1770 products

Independent Bottlings

    Adelphi Laudale 12 Year Old Batch 6 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Distilled at Dailuaine
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Batch 6 is Adelphi's first release of Laudale in close to two years. The series showcases some of Scotland's most heavily sherried expressions and on sight alone, this bottling is no exception. The source is disclosed as Dailuaine. 2100 bottles are on offer globally. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... Lyles golden syrup, flambeed orange, demerara sugar, ginger nut biscuits, cinnamon churros with salted caramel sauce.

    1982 Adelphi Miltonduff 40 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $1499. 00
    Bottle
    $17988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50.4%

    224 cask strength bottles from a single refill Bourbon hogshead make up this venerable release, one of the oldest Miltonduffs on record. During its prolonged maturation, the distillery changed ownership three times. Famed for its robust and oily character that's used in large part in the Ballantine’s blends, official bottlings were rare until 2017 when it was included in a new range called the 'Ballantines Single Malt Series'. At the time of writing, we have one bottle only. 50.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Collectable.

    Adelphi The Glover 6th Edition 6 Year Old Cask Strength Blended Malt Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $280. 00
    Bottle
    $3360.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.6%

    Another Adelphi Fusion project involving an international collaboration: This year's combines peaty Ardnamurchan with the slightly oily character of Japan's Chichibu. The whisky was aged for six years. As with the previous releases, it's named after Thomas Blake Glover who worked in Japan as a merchant and diplomat in the 19th to early 20th centuries - best known for his contribution to the industrialisation of the country. 460 bottles. 57.6% Alc./Vol.

    2010 Adelphi Diamond Single Cask 13 Year Old Cask Strength Guyana Rum (700ml)
    GUYANA
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 61.3%

    An all-natural expression from the famous Guyanese producer, The Diamond Distillery, also known as Demerara Distillers Ltd. They're the same company responsible for the stunning El Dorado range. It's believed that this was made using the Port Mourant wooden pot still before maturing in x-Bourbon casks and bottling in 2023 at 61.3% Alc./Vol. The outturn was 241 bottles. Non chill filtered.

    2010 Adelphi Inchgower 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.4%

    One of our favourite lesser-known Speysiders, Inchgower often shows a touch of coastal character and waxiness aligning it with several North Coast distillates. Maturation in a Palo Cortado sherry butt makes this edition a variation on classic sherried styles with one taster describing it as "...a creamy-sweet sherry board with full fruit that is pleasant and lovely... you can really notice the cream sherry." 57.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Adelphi The Sandebud 6 Year Old Fusion Cask Strength Whisky (700ml)
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.9%

    Adelphi achieves another world first in this cask strength fusion. The fifth in a series is a combination of two sherry barrels of six year old malt from Adelphi's own distillery, 'Ardnamurchan' and two barrels of Swedish single malt distilled at 'High Coast', drawn from x-Bourbon barrels. All whiskies in the mix were peated. Named, 'Sändebud' a Swedish word meaning 'envoy' or 'emissary', it's an appropriate title for this whisky, which is dedicated to Colin Campbell, a Scottish lawyer born in the 17th century who moved to Sweden in 1731 and set up the Swedish East India Company bringing huge trade and wealth to his adopted country. 1176 bottles at 58.9% ABV are on offer globally. Due to the limited allocation and expected high demand, this is limited to one per customer.

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Mild smoked mackerel, Arbroath smokies, Fisherman's Friends, ground ginger... Dried fruits, bbq smoke slight sweetness. Palate: Smoke, salt, ash, hawthorn berries... Finish: Spices leading to fruity finish. The perfect balance of Scottich and Swedish flavour and a great balance between bourbon and sherry.

    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    2009 Ardmore Artist Collective 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $150.00
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    At 12-14 ppm, Ardmore has always offered a smokey malt, sourcing its peat from Saint-Fergus, a village in Aberdeenshire. Right from the start, this bottling prepares the ground for a tasting whose theme is multi-faceted peat. It was even matured in x-Islay Bourbon casks - and according to the bottlers, fans should find some similarities with Laphroaig. Expect an archetypal Ardmore that's also deeply malty and minerally. Originally an exclusive for the French retailer, La Maison du Whisky. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... the unctuous initial nose reveals notes of gum arabica and an oily, floral peat (dandelion). Allowed to breathe, barley grains appear alongside candied lemon and juicy pear. Medicinal and camphoric, gradually it becomes ashy and mineral (slate). With lots of vitality, the attack boasts an impressive herbaceous freshness (mint). The peat is perfectly integrated into the heart of the taste palette. The chiselled start of the finish wavers between tarry and salty (seaweed) flavours. The very expressive empty glass reveals farmyard aromas (straw).

    • 92
    • Reduced
    Benrinnes Flora & Fauna 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $170.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    "Admirable - that they would have kept this very unusual fat malt within the range." - whiskyfun.com

    Benrinnes mavens will know that the distillery started a two-and-a-half distillation from 1974 (similar to Springbank), producing what's been described as "a rather-Mortlach-like meaty spirit" that's also been compared with Clynelish. In 2007 they changed back to a double distillation, however the set up maintains a few production quirks like Mortlach. In addition, Benrinnes is one of the last to use traditional worm tubs for condensation. The Flora & Fauna bottling represents some of last remaining distillate from the 'two-&-a-half-times' era, and epitomises the house style as a heavier malt, matured primarily in European oak. It's one of those sherried styles where the richness of the malt and the sherry find symmetry. This bottling also captures some of that beefy character often associated with the distillery. Rich dried fruitcake flavours feature in a full-bodied delivery, complexed by hints of port-soaked tobacco, malt extract, fruit'n'nut dark chocolate, coffee cake and peppery warmth. The distinctive - almost chewy - mouthfeel is perhaps the defining element here, and retasting over several days found the whisky continued to improve. Kudos to Diageo for bottling Benrinnes at what feels like an appropriate age. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Right, not totally randomly. Last time I tried this expression that was around the year 2000 (WF 83). A worthy aperitif yet again, I hope. Colour: gold. Nose: there, no truce this time, the whistle blows and we’re in action. Tallow and marrow, parsley, bouillons, ham, onion soup, dry sherry, plus most certainly some umami as well as the 6th aroma, the aroma/taste of fat, which is called oleogustus, apparently (sounds a bit like dog Latin, no?) There’s also a thing called kokumi, but we still need to check that. Mouth: so, kokumi and oleogustus (joking only a bit) and a huge fatness indeed, rarely to be experienced with any whiskies. In short, more tallow and marrow, ground coffee, salt, miso, and Maggi. Spectacular, but perhaps a little unlikely at times. Finish: long, very meaty and salty. Chorizo and beef juice. Really. Comments: totally odd – and admirable - that they would have kept this very unusual fat malt within the range. Perhaps more a sauce than malt whisky, after all. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

    1991 Berry Bros & Rudd Springbank 26 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Campbeltown, SCOTLAND
    $6999. 00
    Bottle
    $83988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 44.9%

    Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

    A very desirable Springa' distilled in 1991, then bottled by Berry Brothers & Rudd from single cask #455 in 2018. The company's spirits buyer, Doug McIvor has a reputation for high class barrel picks. This one comes with positive reviews. There's no reference to the kind of cask used, nor is the number of bottles produced stated. Non chill filtered and cask strength at 44.9% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... A complex nose of orange blossom and rose water, interwoven with brine, apricot jam, white pepper and lemon oil. Butterscotch, salted caramel and damp ash appear on the palate initially, with over-ripe orange, tinned pineapple, ginger and a whiff of peat building with time. The finish is long, with wood smoke and brine. Quite beguiling.

    2006 Cadenheads Small Batch Ord 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58%

    Another sleepy Diageo distillery which has been trickling out official bottlings since 2002. Honeyed malt, milk chocolate and hints of orange typify Ord's easy drinking style, but this cask-strength youngster should pack a punch. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2016 from two ex-Bourbon casks with an out-turn of 612 bottles. 58% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... “Chewy and mouth coating syrup. Cold meats and mellower waxy note with honey. Finish: Honeycomb, lemon, syrup and fruity notes coming through.”

    Cadenheads Original Collection Jura 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Isle of Jura, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Although the original Jura was founded in the early 1800s, the rebuilt operation is now a classic 1960s distillery, one of many that emerged in that boom period. According to Cadenhead's, a light smoky character can be found in this oily textured whisky, accompanied by flavours like applewood and vanilla developing into meaty notes (salted beef), juicy prunes, mango and fruity chewing gum. Sounds delicious. Maturation in a Manzanilla sherry cask seems a fitting match for Jura's coastal style! 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Cadenheads Original Collection Knockdhu 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Knockdhu is better known as AnCnoc to most whisky lovers. This independent release from Cadenhead’s comes matured in a mix of 30% Bourbon and 70% Madeira casks, so anticipate a less-dry style, though perhaps not as sweet as you might expect. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... Nose: Rich and deep aroma of orchard fruits - on a sunny afternoon in late Autumn. Playful notes of earthy spices and soft oakiness in the background. With time malt as well as freshly baked cinnamon rolls covered with a generous dollop of vanilla frosting. Taste: Medium body and not at all as sweet as expected from what the nose revealed. Dry-ish and rather oaky - but with little to no astringency. The orchard fruits are still here though. Finish: Medium to short finish. A rich maltiness makes an appearance. Remains fruity throughout. Hints of grapes, lime zest and ginger towards the very finish line. - whiskysaga.com

    2008 Cadenheads Small Batch Miltonduff 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56%

    A 2008 distillation, bottled way back in 2019 by Cadenheads, but only just landed in Australia. Drawn from four x-Bourbon hogsheads and bottled at natural strength it's described as a bit of a fruit bomb. Miltonduff is another distillery in Pernod Ricard's growing portfolio with a style that tends towards a fresh, citrusy distillate that goes into the Ballantine's blends. 1116 bottles are on offer. As with all Cadenhead Small Batch expressions, the whisky is non-chill filtered with no added colouring.

    Other reviews... This one from 4 casks, so singularities may have been erased this time. Colour: white wine. Nose: the AC was clearly superior, this is rather a fruity, easy, syrupy one. Sugarcane, green bananas, ripe plums, pancake syrup… With water: whiffs of fruity ale now. Sweet dough, brioche from this morning, apple peel… Mouth (neat): in a way it is spectacular. A true fruit bomb, full of very ripe plums, bananas and pineapples. It is almost some liqueur, you would almost believe someone’s added a lot of muscovado sugar, which was obviously not the case. Unless, unless… I am joking. With water: still sweet, but with fine herbal notes, peelings, some hay… Finish: medium, thick and syrupy. Is it possible to make some liqueur out of bamboo shoots? More sweet ale in the aftertaste, IPA… Comments: I still prefer Cadenhead’s single cask, by far, but this one really doesn’t cheat either. 85 points - whiskyfun.com

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Crisp and dry, Portuguese tarts, vanilla pods and white chocolate. Palate: Faint lime pickle, coconut, whole ginger and olive oil. Green apple skins, hint of soya sauce with mint and fennel. Finish: Cappuccino, almond butter, sweetcorn and growing creaminess. Very refreshing.

    2013 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Benriach 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    A young Benriach matured in an ex-sherry butt. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2022. 1805 bottles were produced. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the importer... Lifted Christmas pudding aromas from the glass, with burnt butter and toffee. Warming oak spices fill the palate and a gentle oiliness helps ensure a long and fruity finish. 

    2013 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Craigellachie 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    A young and feisty Craigellachie matured in select European Oak casks for over eight years. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2022, the outturn was 1173 bottles. Expect something savoury, yet rich and spicy with touches of caramel and burnt orange, and a whiff of an earthy smokiness. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 92
    2013 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Williamson (Distilled at Laphroaig) 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    This is a follow up release (one year older) from the previous Carn Mor bottling of the same provenance. If you're a little confused, yes, it is Laphroaig, only labelled under another name. Islay icon, Bessie Williamson was the first female distillery manager at Laphroaig, and the first woman to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century. We can only assume that the Williamson title is been adopted by independents in order to differentiate their product from the 'lesser' and now ubiquitous 'supermarket' Laphroaigs. Carn Mor have bottled theirs after nine years. Even though the outturn is over double last year's, Australia gets just one small allocation. Matured in a hogshead, the aromas slowly build with ginger root, smoked ham hock and sweet malt. The palate is emphatically Islay, though not without some restraint. Flavours of chimney soot, seaweed, smokey mezcal and bitter chocolate effortlessly glide across the tongue. At 47.5% ABV it's a step up from many official releases, but it's still no heavyweight. From an outturn of 1798 bottles. Non chill filtered.

    • 93
    2011 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Pulteney 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    A vintage dated dram aged for eleven years in first-fill Bourbon barrels (thought to be from Maker’s Mark distillery). From the initial whiffs of brine and salted water crackers, to the flavours of dried apple and vanilla, the slightly waxy overlay, mouthfilling texture and tangy finish - this genuinely captures the distillery's coastal style with an intensity lacking in many official bottlings. Simply lovely Pulteney. 1182 bottles on offer. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Like a sea breeze. Aromas of salinity are underpinned by aromas of citrus rind, light toffee, honeysuckle, vanilla and clean malt. TASTE: Creamy and full-bodied, featuring flavours of vanilla ice cream, sweet oak, salted caramel, lemon marmalade and malty biscuits. FINISH: Medium long, this finish offers notes of buttery brazil nuts, more toffee and drying oak. A little peppery spice lingers.

    • 90
    2009 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Tamnavulin 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    After the Glenlivet, Tamnavulin was the second distillery to be built in the glen of the River Livet. The Whyte & Mackay owned venture has been behind the rest of the market when it comes to official releases - it wasn't until around 2020 that a core range became available. Tamnavulin's six stills are large, the fermentations short and the distillate tends to be light and cereal accented, sometimes with a touch of grassiness. This one was matured in American oak and has a pleasing sweetness throughout, enhanced by a greater than usual sense of purity. The finish is light but peppery making for uncomplicated everyday drinking, only with more oomph than you might expect from this distillery. 1185 bottles produced. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... Traditional sherbert lemon candy, sweet, tangy and effervescent.

    • 92
    2011 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Glentauchers 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    Our shelves have been bereft of Glentauchers for some time now, so nice to see this obscure malt make a return. A long-time blend filler for Teachers and Ballantines, official bottlings have been scarce. In 2015, a fifteen-year-old was launched, however, owners Pernod Ricard have been reluctant to follow up. In middle age, drawn from Bourbon barrels, the house style typically offers floral and fruity aromas and flavours alongside honey, roasted nuts and chocolate. This one's Amontillado sherry matured which seems to have amplified the nutty character. Otherwise, a proper malt lovers malt - rich, rounded and dappled with cocoa - all the expected flavours ring true for an introduction to the house style and remain salient with water. 1496 bottles. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... Crushed Amaretti biscuits and mascarpone over stewed apricots.

    1997 Carn Mor "Celebration of the Cask" Glen Grant 24 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $450. 00
    Bottle
    $5400.00 Dozen
    ABV: 51.4%

    A well-aged Glen Grant, distilled on the 10th of July 1997 and matured in bourbon barrel 95650 before being bottled on the 2nd of May 2022 at natural cask strength. We have a small allocation from the total release of 197 bottles. 51.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: tropical fruit, gingerbread and citrus with flowering heather and nutty aromas. Palate: tropical fruit and heather honey with nuts and ripe red fruit aromas. Finish: warming with ginger and sticky toffee pudding.

    • Nick's Import
    2016 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Mannochmore 6 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 58.2%
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.2%

    This is close enough to a repeat on a previous Claxton's release (same age and maturation), the only difference being it's slightly higher ABV. The earlier cask was a precocious balancing act considering it was one of the youngest Mannochmore's ever bottled. Expect the same here. Be quick if you're keen - the outturn was just fifty bottles. Decanted from a refill ruby port octave. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich with pastry and spices. Dark fruits. Cedar wood. PALATE: Rich and warming. Waves of sweet fruits and oak. FINISH: Dessert-like finish with dark, ripe fruit and oak.

    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Caol Ila 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $190. 00
    Bottle
    $2280.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.4%

    Those who enjoy Caol Ila's Distiller's Edition bottling (Moscatel finish) may find similar pleasures in this expression from a PX sherry octave. Not quite ten years old, but as they say, "valour does not depend upon age" - especially true when it comes to this distillery. 58.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. 68 bottles only.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich Sherry and fruit with a thick wave of smoke at the edges. Cherry candy. PALATE: Sweet and fruity at first. The peat is intermingled with oak and Sherry notes. FINISH: Long and elegant. Perfect balance of thick oak and sherry flavours.

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Dailuaine 9 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    One of the better Dailuaines to come our way in recent times, this youthful, NCF, high abv bottling delivers a thick, oily malt bearing hints of ripe papaya, air-brushed with puffs of smoke that are more salient as the palate progresses. The finish is drier than the mid-palate stage and almost ashy, like some Ardmores. As an introduction to peated styles this is ideal; for seasoned whisky buffs it will be a throwback to smokey Highlanders of yesteryear. Also reminiscent of Johnnie Walker Green Label - as it was decades back. Double ex-Islay cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Malt and sweet ash. Baked seaweed. Vanilla pastry. PALATE: Sweet and peaty at first. Malty and cereal notes with some oak. FINISH: Mild peat on the finish. A soft and malty finish.

    • 94
    • Nick's Import
    2016 Claxton's Exploration Series Campbeltown 6 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Campbeltown, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    As with the previous release, only whiskies from the Campbeltown Peninsula make it into this bottling - so that's Springbank, Glen Scotia and possibly Glengyle. The proportions are not disclosed, meaning it could also be just a teaspoon of one added to a cask of any of the above. PX sherry matured and bottled at the right time to capture a succulent, tongue-coating, sweeter-styled malt that retains a delicate saline / coastal freshness; a hint of tangy orange peel and chocolate gets the balance near perfection. Even at just six years old, there is something special about this region's whiskies. You'll find it hard to stop at one. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Toffee. Vanilla - marzipan. Prunes. Raisins in syrup PALATE: Sweet and malty. Lots of fruit and dessert flavours. Strudel. FINISH: Sweet and satisfying finish. Fudge with raisins in the aftertaste.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2017 Claxton's Exploration Series Islay 5 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Another 50% ABV flavour hit. Despite the provenance, the peat is dialled down allowing the soft stone fruits to get a showing. The texture is mouthwatering and comes with a keen sense of cured meats; Rich cereals are the keynote. Oily peat rises through the finish, but never asserts first place. The overall effect is very pleasing - perfect for drinkers who don't mind a wisp of smoke in their whisky. Bourbon cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Currants with samphire. Very coastal – smoked mackerel. Brazil nuts. PALATE: More samphire/seaweed notes with a salty-sweet kick (sweet peppers). FINISH: Salty-tingly finish. Smoked meats on the finish.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Peated Billy G 9 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $125. 00
    Bottle
    $1500.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Claxton's are turning out some lovely teaspooned malts, like this full-bodied, fruity and beautifully rounded edition that's bursting with zing and texture. ‘Billy G’ is a pseudonym for William Grant, which is where the spirit originally comes from but we're not allowed to name it due to cask covenants. The juiciness of the malt conjures red apple, ripe pear and dried mango. The peat is barely discernible, except at the very end, while the freshness of the delivery brings a Summertime feel. Sometimes a whisky as straightforward and delicious as this is all you want and need. Bourbon cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Floral and buttery. Vanilla cream. Soft spiciness. PALATE: Sweet dessert flavours. Again creamy and buttery. FINISH: Long finish with some unexpected ripe fruit in the aftertaste.

    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Benrinnes 9 Year Old Tawny Port Barrique Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    A curious Benrinnes characterised by dark chocolate, toasted grains and an interesting scorched hazelnut / marzipan note. The finish has more port pick up as dried cranberries and chocolate come to the fore. Rich and viscous through the aftertaste, but not exactly your mainstream port-matured profile. When you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary... 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Icing sugar – wedding cake. Heather. Spiced fruits. PALATE: Soft and fruity. Some wine-notes with spicy-fruitcake. FINISH: Lots of fruit and spice. Finish like a minced-pie/fruitcake.

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    2018 Claxton's Exploration Series Glenglassaugh 4 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    There is already a superb purity and poise to this north-east Highland toddler, with its simplicity more than compensated by a creamy mouthfeel and the expressiveness of its one-punch flavour profile. Medium long and medium spicy, time in sweet wine barriques has tempered the latent feisty-fruitiness. With a small addition of water, some east coast brine becomes evident. Rich, malty, big-hearted and fun. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Custard sweetness - trifle. Barley sugar. Hint of grape-sweetness. PALATE: Soft and sweet. More sweet grape notes and oak spice. FINISH: More custard sweetness on the finish. Nice mix of oak and barley.

    Other reviews... Boy is this one young! Even younger, and it would be a kilogram of barley plus a glass of Sauternes. Some kind of finishing without any primary maturation in other words (come on, S.) but don't get me wrong, I very well know these modern babies can be super-good. Colour: gold. Nose: this is pure pastry, custard tarte, crema catalana, mirabelle liqueur, white chocolate, banana cake… With water: a tad more on croissants and brioches. And a small kougelhopf while we are at it. Mouth (neat): more sweet wine influence, as well as more spices, peppercorns, touches of ginger and cinnamon from the oak (I suppose it was French oak but many are also using Slovenian or Hungarian oak – same species though). Big pink gooseberries, oranges, plums… With water: more sweet maltiness, but indeed a sémillon-side too. Perhaps a tiny bit of pineapple? Finish: medium, on pastries, ripe bananas, custard, more white chocolate, a drop of muscat… The oak feels a little bit in the aftertaste. Comments: very good, of course, but the real achievement here is to make our guts (or hearts) believe it's ten years old, while our brain knows it's only four. Well done. 83 points - whiskyfun.com

    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Blair Athol 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.8%

    Young Blair Athol, STR Barrique matured (shaved, toasted & re-charred), so this should boast plenty of sweet fruit and rich oak flavour. From an outturn of 313 bottles. 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich malt. Vanilla. Cream soda. Fruit salad with Golden Syrup. PALATE: Juicy, rich/ripe fruits. Sweetness from the malt and oak. Warming. FINISH: Dessert-like finish with perfect balance of oak sweetness and fruitiness.

    • Nick's Import
    2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Orkney Islands 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 61.2%

    Scapa or Highland Park? Judging by Claxton's tasting notes, it's almost certainly the latter and reads like it's leaning towards HP's classic 'honey and smoke' profile. If youth is a concern, remember this distillate doesn't necessarily require long maturation to shine. From an outturn of 338 bottles. Refill hogshead matured. 61.2% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Sweet heather and peat bonfire. Custard cream biscuits. PALATE: Malty and honey at first before a wave of white pepper peatiness. FINISH: Long peppery finish with smoky honey waves in the aftertaste.

    • Nick's Import
    2006 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Cameronbridge 16 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Lowlands, SCOTLAND
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.1%

    From the oldest grain whisky distillery in Scotland (est.1824). Wheat is sourced from the east coast. Gin and vodka are also produced, with three Coffey stills and one Patent still currently in action. The house style is light, clean, fruity and flavourful, providing the backbone for Diageo's blends. Distilled in 2006 this spent 16 years in an Oloroso sherry octave which means it's probably not your standard grain profile, rather, one that's taken on some of the qualities of a sherry matured single malt. 65 bottles only. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • Nick's Import
    2010 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Tormore 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 62.4%

    Predominantly used in blends like Ballantines, Tormore has an easy-going feel that doesn't carry a lot of weight. For added interest, Claxton's have matured theirs in a refill oloroso sherry octave before bottling at a potent 62.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. 66 bottles only.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Brandy butter. Dry Sherry notes. Christmas pudding. PALATE: Sweet and dry. Bittersweet oak with rich spice and herbs. FINISH: Powerful finish with oak and sherry notes dominating. Long spicy aftertaste.

    • Nick's Import
    2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Balblair 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.1%

    Some have dubbed Balblair as "The fruitiest Highlander of them all", but will the oak and sherry be too much for the spirit’s fresh fruitiness in this example? With just 65 bottles available only a few will ever find out. Oloroso sherry octave matured. 56.1% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich oak and cream Sherry notes. Tannins. Stewed fruits. PALATE: Sweet and Sherried at first. Again big tannin hit. Bittersweet oak. FINISH: Bittersweet oak and Sherry notes. Lots of oak in the aftertaste.

    • Nick's Import
    2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Auchroisk 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.3%

    Another quite young whisky from a little-known distillery that indies often bottle. Sometimes it's worth it when the distillate is characterful, and sometimes it's not. Coming from Claxton's and matured in an oloroso sherry octave, this should err towards the former. One thing that's certain is its rarity. Just 59 bottles are available! 58.3% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    1996 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Speyside Distillery 26 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 49.2%

    Speyside distillery is located, unsurprisingly, in the Speyside region of Scotland. It's one of the newer distilleries but has already released a small range of official bottlings that include an 8 year old, 10 year old, 12 year old and a 15. Claxton's deliver a delicious, sulphur-free sherried expression with judicious wine input: Honey, caramel fudge and assorted dried fruits set a sweet tone on the nose, while the palate shows less ripe characteristics. The bottlers mention papaya - which is spot on; plus there's a little dried mango and elderflower following through. It's almost like a low peat Bowmore from decades back. As you might expect at this age, the balance at high ABV is excellent but there's also vibrancy to boot for a 26 year old. Sauternes barrique matured. 49.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Dried apricot and caramel. Sweet oak and vanilla. Herbal and musty. PALATE: Sweet oak and more dried fruits; papaya, apricot. Soft spiciness. FINISH: Oak-rich finish with fruit and tannin in equal measure.

    • 94
    • Nick's Import
    2011 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Arran "Peated" 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Isle of Arran, SCOTLAND
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.3%

    Arran takes a leaf out of Jura's playbook, producing a genuine pussycat: The peat feels like a delicate, translucent glaze over the barley, rather than an opaque layer but attains a harder line on the palate in an almost earthy, dry minerality that is rarely encountered in Scottish malts. The smoke mingles with bittersweet cocoa and dried grassy tones making for a fascinating, quasi-mezcal kind of experience. So soft and so unexpected. Islands, perhaps, but you'd never suspect it was from Arran. Bourbon barrel matured. 203 bottles. 56.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Heather honey (Mead). Rich vanilla. Herbal. PALATE: Mouth coating and moreish. Rich oak and honey. FINISH: Like a honey lozenge. Long, sweet oaky aftertaste.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    2015 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Benrinnes 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $160.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.8%

    Benrinnes is on the rise these days with indies bringing it to the attention of whisky lovers globally. That's justified by a typically high quality output, nowhere better demonstrated by young bottlings. In fact, it's doubtful a more youthful expression than this has ever been released. Tea biscuits, sponge cake and sweet malt are underscored by hints of apple pie and pineapple pudding. There's a pleasant tartness at the finish that adds authenticity and bite to the fruitiness. You can improve the balance with a splash of water, but unadulterated, this Benrinnes already boasts impressive body and a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. Matured in a refill Oloroso Sherry octave. 58.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Apple cider. Pine. Cloves and winter spices. PALATE: Sweet oak with rich barley and candy flavours. FINISH: Barley sugar sweets with spiky oak in the aftertaste.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    2010 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Tamnavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $220.00
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 54.8%

    Established in 1966 in response to the growing demand for malt whisky by blenders, Tamnavulin's market presence is quite recent. Owned by Whyte & Mackay, the distillery was pretty much closed from 1996 to 2007, so there are gaps in the inventory, which also explains why recent official bottlings have been NAS or vintage-dated releases. Independents are few and far between. This is another very tasty and spritely malt in the Claxton collection with a dry, chocolate-orange character from time in an oloroso octave. The aromas waver between vaguely citric, green wood notes to more defined raisin bread and dried fruits. The octave has significantly boosted the mouthfeel of what is generally a lightweight malt, finishing with cocoa, fruit cake and cinnamon spice. An affable sherried whisky that's on the sweeter side. 54.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Marzipan. Custard creams biscuits. Raisins in syrup. PALATE: Round and full. Sweet oak and syrup. Heavy Sherry notes. FINISH: Rich and warming. Waves of sweet oak and spice in the aftertaste.

    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2014 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Aberfeldy 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 55.1%

    Seldom found in sherry casks, this rare treat from Aberfeldy delivers an intense combination of malty-fruity flavours that suggest dark rum, Summer pudding and dry ginger ale. There is also a fantastic depth and spiciness not normally associated with this distillery. 50 bottles only! Refill oloroso sherry octave. 55.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Panettone. Brandy snaps. Ginger cake with icing sugar. PALATE: More ginger cake and brandy butter. Sweet oak and Sherry notes. FINISH: Long, oaky finish. Rich dessert flavours with ginger aftertaste.

    • 89
    • Nick's Import
    2012 Claxton's Exploration Series Glen Spey 10 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Lovely light to medium bodied malt with a faint grassiness throughout, more-so on the nose. Otherwise soft and accessible at 50%ABV, with suggestions of cracker biscuits, peppercorns and fruity dark chocolate evolving sequentially. Easygoing feel but slightly curtailed at the finish. Matured in a hogshead. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    2018 Claxton's Exploration Series Bunnahabhain 4 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen

    If this was average malt, you could accuse Claxton's of taking advantage bottling at such an extraordinarily young age. It is slightly green on the nose, but no question it's Bunnah' from the first whiff. There is a signature purity that follows onto the palate: Cream tea biscuits, semi-ripe pears, a trace of brine and mineral, wrapped up in an oily/waxy succulence that reminds you of good Inchgower or perhaps Pulteney. Thankfully it's unpeated, and from a fresh Bourbon barrel - so you get a full showing. When your distillate is this good, the question of age statements almost seems irrelevant. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2016 Claxton's Exploration Series Glen Elgin 6 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Initially a little disjointed and 'tense' but settles into a likeable whisky with some mocha and chocolate highlights leading into Ovaltine, malt milkshake, hints of bitter peel and dried fruit. Not bad at all for a youngster, though. An injection of Oloroso character at the end confirms the finishing was a success. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 90
    • Nick's Import
    2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Blair Athol 8 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $125. 00
    Bottle
    $1500.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Blair Athol stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. It has become an irreplaceable contributor to Bell's, one of the most popular blended whiskies in the UK. This high ABV version offers mellow, deep-toned aromas that are slightly buttery with an apricot edge and a typically vibrant, uncomplicated delivery that lines up well with the fruity distillery profile. Ripe cantaloupe and pineapple pudding flavours become more salient with air contact; fanning spices lift the finish. STR barrique matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    2006 Claxton's Exploration Series Cameronbridge 15 Year Old Single Cask Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Lowlands, SCOTLAND
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    At first taste this relatively young grain feels like the richer vanillas are just starting to get the better of underlying spices and astringency. Give it enough air contact and the aromas and flavours soften then expand with creaming soda, gold rum, Bourbon soaked vanillas and hints of poached pear and pineapple. Dried coconut and milk chocolate follow in an oily finish that extends the aftertaste. Defies expectations. A classic grain profile with both body and balance. Ruby Port cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2007 Claxton's Exploration Series Teaninich 15 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Big sherry is on offer in this full, rounded Teaninich where nutty oloroso is pitched against fruity distillate. We prefer the distillery style in its most classic form, from Bourbon casks, but this works surprisingly well, albeit if the oloroso almost obscures as much as it adds. Dried fruits and bitter peel give a tangy end to what is a very tasty young malt. Juice it up with a dash of water. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2009 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Ardmore 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 60.3%
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60.3%

    In terms of peat, one of the quieter Ardmores of recent tastings. Eminently drinkable, even for 'non smokers', the profile falls mainly in the rich, chocolatey spectrum. Gentle bitterness on the finish calls for water. Rounded and accessible. STR barrique matured. 60.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Toasted oak with a hint of Black Forest Gateau. Mild spiciness. PALATE: More peat than expected with a rich sweetness (oak, vanilla, syrup). FINISH: Sweet and syrupy with a slight peppery tingle in the aftertaste.

    • 90
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    2009 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Ardmore 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $165.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50.3%

    An old reliable in the smokey Highland category, only this one's a bit of a sleeper. At first taste, oddly light for a cask strength Ardmore, as if the octave has masked the usually effusive malt resulting in a whisky that's kind of smokey and kind of sherried, but ends up sitting on the fence. The effortless delivery and sheer drinkability make amends. Salt'n'pepper cracker biscuits adds a nice touch to the oily finish, too. Ideal pre-dinner dram. Just 69 bottles. 50.3% Alc.Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    2009 Claxton's Exploration Series Ardmore 12 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Apart from very discreet aromas of cured meats and wood smoke, this brandy cask finished Ardmore is more about dried fruit cake on the nose. Sweet peat is evident but cut back a notch on the palate too, instead, choc brownies and creamy malt feature, trailing off with salted crackers and a sweet, fruity note reminiscent of grilled pineapple. The brandy notes return in the aftertaste. A wonderfully tasty bottling that takes young Ardmore to new malty depths. STR barrique matured. 50% Alc./Vol Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... Brandy stewed apples, crème brulée, sweet peat, pineapple mint, bonfire embers.

Show 48 More

Movers and shakers in the distillery warehouse.

While distilleries are dedicated to the singular task of making spirit, selling it is another story. A portion will be reserved for blenders and official bottlings, but distillieries also swap and sell both new spirit and casks of fully mature whisky. This is where independent bottlers step in. In some cases, they're just enthusiasts wanting to try their hand in the whisky market. Mostly, however, casks are hand selected and purchased by professional brokers with large warehousing facilities. Once deemed mature, the whiskies are then bottled and marketed under an "independent' label.

There are close to one hundred indie bottlers currently working the Scotch whisky trade. One such bottler, Adelphi, discerningly nominate only 1 in 40 barrels for selection each year and from that, bottle only fifty single casks. A much older company, Cadenheads (founded in the 1840s) is legendary for their myriad single cask, cask-strength, non-chill-filtered whiskies and rums.

We have a huge selection of indie whiskies you can buy online.

Gordon & Macphail, Mackillop's Choice, Specialty Drinks, Signatory... the list goes on. Whichever you choose, chances are the independent bottler has gone to considerable effort to taste and select barrels with an emphasis on individuality, in other words, discovering a dram the offers an exciting contrast to the standard issue distillery house style.