Independent Bottler Archives - More Drams, Less Drama

Six Indy Teenager Glen Moray

9th May 20258th May 2025Coldorak

Glen Moray may not always grab the spotlight in the crowded world of Speyside single malts, but it consistently offers a solid foundation for independent bottlers to showcase a range of intriguing expressions. Known for its bright, fruity character and willingness to experiment with various cask finishes, Glen Moray provides a versatile canvas that can reveal surprising depth and charm beyond its core range. In this review, we explore six independently bottled Glen Moray whiskies, each bringing its own unique twist-from ex-bourbon and sherry casks to more unusual finishes, like IPA and Vino de Naranja. While some expressions lean towards the classic Speyside profile of fresh fruits and gentle spice, others push aside the habits with richer, more complex layers. Whether you’re a seasoned Glen Moray fan or new to the distillery’s independent releases, this selection of six indy teenager Glen Moray offers a compelling glimpse into the distillery’s diverse potential.

Port Dundas 46 and 47yo Scott’s Selection

30th April 202530th April 2025Coldorak

Glasgow’s Port Dundas distillery, founded in 1811, was a pivotal yet often overlooked landmark in Scotland’s whisky industry. Initially a malt distillery, it soon shifted to grain whisky production with Coffey stills. In 1860, it merged with Cowlairs distillery, and in 1902 absorbed Dundashill, then the world’s largest pot still distillery. By 1885, Port Dundas was Scotland’s largest distillery, producing over two million gallons annually using American corn, barley, and rye. It was a founding member of the Distillers Company Limited (DCL) in 1877, supplying grain whisky for major blends like Johnnie Walker and Haig. Despite surviving fires and wartime closures, it modernized in the 1970s. However, in 2010, owner Diageo consolidated production at Cameronbridge, leading to Port Dundas’s closure and demolition in 2011. We review two independent bottlings from the now-defunct distillery: the Port Dundas 46 and 47yo Scott’s Selection.

Five Fèis Ìle Whiskies

28th April 202528th April 2025Coldorak

Fèis Ìle, also known as the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, is an annual celebration held on the Scottish island of Islay. This festival is a blend of traditional Scottish music, culture, and, most notably, Islay whisky. Each year, whisky enthusiasts from around the world gather to participate in a week-long event that features distillery open days, exclusive tastings, masterclasses, and lively ceilidhs (traditional Scottish social gatherings). Fèis Ìle offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich heritage of Islay, meet the people behind the iconic whiskies, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community.

A few months ago, I was due to participate in an online tasting hosted by The Attic Islay, a band of three friends. We have (in the order they give on their social media) Colin Stroud, from Attic Cabs, an Islay taxi company. Next we have David Brodie, the famous tour guide from Bunnahabhain, known for his view from the verandah and his helloooooo videos when walking his dogs on Islay. And last but not least, Katie Cairns, the Visitor Centre coordinator at Bunnahabhain. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend that online tasting but I thought the five Fèis Ìle whiskies they sent (also with the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release we already reviewed) would make a nice post, so here we are with five Fèis Ìle whiskies!

Vallein Tercinier Lot 96 and N.88 Cognac Sponge

18th April 202516th April 2025Coldorak

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.

Usquaebach 15yo and Commonwealth Games 13yo

Usquaebach 15yo and 1986 Commonwealth Games 13yo

11th April 202510th April 2025Coldorak

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.

Croftengea 2007 Wemyss Malts vs North Star Spirits

9th April 20258th April 2025Coldorak

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.

An Armagnac and a… Not-Armagnac Swell de Spirits

4th April 20253rd April 2025Coldorak

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!

Two Single Casks From… The Single Cask Ltd.

2nd April 20251st April 2025Coldorak

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.

Littlemill NAS & Two 1990 Cadenhead – My 500th Whisky Review

31st March 20251st April 2025Coldorak

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!

Circumstance 2019 Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Brothers

Circumstance 2019 / Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Bros

28th March 202527th March 2025Coldorak

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.