Think you know all there is to know about Scotland’s best distilleries? Think again! You may be surprised to find out just how many there are that you have never even heard of.
There’s a whole land of distillers producing incredible whiskies out there in the mountains, glens and hills of Scotland and now, for the first time, we at Lockett Bros can reveal these special single malt whiskies.
We’ve chosen seven of, what we think are, the single malts that you might not have heard of in your whisky adventures, but that will blow your proverbial socks off. So, strap yourself in for a tour of the secret single malt whiskies…
This is quite possibly the best wee distillery in the world and one of only a handful of distillers that still practices floor malting (more on that in a later blog).
Kilchoman is an Islay-based farm distillery, which was established in 2005, making it the first to be built on the island in 125 years!
So, these guys are the new kids on the block but boy do they make a stunning drop of single malt!
This wee distillery is producing some of the most delicious whiskies out there, all with that unmistakeable Islay peat signature. From the fruity and sweet Machir Bay to their single cask releases, the range is a joy to behold.
Ever heard of a two-and-a-half-times distillation? That’s what the geniuses behind Springbank do, giving this whisky a complexity rarely enjoyed in competitor offerings.
Based in Campbeltown, Argyllshire, Springbank is the oldest independent family-owned distillery in Scotland and they are proud of the fact that they have been producing a fine drop there since 1828, and, as they themselves, probably illicitly before then!
The Ten Year Old – all briny and full of life – and the Fifteen Year Old – with its subtle sweetness – are whiskies you would happily drink for the rest of your life, if you had to pick but two. That’s how good they are. Can you tell we love this distillery…?
If you have never heard of this Aberdeenshire distiller, please heed our advice and start sampling the delights crafted by these independent whisky wizards.
If you’re a fan of richly-sherried single malts, then you simply have to treat yourself to a Glendronach.
The 12, 15 and 18 year olds were relaunched in 2008 and make up the backbone of the range but you would be mad not to enjoy some of the other beautiful single malts that they offer.
There are few things in life as enjoyable as a Speyside single malt and BenRiach, right in the heart of Speyside, really produces a whisky that you will fall in love with.
They love tradition and that’s reflected in the way that they produce their products, but they also love producing new and exciting ‘craft’ whiskies and that will appeal to a lot of whisky connoisseurs.
From the Classic Speyside Collection to the Wood Finish Expressions, the range is dizzyingly good.
With the tagline, ‘Vintages timed to perfection’ it would be difficult to ignore Balblair. They’re not all about taglines though.
This is a distiller of real substance. They’ve been distilling since 1790 so it’s safe to say they know how to produce extraordinary highland single malts.
Interestingly, you won’t find an age statement on their bottles. Instead, they mark the year the whisky was laid down. When it reaches the optimum maturity, distillery manager John MacDonald gives the nod for the fine produce to be bottled and enjoyed by a very lucky few.
Tradition with a modern twist… we like the sound of that! That’s exactly what Ancnoc strive for with each and every one of the lovely light single malts that they produce.
From 12 Years Old to 35 Years Old, the exquisite whiskies produced by this Aberdeenshire distillery are to be savoured.
In keeping with their love of a twist, they decided to try some peaty expressions and produced a range that would rival Islay whiskies for their smoky notes and bold character. Who says distilleries don’t try new things?
From the Scottish town of Brechin comes a refined and elegant single malt produced in such limited volume that it makes it an incredibly special drop to drink… and what a drop to drink!
It’s all about the whisky for this artisan distiller. Simple, pure ingredients with no added colouring run through the range of 10 to 21 year olds and the magnificent single cask offerings.
They never use peated barley, so their fine produce is the ideal drop for those who value the quality of creaminess in a bold whisky.
We are proud to stock whisky from all of these special distillers. Visit our online store or pop into the shop at 133 High Street, North Berwick, Scotland.
