The Redheaded stepchild of Orkney Distilleries, Scapa has had some ups and downs since being founded in 1885. From 1994 to 2005 the distillery was closed entirely. The industry giant, Pernod-Ricard, then acquired and reopened it. The initial release was this 14 year, which replaced the traditional Scapa 12. This year Scapa has replaced their 14 year with a 16 year, at a much higher price point. If you want to try this good value malt you’ll probably need to act somewhat quickly.

Founded in 1898 by John Dewar & sons, one can’t accuse the Aberfeldy distillery of being the luckiest whisky producer around. During the First World War the distillery was forced to shut down production for 2 years, and after re-opening in 1919 they were once again forced to put production on hold during World War 2. Both times the production had to be stopped due to shortcomings in the supply of barley, caused by the wars.
That lies behind them now, though, and business is flourishing. In 1999 they launched their …

With an annual production of nearly 6 million liters, The Glenlivet is a scotch whisky powerhouse, occupying shelf space in nearly every liquor store worldwide. The distillery has a storied history, starting with its founding in 1824, through it’s acquisition by Glen Grant in 1953 and Seagrams in 1977 to its current resting place in the portfolio of Pernod Ricard. The often-told story is that George Smith, The Glenlivet’s founder, had to carry a pistol when he first obtained a license for his distillery to ward off his hundreds of (illegal) competitors. If you’re ever in a sketchy bar and want single malt scotch, chances are they’ll have bottles of Glenfiddich 12 and The Glenlivet 12 kicking around.

Are those pump hoses on the distillery floor or a velvet rope? Dallas Dhu has been preserved as a Historic distillery in Scotland, aka it is a Tourist Trap. These days tasting a product from Dallas Dhu is a true rarity since no malt has entered the copper stills there since 1983 when the distillery went out of business. Unless you actually visit in which case the whisky left in barrels when the distillery closed is used as samples for visitors.

Close your eyes and name a Scotch with a stag’s head on the front label…..The Dalmore?  Located on the other side of Loch Ness, far from Glenfiddich, these copper stills belong to The Dalmore’s Alness distillery. Founded in 1839 by an opium trader, the stag on the label came from a MacKenzie family legend after they bought the distillery in 1886.  The legends says that a MacKenzie saved a Scottish King in battle and was granted the royal stag as his family crest.

Considered the most naturally beautiful and picturesque locale on Islay, Caol Ila is perched on Loch Nam Ban near the town of Port Askaig. The distillery in the picture here, built in 1974, may seem rather large given Caol Ila’s low profile on supermarket shelves but they are a large supplier for Johnny Walker blends.
Caol Ila’s single malts have an unmistakable profile, distinct from other more famous Islay’s like Lagavulin. Lighter in a low viscosity oil kind of way, seaweed and iodine are common elements with smoky phenolics taking a …