Coldorak's whisky blog.
Reviews of whiskies from independent bottlers
After the recently reviewed Vallein Tercinier bottled by Malternative Belgium, we compare two Fins Bois cognacs from this well-known merchant. We’ll review an official single cask against one selected by Cognac Sponge, the cognac branch of Whisky Sponge and Decadent Drinks. Specifically, we’ll review the Vallein Tercinier Lot 96 and N.88 Cognac Sponge, both single casks from the Fins Bois cru.
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Today we explore miniatures I bought a few years ago but never got to, as I forgot about them in one of my whisky sample drawers. The first one is a Highland blended malt by Cobalt Brands, and the other one an undisclosed single malt bottled in 1986 by Eaglesome Ltd: let’s review the Usquaebach 15yo and 1986 Commonwealth Games 13yo.
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Today we compare a duo of Croftengea single casks. Croftengea, as you may know, is the name given to highly peated (50 ppm) single malt that is double distilled in straight-neck stills at Loch Lomond. It’s a really nice peaty profile and while I don’t actively seek out more of these, I always seize the opportunity to try them when available. So today, we put face to face two indy Croftengea 2007: Wemyss Malts vs North Star Spirits.
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It’s been a while since we last reviewed some malternatives on More Drams, so let’s dive into the malternative samples box and explore an Armagnac and a… not-Armagnac Swell de Spirits. We have a ‘classic’ Bas-Armagnac 1976 from Domaine de Jouatmaou, and a 2002 Domaine de Baraillon that, probably because of its finish in an ex-Long Pond rum cask previously used for Calvados, can no longer be called Armagnac. This should be interesting!
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The Single Cask Ltd. is a whisky shop, bar, and independent bottling company led by Ben Curtis, with operations in London and Singapore. Specialising in single cask whiskies – both single malt and single grain – bottled at natural cask strength. The independent bottling part was founded in 2010 and the Singapore bar opened in 2015. We review two single casks from… The Single Cask Ltd. , a Benrinnes 2012 and an Aultmore 2010.
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As I mark a small milestone with my 500th whisky review on More Drams, I wanted to celebrate with some special drams. Having never tried Littlemill until two weeks ago (thanks, Xavier!), I thought this would be the perfect occasion. Let’s enjoy a Littlemill NAS and two 1990 Cadenhead – My 500th whisky review!
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The Thompson Brothers are quite some busy men. On top of their strongly recognised whisky bar, their independent bottling operation (that interests us today and did in the past) and their Dornoch distillery, they’re now crowdfunding for their second and bigger distillery, Struie Distillery. And whilst I haven’t had the chance to try any Dornoch whisky yet, I had the chance to go have a few drams at the Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar a few years ago, and try a few of their independent bottlings. They’re very good at those activities, and judging from what I read, they’re good at doing whisky too. But for now, let’s stay on the Thompson’s independent bottling hat, with a review of two bottlings: a Circumstance 2019 and a Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Bros.
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In the UK, “100 proof” signifies a spirit with 57.15% alcohol by volume, often rounded to 57.1% ABV. It also names an extensive, affordable series by independent bottler Signatory Vintage, with over 30 releases filled at 57.1% ABV (some of them being ‘Exceptional Casks‘). We are examining three early releases in this series: the Glentauchers, Glenrothes, and Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage, specifically numbers 6, 8, and 10.
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The Scotch Malt has purchased numerous Glen Garioch 2003 casks, as we reviewed one a few years ago. Whiskybase records about fifty 2003 Glen Garioch bottlings by the SMWS, and their ratings indicate that the Scotch Malt Whisky Society made excellent selections. Let’s reduce this extensive list slightly by reviewing two Glen Garioch 2003 SMWS bottlings: the 19.71 (an 18-year-old) and the 19,103 from January 2025’s outturn, and the latest Glen Garioch 2003 release.
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Glen Moray is renowned for its affordable core range, which offers a variety of options for entry-level enthusiasts. Their extensive Elgin Classic collection is celebrated for its budget-friendly single malts, featuring a diverse array of finishes to suit all preferences. As you explore their Heritage range, you’ll find high-quality aged single malts that remain reasonably priced, unlike the steep increases often seen with competitors. However, for those seeking even older or more unique expressions, rare one-offs (like the Glen Moray Mastery) or independent bottlings are the way to go. Today, we’re comparing two single casks aged 30 years or more: a Glen Moray 1986 SMWS vs 1991 The Whisky Barrel.
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