Inspiration

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected names in Scotch whisky, with a global reputation and over 130 years of history to its name.

Short of an intervention by a spectacularly devoted billionaire, St Magdalene (also known and bottled as Linlithgow) is only knowable through the ever-diminishing stocks that remain more than forty years after it went silent.

Named after the Conval Hills, Convalmore's elegant pagoda towers still look out over Dufftown, despite having gone quiet more than 30 years ago. But how did this distillery arise and why did it fall?

Ben Nevis may not have as high a profile or big a following as some cult distilleries, but its whisky inspires just as great a devotion to those who know.

One of the few 'lost distilleries' to escape its apparent fate, after 38 years mothballed, Brora is once again laying down fresh spirit. However, it is the distillery's increasingly rare and sought-after releases from before production ceased in 1983 that still excite whisky hunters and historians.

While there are many cult distilleries in Scotland, unknown to most drinkers but loved by their fans, there is one that surpasses the rest – The Jewel of Campbeltown: Springbank.

Chinese whisky is breaking into the international market, with distillers like IWSC-award-winning Laizhou leading the way and setting the standards.

Get to know the fascinating story of these unique digestifs

Explore the history and legacy of Karuizawa distillery