Best of the Rest
This week in Best of the Rest it’s all about some uncommon new releases…
Of Particular Interest
Whisky Magazine today reported a release from independent bottlers Douglas Laing that we’re particularly interested in. The Old Particular series of single cask single grain Scotch whiskies, launching with:
- Cameronbridge 25 Years Old
- Girvan 25 Years Old
- North British 21 Years Old
- Strathclyde 27 Years Old
The Old Particular range is not new in itself but previously featured only single malt whiskies. Fred Laing of Douglas Laing reflected on years of ‘educating’ the whisky space on the too often overlooked grain whisky sector of the industry. The four in this release showcase some of the finest on offer.
We make no secret of being extremely excited about the single grain movement; our own Borders Single Grain currently finishing in Oloroso sherry casks to achieve the perfect representation of what our future Borders Distillery will craft. So, of course, we’re looking forward to getting our hands on the Old Particular grain series and further our ‘grain education’.
Very Old
Another famous name in independent bottling caught the attention of likely every whisky fan. Gordon & MacPhail announced a 75 year old Mortlach, distilled in 1939. After the release of a 70 year old Mortlach, distilled the previous year in 1938, 5 years ago we wonder if this is now the oldest whisky to be bottled? We asked them. They’ve remained tight lipped.
The 75 year old comes in 100 crystal decanters at £20,000 each.
Image via Glencairn Glass
Relatively New
While Gordon & MacPhail promote old and rare, Barcardi’s MacDuff Distillery are celebrating their ‘comparatively’ young heritage beginning in 1960. A new release of 3 Speyside single malts named The Deveron 10, 12, and 18 years old, in green glass bottles.
What we like best about this release: Barcardi’s global marketing manager for single malts, Stephen Marshall’s comment:
People underestimate the quality of whisky that can be made at a comparatively modern distillery.
Well, at R&B with our distillery still only in the planning phases, we wholeheartedly agree.
