What Is an Independent Bottler? A Guide to Old Particular, Woodrow’s and More
Browse our shelves and you’ll see names like Old Particular, Càrn Mòr, Gordon & MacPhail, Murray McDavid and Woodrow’s of Edinburgh sitting next to the famous distillery brands. These are independent bottlers – and they’re where whisky fans find some of the most exciting, unusual and good-value bottles in Scotland.
What is an independent bottler?
An independent bottler doesn’t usually make the whisky itself. Instead, it buys casks of whisky from distilleries, matures or finishes them, and bottles them under its own label. The distillery name is normally still on the bottle – so you might see a Bunnahabhain, a Royal Brackla or a Tamdhu, but bottled by someone else.
Why buy independent bottlings?
- Single casks and small batches. Many independent bottlings come from a single cask, so there may only be a few hundred bottles in the world.
- Distilleries you rarely see. Lots of Scottish distilleries make whisky mainly for blends and seldom release their own single malts. Independent bottlers let you taste them.
- Different ages and casks. You can try a familiar distillery at an age or in a cask type the distillery doesn’t offer.
- Often bottled naturally. Many independent releases are bottled without added colour or chill-filtration, and some at cask strength.
Independent bottlers to know – and bottles to try
Douglas Laing – Old Particular
Glasgow-based Douglas Laing’s Old Particular range is made up of single cask releases. Try the Old Particular Bunnahabhain 15, Deanston 15 or Tamdhu 15. Don’t miss our very own Whiski Shop exclusive Old Particular North British 18 Year Old grain whisky (£77.50) – only available from us.
Douglas Laing also makes the blended malts Big Peat and Rock Island.
Woodrow’s of Edinburgh
An Edinburgh bottler releasing small batches and single casks. Try Woodrow’s Royal Brackla 15 Year Old (£98).
Gordon & MacPhail
One of the oldest names in independent bottling, based in Elgin. Their Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old (£55.95) from the Discovery range is a smoky style of Bunnahabhain, unusual for a distillery best known for unpeated whisky.
Murray McDavid
Specialists in cask finishing. The Linkwood 9 Year Old Port and Sherry Cask Finish (£69.95) is a UK exclusive.
Duncan Taylor – The Octave
The Octave series finishes whisky in small “octave” casks for extra cask influence. Try The Octave Glentauchers 2009 12 Year Old.
Lady of the Glen and Càrn Mòr
Two more names behind some fantastic single casks. Try Lady of the Glen Teaninich 10. Càrn Mòr releases from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers sell out quickly – keep an eye on our new arrivals.
FAQs
Are independent bottlings as good as distillery bottlings?
They can be every bit as good – and sometimes better. Because they’re often single casks, each one is different, which is part of the fun.
Why are some independent bottlings so limited?
A single cask only produces a few hundred bottles, so once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Do independent bottlings make good gifts?
Yes, especially for whisky lovers who already “have everything”. A single cask or shop exclusive is something they won’t find in the supermarket.
