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.
Reserve Casks 11 yo Benrinnes
A small batch of four refill butts from Benrinnes distillery has been used to create this Speyside Single Malt, distilled in 2012 and aged for eleven years.
This thick, heavy spirit produced at this Speyside distillery lends itself to long ageing, giving a full and creamy mouthfeel and rounded fruit flavors.
48%
Nose: Rich, dark chocolate is joined by juicy raisins and sticky dates. Baked pears soaked in vanilla syrup with a spoon of blackcurrant jam sit with a freshness from lemon zest atop whipped cream.
Palate: Honeycomb pieces dipped in milk chocolate sits alongside coffee and warming ginger spice. Dried fruit with brown sugar and orange oil are layered with cinnamon spice and polished Oak.
Finish: Nectarines and ground ginger intermingle to create a long-lasting end.
Reserve Casks 12 yo Caol Ila
A small batch of six hogsheads from Caol Ila distillery has been used to create this Islay Single Malt, distilled in 2010 and aged for twelve years.
Hiding at the bottom of the cliffs by Port Askaig on Islay’s eastern shore, Caol Ila has a reputation for producing smoky, maritime whiskies of elegance and poise.
48% abv
Nose: Rich BBQ smoked cherries poached in wine. Tropical fruit juice cuts through peppery notes of Cinnamon and sticky caramel – combining to create depth of flavour through layers of smoke.
Palate: BBQ smoke turns more to bonfire with driftwood and hints of sea air. Charred mackerel served with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of spice is contrasted against Bramble tea. A luscious spoonful of marmalade hides in the background.
Finish: Lovely and long. Fruit fades to leave a more floral note – rose petal with a hint of crystallised ginger.
Reserve Casks 12 yo Macduff
A small batch of three Sherry Butts from Macduff distillery has been used to create this Highland Single Malt, distilled in 2011, and aged for 12 years. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Banffshire, Macduff distillery is renowned for their delicate and harmonious flavors, embodying the spirit of their serene, coastal origins.
48%
NOSE: Balanced mix of orchard fruits, green apple, and pear. Light honey sweetness alongside faint coastal saltiness.
PALATE: Sweet malt and honey mix with baked apple, pear, and hints of orange zest. Subtle white pepper spice and a touch of hazelnut.
FINISH: Soft Oak and a lingering, gentle saltiness.
1997 26 yo Ardmore Cask #901311
Distilled at Ardmore distillery in 1997 and aged for 26 years in a re-charred hogshead, which yielded a total of 235 bottles. Situated on the outskirts of Kennethmont, built by Adam Teacher in 1898, this distillery creates a balanced spirit with spice, fudge, and smoke.
49.9% abv.
COLOR: Mahogany
NOSE: Sophisticated smoke is balanced by an abundance of white grapes. Bright fruits develop into creamier stone fruits with a hint of toffee candy. Earthy spice brings complexity and balance.
PALATE: The gentle smoke continues and has developed a layer of char, with notes of grilled sweet peaches and smoked meats. Elegant smoke is balanced by a fresh, green apple, generously dipped in caramel.
FINISH: Long and warming, a refined smoke finish.
Director’s Special 1996 27 yo Ben Nevis Cask #1744
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.
Only 228 bottles were produced from a single hogshead of Ben Nevis Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which was distilled in 1996 and aged for more than 27 years.
49.5% abv.
NOSE: Matcha chocolate with lychee and raspberry leaf combine with aromatic wood spice. Honeyed citrus and ripe guava hint at a dense, oily palate.
PALATE: Wonderfully dense with flavors of dried mango and peach juice, counter- balanced by herbal notes of bay leaf and tarragon. Blood orange and grapefruit start to come through while a background of nutmeg and white chocolate provide depth.
FINISH: The oily texture seems to linger on the tongue with cinnamon and dark honey while the grapefruit becomes more pronounced.
2010 13 yo Benrinnes Cask #307467
Distilled at Benrinnes distillery in 2010 and aged for 13 years in a refill hogshead, which yielded a total of 289 bottles. This thick, heavy spirit produced at this Speyside distillery lends itself to long aging, giving a full and creamy mouthfeel and rounded fruit flavors.
53.6% abv.
COLOR: Rose gold
NOSE: Soft, inviting orchard fruits followed by an intense maltiness. Delicate floral notes, heather honey, and a hint of citrus zest.
PALATE: Light orange and honey with the malt character shining through. Baked apples and apricot jam with a background spice; mainly white pepper. The cask influence is understated, allowing the distillery character to shine through.
FINISH: Pleasingly long with lingering notes of honey, spice, and a citrus peel bitterness.
2008 16 yo Blair Athol Cask #700071
Distilled at Blair Athol distillery in 2008 and aged for 16 years in a refill barrel, which yielded a total of 178 bottles. Tucked into the central Perthshire town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol creates a weighty spirit with a nutty, malted character. A real treat to find as a Single Malt, owing to its popularity in blends.
COLOR: Pale Amber
NOSE: An intense, perfumed nose of orange blossom and baked lemon, warming into peach cobbler and rich butter biscuits. White pepper spice lingers.
PALATE: Ripe, juicy stone fruits with the baked lemon becoming brighter and zestier. The spice continues, with a drop of water bringing out a richer caramel undertone, joined by malt forward notes of uncooked dough, giving body.
FINISH: Pleasingly long, the dry spice continues long after the dram has gone.
2011 12 yo Dailuaine Cask #790
Distilled at Dailuaine distillery in 2011 and aged for 12 years in a Sherry butt, which yielded a total of 680 bottles. This rarely seen Single Malt is known for its bold and robust style, attributed to its long fermentation and swift distillation. It was the first distillery in Scotland to boast a pagoda-style roof, from the early 1890s.
58.9% abv.
COLOR: Amber
NOSE: Intensely fragrant, with ripe nectarine and newly cut flower stems. Freshly malted grain notes dominate, and a subtle note of white chocolate starts to appear.
PALATE: Unctuous, with mouth-watering overripe peach, accompanied by summer lemon. Floral notes are in full bloom and the freshly malted grain has been toasted and covered in butter.
FINISH: A buttery, cheek filling textured finish.
2005 18 yo Ledaig Cask #300347
Distilled at Ledaig distillery in 2005 and aged for 18 years in a refill hogshead, which yielded a total of 243 bottles. From the Gaelic, meaning ‘safe haven’, Ledaig is the old name for Tobermory distillery. This dram exemplifies the smoky whisky it produces with flavors of earth and tarred rope.
59.3% abv.
COLOR: Amber
NOSE: A bold, earthy nose with deep, sweet smoke and a distinctly medicinal edge. Savory-sweet aromas of smoky bacon and soft, lush fruits with top notes of salt rimmed limes.
PALATE: Full bodied with sweeter, sherry-soaked fruit notes. The robust, iodine smoke continues to envelop the palate, mingling with flavors of charred wood and a touch of dark chocolate.
FINISH: Long and warm, accented by cocoa powdered smoke that invites another sip.