Cuvée presentation
Small batch Bruichladdich, distilled in 1979 and bottled in 1997. Cadenhead’s was founded in Aberdeen in 1842 by George Duncan. William Cadenhead later joined the company and, following Duncan’s death, took over the business and renamed it William Cadenhead Ltd. William’s nephew, Robert Duthie, expanded the business in the early 20th century, and it remained family-owned until 1969, when William Cadenhead Ltd was sold to J. & A. Mitchell and Co., owner of Springbank distillery. Hedley G. Wright, a direct descendant of Archibald and John Mitchell, subsequently became chairman of William Cadenhead Ltd. Historically, Cadenhead focused on its own brands, including Putachieside, The Hielanman, Seven Stars and its Green Label rums. Under Hedley G. Wright, however, the company increasingly turned its attention to single malts. This led to the launch of the now legendary “dumpy bottle” series in 1977. These single malts were bottled with only light filtration, no artificial colouring and at what was then a relatively high strength of 80 proof (45.7%). Their labels provided extensive details, including the month and year of distillation and bottling and whether or not sherry casks had been used, Also in 1977, the company moved to new premises in Aberdeen before eventually relocating to Campbeltown. During the 1980s, Cadenhead also supplied casks to renowned independent bottlers such as Samaroli and Corti Brothers through its subsidiary Duthie’s. Two new ranges followed in 1991 and 1992: the Original Collection, bottled at 46%, and the Authentic Collection, bottled at cask strength. Further special releases marking major Cadenhead anniversaries, including its 150th and 175th, as well as new ranges such as Small Batch and World Whiskies, have followed over the years.
The distillery Bruichladdich
Scotland, Isle of Islay. Distillery operational. Owner: Remy Cointreau
Owned by Invergordon Distillers from 1968 until 1993, when it joined the Whyte & Mackay portfolio, Bruichladdich closed in 1995. At the time it produced an unpeated malt primarily used for blends. Whilst well-known for its bourbon casks released in 10, 15 and 21 year old versions, it was above all the sherry-cask versions selected and bottled for the Italian market that made a lasting impression. It was for Moon Import that Penny Black 1968 and Bruichladdich 1965 (52%) - celebrating the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer - were bottled in ceramic jugs.Bought in December 2000 by Mark Reynier and reopened in May 2001, the distillery has since released endless limited editions and exclusive bottlings, including a superb 40 year old, several 1970 and 1972 vintages, and the Legacy range, primarily featuring bottlings from the late 1960s.
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