Whisky Blog, Features, Scotch
Single Cask Rarities: explore the magic and science of whisky and wood
Nov
Rare single casks represent the pinnacle of whisky production, their influence on every bottle almost impossible to quantify
If you’re new to single cask whiskies, you’re in for a treat. If not, they need no introduction. Single cask whiskies, often hand selected by master distillers and blenders, offer an insight into the art of whisky that is almost impossible to describe. They’re selected for their wood, the liquid they previously housed (such as sherry, port or wine) and the way in which both are predicted to influence the whisky they’re maturing. They represent the craft end of the industry and are a vital and highly individual whisky experience. Here are three exceptional single cask bottlings that reveal the magic and science of whisky and wood.
Glenfarclas Chancellor’s Cask 1994
This single cask has a fascinating history – filled by the then British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kenneth Clarke in 1994 it matured at Glenfarclas for 25 years. The cask used was a refill hogshead sherry cask and it produced just 275 bottles. The proceeds from the sale of the bottles went to the Salvation Army, the charity chosen by the Chancellor, hence its name.
It’s a 53.9% Highland single malt. Those who have tasted it place it firmly within the Glenfarclas family, saying it captures the light floral notes and sherry influence that this distillery is renowned for. (The name Glenfarclas translates as being in the Valley of the Green Grass.)
Benrinnes Old & Rare Heritage 40-Year-Old
The Glasgow-based independent bottler, Hunter Laing, launched its new Old & Rare collection in 2019. This was a series of single casks of very rare whisky aged for 30 years or more, from across Scotland’s whisky regions.
The Benrinnes 40-year-old cask was a leading member of this new line-up and the Speyside distillery didn’t disappoint. Bottled at natural cask strength, this great whisky was laid down in 1979 and given its full 40 years in a single cask. This resulted in just 202 bottles making it an almost guaranteed collectors item.
Benromach Heritage 1975
The Benromach Distillery has been shaping Speyside whisky since 1898 and is well known for its attention to craft and hand-built quality. This single cask Heritage bottle was laid down in 1975 and emerged 41 years later from its refill American hogshead in great style.
It was bottled at 54.6% and only 219 bottles were produced. It’s described as stuffed with vibrant citrus and red fruits with layers of chocolate, a hint of smoke and the spicy effects of its decades in wood.
