Premier Cask investment firm unveils its latest addition: a multiple award-winning bottled whisky – marking the debut of its independent bottling series.
To highlight the excellence of the casks in its portfolio, the leading whisky cask investment company, Whisky 1901, is unveiling its inaugural award-winning bottled Scotch: a rare Glenburgie 1988 single cask expression (70cl/45.1% ABV) from the renowned Speyside distillery. This release, termed Edition One, signifies the launch of the company’s independent bottling range, named ‘The Collection’. Subsequent additions to this series will occur when Whisky 1901’s Keeper of the Quaich identifies casks within the company’s inventory that meet the brand’s exacting standards.
This much sought-after 35-year-old Scotch will be priced at £1325 including VAT per bottle and with only 263 numbered bottles available from Glenburgie no.14483, an ex-bourbon cask distilled 4th October 1988 it will prove a highly collectable piece. The meticulous hand bottling process occurred at the company’s Glenrothes warehouse facility in Fife, Scotland, on 17th May 2024 and its official debut in the Scottish market will be on 22nd June at The Renaissance, Edinburgh. It will also be offered for sale at The Game Fair, Blenheim Palace, London, from the 26th to the 28th July, where Whisky 1901 is an official partner.
Before its official release, The Collection has already received three prestigious awards from renowned whisky industry authorities. Edition One of The Collection has been honoured with a Silver medal from The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Gold medal from the Global Scotch Whisky Masters hosted by The Spirits Business Magazine, and a Bronze award from The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
Single malt Scotch produced by Glenburgie, or ‘Valley of the Fort’ from Scots Gaelic, is rarely seen on the market. Owned by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky division of Pernod Ricard, Glenburgie is more commonly used by a selection of blended Scotch brands.
Aaron Damiano Sparkes, Founder and CEO of Whisky 1901, explains, “With single cask bottling, no two casks are ever the same. Each is a snapshot in time of the distillery, its surroundings and production processes, plus the type of cask and wood type that the spirit has matured in, creating an exclusive one-of-a-kind masterpiece”.
Whisky 1901’s new bottle caters to the increasing worldwide interest in limited edition bottlings and rare single-cask expressions among Scotch aficionados.
Commenting on The Collection launch, Aaron said, “After two years in planning and development, we’re very excited to launch our first bottled Scotch, a Glenburgie 1988 single cask expression. This bottle launch sees us bring several years of experience in the cask investment sector to the independent bottling market.
“At Whisky 1901 we have established strong relationships with an extensive network of distilleries. This has fuelled my personal passion for Scotch whisky and ignited my desire to share it with other enthusiasts. This is what has inspired ‘The Collection’. We carefully selected the diverse single casks for our collection, to show Scotch whisky at its very best, beginning with this wonderful and rare offering from Glenburgie.”
Commenting on the flavour and profile, Matt Chambers, Keeper of the Quaich, said, “This vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is vibrant gold in colour. Aromas of vanilla and butterscotch lead the way and sit alongside luscious and juicy tropical fruit such as peach and pineapple. Underneath are further aromas of green apple, hazelnut praline and crème brulee. Hints of earthy spice, especially white pepper and cinnamon, linger in the background, as does toasted oak and faint aromas of candle wax and blackcurrant.
On the palate, this whisky feels soft and oily in texture. The mouthfeel is superbly structured with plenty of body, depth, and complexity. Fruity notes are to the fore with peach compote, apricot jam, and crisp green apple evident. Further sweetness is provided with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla fudge, and toffee. There are also hints of golden syrup, blackcurrant leaf and tarte tatin. Savoury elements add balance in the form of delicate baking spice, especially cinnamon and clove, and gingerbread. A pinch of cocoa powder accentuates further notes of charred oak and dusty cigar box.
The addition of water softens the whisky and allows the lovely oak structure and quality of aged spirit to shine. Think of vanilla ice cream covered in butterscotch sauce now. It also feels less spicy with more green fruit and grassy characteristics coming through.”
