Hidden Treasures: Niche Whisky Brands to Discover

Presented as part of the 2015 Special Releases, the Caledonian 1974 40 Year Old – often called The Cally by whisky enthusiasts and inspired by those who worked at the original distillery years ago – is a complex whisky worthy of a space on your shelf.

With a classic old grain character, The Cally cleverly demonstrates the toffee character of American oak with added touches of well-balanced spice.

If you’re already well-versed in the nuances and luxurious notes of whiskies including Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker, you’ll love adding the Cladach 2018 blended Scotch whisky to your collection, a gloriously pleasing and affirming whisky that captures the character of coastal malts perfectly.

This unique and dynamic malt was the first-ever master blend of whiskies from six sublime single malt distilleries, including the aforementioned Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker, plus Clynelish, Oban and Inchgower. Sip and see if you can pick out any of the distinct characteristics in each.

From Band Aid to the Avengers, all-star collaborations have long been a source for excitement and excellence. And with Collectivum whisky, the superheroes of single malts came together for the release of the XXVIII Blended Scotch Whisky.

This once-in-a-lifetime blend – boasting a rich and rounded liquid, filled with spicy-sweet aromas and a balanced sweet palate - unites all twenty-eight operating single malt distilleries owned by Diageo.

While not as well known as some of its Speyside neighbours, the Inchgower distillery produces distinctive whiskies full of character and charm.

Notable releases include the 14 Year Old Flora & Fauna – a puzzling, beguiling liquid which has a chameleon-esque quality, boasting aromatics and a changing flavour profile, offering both a pleasing sweet palate opener and a saccharine, bitter finish.

Meanwhile, the Inchgower 27 Year Old Special Releases 2018 is testament to the distillery’s exploratory spirit, combining the staples of Speyside whiskies with the openness of the salty sea as they expanded their horizons to age the liquid for almost three decades in American oak hogsheads.

Demolished in 2002, the Pittyvaich distillery may be gone but it’s not forgotten thanks to incredible malts, like the 2020 30 Year Old Special Release.

An elusive bottling from Pittyvaich, the Special Release – with light, creamy, fruity aromas and flavours of a lesser-known Speyside gem - is a serious contender for any collector or whisky enthusiast. The luxury liquid was made from the last remaining stocks of the ghost distillery, and it was the first ever to be finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.