Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation in latest single cask collection – Scotch Whisky News
The art of contrast
Rare Find explores four distinct journeys of maturation
in latest single cask collection
Rare Find, the award-winning Edinburgh-based independent bottler announces the launch of its latest collection of single cask whiskies, exploring the diverse relationship between spirit character and cask influence.
Following continued momentum throughout 2026 and growing demand for the company’s distinctive single cask releases, Rare Find’s newest collection brings together four carefully selected whiskies that demonstrate how different styles of maturation can shape, enhance and transform some of Scotland’s most compelling distillates.
From the clarity of 1st fill bourbon to the richness of Napa Valley red wine to the intensity of 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter casks, each release offers a unique perspective on the art of maturation. Together, they showcase the remarkable breadth of flavour that can be achieved when exceptional spirit is paired with exceptional wood.
This latest Rare Find collection brings together four distinctive single cask expressions that explore the relationship between spirit and wood across Highland, Speyside and Islay whisky styles. As with all Rare Find releases, each whisky is bottled without compromise – at natural cask strength, natural colour and without chill filtration.
Blair Athol 12-Year-Old
Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Blair Athol is renowned for its rich, characterful spirit and distinctive Highland style. This single cask release has been matured a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, a perfect partnership that enhances the distillery’s natural depth and elegance while allowing its classic honeyed character to shine through.
Deanston 14-Year-Old
Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique
Known for its bright and approachable Highland character, Deanston’s waxy, cereal-led spirit has been matched with a first-fill Napa Valley red wine barrique. The result is a whisky that balances the distillery’s trademark sweetness with layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice and rich complexity.
Dalmunach 9-Year-Old
Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask
As one of Speyside’s modern distilleries, Dalmunach produces a light, fruit-forward spirit that responds beautifully to active maturation. A 17-month finish in a first-fill oloroso seasoned quarter cask has amplified the whisky’s naturally vibrant character, adding depth, richness and a generous sherried influence.
Mystery Islay 9-Year-Old
Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask
This unnamed Islay distillery produces a bold coastal spirit shaped by its maritime surroundings and traditional production methods. An extended finish in a first-fill oloroso sherry quarter cask has introduced layers of dried fruit, spice and richness, creating a compelling interplay between smoke, salinity and sherry influence.
Speaking on the new collection, James Zorab, Whisky Supply Manager for Rare Find, commented: “Every cask tells a different story, and this collection is all about showcasing those contrasts. Whether it’s the modesty of bourbon maturation, the influence of premium wine casks or the intensity that quarter cask sherry maturation can bring, each whisky demonstrates how carefully selected wood can reveal different dimensions of a distillery’s character. Together, they represent exactly what Rare Find seeks to achieve – exceptional single casks that offer something distinctive, memorable and genuinely worth discovering.”
The Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection will be available via Rare Find stockists from 2nd July 2026.
Rare Find Summer 2026 Collection
Blair Athol 12-year-old
Maturing in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
56.1%, 205 bottles
£75.00
NOSE Buttery shortbread, golden syrup, baked apples, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.
PALATE Rich and syrupy with orchard fruits, pastry, iced buns, and a touch of lemon.
FINISH Long on brown-sugar apples with subtle oak.
Deanston 14-year-old
Matured in a 1st fill Napa Valley red wine barrique
57.3%, 268 bottles
£95.00
NOSE Balsamic strawberries, fresh raspberries, buttery flapjack, with hints of cinnamon and ginger.
PALATE Ripe berries, plums, sultanas, golden syrup, and a touch of peppery spice.
FINISH Long, fruity, with drying cask spice.
Dalmunach 9-year-old
Finished for 17 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask
60.6%, 126 bottles
£70.00
NOSE Lemon sponge, vanilla custard, toffee, hedgerow berries, and a hint of ginger.
PALATE Fresh apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants, with toffee, chocolate walnut, and gingerbread.
FINISH Long, fruity, with developing citrus notes.
Mystery Islay 9-year-old
Finished for 18 months in a 1st fill oloroso sherry quarter cask
57.9%, 186 bottles
£85.00
NOSE Briny, medicinal, lemon zest, maritime smoke, olive, sea salt, and malt.
PALATE Creamy toffee, berries, smoke, iodine, citrus, nuts, and mineral peat.
FINISH Long on driftwood, smoked lemon, and salt.
About Rare Find
Each Rare Find release is an unrepeatable, limited-edition whisky sourced from sought-after distilleries. With every bottle, we celebrate liquid excellence – meticulously selecting, maturing, and finishing in the highest quality casks to deliver whisky that’s rare by design.
From the millions of casks maturing in Scotland, only a small percentage are destined for single malt bottlings, and from those, only the best become a Rare Find.
