What are Independent Bottlers? We take a look at what exactly they are and why you should have them on your radar!
A distillery’s mission is to make high quality products that are consistent with their brand. Whether a special release series, or core range, ‘consistency’ is the key and achieved through the art of blending different casks – it may be surprising to learn that Single Malts are, indeed, a marrying of different casks to achieve their signature flavour profile. But, despite their potential for a brilliant spirit, not all the distillery’s casks will be utilized and are therefore re-housed. This is where independent bottlers step in.
So what are Independent Bottlers?
An independent bottler is not a distiller, meaning they do not produce their own spirit. Instead, they purchase filled casks from various avenues such as brokers, private collectors, or direct from the distillery – though some have begun distilling in addition to purchasing filled casks. Once these casks are in their possession, they can do with them as they please; blend, dilute, mature – how long, in what cask, in what location etc. – until ready for bottling.
Upon release, the labels will display the independent bottler, age details and, with permission, the original distillery’s name. For example: Adelphi Aultmore 1992 25YO - ‘Adelphi’ is the independent bottler, ‘Aultmore’ is the distillery and ‘1992 25YO’ are the age details of the whisky.
Independent whisky bottlers are more prevalent than ever and it’s not difficult to see why. Most casks purchased by independents produce small & limited volumes, often released at cask strength, sometimes from distilleries’ limited editions or even distilleries that are no longer active, and thus have the ability to release a large number of different & different bottlings.
How long have Independent Bottlers beer around?
Independent whisky bottlers are not new to the business though, in fact they date back to the 1800s when it was common practice for distilleries to sell casks to dealers who would then bottle and sell to their own clients, but the first official independent bottling company is attributed as being Wm Cadenhead’s established in 1842. Then in the early 20th century, at a time when blended Scotch was the rage and single malts lacked popularity but were the specialty of these independent bottlers,Gordon & MacPhail (G&M) got into the game. It wasn’t until the latter half of the 1900s that the rise of ‘core range’ age statement single malts spurred the passion of consumers/connoisseurs and led them to seek the more unique single malt expressions of independent bottlers.
Whether you’re collecting or just exploring, independent bottlers are ones to have on your radar for whiskies as unique as we are.
