Mature Scotch Rarities: The Upside of the 700ml

In late December of 2020, the TTB quietly passed a regulation that allowed 700ml bottles to be imported into the US. While this might not seem like big news, it is actually a windfall for spirits lovers as it unlocks a stash of previously untapped bottlings to our shores. We could not be more excited, as it quickly adds another dimension to our unparalleled spirits program. Below you’ll find some of our first discoveries in this format, and they are all incredibly rare and rewarding mature Scotch collectibles that also present remarkable value compared to other standards from the distilleries. If these are any indication of what’s to come, those extra 50ml will not be missed.

1994 Glen Keith 24 Year “Antique Lion’s Savannah Series” Cask Strength Single ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $299.99 View

1988 Tormore 31 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare Heritage Platinum Selection” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $349.99 View

This lovely Oloroso Sherry butt from the Tormore Distillery was distilled in May of 1988 and bottled in 2019. A sister to the wonderful barrel we purchased last year, this time bottled in 700ml, it represents one of the best values in old, sherried malt available in Scotland today. The Tormore Distillery and its iconic copper roof is one of Speyside’s newer distillers. Built in 1958, great care was taken with the design of the exterior, unlike at other distilleries of the period. The distillery was expanded in 1984 and can produce upward of 3.7 million liters of alcohol per year. Nonetheless, it’s extremely rare to find Tormore of any age in the U.S. The relatively short and wide stills give a rich and textured spirit which lends itself nicely to sherry aging. Bottled at natural cask strength of 49.1% ABV and without chill filtration, only 60 bottles of this exceptional cask are available in the U.S. exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants. As described by the bottler, “This amber coloured whisky matured in an Oloroso sherry butt has lashings of hazelnuts, coffee, chocolate and tobacco on the nose. Spicy and nutty on the palate with a touch of toffee leading to a long, rich, peppery finish.”

1987 Bunnahabhain 30 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $399.99 View

This stupendous old Bunnahabhain is as complex and delicious as it is rare. Of course, any Islay whisky that’s made it to the 30-year mark will command an extremely high price, but considering where the distillery’s own 25-year is priced these days, we felt this single sherry butt offered significant value. Distilled in 1987 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.4% ABV

1984 Benrinnes 30 Year “Silver Seal – Whisky is Nature” Single Barrel #2268 Speyside Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $549.99 View

This exquisit example of the special Speysider is bottled under Massimo Righi’s exceptionally beautiful “Whisky Is Nature.” The majestic dipiction of an African Bull Elephant adorns the label appropriately hinting at the deep and complex nature of the whisky inside. This single cask #2280 turned out 480 bottles at cask strength, but only 36 bottles made it to the US and is sold exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants.