Five of the best: Independent Whisky Bottlers

We’re very fortunate at The Whisky Exchange not only to stock a huge range of whiskies from independent bottlers, but also to work closely with our sister company, Speciality Drinks Ltd, which is an independent bottler itself. This lets us see the world of indies from a different perspective to most whisky shops.

The indies work in a very different way to the distilleries themselves, having the flexibility to bottle what they want, without being restrained by house style or tradition. If you want to explore the full range of whisky flavours, then you need to investigate independent bottlings.

Oliver Chilton, hard at work…

We recently invited Speciality Drinks Ltd product development boss Oliver Chilton down to Covent Garden to host a tasting. He poured whiskies from some of his favourite indies and told us a few stories about what happens inside the world of independent bottling…

Gordon & MacPhail

There aren’t many independent bottlers who can walk into a warehouse and photograph casks like these…

G&M is the oldest independent bottler still around, with a history going back to the early 1900s. Ollie pointed out that back in the 1950s and 1960s, it was the main bottlers of whisky from some of the best-known distillers in Scotland – way before Macallan was bottling its own, Gordon & MacPhail were sending the distillery’s whisky around the world.

We tried: Gordon & MacPhail Tormore 1996 20 Year Old Cask Strength Whisky Exchange Exclusive – fruit, custard and spice.

Morrison & MacKay

An ever-increasing range of whiskies

While it’s not as well known as some of the bottlers we heard about during the evening, Morrison & MacKay is increasingly making a name for itself. With a history of whisky production in the family – the Morrison of the name is one of the brothers who started Morrison Bowmore Distillers – the company started out as a producer of whisky liqueurs. However, thanks to having excellent access to casks, Morrison & MacKay has expanded the Carn Mor range and is starting to turn heads.

We tried: Carn Mor Caol Ila 2009 7 Year Old Whisky Exchange Exclusive – orchard fruit, maritime notes and loads of smoke.

Signatory Vintage

Edradour – home of some of the most impressive casks in Scotland

Ollie couldn’t choose which independent bottler was his favourite, but Signatory Vintage is in the top handful. Founder Andrew Symington has been choosing excellent casks for decades, and is dedicated to finding and making good whisky. If you pop into Edradour – Signatory’s distillery – you are just as likely to find him wearing a boiler suit and tinkering with a still as you are to see him in the shop, talking about his whiskies. With incredible stocks of great whisky and a dedication to bottling it, its releases are always worth a look.

We tried: Blair Athol 1988 27 Year Old Whisky Exchange Exclusive – toffee, lemon drizzle cake and spiced apples.

Douglas Laing

Fred Laing, owner of one of the finest moustaches in the whisky world

The final two bottlers we tried whiskies from are run by brothers – Fred and Stewart Laing. They split their family company in 2015 and Fred kept the original name. He now runs Douglas Laing with his daughter Cara, and while the company is best known these days for its range of blended malts – including Big Peat and Scallywag – it still bottles single malts under the Old Particular and Provenance labels. The Laing warehouses were always famously well stocked, and the gems that are appearing suggest that Fred definitely got his fair share when it came to dividing up the casks.

We tried: Glenrothes 2004 12 Year Old Old Particular – singed raisins, leather, and rum-and-raisin fudge.

Hunter Laing

Andrew, Stewart and Scott Laing with new employee Jim McEwan – next stop: their own distillery

Stewart Laing and his sons, Scott and Andrew, run Hunter Laing, and focus on single casks of whisky more than Douglas Laing. They kept the Old Malt Cask and Old & Rare ranges in the split of the company, and have added The Sovereign to the list, bottling single grain whisky as well. While Douglas Laing may have fancier packaging, Hunter Laing has a more traditional independent bottler approach, focusing on the whisky in the bottle. With a distillery being built on Islay – Ardnahoe – and Bruichladdich’s former master distiller Jim McEwan on board as an advisor, there are exciting times ahead for Hunter Laing.

We tried: Hunter Laing Cambus 1988 26 Year Old Sovereign – custard tarts, candied lemon and butter icing.

For more indies, head over to our 20 independent bottlers you need to know post.

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old Eich Bhana Lìr

The oldest single malt ever released by the Islay distillery, only 198 bottles of this 46 year old exist worldwide. Taking it’s name from the ‘great waves of Lìr’, this expression pays tribute to the powerful ruler of the sea Lìr who would use his great white waves to wash ashore his most precious gifts. Presented non chill-filtered at a cask strength of 42.1% abv, each bottle has been handcrafted by skilled Italian glass blowers and metalworkers.

£5,000 Buy Now

Available while stocks last

Outstanding Quality and Remarkable Value Are The Hallmarks Of These Single Cask Expressions

Our “Old Particular” line continues to be a smashing success and with very good reason, as nowhere will you find mature single barrel selections at such amazing prices. As long as we can keep finding these amazing selections, we’ll keep selling them as they are among the best deals you’ll find in the spirits world today.

Most recently we’ve brought in a pair of 28 year-olds, one from Glenturret and the other from Strathclyde. Both are nothing short of mesmerizing, offering the wonderfully layered complexity that only mature whisky can deliver. Mind-bogglingly, both a priced under $100, If for some reason you’ve been on the fence about picking up one of our “Old Particular” bottlings, now’s the time to make your move, as if you love a classic, mature and perfectly appointed whisky this pair delivers in spades. Given these limited number of bottles available, it’s always best to put in your order early when it comes to “Old Particular.” Also, to learn more about these remarkable whiskies, check out David Driscoll’s recent blog post in Our Spirits Journal.

1988 Strathclyde 28 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)

If there’s one thing we can help take credit for here at K&L, it’s been helping to remove the undeserved stigma associated with grain whisky in the Scotch industry. Maligned and misunderstood for years, it wasn’t until we started launching a number of 25-50 year old releases at ridiculously reasonable prices that hearts and minds began to change. When Nikka brought their delicious Coffey Still editions to the market and people saw just how fruity and delicious these corn and unmalted barley whiskies could be, we think grain whisky finally got over the hump. Crazily enough, today our single casks of grain whisky are some of the most anticipated by our customers. The 28 year old Strathclyde absolutely soaks up the vanilla from the oak barrel and brings loads of soft caramel along with it. At 58.2% there’s some power behind all that supple richness, which allows you to add ice or a bit of water.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 22, 2017

Strathclyde is one of the Chivas grain whisky components and as we’re discovering here with this single cask release, it shines pretty well on its own as well. Grain whisky isn’t just delicious and easy to love, it reminds me of why I like to drink in the first place. To be able to purchase 29 year old cask strength Scotch for seventy-nine bucks is fun! It takes the pressure out of savoring each drop, which is definitely what I would want to do if I were to have paid $200 or more. We’ve got more grains in store as the year goes on, but few that are this old and this well priced.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 18, 2017

I loved the the Port Dundas 26 single grain when we had it and at the time it was my favorite single grain I had tasted. Now I believe I will have to follow the example of my coworker Jeffrey and pronounce this my favorite single grain. The nose shows a fantastic complexity with the vanilla and spice notes being underpinned with a touch of lemon zest. Very soft and evolving palate that brings notes of fruit and creamy butterscotch lead to a long complex if subtle finish. The heat is definitely present here at the finish but a little water helps to calm it down and keeps helps highlight the length of the finish.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2017

This is one of the best single grain whiskeys that I have tasted. The nose is very expressive with vanilla , savory and spice notes. In the mouth it is very complex with a lot flavor offerings. What I tasted was a mixture of vanilla , caramel and spice with an interesting and enhancing hint of savory flavors. This bottle will be a lot of fun for lovers of single grain whiskeys.

1987 Glenturret 28 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

It’s rare to see a 25 year old whisky for less than $150 these days, and even when we do see the occasional bottle our first instinct is often to ask: what’s wrong with it? Understanding that natural reaction we had to ask ourselves: how will people respond when we offer them a 28 year old, single barrel, cask strength, Highland single malt for $99.99? We’re hoping you’ll be excited because we’re absolutely thrilled! Glenturret isn’t a household name among whisky drinkers, but for those in the know it’s part of the Edrington portfolio: the group that owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes. Glenturret is also considered the oldest distillery in Scotland, having been founded in 1775, and today it’s the home of Famous Grouse: the world-renowned blended whisky in which it plays a large role. This 28 year old expression has reduced naturally down to a perfectly-drinkable 49.7% ABV and has the richness, oiliness, and concentration that only mature whisky can offer. It’s full of brandied fruit, resin, supple caramel, and creamy malted goodness. Despite its old age, the whisky is surprisingly lithe and light on its feet. By no means is this a heavy, full-bodied number, but rather a classic Highland whisky with plenty of barrel-aged complexity. For the price, it’s a no brainer.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 22, 2017

Man, this cask of Glenturret is just delicious in an old fashioned Scotchy way. It’s nothing more than sweet grains, sweet vanilla, sweet malt, and sweet oak from front to back and the creaminess from the 28 years spent in cask is apparent every step of the way. We sold out of our first Glenturret 28 year cask in about forty-five minutes last year. I’m hoping those of you who missed out that time can get a bottle this time around. It’s one of the better values I’ve ever come across in my ten year career.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 20, 2017

The pricing we are getting from Old Particular is almost bordering on the ridiculous at this point. I almost feel like I am in a time machine seeing 28 year old single malt for under $100. More importantly though is that it is very tasty. Soft and subtle on the nose with the fruit overlaying a touch of wood. The palate is light and delicate with notes of green apple, lemon bar, vanilla and spice. Surprisingly gentle finish, the heats starts slow and builds up but does not truly ever overpower. Delicious!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2017

Another great older single malt from Old Particular. The Glenturret offers the delicate flavor profile of a mature single malt. I really liked the honey and wax aromas that were pretty and inviting. In the mouth the honey theme continues in a complex and subtle way that creates a delicious drink. Older single malts do not last long in inventory.

Macallan Amber

Back in Stock

The Macallan Amber is part of the 1824 range, released in 2012. The colour themed range replaced the traditional Macallan distillery’s age-statement expressions. Aged exclusively in sherry casks, this Speysider is an excellent and rounded single malt.

£55 Buy Now

Limited quantity available Orders will be dispatched week beginning 6th March

HOLLY

Her name is Holly and she loves whisk(e)y. Having spent a few months in Scotland to start, then Ireland, Kentucky/Tennessee, more recently Japan and Tasmania. A girl who loves whisky so much she starting blogging then travelling and now a welcome addition to our blogs. Holly’s blog name “Her Whisky Love” made sense, she will be going to the largest whisky producers in the world to spend time with them and learn their ways…. In the meantime here is a blog she wrote about us;

Ultimate dram and whisk(e)y tours with McLean Scotland. January 24, 2017. As with many of my whisky connections, the world of social media has played a part and introduced me to many people I probably would have never met. Paul and I somehow crossed paths and he wrote to me about blog sharing. I know it may seem simple to travel, visit a distillery and then write about it, but it is a lot of work. I’m not saying it’s the hardest job. I get to travel the world and try new drams and brands, but it is very time consuming to get things as accurate as possible and to write an interesting story. It is hard to keep a blog going, especially since it definitely can’t the bills anymore. In-between all of my distillery visits I have found it quite helpful to look outside of the physical brand and distilleries and learn how other parts of the industry work. Paul and McLean’s is no exception. TO READ THE FULL BLOG click on this link HERE

You will find Holly here http://www.herwhiskylove.com/ she has lots of blogs, some we shall be sharing with you. I do love this one from japan … Chichibu probably wasn’t the best distillery to start my Japanese Whisky tour at, because now not much can live up to it. I was fortunate enough to have the lovely Gemma from Balvenie connect me with the Chichibu brand ambassador for a private visit of the facility. Th… GO AND READ IT ON HER WEBSITE.

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

(Lebanon, Ky.) February 27, 2017 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, featuring straight rye whiskey with a sherry cask finish and bottled at 90 proof.

“My grandfather, Minor Case Beam, made rye whiskey in his day, before prohibition, which was his specialty. This rye whiskey is inspired by him and a tribute to his distilling legacy,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “His mission was to craft only the finest whiskey – we are honoring him, his passion for distilling and what could’ve been if prohibition didn’t occur with this straight rye.”

Available in 750ml bottles and aged two years, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey offers a warm rye spice complemented by the dried fruit notes from being finished in a sherry cask barrel. The combination offers depth to the overall experience of this whiskey.

“This is a direct link to our family lineage on our father’s side, the Beams. We are excited to share our family heritage and proud to honor our great-grandfather with the release of this product,” says Steve Beam.

The whiskey is packaged in a unique flask-style bottle with a letterpress label and a cork topper. All of the details of the packaging are also a nod to the family history and tradition. The bottle features the crest Minor Case Beam used in his labels back when he had his own distillery. “We wanted to incorporate his original logo as a special touch. If you look closely, you can see the letters M, C and B in the crest,” says Steve Beam.

The whiskey will be offered nationwide beginning at the end of February for the suggested retail price of $49.99.

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family and launched a limited edition bourbon to commemorate the brand’s 105th anniversary.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

Single Cask Nation (USA)

We are very happy to be able to announce that Single Cask Nation will be doing a masterclass at Maltstock. Trump That! 😉  Single Cask Nation is an American based independent bottling company with a passion for Scotch whisky. Joshua Hatton, President, CEO, and a few other silly titles (because the man does not take himself too seriously, seriously) brings some of his newer and favorite Single Cask Nation bottlings to the masterclass. With Single Cask Nation bottlings, you can expect great cask selections but, more importantly, unique and exciting ones, too.

Cabins

We are running out of cabins! Would you like a more private and an even more relaxed Maltstock experience, don’t hesitate any longer with reserving a cabin. First come first serve.  The cabin experience will be even better than last year because of the recent installment of sanitation for the cabins. A huge improvement and very relaxed for the cabin users.

Cabin tickets are almost gone but the regular tickets are still available. Why wait? You will be more relaxed with a Malstock ticket. Visit our webshop to become zen.

. . .Ralfy gets a bit smokey with Ralfy Review 630 – Bowmore 13yo @ 46%vol (Signatory cask 2166+2170)

Writer’s Tears Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($39.99)

Whisky Advocate: “Like the Writers Tears reviewed in this issue, this is from an independent company linked to renowned whiskey maker Bernard Walsh. It is described as of a style popular in James Joyce’s Dublin (hence the name). Grain whiskey was a no-no at that time, so this uses no grain and is a mix of malt and pot still whiskeys. For its price and strength it is amazing a big-hearted and full-flavored whiskey with an oily, apple-y pot still heart and cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper spices. (DS, Summer 2012)”

K&L Notes: The elusive Writer’s Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been a darling of the whiskey cognoscenti for years. This unusual product from the Walsh Distillery in Carlow, Ireland has gained notoriety across the globe as one of the finest whiskies the Emerald Isle has to offer. It begins with single malt (likely distilled at Cooley Distillery in Louth) and single pot still whiskey (distilled at Midleton in County Cork), which are vatted together and aged in ex-bourbon casks. A true re-creation of a style of Irish whiskey not seen since the last century and named for the great Irish writers and playwrights of the 19th century who would have sought inspiration from a similar beverage in their time. The full-flavored, pure pot still whiskey and sweet floral single malt work magic together to create one of the most drinkable yet exciting whiskies of any kind. Lauded world-wide as one of the best whiskies available, it has been conspicuously unavailable in California until now. Winner of Gold Medals from the World Whiskies Award and listed on Ian Buxton’s 101 Whiskies to Try before You Die, and 93 points from Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible”, Writer’s Tears is easily one of the highest ranking Irish Whiskey available at any price point. We’ve been lucky enough to grab an exclusive deal on the first few pallets to show up in CA, but don’t wait to try it as when it moves to normal distribution we’ll likely see a significant price increase.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This should please people who are looking for an easy, soft and delicious whiskey. At first one smells beautiful and mouth watering vanilla aromas. In the mouth it is soft and easy with a creamy mouth feel.This is a fun whiskey to have for simple enjoyment.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This elusive and quite wonderful little whiskey has been on constant request at the story for years. Actually, I’ve been telling people “No, sorry we can’t get that” every other week of so for over 7 years now! It’s one of those things that people fall in love with over there and don’t realize they can’t just pick it up when they get home. Well, the wait is finally over. This wonderful offering from the exceptional Walsh Distillery in County Carlow is easily one of the best values in Irish Whiskey. Hailing from Ireland’s historic east, this area is famous for whiskey and beer thanks to the incredible waters that bubble below the surface, but no large distillery has had a presence here for more than 100 years. In the 1800s, the Irish Whiskey industry was on fire. Consumption, production and exports, continued to break records despite social and political upheaval in Ireland. Funny thing about Irish Whiskey, because of the unique process of blending malted and un-malted barley and distilling in pot-stills, it was actually considered the top quality whiskey in the world pre-prohibition. That’s because then, and now, the majority of people didn’t want stinky peaty malty single malt from Scotland, but instead were looking for a whiskey that’s rich, smooth and easy to drink. Irish Whiskey was the best choice for most consumers before the controversial introduction of grian (column still) production in the 1830s.

Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon #L16H948

A rare 10 year old single barrel bourbon release from Michter’s, created from high grade American corn and aged for 10 years in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels. Produced in limited quantities, bottled at 47.2%.

£138.00