21 Year Old Whisky

Glen Elgin's spirit is in such high demand by blenders that owners Diageo rarely let much of it slip out in single malt form - and even less by independent bottlers. This cask strength 21yo refill sherry butt from the 1991 vintage represents, therefore, both a rare opportunity to taste Glen Elgin in its unadulterated form and something of a coup for indie bottlers Signatory.

A 21 year old single sherry butt matured whisky from Mortlach, released by Signatory as part of their Cask Strength Collection. Distilled on October 1st 1991 and bottled on November 8th 2012.

A 21 year old from Speyside favourite Longmorn, bottled by Douglas Laing for their Old Malt Cask range of whiskies. Distilled in April 1991, matured in a refill hogshead and bottled in December 2012.

A 1991 vintage whisky from closed, and since burned down and demolished, Littlemill, released by Douglas Laing for their Old Malt Cask range of single cask whiskies. This one was distilled in November 1991, matured for 21 years in a refill hogshead and then bottled in February 2013.

An elegant, sophisticated Knockando, Master Reserve 21yo is made with casks lying in the coolest part of the warehouse. These casks take longer to mature and the resulting malt is extremely smooth.

A 1986 vintage whisky bottled by Douglas Laing for their Old Malt Cask range. Distilled in June at Inchgower, matured in a refill hogshead for 21 years and bottled in December 2007.

A 1991 vintage whisky from Strathisla, bottled for the Old Malt Cask range by Douglas Laing. This was distilled in June, matured for 21 years in a refill hogshead and bottled in February of 2013.

A lightly coloured single cask 1989 Bowmore bottled by Douglas Laing for the Old Malt Cask range. I suspect that this came out of a several-times-refilled sherry cask, but with 21 years under its belt it should have a bit of oomph still.

A refined and elegant entry in Ballantine's range of blends, introduced in 1993 and relying on a core of malts from Miltonduff and Glenburgie.

The return of the name Gran Reserva to Glenfiddich's 21yo after a few years under different titles is also accompanied by an upgrade to its packaging. It is still finished in rum casks for 4 months, but it now has a more elegant presentation, as befits its position towards the top of the distillery's regular range.

One of the jewels in the Chivas crown, Royal Salute is a very special long-aged blend in a classic Wade ceramic decanter. Please note that this is the *green* decanter.

One of the jewels in the Chivas crown, Royal Salute is a very special long-aged blend in a classic Wade ceramic decanter. Please note that this is the *red* decanter.

Pulteney is the most northerly mainland distillery in Scotland, ensconced in the town of Wick. The 21 year old is a mix of fino sherry and refill bourbon cask matured whisky and sits at the top of their regular range. MAXIMUM 1 BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER.
Whisky Bible Awards 2012: World Whisky of the Year, Scotch Whisky of the Year, Multiple Cask 16-21 year old of the Year; 97.5 points

Glengoyne 21yo is noticeably deeper than younger expressions, with delicious rich fruity and oaky notes - the darker colour and long finish are testament to the extra years in the sherrywood.

One of the jewels in the Chivas crown, Royal Salute is a very special long-aged blend in a classic Wade ceramic decanter. Please note that this is the *blue* decanter.

A 21 year old whisky from Glen Garioch bottled by The Whisky Agency for their Liquid Library range. Distilled in 1991, matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead and bottled in 2012.

An excellent value 21yo Aberfeldy, showcasing the richer end of the Highland spectrum with plenty of sherry influence. Winner of a Gold Medal and Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010.

A 21 year old sherry matured whisky from Highland Park, bottled by Signatory for their Cask Strength Collection. Distilled on 13th December 1990, matured in a butt and bottled on 12th June 2012.

One of the first three whiskies in Bruichladdich's Cuvee series, with a subtitle of MG41 [L'Age d'Or] (no, us neither), matured in American oak casks before finishing in Limousin oak casks previously used to hold Sauternes and Barsac sweet wines.

One of the three initial releases in Bruichladdich's Cuvee range, Cuvee 407 is simply named PX and is subtitled 'La Noche Bocca Arriba', the title of a short story by Julio Cortázar. It's matured in American oak and then finished in PX casks.