1983 Vintage Whisky

A long-aged malt from the little-known Glenburgie, a workhorse Speyside distillery owned by Chivas Bros. This has been bottled for the Nectar of the Daily Drams.

A Frisky Whisky bottling of Caol Ila, as chosen by whisky legend John Milroy. A marriage of two casks distilled in 1983 and matured for 27 years before bottling in 2010 to produce a spicy and nutty whisky with a peat smoke edge.

A single cask bottling of 1983 vintage Caol Ila from veteran wine and spirits merchant Berry Brothers & Rudd. This was matured for 28 years and bottled in 2011.

A 24 year old release of 1983 Miltonduff bottled by Direct Wines for their First Cask series.

A frequently-overlooked bottle in Glenlivet's Cellar Collection, perhaps as it remains one of the youngest of the series (even at 20 years old). This is sterling stuff, nonetheless, described by Jim Murray as 'sophistication and attitude rolled into one'. With the finish adding nuance rather than dominating the palate, this is a minor classic of the genre.

The first Port Ellen in the Single Malts of Scotland series is from a refill butt. This is initially sweet on the palate, but turns more savoury and phenolic with toasty flavours and more medicinal notes. Very drinkable at 46%.

A 27 year old Port Ellen bottled in 2010 by Port Ellen specialists Old Bothwell. This was distilled in 1983, the year that the distillery closed its doors.

A refill hoghead of Port Ellen 1983, bottled by Douglas Laing for their Old Malt Cask collection. Not too phenolic with a lovely, subtle, heathery nose that becomes quite fruity with time. The palate is more forward, with flavours of Fishermen's Friends and tarry smoked wood.

A full-strength Port Ellen 1983 bottled from a single Wine Treated Butt by Signatory. A curious description of the cask - 'wine treated' implies that no wine was actually stored in the butt, and the label gives no indication as to the type of wine used. Paxarette, fermented must or something else? Very interesting.

A 28 year old whisky from Port Ellen, bottled by Douglas Laing as part of the Old Malt Cask range. This was distilled in February 1983, mere months before the distillery closed down, one of the many lamented casualties of the industry downturn in the 1980s.