An independent bottler searches for casks from the different distilleries around Scotland, looking for the best malts to share with whisky enthusiasts the world over. Each cask is sampled and only if it is found to be of the best quality will it be bottled in the Single Malts of Scotland range as a Single Cask or as part of a small batch.
Many of the bottlings in Single Malts of Scotland have received awards and critical acclaim and with years of experience in selecting casks, you can be sure that the whiskies that are bottled are of the highest quality. With aged casks such as these becoming increasingly difficult to find, each Whisky can be considered unlikely ever to be repeated. Each bottling is one of a limited number, making them perfect for a special gift or the chance to try something truly unique.
About Director’s Special
Only exceptional whiskies are selected by our Director to be bottled for this exclusive series from The Single Malts of Scotland. Each bottling is aged to perfection, celebrating both the classic characteristics of the distillery and the subtle changes created by time and oak.
About Reserve Casks
The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks are a flavor-led exploration of fine Single Malts, bottled in small batches of three to ten casks. Each parcel of bottles shows the variety of styles and flavors found across Scotland, and the differences in angel’s share depending on region. Bottled at a consistent 48% with no added color and no chill-filtration, the Reserve Casks are intended to suit the palates of both novices and experts alike.
Director’s Special 32 yo 1989 Bunnahabhain Cask #6078
32 Years Old – Distilled at Bunnahabhain distillery.
Only 117 bottles were produced from a single ex-Bourbon Hogshead of Bunnahabhain Single Malt Scotch whisky, which was aged for more than 32 years.
51% abv.
Nose: Newly polished mahogany gives way to the fruitiness and nuttiness of Madagascan cocoa nibs. the fresh scent of citrus oils develops from freshly zested oranges.
Palate: The orange zest continues onto the palate and combines with juicy Morello cherries. These flavors evolve in the form of Florentine biscuits – a delicate mixture of hazelnut, candied cherry, honey, and chocolate.
Finish: Chocolate remains, in the form of a fruit-and-nut brownie, lingering for a lengthy, silky nish.
9 yo 2012 Ben Nevis
Cask #47357
57.5% abv.
from the highlands
PALATE: Right away, we are treated to a flaky, buttery peach-and- apricot pastry. Some herbaceous notes continue, in the form of sweet basil and white pepper. A vanilla sweetness drifts in, with a slight edge of quince jam.
FINISH: A slight heat, that of chili flakes and peppercorns, develops further into more stone fruit.
11 yo 2010 Bunnahabhain
Cask #101000389
58.1% abv
from Islay
PALATE: Sweet hickory smoke permeates the palate, complemented by honey drizzled on pear slices. A hint of fiery spice brings further intrigue to this layered palate, in the form of Szechuan pepper.
FINISH: A slightly tannic, floral finish with citrus notes – like taking a sip of Lady Grey tea from a china teacup.
12 yo 2009 Orkney
Cask #5
56.4% abv.
From Orkney
PALATE: More rich, red fruits: cranberry sauce and candied raisins. Thick manuka honey mingles with cinnamon spice and candied orange peel.
FINISH: The sherry has clearly influenced this dram but has not overpowered the spirit – a beautiful peppery honey finish with more fruit, some fudge sauce and baking spice.
11 yo 2011 Craigellachie
This Single Malt was distilled at Craigellachie distillery in 2011 and aged for more than 11 years in a single Sherry butt, yielding 657 bottles. This Craigellachie has its signature earthy style balanced by the sweetness of stewed fruit and toffee.
Cask#900095
53.6% abv.
654 Bottles
N O S E
Baked apples – charred and caramelized in the oven then served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and slices of banana. A spoonful of fig conserve with layers of pepper.
P A L A T E
Sticky date pudding combines with darkened toffee sauce. Rich notes of stewed plum sprinkled with muscovado sugar and a crack of black pepper create deep layers of silky sweetness with touches of zest. Spicy Oak is joined by rich riverbank earth.
F I N I S H
Pepper softens into dark chocolate and freshly brewed coffee.
11 yo 2011 Clynelish
This Single Malt was distilled at Clynelish distillery in 2011 and aged for more than 11 years in a single barrel, yielding 189 bottles. This Clynelish is a buttery whisky with notes of chocolate and warming spices.
Cask#800285
55.8% abv.
186 Bottles
N O S E
Velvety vanilla custard is joined by rich, luscious caramel. Freshly baked croissants – buttery and bready gives a homey feel. Warm spice lingers in the background.
P A L A T E
Buttery caramel chews with fresh vanilla cream poured over juicy ripe peach, nectarine, and apricot. Sandalwood and chocolate covered crystallized ginger provide a welcome zing to the fruity, buttery sweetness.
F I N I S H
Sandalwood fades to leave cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Cocoa powder remains.
9 yo 2013 Laphroaig
This Single Malt was distilled at Laphroaig distillery in 2013 and aged for more than 9 years in a single hogshead, yielding 321 bottles. This Laphroaig gives a deep and rich smoke wonderfully counterbalanced by notes of licorice, mint, and chocolate.
Cask#188
58.2% abv.
318 Bottles
N O S E
Earthy and sweet. Pine resin is joined by sticky BBQ sauce. Sea spray and cooling mint leaves cut through the richness.
P A L A T E
Complex. Embers from a BBQ fire are layered with robust, tarry notes. Licorice and dark chocolate provide a luscious, earthy combination with the comforting flavors of black tea, lemon, and honey.
F I N I S H
Fire dissipates to leave white pepper and a depth of flavor from umami and eucalyptus.
16 yo 2016 Linkwood
This Single Malt was distilled at Linkwood distillery in 2006 and aged for more than 16 years in a single hogshead, yielding 305 bottles. This Linkwood treats you to orchard fruits and fresh citrus
Cask#801609
57.1% abv.
300 Bottles
N O S E
Orchard fruits – green apples and juicy pear. Peeled mandarin segments drizzled in Acacia tree honey. Dollops of freshly whipped cream with flecks of vanilla.
P A L A T E
Apples continue on the palate – but more apple pie, with buttery, flaky pastry. A spoonful of marmalade with earthy honey. Warming bread notes and fruity sweetness combined.
F I N I S H
A beautifully long dram, sweet citrus continues as the honey fades.
Reserve Casks Clynelish
Palate: Pear juice and chunks of tangy, bright pineapple explode on the palate. This is all accented by a truly buttery and mouth-coating character which allows for a wonderful complexity of flavor.
Finish: You are left with lots of fresh, sweet pineapple juice, a delicate floral note, and candied ginger.
Reserve Casks Laphroaig
Palate: Somewhat vegetal and herbaceous initially: notes of thyme, sage, and rosemary meld with black peppercorns, agave nectar, and hints of licorice boiled sweets.
Finish: Leaves a lingering impression of smoke and menthol.
Reserve Casks Linkwood
Palate: More pears appear on the palate – this time, stewed and served as a dessert with more delicious passionfruit and a drizzle of caramel sauce. There is a squeeze of fresh lemon zest and a slight herbaceous note.
Finish: This is a beautifully balanced dram that is equal in both length and intensity. Incredibly moreish – tropical fruits linger on with delicious citrus.