Miltonduff 1998 Provenance - Winter Distillation single cask single malt whisky with box

This bottle was part of a private collection/general circulation and can have natural signs of wear!!!

Miltonduff 1998 Provenance - Winter Distillation single cask single malt whisky with box.

Condition: New. Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle.
Lost Distillery/Brand: No.
Fill level: New. In the neck.

Whisky still produced: Yes.
Category: Single Cask.

Cask number: 6860
Distillery: Still producing.
Bottler: Douglas McGibbon.

Bottling series: Provenance - Winter Distillation.
Vintage: winter 1998
Bottling Year: winter 2010
Stated Age: 12 years old
Cask type: One refill Hogshead.
Strength: 46.0 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Colouring: No.
Chill-filtered: No.
Bottle code:
Country Origin: Scotland.
Region: Speyside.
Market: Worldwide.

The Miltonduff 1998 Provenance - Winter Distillation is a remarkable single cask single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. as part of their Provenance series. This series is known for showcasing whiskies that emphasize the unique characteristics of different distilleries and regions in Scotland. This particular bottling, distilled in winter, captures the essence of the Speyside region and Miltonduff’s signature light, floral, and subtly spiced profile. 

This limited-edition bottling is a wonderful choice for whisky collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate unique, single-cask Scotch whiskies with a distinct seasonal character. The Winter Distillation adds a seasonal depth to the flavours, making it an ideal addition for those seeking to explore Miltonduff’s subtle yet complex profile in its purest form.

• Single Cask: Bottled from a single cask, ensuring an individual character not found in blended or batch whiskies.
• Packaging: Comes in a beautifully designed box that highlights the whisky’s provenance and includes detailed information on the distillation and bottling process.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Gentle aromas of fresh orchard fruits, vanilla, and a hint of malt sweetness.
• Palate: Smooth and balanced, with notes of green apple, soft spices, honey, and a touch of oak.
• Finish: Medium length with lingering fruitiness and a warm, light spice.

Distillery and Bottler history:

Douglas McGibbon & Co. is a well-regarded independent bottler of Scotch whisky, established in 1947 by Fred Douglas Laing. Named after his wife, McGibbon was originally founded as part of Douglas Laing & Co., one of the most prominent names in independent whisky bottling in Scotland. Douglas McGibbon has focused on delivering high-quality, single cask, and small-batch Scotch whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland, highlighting unique, hand-selected expressions not typically available from distilleries themselves.

Key Points in Douglas McGibbon’s History:

1. Foundation and Early Years:

   • Founded in 1947 in Glasgow, Douglas McGibbon was developed with the intent of sourcing rare casks from across Scotland and bottling them independently. These bottlings included single malt and single grain whiskies, which were often available in limited releases.

2. Specialization in Small-Batch Whiskies:

   • Douglas McGibbon became known for bottling small-batch whiskies that were carefully selected for quality and character. Each release aimed to capture the spirit of Scotland’s diverse whisky regions, including Speyside, Highlands, Islay, and Lowlands.
   • In particular, the brand focused on bottling whiskies from lesser-known distilleries, providing consumers access to rare malts not commonly found on the market.

3. McGibbon’s Provenance and Clan Denny Series:

   • Under the McGibbon label, Provenance and Clan Denny series became popular lines. Provenance offers a curated selection of single malts from distinct Scottish regions, with each bottle highlighting the unique flavour profiles of its distillery and origin.
   • The Clan Denny series expanded to include aged and rare whiskies, typically bottled at cask strength, allowing whisky enthusiasts to experience the raw, unfiltered essence of the distillery’s spirit.

4. Transition and Focus Under Douglas Laing & Co.:

   • Over the years, Douglas Laing & Co. grew and, in 2013, underwent a division where the McGibbon brand remained under Douglas McGibbon & Co. and continued with the commitment to limited bottlings and regionally focused expressions.
   • Today, Douglas McGibbon’s bottlings are handled by Hunter Laing & Co., maintaining the tradition of independent bottling and showcasing Scotland’s lesser-seen whisky treasures.

Legacy:

Douglas McGibbon’s legacy in the whisky world is built on its ability to provide connoisseurs and collectors with unique and high-quality Scotch whiskies. By focusing on regional diversity and single-cask selections, Douglas McGibbon has carved out a niche that offers whisky enthusiasts an authentic taste of Scotland, from well-known distilleries to hidden gems.

Miltonduff Distillery is a historic Speyside whisky distillery with roots dating back to 1824. Located near Elgin in Scotland, it’s one of the oldest operating distilleries in the region and has long been recognized for its contribution to both single malts and blended Scotch whiskies. Miltonduff’s whiskies are known for their light, floral, and fruity Speyside character.

Key Points in Miltonduff's History:

1. Founding and Early Years:

   • Miltonduff is thought to have originally operated as an illicit distillery before obtaining a licence in 1824, soon after the Excise Act made legal distilling more attractive.
   • Named after the Duff family’s farm, “Milton-Duff,” where it was built, the distillery quickly gained attention for its whisky’s quality and was one of the early licensed distilleries in the area.

2. Ownership and Development:

   • By the late 19th century, Miltonduff was one of the larger distilleries in Speyside, often sought after by blenders for its smooth, balanced malt.
   • In 1936, Hiram Walker & Sons, a Canadian company, acquired Miltonduff. Hiram Walker & Sons’ investment helped modernize and expand the distillery, and its single malt became an essential component of the Ballantine's blend.

3. Lomond Stills and Innovation:

   • In 1964, Miltonduff introduced two Lomond stills to produce a variant known as Mosstowie. These stills created a different style of whisky, known for heavier and more intense flavours, aimed to diversify output for blending purposes.
   • Mosstowie production continued until 1981, when the Lomond stills were removed, but this short-lived expression is now highly sought after by collectors.

4. Modern Era:

   • After several ownership changes, including acquisition by Allied Distillers in 1987 and then by Pernod Ricard in 2005, Miltonduff continues to be a key component in the Ballantine’s blend, providing a fruity, floral core.
   • While primarily focused on producing whisky for blends, Miltonduff single malts have occasionally been released through independent bottlers and as part of limited editions under Chivas Brothers.

Today’s Production:

Miltonduff’s single malts are less common but are highly regarded for their elegant, floral, and subtly spiced profile, representative of Speyside whiskies. Despite its modest profile, Miltonduff remains an integral part of the Scotch whisky landscape and a key element of popular blends.

© copyright, Tasting World Ltd. England.