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In the whisky world, rarity and exclusivity often go hand in hand with desirability. Collectors and investors seek out bottles that are not only exceptional in taste but also limited in supply. Some come from now-closed distilleries, while others were only produced in small numbers. In this article, we will showcase 5 rare and limited edition whiskies, from the 1967 Macallan to the vintage Karuizawa Mercian Ship Bottle.
Glenfiddich 26-Year-Old Grande Couronne
Glenfiddich Grande Couronne is a 26-year-old single malt finished in cognac casks. This is a rich and regal Scotch whisky and a limited edition one too.
Why is Glenfiddich 26 Year Old Grande Couronne a rare whisky?
With around 10,000 bottles released, this limited edition whisky is a true collector's item. It undergoes a 26-year-long maturation process in American and European oak casks. Once complete, it gets an extended finish in rare French cognac casks for up to 2 years.
Flavour of Glenfiddich 26 Year Old Grande Couronne
The final product is buttery, with notes of brown sugar and delicate scents of toasted oak. On the palate, it’s bittersweet with lemon peel and a malty sweetness. Each sip reveals new layers of vanilla and butterscotch, resulting in a long-lasting, velvety finish.
Macallan 1967 18-Year-Old Bottled 1980
This luxurious 18-year-old vintage Macallan single malt was distilled in 1967. It was bottled for the Italian importers, Giovinetti and Figli of Milan, in the mid-1980s. Macallan has been distilling since 1824, with a focus on using European oak sherry casks.
Why is Macallan 1967 18 Year Old Bottled 1980 a rare whisky?
Only a limited number of bottles were produced and released in the mid-1980s for Italian importers. With its price continually increasing over time, this vintage piece is a smart investment for rare whisky collectors.
Flavour of Macallan 1967 18-Year-Old Bottled 1980
The whisky offers a smooth balance of sherry sweetness, chocolate and dark fruit. Its warm and lingering finish showcases the whisky’s maturity.
John Jameson 12-Year-Old 1970s Bottling 86 Proof
John Jameson 12-Year-Old from the 1970s is a rare vintage whisky. Distilled in the quintessential Irish style, it’s made from a mash of malted and unmalted cereals in traditional copper pots.
Why is John Jameson 12 Year Old 1970s Bottling a Rare Whiskey?
Bottled in the 1970s, this hard-to-find whisky is a rare collectable for those who appreciate the history of whisky. The John Jameson 12-Year-Old 1970s was produced at the historic Bow Street Distillery in Dublin before production moved to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork. As the Bow Street Distillery is now closed, this whisky has become increasingly difficult to find.
Flavour of John Jameson 12-Year-Old 1970s Bottling 86 Proof
The nose is light with cereal grains and rye, accompanied by subtle orchard fruits, including ripe apples. The taste is slightly more intense, with a leathery texture and a subtle sweetness.
Lochside 10-Year-Old 1980s
Lochside 10-Year-Old is a single malt whisky aged in oak barrels. Distilled in the Highlands of Scotland, it was bottled from the Lochside distillery, which is now closed.
Why is Lochside 10-Year-Old 1980s a rare whisky?
Lochside distillery closed down in 1991 and was demolished shortly after, making its whiskies incredibly hard to find. This 10-year-old release is the only official bottling from the distillery, which adds to its historical significance and desirability among collectors.
Flavour of Lochside 10-Year-Old 1980s
The whisky is sweet with barley sugar, balanced by grassy-floral notes and a hint of bitter wax. Its profile is complex, with a creamy mouthfeel and subtle spice. The finish is smooth, offering a blend of sweetness and wood.
Karuizawa Mercian 8-Year-Old Ship Bottle 1990s
The Karuizawa Mercian 8-Year-Old Ship Bottle is a hard-to-find Japanese blended whisky from the closed distillery. The whisky is packaged in a distinctive, textured and detailed glass bottle in the shape of a ship.
Why is Karuizawa Mercian 8 Year Old Ship Bottle 1990s a rare whisky?
This hard-to-find whisky was produced by Karuizawa distillery, Japan's smallest, that closed in 2000. The distillery was later demolished in 2016, making this bottle a lasting tribute to its legacy. This whisky is both a limited edition and a unique collectible due to its ship-shaped bottle.
Flavour of Karuizawa Mercian 8 Year Old Ship Bottle 1990s
A beautifully blended Japanese whisky, offering a delicate balance of malt sweetness and oak. It showcases the rich and intense profiles Karuizawa whiskies are known for.
Rare Whisky at Lochs of Whisky
At Lochs of Whisky, we offer a wide selection of rare and hard-to-find whiskies. This list is just a glimpse of our extensive collection, featuring everything from Scotch classics to global favorites.
Explore our full range to discover even more exceptional bottles. If you're interested in unique whisky designs, check out our Top 10 Unique Whisky Designs and Names. For more insight and recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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