Dewar Rattray Vintage Cask Collection

Every so often something really exceptional makes a welcome appearance on our shelves. A bit like buses though, the wait can sometimes be long, and then several arrive at once! The last week has been no exception to that rule as we have had a couple of old, vintage cask whiskies turn up from the folks at Dewar Rattray.

Miltonduff has long been a personal favourite of mine. Situated not too far from Elgin in the Spey Valley, this part of Scotland was renowned for its illicit whisky production in the 18th and early 19th century. Because of the number of illicit stills in use and the rather hilly locale, there seemed to be enough eyes and ears around to give an early warning over the entire area if it seemed that the Customs and Excise department was about to do a raid! Officially Miltonduff was registered in 1824, however, its roots were more than likely laid down much earlier than this. The Miltonduff Vintage Cask 34 Years old from Dewar Rattray is stunning; 'The palate is luscious and simply gorgeous. Opening with buttery mature oak and grilled nuts followed by mature oxidised apple, apricot, waxy fruit skin and barley. Very mellow heather influenced middle with a touch of wood spice for good measure. Long and grippy with hints of rose water, honeysuckle, winter jasmine and lingering warming ginger spices'

Glen Grant is another exceptional distillery. The distillery was built on the edge of the town of Rothes, about 10 miles south of Elgin in around 1840. Due to it's closeness to the port of Garmouth and the river Spey, Glen Grant was in an ideal spot to be able to distribute the whisky it produced to not only the UK but the rest of the world. To further aid the distribution, Glen Grant also got heavily involved in the construction of the first Northern Railroad. The Glen Grant Vintage Cask 30 Years Old is truly great. 'The palate is light, delicate and elegant, opening with pepper, cinnamon and dusty tannins. Mature barley, lime, lemon, crunchy honeycomb and subtle sherried dried fruit follow. Hints of liquorice and treacle appear on the middle as the flavours darken slightly. Very long with coriander, pepper, vanilla, milk chocolate and lingering subtle sherry notes. Stunning depth and maturity with the sherry cask so subtle it allows all the wonderful mature fruit to shine through. Classic!'

We only have limited stocks available so you will need to be quick.