The Difference Between Whisky Distilleries and Independent Bottlers

When you're standing in front of a whisky shelf or browsing online, you'll see countless bottles of familiar names like Glenfiddich, Macallan, or Ardbeg. But sometimes you'll see bottles with lesser-known names on the label, like Càrn Mòr, North Star, or The Maltman. These aren't distilleries, but independent bottlers . In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what that means and why you shouldn't overlook these bottles.

What is the difference?

Distillery bottlings

Whisky bottles from distilleries come from a single producer, who controls the entire process from distillation to maturation, blending, and bottling. Think Glenlivet 12Y or Lagavulin 16Y: recognizable names, consistent quality, and flavor profiles perfectly tailored to a wide audience.

Independent bottlers

Independent bottlers like Càrn Mòr , North Star , Finn Thomson , The Maltman , and aDelphi purchase casks from distilleries. They select these casks for their unique character and bottle them under their own labels, often without chill filtration or dyeing, and usually at cask strength. This results in unique expressions not often found in standard distillery bottlings.

A selection of five independent bottlings in our range

1. Càrn Mòr – Aberlour 2013 Oloroso Sherry Cask

Bottler : Càrn Mòr is a label of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, known for their 'Strictly Limited' releases.
Whisky : This 9-year-old Aberlour matured entirely in an Oloroso sherry butt. It offers rich notes of dried fruit, walnuts, chocolate, and raisins. A powerful and elegant Speyside.

2. North Star – Ardnamurchan First Fill Oloroso Sherry

Bottler : North Star Spirits is a young, independent bottler from Glasgow, praised for their expressive whiskies, often bottled at cask strength.
Whisky : This Ardnamurchan has matured in a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask, resulting in an intense dram with notes of dark cherries, toffee, cocoa and subtle smoke.

3. Finn Thomson – Dailuaine 2011 11Y Hogshead Cask #305062

Bottler : Finn Thomson is a relatively new name with a family history in the Scotch whisky world. Their style focuses on transparency and character.
Whisky : This 11-Year-Old Dailuaine (59.2%) comes from a hogshead cask and offers classic Speyside notes of juicy pears, honey, light spice, and a spicy finish. Only 250 bottles available.

4. The Maltman – Inchfad (Loch Lomond) 17Y 2005/2022 Cask #162

Bottler : The Maltman is the brand of Meadowside Blending, run by the McDuff family. Their releases are beloved for their purity and cask-strength expressions.
Whisky : Inchfad is a smoky variant from Loch Lomond. This 17-year-old bottling (52.1%) bursts with tropical fruit, BBQ smoke, vanilla, and leather. An intriguing and rare expression.

5. aDelphi – Bunnahabhain 23Y 1998 Cask #2145

Bottler : aDelphi is one of the most respected independent bottlers in Scotland. They select only casks of exceptional quality.
Whisky : This 23-year-old Bunnahabhain is a paragon of elegance: soft peat, raisin bread, salted caramel, sea breeze, and a silky finish. Bottled at 53.3% ABV, it's a true Islay classic.

Why choose independent bottlers?

• Unique character – Each bottling is different and tells its own story.

• Cask Strength – No dilution; you taste whisky in its purest form.

• Limited edition – Mostly single casks, which ensures exclusivity.

• Authentic – No dyes or cold filtration; pure and natural.

Conclusion

Independent bottlings offer a glimpse behind the scenes at distilleries. They let you taste the character and complexity a single cask can contribute. So the next time you see a bottle of Càrn Mòr, North Star, Finn Thomson, The Maltman, or aDelphi, you'll know you're holding something special.