Whisky Independence
In the next few pithy lines, we'll tackle the topic of whiskies, that are produced by independent companies. The word independence is associated with rebelliousness, intransigence and novelty, which will be part of our story.
Did you know that distilleries which do not own all the casks in their warehouses, but have sold some of them to bottling companies other than their own?
Have you come across whiskies of a familiar brand, and there is an unfamiliar label and unknown name next to it? You start to worry with heavy thoughts if it is fake or if someone is using the famous brand to rocket and take off in the Whisky Universe. Your doubts are not justified because there are companies which buy distillate from different distilleries and bottle them with their own label and their own bottle shape. They put their company name and the name of the distillery (not always) on the label and usually a lot more details such as bottles produces, cask type, exact dates and years of ageing and bottling, also other small but important details.
Usually the portfolio of independent companies has a selection of multiple distilleries, usually selected by them or purchased from them whisky, which has aged in their own warehouses or under the control of their experts. This often results in unique selctions, different from the brand's standart products and often with higher prices. It is good to be mentioned that some of their selections are prized by collectors and investors and their prices are going up seriously. Of course, the name of the distillery, the years of ageing and the bottling companies matter.
This business has over 100 year old history and has started by enterprising liquor retailers, which have expanded the portfolio of different brands and generated greater profits. In the beginning not all distilleries were willing to part with their fine casks and have given young and cheap whisky, but over time they even began to select certain casks for their partners - the independent bottling companies.
Recent years have seen some incredibly bold and innovative solutions, ranging from mixing different distilleries (Big Peat) to unique labels and bottle shapes (Hidden Spirits, That Boutique-y Whisky Company).
Възможността да имаш своя марка уиски, която да си селектирал от любима дестилерия с твой вкусов профил, твой етикет или да направиш нещо лудо и нетрадиционно, е все по-възможна и достъпна от всякога.
Всичко това спомага за развитие на богатството на палитра от вкусове, аромати, нови истории, развитие на уиски общества, нови фенове, а брокерите на бъчви да стават все по-търсени и важни в индустрията.
В момента има стотици подобни компании, като бройката им постоянно расте. Ето част от най-известните и популярни имена в бизнеса.
- Adelphi
- Berry Bros & Rudd
- Cadenhead’s
- Douglas Laing
- Gordon & Macphail
- Hart Brothers
- Hidden Spirits
- Hunter Laing
- Moon Import
- Samaroli
- Scotch Malt Whisky Society
- Signatory
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Кратката ни история е не да противопостави дестилериите с независимите компании, а да предизвика любопитство за опитване на нови и непознати етикети, без да сме предубедени от неизвестно или странно име, намиращо се на етикета.
В сайта www.vida.bg, както и в уиски бар Caldo www.caldo.bg имате възможност да се срещнете с малка част от тези компании и марки.
