Independent Bottler Archives - More Drams, Less Drama

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.

Glenrothes, Glentauchers & Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage

Glentauchers, Glenrothes and Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage

26th March 202525th March 2025Coldorak

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.

Two Glen Garioch 2003 SMWS

24th March 202523rd March 2025Coldorak

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.

Glen Moray 1986 SMWS vs 1991 The Whisky Barrel

21st March 202528th March 2025Coldorak

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.

Three Old Cognacs From Malternative Belgium

12th March 202511th March 2025Coldorak

Malternative Belgium is a company founded by Pieter Knapen and Ysatis Thijs, dedicated to cognac. Established in 2020 as an independent bottler, Malternative Belgium combines passion and time to select and bottle cognacs. The company operates both an online business and an ‘experience store’ in Hasselt, where visitors can taste and learn about cognac in a cosy environment. The journey of Malternative Belgium began in 2009 with an interest in spirits, leading to their involvement as distributors for a reputable cognac brand in 2016. However, their vision extended beyond mere distribution; they aimed to share the rich stories and experiences that cognac offers. Through their network of small, family-owned producers in the cognac region, they source high-quality spirits (Cognacs first, but also now Calvados) under their brand. We review today three ‘old’ cognacs from Malternative Belgium, but we’ll review more recent ones in the coming weeks.

Bowmore 2002 Character of Islay/2000 WhiskySponge

5th March 20255th March 2025Coldorak

It’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since we last delved into the world of independent Bowmore bottlings. The anticipation of exploring these unique expressions has only grown, and today, we find ourselves with the perfect opportunity to revisit this iconic Islay distillery through the lens of two exceptional single casks. Both of these whiskies, bottled by independent connoisseurs, were released in 2020 and have been carefully matured in bourbon casks. As we embark on this tasting (short) journey, it’s worth noting the unique position that Bowmore holds within the pantheon of Islay distilleries. Founded in 1779, it is one of the oldest distilleries on the island and has a rich history of innovation and craftsmanship. Despite its historical significance, Bowmore is often overshadowed by some of its more prominent neighbours, such as Ardbeg and Laphroaig. However, for those who take the time to explore its offerings, Bowmore reveals itself to be a distillery of exceptional quality and character. Most especially amongst its independent bottlings, as we’re not always as lucky with its official expressions.

North British 1989 & North of Scotland 1973 Scott’s Selection

3rd March 20254th March 2025Coldorak

Today, we’ll explore two single grain whiskies that share a common thread: their names both start with “North.” One has an intriguing history and is still in operation, while the other has a complex, double-layered past that has come to an end. If you’re feeling a bit confused, don’t worry—I intentionally made it sound complicated. So, take a seat, pour yourself a dram, and let’s break it down together. Once we’ve cleared things up, we’ll dive into tasting and reviewing two single casks: a North British 1989 and a North of Scotland 1973, both bottled by Scott’s Selection.

Clynelish 14yo / Cataibh 10yo Chorlton / 2012 SMWS

28th February 202528th February 2025Coldorak

A few years ago, two friends and I co-founded the Rennes Whisky Club, just before Covid hit. We managed to hold one session before the first lockdown, and after that, nearly two years passed before we could meet again. Once things settled, we relaunched the club and have been hosting monthly tastings ever since – except for a break in July and August. Each session follows a chosen theme, typically featuring three whiskies within that category. Last night’s tasting focused on a fan-favourite distillery: Clynelish. On the menu were three Clynelish whiskies: the official 14-year-old, a 10-year-old Cataibh bottled by Chorlton Whisky, and a 2012 ‘Tropical Toothpaste’ from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

St. Magdalene 1980 Gordon & MacPhail

24th February 202523rd February 2025Coldorak

St. Magdalene, one of Scotland’s lost Lowland distilleries, is renowned for its elegant yet complex whisky, often showcasing a delicate balance of fruit, spice, and subtle waxiness. Closed in 1983, its remaining stock has become increasingly rare, making any opportunity to taste a well-aged expression a special occasion. Today, I’m reviewing a St. Magdalene 1980, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail—a dram that promises to offer a glimpse into the storied past of this historic distillery. Let’s see how it holds up after a decade and a half of maturation.

Scotch & Sherry SMWS

21st February 202520th February 2025Coldorak

In 2024, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) released a documentary exploring the intricate relationship between Scotch whisky and sherry. This documentary, titled “Scotch & Sherry: A Flavour Odyssey,” takes viewers on a journey from SMWS headquarters in Leith to the oak forests of Galicia and the Sherry Triangle in Andalucia. The film delves into the process of creating sherry cask-matured whisky and introduces the artisans behind both the casks and the sherry used in the maturation process.

Accompanying this documentary, SMWS has curated a tasting pack featuring three whisky samples and two sherry samples (one Oloroso and one Pedro Ximénez). Let’s review the three whiskies, but skip on the sherries.