth of single malt, it is worth remembering that Macallan has always been an important malt for blending. It wasn’t until the early 1980s, faced with a downturn in the market for fillings, that Macallan decided to focus more strongly on the then new single malt category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe management team of Allan Shiach, Frank Newlands, Hugh Mitcalfe and Willie Phillips oversaw a campaign which both positioned the malt as a 'first-growth whisky' it called 'the Cognac of whisky', while always retaining a somewhat bohemian and irreverent approach to advertising and promotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA firm belief in the fusion of the oily, heavy, new make style and ex-Sherry casks saw Macallan, under Edrington’s governance, become the first distillery to create so-called ‘bespoke’ casks: selecting specific trees (predominantly in northern Spain, though some American oak is specified), and then with Jerez-based cooper Tevasa specifying the length and nature of drying, type of coopering, the liquid used for seasoning (oloroso) and the duration of that process. Investment in wood has increased significantly in recent years, with a complex of massive warehouses being built on the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, a greater emphasis has been placed on the nascent luxury whisky market with bottlings of 50- and 60-year-old Macallan in Lalique decanters, the creation of the Fine \u0026amp; Rare vintage range dating back to 1926, and the Masters of Photography series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has not been without controversy. Its growing status as a collectable malt saw Macallan become the victim of fakers in the late 1990s. The subsequent investigation has, however, helped establish a methodology to check the authenticity of suspicious bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a whisky-making front, 2004 saw the introduction of Fine Oak, where American oak ex-Sherry casks and some ex-Bourbon casks were used in a mirror range to the ‘classic’ 100% ex-Sherry range. Though old Macallan lovers protested, the lighter, sweeter, flavour profile brought in new drinkers, mostly in new markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1824 Range, a four-strong series not carrying age statements which replaced some of the younger expressions in the portfolio, followed in 2013, using whisky colour as a communication and branding device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second stillhouse was brought back on stream in 2008, and in 2013 it was announced that a completely new, £100m distillery was to be built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new distillery – a distinctive subterranean design – was commissioned on 9 November 2017 and opened officially in May 2018, at a final cost of £140m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Macallan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52791571087698,"sku":"MAC1080SMINI","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Macallan10YearOldOldStyleSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771962490"},{"product_id":"tomatin-12-year-old-highland-single-malt-whisky-2024-5cl-miniature","title":"Tomatin 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTomatin 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky (2024) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tomatin 12-Year-Old is classically smooth, having been matured in traditional Scotch Whisky, ex-Bourbon and ex-Spanish Sherry casks. Aromas of wild heather, pine and cedar soon sweeten to reveal notes of crème caramel with apples, pears and mango before a full-bodied and buttery finish, the 12-year-old is a distinguished sherry cask whisky with a little something different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e34% Ex-Bourbon 34% Ex-Sherry and 32% Refill oak casks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Tomatin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eAlways an intense, high-toned and fruity spirit (its oldest expressions move into the realms of tropical fruits).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"company-profile__item company-profile__profile\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is Tomatin’s much improved wood policy which has brought it to the notice of single malt lovers. A higher percentage of first-fill casks – ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry – has given more flesh and structure to the always top-notch spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the first manifestation of Tomatin only ran between 1897 and 1906, its reopening under new management in 1909 saw the start of a remarkable journey which would culminate in this remote Highland outpost in between Aviemore and Inverness becoming the largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts expansion (and contraction) mirrors accurately the mood of the industry: from two stills to four in 1956, four to six in ‘58, an upping to 11 in ’61 and then in 1974 the most dramatic expansion of all, with 12 stills being installed, bringing the total to 23 and overall capacity to 10m litres per annum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt couldn’t last. Even in 1974 the first indications of a downturn in Scotch’s fortunes were being noticed. Tomatin never ran at full capacity and in 1986 went into liquidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe site was saved however by two of its Japanese bulk customers, Takara Shuzo and Okura \u0026amp; Co [Okura’s stake was taken by Marubeni in 1998], making it the first Scotch distillery to be under Japanese control.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere has been a slow but steady recalibration ever since. The company bought blending firm J\u0026amp;W Hardie in 1997, adding the prestigious Antiquary blend to its portfolio. Eleven of the stills were taken out of commission in 2000 and today only 2m litres are produced from six wash and four spirit stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other major change has been a shift in emphasis from bulk supply to single malt (as well as Antiquary) – again Tomatin is mirroring the market's continuing evolution. The single malt range has been widened in terms of age statements and introduced a peated variant, Cu Bocan. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tomatin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52792283136338,"sku":"TOMA125CL","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Tomatin12YearOldHighlandSingleMaltWhisky_2024_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1771969537"},{"product_id":"coleburn-14-year-old-1983-signatory-vintage-single-bourbon-cask-796-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1997-50cl-miniature","title":"Coleburn 14 Year Old 1983 Signatory Vintage Single Bourbon Cask #796 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1997) 50cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eColeburn 14 Year Old 1983 Signatory Vintage Single Bourbon Cask #796 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1997) 50cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 of 3650 miniatures made from this bourbon cask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will rarely see any Coleburn available these days as it has been out if production for a long time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethanol, electricity, violets, Montreal Botanical Gardens in Spring, Terry`s Chocolate Orange, algae, pollen, and dew at the lake in the morning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peanut butter, blueberry jam, strawberries, pepper, coconut, cream filling, chocolate, liquorice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coffee, Alberta beef, Pad Thai, vanilla, tomato, crowberry, beer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Coleburn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis shy Speyside distillery was more famous for its experimental work than its single malt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of Coleburn’s life was spent producing Speyside malt whisky for J\u0026amp;G Stewart’s Usher’s blend, as well as Johnnie Walker Red Label. Rarely bottled as a single malt, the distillery is more famous for its experimental work with new production techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts first official bottling as a single malt was as a 21-year-old in 2000 for Diageo’s Rare Malt’s series. Since then it has appeared under a handful of independent bottler’s labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeburn was born from the last great distillery boom of the 1890s, and counts itself alongside Knockando, Lochside and many others as a creation of the visionary Victorian architect, Charles Doig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery was founded in 1897 in Longmorn, five miles south of Elgin by John Robertson \u0026amp; Son. It was originally fitted with two copper pot stills which became operational two years later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1915 Coleburn was sold to the Clynelish Distillery Company, which was jointly owned by John Risk, John Walker \u0026amp; Sons and\u003cspan\u003e DCL.\u003c\/span\u003e Ten years later DCL bought out Risk’s share in the company, bringing both Clynelish distillery and Coleburn into the newly formed Scottish Malt Distillers. Soon after DCL licensed Coleburn to its subsidiary, J\u0026amp;G Stewart of Edinburgh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSadly the whisky loch of the 1980s saw the closure of many distilleries, including Coleburn. Despite a renovation during the 1960s, its degrading plant equipment made it a prime target for mothballing by DCL in 1985.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeburn’s distilling license was eventually revoked in 1992 and while proposals were submitted by Diageo to convert the distillery buildings into flats and houses a few years later, they were quietly withdrawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2004 brothers Dale and Mark Winchester acquired the distillery buildings with grand plans of transforming Coleburn into an entertainment centre featuring a hotel, spa, concert hall and shops. While plans are still in place to build a hotel and spa (or even a boutique distillery on the site), Coleburn’s dunnage warehouses were leased in 2014 to Aceo owner of independent bottler Murray McDavid, to mature its own stocks and use as the company’s headquarters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottler, which also owns the Coleburn brand name under Coleburn Distillery Ltd, has released a blend under the distillery name and has since spoken of its intentions to release further Coleburn blends and even restart the distillery’s whisky production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50ml \/ 5cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coleburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52792458772818,"sku":"COLE14SC796","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Coleburn14YearOld1983SignatoryVintageSingleBourbonCask_796SpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1997_50clMiniature1.jpg?v=1771972186"},{"product_id":"springbank-malts-2025-tasting-pack-x-6-springbank-10-local-barley-springbank-5-100-proof-springbank-10-fino-sherry-hazelburn-10-kilkerran-16-kilkerran-heavily-peated-batch-13-12cl","title":"Springbank Malts 2025 Tasting Pack X 6 (Springbank 10 Local Barley, Springbank 5 100 Proof, Springbank 10 Fino Sherry, Hazelburn 10, Kilkerran 16 \u0026 Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13) 12cl","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSpringbank Malts 2025 Tasting Pack X 6 (Springbank 10 Local Barley, Springbank 5 100 Proof, Springbank 10 Fino Sherry, Hazelburn 10, Kilkerran 16 \u0026amp; Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13) 12cl\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the new releases in a tasting pack. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the Fino Sherry and Local Barley is now sold out so for some, this is the best way to be able to taste them all in this limited edition tasting pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease see second image\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Springbank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpringbank is the only distillery in Scotland to malt, distil, mature and bottle on the same site. It manages to do this while operating a highly complex distillation regime, which creates three different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe equipment at Springbank is resolutely old-style: an old Boby mill, an open-top cast-iron mash tun, wooden washbacks made from boatskin larch; and three stills, direct fire on one of them, a worm tub on another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe malt is handled in three ways to produce three contrasting whiskies – Springbank itself is medium-peated, Longrow is heavily peated, while Hazelburn has no peat at all. Ferments are very long – in excess of 100 hours; with low-gravities which both produces a low-strength wash and high levels of esters. This fruity base is then distilled in three different ways, depending on the style being produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpringbank is partially triple-distilled. The wash still (which is direct fired) works as normal producing low wines, the strongest portion of which are directed to the spirit still charger. The remainder is redistilled in the intermediate still (which has a worm tub) and put into the feints receiver along with the heads and tails from the spirit still distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mix makes up 80% of the final charge, with the strong portion of low wines from the wash still making up the remaining 20%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnsurprisingly, the result is a highly complex new make that is collected at an average strength of 71-72% – lightly smoky, oily, fruity, delicately fragrant yet powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongrow is heavier and smokier – the malted barley obviously playing a significant part, but so does distillation in the direct-fired wash still and second distillation in the spirit still which has the worm tub. It is collected at 68%, lower than Springbank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazelburn undergoes standard triple distillation and is collected at between 74-76% abv.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaturation for all three is in a mix of casks – as well as the standard ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and refill, other types [wine and rum] and sizes [60 litre ‘rundlets’ and 50 litre ‘kilderkan' are used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinuity is the watchword at Springbank. This distillery has been in the ownership of the Mitchell family and its ancestors since 1837. Indeed, as its founder William Reid was related to the Mitchells by marriage you could argue that they were there from the word go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was in 1828 that Reid took out a licence, but there was a rich – and extensive – heritage of illicit distillation in the Kintyre Peninsula. Indeed, thanks to the Still Books of Campbeltown plumber and coppersmith, Robert Armour, we can accurately chart how many there were. The books show that Armour made 400 sma’ stills from 1811-1817, bringing him an income of £350 per year, and the surnames Reid and Mitchell appear in his detailed accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike many smugglers, Reid didn’t survive long once he joined the legitimate trade and in 1837 he sold to his in-laws John and William Mitchell. The latter brother left in 1872 to join his other two brothers at Riechlachan, at which point John’s son Alexander joined Springbank [hence the J\u0026amp;A Mitchell still on the label].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 19th and early 20th centuries were a boom time for Campbeltown. Thanks to a fast sea crossing to Glasgow and a small coal seam at nearby Machrihanish it became Scotland’s whisky capital. At some point or other there were 35 distilleries operational. The style tended to be medium- to heavy-bodied, with some smokiness and an oily texture (though each distillery would work its own variation on this theme).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distilling trade, however, collapsed in the 1920s. All of Scotland was affected with 50 distilleries closing, but Campbeltown was disproportionately affected, with only Springbank, Glen Scotia and Hazelburn surviving the Great Purge. By the 1960s only it and Glen Scotia were left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is not to say it was not immune to the vagaries of the whisky trade. Despite beginning to build a reputation as a single malt, Springbank was mothballed between 1979 to 1987. On reopening, owner Hedley Wright [John Mitchell’s great-great grandson] made the momentous decision to no longer sell to blenders, but develop single malt sales. Maltings were re-opened in 1992 and while the combination of managing limited stocks – the result of the mothballed period and somewhat over-eager sales of what was left – it has taken a number of years to get the Springbank range fully balanced, which now it is. It remains, deservedly, one of Scotland’s cult malt whiskies and a template for many new distillers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 x 2cl\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Springbank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52792516510034,"sku":"SPRM25TP","price":89.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/SpringbankMalts2025TastingPackX6_Springbank10LocalBarley_Springbank5100Proof_Springbank10FinoSherry_Hazelburn10_Kilkerran16_KilkerranHeavilyPeatedBatch13_12cl.jpg?v=1771973396"},{"product_id":"macallan-10-year-old-macallan-glenlivet-pure-malt-single-malt-speyside-scotch-whisky-1960s-minuature-5cl-1-2-3-fl-oz-70-degrees","title":"Macallan 10 Year Old Macallan Glenlivet Pure Malt Single Malt Speyside Scotch Whisky (1960s) Miniature 5cl 1 2\/3 Fl oz 70 degrees","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMacallan 10 Year Old Macallan Glenlivet Pure Malt Single Malt Speyside Scotch Whisky (1960s) Miniature 5cl 1 2\/3 Fl oz 70 degrees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of 1960s Macallan that was distilled almost 80 years ago. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA piece of history now and an exceptional collectors piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Macallan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacallan is an excellent example of the significance of size on whisky character. It is a large producer certainly, but its spirit stills are small (3,900 litres). This is a major contributing factor to the rich and oily nature of its new make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven with an extremely tight (ie small) cut there is little time for copper to do its lightening job on spirit vapour in tiny stills the lyne arms of which are so acutely angled. The opposite applies to maturation, however, where the balance between large and small is more fully revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat heavy new make then goes into large, predominantly 500-litre ex-Sherry casks (made of both European and American oak). A large surface-to-volume ratio means that maturation will take longer – Macallan, it is widely agreed, hits its stride fully in its mid-teens. A heavy new make will also require longer in cask to lose any vestigial sulphurous notes. The nature of the extractives in the European oak (higher levels of tannin, powerful clove and resinous aromas) also needs a heavy spirit to achieve balance. American oak, on the other hand, adds and enhances sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo colour adjustment takes place at Macallan, meaning that each vatting needs to not only replicate the previous one in terms of aroma and taste, but must hit the same hue, despite every cask having a different tint. It is this understanding of the way in which colour is an indication of character which was behind whisky-maker Bob Dalgarno’s creation of the ‘1824 Range’ in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the original farm distilleries of Speyside, Macallan became legal in 1824 when Alexander Reid obtained (or was persuaded to obtain) one of the new licences issued after the passing of the 1823 Excise Act. In 1868, James Stuart took the lease and rebuilt the plant. His ownership ended in 1892, when he sold Macallan to one of the giants of Victorian distilling, Roderick Kemp, who had previously owned Talisker. Kemp’s descendants – in particular the Shiach family – retained ownership until the 1996 takeover by Highland Distillers (now Edrington).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant has continually been expanded from its original wooden shed with two stills. It was increased to five stills (two wash, three spirit) in 1954 and then more significantly in 1965 when a new stillhouse with seven stills was built. This process continued throughout the 1970s with the total number of stills reaching 21 by 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a distillery which has become synonymous with the growth of single malt, it is worth remembering that Macallan has always been an important malt for blending. It wasn’t until the early 1980s, faced with a downturn in the market for fillings, that Macallan decided to focus more strongly on the then new single malt category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe management team of Allan Shiach, Frank Newlands, Hugh Mitcalfe and Willie Phillips oversaw a campaign which both positioned the malt as a 'first-growth whisky' it called 'the Cognac of whisky', while always retaining a somewhat bohemian and irreverent approach to advertising and promotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA firm belief in the fusion of the oily, heavy, new make style and ex-Sherry casks saw Macallan, under Edrington’s governance, become the first distillery to create so-called ‘bespoke’ casks: selecting specific trees (predominantly in northern Spain, though some American oak is specified), and then with Jerez-based cooper Tevasa specifying the length and nature of drying, type of coopering, the liquid used for seasoning (oloroso) and the duration of that process. Investment in wood has increased significantly in recent years, with a complex of massive warehouses being built on the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, a greater emphasis has been placed on the nascent luxury whisky market with bottlings of 50- and 60-year-old Macallan in Lalique decanters, the creation of the Fine \u0026amp; Rare vintage range dating back to 1926, and the Masters of Photography series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has not been without controversy. Its growing status as a collectable malt saw Macallan become the victim of fakers in the late 1990s. The subsequent investigation has, however, helped establish a methodology to check the authenticity of suspicious bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a whisky-making front, 2004 saw the introduction of Fine Oak, where American oak ex-Sherry casks and some ex-Bourbon casks were used in a mirror range to the ‘classic’ 100% ex-Sherry range. Though old Macallan lovers protested, the lighter, sweeter, flavour profile brought in new drinkers, mostly in new markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1824 Range, a four-strong series not carrying age statements which replaced some of the younger expressions in the portfolio, followed in 2013, using whisky colour as a communication and branding device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second stillhouse was brought back on stream in 2008, and in 2013 it was announced that a completely new, £100m distillery was to be built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new distillery – a distinctive subterranean design – was commissioned on 9 November 2017 and opened officially in May 2018, at a final cost of £140m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Macallan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52846020591954,"sku":"MAC1060SMINI","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Macallan10YearOldMacallanGlenlivetPureMaltSingleMaltSpeysideScotchWhisky_1960s_Minuature5cl12-3Floz70degrees.jpg?v=1772494404"},{"product_id":"dalchully-15-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980-5cl-miniature","title":"Dalchully 15 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDalchully 15 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomewhat of a mystery in the whisky market. All we know is that the whisky from Dalchully was sold in the 1980s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dalchully","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52860967027026,"sku":"DALCH151980MINI","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Dalchully15YearOldSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772641300"},{"product_id":"fettercairn-12-year-old-1824-series-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-2013-5cl-miniature","title":"Fettercairn 12 Year Old 1824 Series Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2013) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFettercairn 12 Year Old 1824 Series Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2013) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature long out of production back from 13 years ago. This whisky would have been distilled in 2001 or so. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose: Refreshing nectarine, white flowers and milk chocolate emerge initially. Black toffee and subtle roasted coffee provide darker notes underneath,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate: Tropical fruit and sticky Jamaican ginger cake add a sweet and spicy depth which a flicker of bitter herbs and vanilla complement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish: Orchard fruits and soft spices linger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Fettercairn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFettercairn is set in the foothills of the wild Cairngorm Mountains \u0026amp; was once owned by the father of a British Prime Minister.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFettercairn has a traditional distillery set-up with an open-topped mash tun (producing cloudy wort), wooden washbacks and small stills. There are even soap grinders on the sides of the wash stills. These would have been used to add non-perfumed soap as a surfactant to stop the stills boiling over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything points to a firm, quite heavy, nutty style. This was accentuated between 1995 and 2009, when the condensers were made of stainless steel. This added a slightly burnt, pot ale character to the new make. However, a quirky cooling ring attached to the top of the swan neck, which sprays cold water down the sides of the still, aids reflux and helps the spirit lean toward a lighter style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single malt is aged mostly in first-fill American oak – some new wood is also in the mix – to add a balancing sweetness, with some older expressions finished in fortified wine casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the main attractions of Laurencekirk, the village nearest to Fettercairn, is a huge, ostentatious red sandstone archway spanning the road that commemorates the visit to the village of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1861. Fettercairn has similarly grand pretensions. It was founded in 1825 by the local landowner Sir Alexander Ramsay, who then sold his estate, distillery and all, in 1830 to Sir John Gladstone, father of four-time British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the Gladstone family were hands-off owners (fun though it is to imagine ‘The People’s William’ getting to grips with distillation). Allowing the distillery to be run by tenants, they retained ownership until 1923. A short period (mostly in mothballs) under the control of Ross \u0026amp; Coulter ended when Fettercairn was sold to Associated Scottish Distilleries (ASD, the Scotch arm of National Distillers of America which, at its height, owned Bruichladdich, Glenury Royal, Glen Esk, Glenlochy, Benromach and Strathdee).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen ASD ceased trading in 1954, its estate was split up and Fettercairn ended up in private hands. Its new owner, Tom Scott Sutherland, had the distillery until 1971, when it was bought by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/scotchwhisky.com\/whiskypedia\/2647\/the-tomintoul-glenlivet-distillery\/\"\u003eTomintoul-Glenlivet\u003c\/a\u003e; from there it joined Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough mainly a contributor to the firm’s blends, it has long been bottled as a single malt. A more concerted effort started in 2009 when a range of aged variants and a pair of no-age bottlings, Fior and Fasque (the name of the Fettercairn estate), was released.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2018 Fettercairn was relaunched by Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay with a new range of single malts aged between 12 and 50 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fettercairn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863430263122,"sku":"FET12MINI2013","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Fettercairn12YearOld1824SeriesHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_2013_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772664630"},{"product_id":"north-british-16-year-old-1964-single-bourbon-cask-37526-100-proof-single-grain-scotch-whisky-1981-5cl-miniature","title":"North British 16 Year Old 1964 Single Bourbon Cask #37526 100 Proof Single Grain Scotch Whisky (1981) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNorth British 16 Year Old 1964 Single Bourbon Cask #37526 100 Proof Single Grain Scotch Whisky (1981) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of single grain scotch whisky at cask strength distilled in 1964 from a single cask that was bottled into full size bottles of an undisclosed \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full bottle image is the second in the listing and only the Miniature is available. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout North of Scotland\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA now silent Lowland grain distillery that was also once also home to the Strathmore malt plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its day, North of Scotland was thought to be one of the more flavoursome grain whiskies around. Owner George P. Christie was intent on ensuring North of Scotland’s grain whisky retained its own individual character with age, so made sure to include a higher than usual amount of congeners in the spirit cut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first official bottling of North of Scotland was released (as a 50-year-old) in 2017 in partnership with Elixir Distillers, although its whisky has appeared under several independent labels with high age statements over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1957 George P. Christie’s North of Scotland Distilling Co. purchased Robert Knox’s Forth Brewery in Cambus from Blairs for £10,000. Christie quickly went about converting the building into a malt and grain distillery. By the following year North of Scotland was producing grain whisky from its three patent stills, which had the capacity to distil 2,700 litres of wash per hour, and malt whisky from its two copper pot stills. The malt set-up was called Strathmore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen converting the brewery into a distillery planners set Christie a maximum roof height for the development, which proved something of an issue when the patent stills arrived for installation and were far too tall. Rather than delay the start of production with a request for an amendment to the plans, Christie simply sunk the stills into pits dug deep into the distillery floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrathmore and North of Scotland operated side-by-side, producing malt and grain whisky as fillings for blends. However the demand for grain whisky at that time far outstripped that of malt, and after just one year Christie stripped out the pot stills to install a larger mash tun to increase North of Scotland’s grain output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery is rumoured to have been haunted by the ghost of a former brewer, the spirit of which was spotted by both employees and excise officers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the deaths of the distillery’s directors in the 1970s, and troubled by the overproduction of whisky at the time, Christie closed North of Scotland in 1980 and sold the distillery and buildings as a silent entity to DCL in 1982.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat wasn’t the end of the road for Christie. He went on to return to malt distilling in 1990 with Speyside distillery. However, the sale did spell the end for the North of Scotland operation. The stills and equipment were stripped and transferred to other distilleries, including nearby Cambus which also belonged to DCL.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe building itself is now used as bonded warehousing by Diageo Global Supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e57.1% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70cl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"North of Scotland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863448613202,"sku":"NOS16YOSC37526MINI","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/NorthBritish16YearOld1964SingleBourbonCask_37526100ProofSingleGrainScotchWhisky_1981_5clMiniature_fd774240-a32a-4f16-8da1-5fac0a06b554.jpg?v=1772665355"},{"product_id":"tullibardine-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1990s-5cl-miniature","title":"Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003cp\u003eTullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1990s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1990s miniature of Tullibardine single malt whisky. Whilst the age is undisclosed it is estimated to be around 10 years of age. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Tullibardine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring its Invergordon era, Tullibardine was set up to produce a light, nutty malt which was mostly used when young and aged in refill casks for buyer-own blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe requirements of a single malt house – which Tullibardine became – necessitated some tweaking of the spirit run (introducing more high-toned floral notes now coming to the fore, with the nuttiness being dialled down) and a more 21st century wood policy with a massive influx of fresh casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlcohol has been produced in Blackford for over six centuries. A brewery was operational in 1488 when James IV [the King who famously asked Friar John Cor to make aqua vitae from eight bolls of malt in 1495] stopped to buy a barrel of ale after his coronation at Scone. It could lay claim to be the oldest ‘public’ brewery in the kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistilling was also tried. In 1798, William \u0026amp; Henry Bannerman opened the first Tullibardine distillery, though it only ran for a year. In 1814, Andrew Bannerman (presumably a relative) tried again. This time it operated until 1837. By the 19th century, the town had a maltings and three breweries: the original one, Gleneagles Brewery, now owned by the Sharp family, the other two by the Eadie family. Both of Eadie’s plants closed by the turn of the 20th century, leaving Gleneagles to soldier on until 1927. At this point it seemed as if this rich tradition had finally ceased, but in 1949 the famous distillery designer William Delme-Evans bought the Gleneagles Brewery site and built a new distillery there. It was the first to be built in Scotland since 1900.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1953 it was bought by blender Brodie Hepburn which increased capacity (see Glenturret) and from there via Invergordon (which bought Brodie Hepburn) into Whyte \u0026amp; Mackay (which in turn bought Invergordon) which promptly mothballed it, though retaining its extensive warehousing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTullibardine lay silent from 1994 until 2003, when a business consortium snapped it up. Their idea was to sell off some of the site as a retail park, using the money raised to get distilling up and running again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a similar fashion to Bruchladdich, the new owners found that most of the stock had been filled into old, tired casks which though suitable for some aspects of blending were not ideal for a stand-alone single malt brand. An extensive – and expensive – re-casking operation started along with the inevitable rash of ‘finished’ whiskies. The group sold their interest in 2011 to the French wine and spirit group, Picard which owns the Highland Queen and Muirhead’s brands and was looking for capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe (failed) retail park venture has been bought back and a newly repackaged and reformulated range of single malts has been introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tullibardine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863474073938,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/TullibardineHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772666479"},{"product_id":"glenmorangie-10-year-old-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenmorangie 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenmorangie 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of Glenmorangie Single Malt whisky from the 1980s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose\u003cbr\u003eVery fruity and thick. Rich notes of lemon, nectarine and apple. Spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate\u003cbr\u003eFresh and balanced, vanilla. Boiled sweets, very creamy, tiramisu, toffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish\u003cbr\u003eQuite long, gentle, malty and very fruity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Glenmorangie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe attention paid to its pioneering work in wood management has resulted in Glenmorangie’s distillation regime being slightly overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process at Glenmorangie starts with mashing unpeated barley with water from the distillery’s Tarlogie Springs – making this one of a small number of hard water sites in Scotland. Although there is no smoke, once a year some chocolate malt is added to the mash for use in the firm’s Signet brand – another of the distillery’s many innovations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation is long, while distillation takes place in the tallest stills in Scotland, all of which retain the same long-necked design of the pair which were brought from John Taylor’s gin distillery in 1887. This extra height allows a long interaction to take place between alcohol vapour and copper and, while the new make is decidedly high-toned (the cut points here are quite high), there is still a little note of cereal, adding a dry counterpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vast majority of Glenmorangie’s make is aged in ex-American oak casks, many of which have been made to the distillery’s exacting specifications: slow-growth American white oak from north-facing slopes in Missouri, which is then air-dried. The firm’s Astar bottling uses 100% of these ‘bespoke’ casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe casks are only used twice, with the second-fill casks all ageing in damp ‘dunnage’ warehouses to increase oxidative-driven flavours. As the whisky matures, it picks up more lush fruits, some honey and mint, as well as notes of vanilla, crème brûlee and, in the oldest expressions, chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the mature spirit is then transferred to ex-fortified wine (Port, Sherry) and still wine (Sauternes, Burgundy, Super-Tuscan etc) casks for a period of finishing. Glenmorangie was one of the pioneers of this technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated next to the Dornoch Firth in a series of handsome red sandstone buildings, the Glenmorangie distillery started life as the local brewery for the town of Tain. In 1843, William Matheson converted it to a distillery and it remained in the family until 1887, when it was sold to the Glenmorangie Distillery Co, co-owned by the Maitland brothers and Duncan Cameron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the First World War, the business was sold to a partnership between two blending and broking firms, Macdonald \u0026amp; Muir and Durham \u0026amp; Co, soon passing entirely to the former, which used the whisky for blends such as Highland Queen. Although it was bottled in small quantities from the 1920s, a change of strategy in 1959 saw Glenmorangie revived as a single malt that soon became Scotland’s biggest seller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was not the first time that this had happened, however. Records show that at the end of the 19th century Glenmorangie was being sold at The Savoy and other top-end London hotels, as well as being exported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly success in the infant single malt category resulted in two more stills being added to the original pair in 1976, a number which was doubled again in 1990. In 2009, four more were added, along with a larger mash tun and extra washbacks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive years previously, French luxury goods firm Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) had bought the firm (also including Ardbeg) for £300m. More recently, extra warehousing has been built, the result of a decision to mature and vat all the production on-site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn January 2018, it was announced that a new stillhouse would be built, housing two more of Glenmorangie’s distinctive, long-necked stills, plus a new mash tun and washbacks. The new facility will enable more experimental runs, with indications that innovations such as the use of stainless steel condensers will be explored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenmorangie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863476531538,"sku":"GLMO10MINI1980","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Glenmorangie10YearOldHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772666850"},{"product_id":"glendullan-12-year-old-macdonald-greenless-ltd-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glendullan 12 Year Old Macdonald Greenless Ltd Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlendullan 12 Year Old Macdonald Greenless Ltd Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature of 12 Year Old Glendullan single malt. This bottling comes from an era when blends were the main \"in thing\" and single malts were less desirable. Today it is the opposite. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Glendullan\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlendullan's long fermentation produces a green, grassy spirit that's bottled as a single malt under the Singleton brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distillery started life in 1897 when it was built by the Aberdeen blender and broker William Williams who had also signed an exclusivity deal with nearby Glenfiddich. Williams merged with Greenlees Brothers and was absorbed within DCL in 1925. A second distillery was built next door in 1972 and run in tandem with the original site. In 1985, the original plant was closed and ‘Glendullan 2’ now provides liquid for blends and the Singleton of Glendullan brand which was launched in 2007 as an exclusive for the North American market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bioplant, which processes the spent lees, was opened on-site in 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e47% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glendullan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863483707730,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Glendullan12YearOldMacdonaldGreenlessLtdSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772667421"},{"product_id":"royal-culross-8-year-old-blended-malt-scotch-whisky-1970s-5cl-miniature","title":"Royal Culross 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRoyal Culross 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (1970s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare miniature of 1970s scotch whisky from Royal Culross. \u003cspan\u003eProduced by A Gillies \u0026amp; Co. who were, at the time, owners of Glen Scotia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this rate we can start to speculate with some intelligent guesses as to what is in this whisky. Now a historic relic from over 50 years ago. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ai-optimize-18\"\u003eThe Royal Culross 8 Year Old Scotch Malt Whisky has been named after one of the prettiest villages in Scotland. It is estimated that this bottle dates from the 1970's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ai-optimize-19\"\u003eRelatively fruity and rich with sherry as a creamy hint soon appears with a hint of spice. \u003cspan\u003eAll in all this is a smooth whisky with warming spices and a richness appearing throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e43 degrees \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml (4.68 ctl)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal Culross","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863506612562,"sku":"ROYCUL8BM1970MINI","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/RoyalCulross8YearOldBlendedMaltScotchWhisky_1970s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772668225"},{"product_id":"macphails-5-year-old-special-blended-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"MacPhail's 5 Year Old Special Blended Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMacPhail's 5 Year Old Special Blended Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA miniature bottle of MacPhail's 5 Year Old Special Fine Old Scotch Whisky, bottled by Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArguably the most famous independent bottler of Scotch whisky there is. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail was founded in Elgin in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It is now owned by the Urquhart Family who have bow bottled over 350 different expressions from around 69 different distilleries. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail is the Trading name of Speymalt Whiskies while also owning the Benromach distillery, which they purchased in 1993. Some of the brands include Connoisseurs Choice, Cask Strength, Rare Old and Speymalt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MacPhail's","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863513198930,"sku":"MACP5SBSW1980MINI","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/MacPhail_s5YearOldSpecialBlendedScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772668774"},{"product_id":"willett-pot-still-reserve-small-batch-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-2023-5cl-miniature","title":"Willett Pot Still Reserve Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2023) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWillett Pot Still Reserve Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2023) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWillett Pot Still Reserve was originally introduced as a single barrel beginning in 2008. Around 2015, it was quietly changed over to a small batch bourbon. While Willett Distillery resumed distillation after a lengthy hiatus starting in 2012, Willett Pot Still Reserve continues to be sourced from undisclosed distillery(ies) in Kentucky. Willett has not disclosed if, or when, their own distillate will be incorporated into Willett Pot Still Reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-headers\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewheader\"\u003eNose: Summer fruits highlighted by ripe cherry and a pinch of citrus envelope a mingling of vanilla and dry oak. A faint hint of buttered popcorn lingers in the background, along with a dash of sweet honey. Light overall, but the combination of aromas brings enough complexity to keep it interesting, inviting you back for more.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-headers\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewheader\"\u003ePalate: Honey and caramel combine to form a sweet note against a light punch of spice and zesty citrus. The bourbon manages to deliver just enough potency to captivate its audience, however it offers a relatively thin mouthfeel.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-headers\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewheader\"\u003eFinish: A surge of rye spice crescendos initially, followed by a delicate sprinkling of cinnamon. Buttered popcorn emerges again, along with more traditional vanilla and caramel flavours. The finish lingers, leaving an agreeable spicy note that makes for an enjoyable end to the sip.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewheader\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewheader\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Willett\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWillett Distillery is a family-owned Kentucky distillery near Bardstown, established in 1936 and known for its small-batch bourbon and rye whiskies, including the iconic\u003cspan\u003e Willett Pot Still Reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The distillery was resurrected in 2012 after operating as an independent bottler for a period, and now distills its own whiskey using unique pot stills. Willett is celebrated for producing high-quality, rich, and complex spirits and is considered a significant part of Kentucky's bourbon heritage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e47% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Willett","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52863536136530,"sku":"WILPSRBMINI","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/WillettPotStillReserveSmallBatchKentuckyStraightBourbonWhiskey_2023_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772669573"},{"product_id":"aberfeldy-16-year-old-1966-gordon-macphail-connoisseurs-choice-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1982-5cl-miniature","title":"Aberfeldy 16 Year Old 1966 Gordon \u0026 Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1982) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAberfeldy 16 Year Old 1966 Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1982) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mini bottle of the older brown labelled Gordon \u0026amp; Macphail releases from the 1980s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArguably the most famous independent bottler of Scotch whisky there is. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail was founded in Elgin in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It is now owned by the Urquhart Family who have bow bottled over 350 different expressions from around 69 different distilleries. Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail is the Trading name of Speymalt Whiskies while also owning the Benromach distillery, which they purchased in 1993. Some of the brands include Connoisseurs Choice, Cask Strength, Rare Old and Speymalt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"productView-descriptionWrap\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Aberfeldy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"productView-descriptionWrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"banner-content-inner\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"introduction\"\u003eOne of the sweetest single malts, Aberfeldy’s characteristic honeyed note is the result of very long fermentation, coupled with slow distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003eA thick, almost waxy texture (though not as overt as in DCL days) adds some weight toWhisky Situation the mid-palate, allowing long-term maturation. The bulk of the new make is aged in ex-Bourbon casks, but the occasional Sherried release shows that this is a malt which has guts.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pagenav js-fixed\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Dewar \u0026amp; Sons was typical of many of the blending firms which were founded in the 19th century. Dewar himself, though born in humble surroundings in a croft at Shenvail, became a wine merchant in Perth and by the middle of the century had started to blend whisky. It was however his sons, John Jr and Thomas (always known as\u003cspan\u003e Tommy), \u003c\/span\u003ewho made the family firm a globally recognised name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1890s, they decided to go into whisky production and built a distillery at Aberfeldy, only two miles from where their father had been born. The site had originally been a brewery and some distillation had taken place in the early part of the century. Fed by the Pitilie Burn [where gold is still panned] Aberfeldy became the malt at the heart of the firm’s blends. A private railway line linked the plant with the firm’s operational hub in Perth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDewar’s joined DCL in 1925 and in 1973 the Aberfeldy site doubled in capacity to its present size. It changed ownership in 1998, when the UK Monopolies Board forced the newly formed Diageo to offload one of its brands and attendant capacity. The\u003cspan\u003e  Dewar's Estate \u003c\/span\u003e[the blends, plus Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Royal Brackla] were bought for £1.1bn by Bacardi-Martini.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new owners invested heavily in a highly impressive educational facility - Dewar’s World of Whisky - which tells the story of the house of Dewar - and blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn more recent times, Aberfeldy has been sold in small quantities as single malt and in 2014 was repackaged. A new, permanent, five-strong range is to be created.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aberfeldy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52868289855826,"sku":"ABF16GMCC1966MINI","price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Aberfeldy16YearOld1966Gordon_amp_MacphailConnoisseursChoiceHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1982_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772713562"},{"product_id":"glen-niven-old-glenmorangie-finest-old-blended-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Glen Niven (Old Glenmorangie) Finest Old Blended Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlen Niven Old Glenmorangie Finest Old Blended Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old miniature of a sub part of Glenmorangie. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Glen Niven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubsidiary of The Glenmorangie Company Ltd that once bottled the notorious 80:20 blend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a subsidiary of MacDonald \u0026amp; Muir (later renamed The Glenmorangie Company) Douglas Macniven produced several blended Scotch whisky brands, including Glen Niven, MacNiven’s Finest and Macniven’s Royal Abbey, as well as supermarket labels Glen Morven and Old Glenn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts most renowned bottling is the 80:20 accidental blended malt – the result of a bottling plant error that saw 21-year-old Glenmorangie mixed in with a much younger whisky – which was sold as an Oddbins exclusive in the late 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe incident foreshadowed a second, more notorious ‘mix up’ by Macdonald \u0026amp; Muir that resulted in the Ardbeg\/ Glen Moray Serendipity bottling in 2006. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouglas Macniven was incorporated in December 1935 as a subsidiary of MacDonald \u0026amp; Muir, the Edinburgh-based wine and spirits merchant that also owned Glenmorangie distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacDonald \u0026amp; Muir changed its name to The Glenmorangie Company in 1996 and the following year purchased the run-down Ardbeg distillery on Islay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company, along with all its subsidiaries, brands and distilleries, was acquired by French luxury goods group LVMH (Louis Vuitton-Moët Hennessy) in 2004, after which a number of key brands such as James Martin and Ballie Nicol Jarvie were sold off or discontinued as the company moved away from blends to focus solely on its two single malt brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouglas Macniven is now listed as a dormant subsidiary of The Glenmorangie Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glen Niven","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52870361645394,"sku":"GLNIVFOBSWMINI","price":17.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/GlenNiven_OldGlenmorangie_FinestOldBlendedScotchWhisky_1990s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772729740"},{"product_id":"tobermory-no-age-statement-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1980s-5cl-miniature","title":"Tobermory No Age Statement Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTobermory No Age Statement Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1980s) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1980s bottle of Tobermory Single Malt presumably distilled at some point in the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e quite oily and waxy, with a vague sweetness underneath (peaches, oranges, maybe pineapple). Then some mineral notes, flints and a hint of wet newspaper. Sweet mint. Just a little silver polish too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e similar sweet minty notes, yellow apples and oranges. Still this mineral \/ coastal side, as well as some peaty notes now. Limited complexity but pretty nice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A lemon and salt combo and some coastal notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Tobermory \/ Ledaig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tobermory distillery is located in the main town of the same name on the Isle of Mull. The distillery, the only one on the Isle of Mull, is located in the northern part of the island on Tobermory Bay. From Oban on the mainland it is about a 40-minute ferry ride to Mull. Tobermory comes from the Gaelic and means \"the Mary or Maria spring\". The Tobermory distillery was founded in 1798 under the name Ledaig. In 1972 the Ledaig Distillery Tobermory Ltd. was founded. The name was then changed from Ledaig to Tobermory and after many closures the distillery was reopened in 1993. At the Tobermory distillery there are two wash stills and two spirit stills in the stillhouse. One pair of stills is used for Tobermory production and since 1996 Ledaig malt has been distilled again, the other two stills are for the production of Ledaig single malt. Ledaig malt is made from a more peated malt. Since Tobermory sold the warehouse, which has now been converted into apartments, the new spirit is stored at Deanston on the mainland. Refill, sherry and bourbon casks are used. The water comes from a lake in the mountains. The character of Tobermory malt is slightly peated and firm, the peat flavour does not come from the malt but from the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tobermory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52881338827090,"sku":"TOBSM1980MINI","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/TobermoryNoAgeStatementSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1980s_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772830544"},{"product_id":"drumguish-highland-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1993-5cl-miniature","title":"Drumguish Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1993) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDrumguish Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1993) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature from Speyside distillery of a brand named Drumguish that was consigned to the history books shortly after its launch for no other reasons than 1. People could not pronounce it and 2. Not marketed and 3. Single Malts still weren't a massive thing and 4. Not much effort made behind its launch etc. Read below to find out more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Drumguish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYoung single malt whisky once produced at Speyside distillery near Kingussie.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrumguish was the first single malt expression from Speyside distillery near Kingussie, built over the course of 25 years by Glasgow-based whisky blender and broker George Christie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeyside distillery began distilling in 1990, and while its single malt spirit was also eventually bottled as Glentromie and Spey whisky in later years, its first release was named Drumguish after the surrounding area and a lost distillery that sat across the way in the late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrumguish was first listed in Wallace Milroy’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalt Whisky Almanac\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein 1995, which noted the whisky as a ‘floral, fruity, light malt with a sweet, lingering finish’. This relatively positive description was not shared by many other aficionados, and Drumguish never gained any serious traction in the retail trade. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Christie was a flamboyant whisky broker and blender based in Rutherglen, a southside suburb of Glasgow. He had established the North of Scotland grain distillery in Clackmannanshire in 1957, but his vision was to build his own malt distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeyside distillery was built near Kingussie in 1987, and began producing malt whisky in 1990. The first expression released was bottled in 1993 under the Drumguish Distillery Company as a no-age-statement, 40% abv Drumguish single malt, although it was quite obviously a barely legal three years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrumguish was soon withdrawn from the market around 1999 as older Speyside distillery expressions were released. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeyside distillery, its holding company Speyside Distillery Company, and the Drumguish Distillery Company, were all acquired by a private investment group in 2000, followed by Harvey’s of Edinburgh in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Drumguish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52881780769106,"sku":"DRUMG1993MINI","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/DrumguishHighlandSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1993_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772836458"},{"product_id":"glenfarclas-8-year-old-all-unblended-malt-grant-bonding-co-glenfarclas-glenlivet-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-1977-5cl-miniature","title":"Glenfarclas 8 Year Old All Unblended Malt Grant Bonding Co Glenfarclas Glenlivet Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1977) 5cl Miniature","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlenfarclas 8 Year Old All Unblended Malt Grant Bonding Co Glenfarclas Glenlivet Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1977) 5cl Miniature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare very early Glenfarclas release from 1977 for an 8 year old scotch distilled in the early 1970s. The liquid itself in Earth years has been around for 49 years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-4 text-lg source-serif\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003eFruity and floral. Apple blossom and honey. Elegant malty notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-4 text-lg source-serif\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003eVelvety. Sweet, maybe a bit soft at midpalate but so pleasant. Quince \u0026amp; cooked apples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-4 text-lg source-serif\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eMedium length, smooth and sweet. With a nice spicy kick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout J \u0026amp; G Grant, Glenfarclas Distillery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenfarclas means \"The Valley of the Green Grass\" in Gaelic, and the skilled Scots obtain the water used in the distillation from a small spring that rises from the beautiful and dramatic Ben Rinnes. The distillery is located at the foot of the heather-covered mountain, where the water spurts out from the underlying granite when the winter snow melts. The combination of the very pure, soft water and the unique shape of the pot stills that Glenfarclas uses contributes to the distillery's unique Highland Single Malts .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlenfarclas Distillery has been family-owned since 1865, and it is the Grant family who have established the Scotch whisky distillery as one of the best in the world. Glenfarclas is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that are still family-owned. Since 1865, the distillery has been in the hands of the same family: The Grants. John Grant was actually a cattle farmer when he bought Recherlich Farm and Glenfarclas Distillery in 1865 for £511. It is six generations of whisky knowledge that benefits us consumers today. This continuity has made it possible for Glenfarclas to still use older ways of making whisky. Not because of romance and a longing for history. Glenfarclas is a success, and rightly so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs George Grant, the sixth generation of the family, puts it: \"We've lived through 22 recessions. We make the whisky we can afford to make and never borrow money to make it.\" During the 1980s, when the whisky industry itself was cutting back on production, Glenfarclas's was on the rise. Glenfarclas has larger volumes in stock than most distilleries. A reluctance to independent bottlers using the distillery's name on their (rare) offerings has also helped maintain a strong identity for the Glenfarclas brand itself. Glenfarclas also insists on maturing its whiskies in ex- sherry casks . This helps the whisky achieve greater body, complexity and sweetness. It's no small operation, and today they have 80,000 casks for ageing. Since 1989 they have come from Spain, specifically Huelva near Jerez - and they do so almost every month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5cl \/ 50ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenfarclas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52881806623058,"sku":"GLFAR8GBC1977MINI","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/9737\/9666\/files\/Glenfarclas8YearOldAllUnblendedMaltGrantBondingCoGlenfarclasGlenlivetSpeysideSingleMaltScotchWhisky_1977_5clMiniature.jpg?v=1772837209"}],"url":"https:\/\/whiskysituation.co.uk\/collections\/minitures.oembed?page=12","provider":"Whisky Situation","version":"1.0","type":"link"}