10 Unique Whisky Designs and Names

Explore ten show-stopping whisky bottles with unforgettable names, complete with back-stories and tasting notes.

In the world of whisky, it’s not just the flavours that captivate you but also the creativity in naming each bottle. The design of the whisky packaging also draws our attention and increases the bottle's charm. From intricate glasswork to names that carry meaning, these factors add an extra layer of joy to our whisky experience. 

Explore 10 unique whisky bottles with unforgettable names, complete with back-stories and tasting notes, that will stand out on your shelf. 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select (Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition)

The Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select is also known as the Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition. It’s an exclusive and highly collectable bottle from Suntory's renowned Hibiki line of blended Japanese whiskies. 

Packaging Design

The unique whisky bottle portrays the 24 seasons of the Japanese calendar. Beautifully decorated, this special release showcases traditional Japanese symbols:

• Sakura flowers (cherry blossoms)

• Goshoguruma (royal carriage)

• Ryusuimon (streaming water)

These were known to be symbols of prosperity and good fortune during Japan's Edo period (1603-1868). This bottle honours Japanese nature and artistry and would definitely be a standout in your collection.

Name

The name "Hibiki" translates to "resonance" or “echo” in Japanese. This represents the harmony between the identity of the brand and its craftsmanship. 

Flavour

The Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select is described as a sweet and well-balanced whisky. Tasting notes include:

• Orange marmalade 

• Dark chocolate

• Floral aromas

• Woody spices

The finish is outlined as having a lingering sweetness with a woody bitterness.

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky - Batch 27

The Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky is a 100% malt whisky, aged in a mix of casks. William Grant and Sons launched Monkey Shoulder in 2005. They aimed to create the next modern blended malt for the newer generation of whisky drinkers. 

Packaging Design

The bottle is a classic whisky shape with a modern look. It features a slightly curved body, making it easier to hold. It also includes the iconic three monkey symbols, representing the blend of three different single malts.

Name

Monkey Shoulder is an unusual name for a whisky brand; one that makes you wonder about its origin. This name actually came from the distillery workers having to turn the malt by hand with heavy shovels. Causing one of the worker’s arms to hang down lower, like that of a monkey.

Flavour

The Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky is a popular choice of whisky for its rich and smooth palette. Tasting notes consist of:

• Toffee

• Oak spice

• Peach

• Ginger

• Fudge

Tomintoul Glenlivet 12 Years Old - Perfume Bottle

The Tomintoul Glenlivet 12-Years-Old was bottled in the 1980s, in a ‘perfume’ cylindrical bottle that was fashionable at the time. This single-malt Scotch whisky comes from the region of Speyside. 

Packaging Design

Presented in a perfumed-shaped bottle, its design sets it apart from traditional whisky bottles. It also includes a plastic carry case, featuring extra details about its origins. A very cool whisky and a rare one that would be interesting for you to collect.

Name 

Tomintoul is the name of the distillery this whisky comes from and means ‘the hill of the barn’ in Gaelic. 

Flavour

The Tomintoul Glenlivet 12 Years Old Perfume Bottle is a fine single malt aged in oak casks. It has tasting notes of: 

• Toasted oak

• Pears

• Tangerine 

• Vanilla 

Highland Park Freya 15-Year-Old Valhalla Collection

The Highland Park Freya 15-Year-Old is a unique whisky bottle and another rare find. It’s a stunning single-malt whisky, aged in an ex-bourbon cask. Freya is the third release in Highland Park's Valhalla Collection, inspired by Norse mythology, following the Thor and Loki editions. While all bottles in this series would look the part in any whisky collection, the Freya bottle certainly draws your attention.

Packaging Design

The Freya bottle is crafted from dark glass, giving it a mysterious appearance. The label features Nordic-inspired artwork that reflects Freya and Norse mythology. It’s presented on a decorative wooden stand that resembles a Viking boat. The outer packaging compliments the bottle’s design and is a striking way for you to display this whisky. 

Name 

The whiskies in the Valhalla Collection celebrate prominent figures from Norse mythology. Freya is named for the Norse goddess representing love, fertility, wealth and war. The whisky seeks to embody the essence of its namesake.

Flavour

The Highland Park Freya 15-Year-old carries flavours from an ex-bourbon cask with a hint of soft peat smoke. Tasting notes consist of:

• Rum and raisins 

• Vanilla 

• Chocolate

• Cinnamon 

Kelt Tour De Monde Pure Malt Scotch Whisky 1990s 25cl

The Kelt Tour De Monde is a uniquely designed whisky for various reasons. It is crafted from a blend of 37 whiskies from all the main distilleries to create the ultimate whisky. Known for its special ageing process, which involves sending the whisky on a three-month sea-voyage in oak casks. This journey is thought to speed up the maturation process. 

Packaging Design

The Kelt Tour De Monde is packaged in a distinctive bottle that reflects its ageing process. 

• The shape and label of the bottle depict a ship, which signifies the whisky's sea voyage as part of its maturation.

• The etched details on the glass are symbolic of sea or naval motifs. 

• The 25cl size is smaller than usual, making it a mini or travel-sized version of the full bottle. 

Name

The full name of this whisky is Kelt Tour de Monde Pure Malt Scotch Whisky. The phrase "Tour de Monde" translates to "World Tour," reflecting the three-month sea voyage it’s sent on to age.  

Flavour

The Kelt Tour de Monde includes flavours of oak from being aged in oak casks. Tasting notes feature:

• Apricot 

• Pears and apples 

• Walnuts 

It has a smooth finish with a touch of sweetness. 

Chivas - Royal Salute 21-Year-Old (The Signature Blend Sapphire)

The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old (The Signature Blend Sapphire) is a sophisticated, blended whisky produced by Chivas. Created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s II coronation, the royal salute was launched on 2nd June 1953.

Packaging Design

The Royal Salute Sapphire is showcased in a brilliant blue ceramic flagon. The bottle has a regal design with a rounded body and a detailed crest, symbolising its royal ties. Its sapphire colour takes inspiration from the jewels in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation crown. Packaged in an elegant gold box, it also comes with a matching blue velvet pouch. This unique whisky bottle will add a touch of royalty to your collection.

Name

The name of this regal whisky comes from the ceremonial 21 Gun Royal Salute, which is fired in honour of powerful dignitaries.

Flavour

The Royal Salute Sapphire has a powerful aroma of pears and citrus fruits. Tasting notes include:

• Sweet vanilla 

• Orange marmalade 

• Pears

• Hazelnuts 

Karuizawa Mercian 8-Year-Old Ship Bottle 1990s

This is a unique whisky bottle that would make an excellent addition to your bar or display. The Karuizawa Mercian 8-Year-Old Ship Bottle is a hard-to-find Japanese blended whisky from the closed distillery, Karuizawa. Altogether, approximately 1,000 bottles have been made worldwide. 

Packaging Design

The whisky is packaged in a distinctive, textured and detailed glass bottle in the shape of a ship. The bottles' special ship design, alongside its rarity, makes this Karuizawa release a notable collector's item. As well as a fine whisky to enjoy

Flavour

The Karuizawa Mercian 8-Year-Old Ship Bottle has deep and complex flavours. With tasting notes of:

• Dried fruits

• Dark chocolate

• Subtle spices

Ballantines Purity 20-Year-Old Scotch Whisky

Ballantine's Purity 20-Year-Old Scotch Whisky is a great example of a whisky packaging that is unique and stands out from regular bottles. This is a limited edition blended malt that has been aged for 20 years. Ballantine was founded in 1827 by George Ballantine and is now known for their high-quality blended Scotch whiskies. 

Packaging Design 

The whisky is presented in an iconic teardrop-shaped decanter, which is both visually striking and sophisticated. Its clean and refined shape will definitely draw attention to your shelf. It also comes with a matching box for neat presentation and storage.

Name

The name ‘purity’ highlights the focus on the quality of the whisky, as it claims to be made with the purest Highland water.

Flavour 

The Ballantine's Purity 20-Year-Old is rich in flavour. Tasting notes include:

• Oak

• Vanilla 

• Spices 

Rare Hare 30-Year-Old Lucky Bastard Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

This single-malt whisky is quite rare and harder to find on the market. It’s part of the Rare Hare spirits line, associated with the Playboy brand. After spending 30 years maturing, it finished in a Pineau des Charentes casks. With only 4000 bottles produced, its packaging and name make this a unique whisky to get your hands on.

Packaging Design

Displayed in an elegant bottle, it features an iconic bunny logo. The bottle is topped with a cork stopper, adding a classic touch to its design. It also comes with a box with a rich colour scheme that complements the bottle. Overall, its presentation is sleek and exudes luxury. A trophy for your whisky display.

Name

The name "Lucky Bastard" honours Playboy's gaming legacy and highlights the exclusivity of this limited edition release.

Flavour

The Rare Hare 30-Year-Old is aged for 30 years, producing complex flavours. Tasting notes include:

• Brown sugar

• Caramel

• Vanilla 

• Honey

Its finish has a hint of spice and a lingering heat.

Blanton's Special Reserve

Blanton's Special Reserve is a vibrant bourbon released in a series by Buffalo Trace. Blanton’s whiskey places focus on their bourbon being aged in a single barrel to create the finest bourbon in the world. Claiming on the box: ‘Blantons is to bourbon what the finest single-malts are to Scotch and what the rarest Cognacs are to Brandy.’ 

Packaging Design

Blanton's is known for its distinctive rounded bottle and unique stopper featuring a horse and jockey figurine. There are 8 different stoppers, each showing the horse in a different stride position. Each stopper has a letter and together they spell "Blanton's" when the set is complete.

Name

Blanton’s is specifically named after Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton, the company's president from 1921 until 1952. 

Flavour

Blanton Special Reserve is aged in an American Oak cask and has tasting notes of:

• Toffee

• Spices 

• Butterscotch

• Nutmeg 

Unique Whiskies at Lochs of Whisky

For many of us, it's the name or initial look of a bottle that first draws us to a particular whisky. Hopefully, you've discovered a cool whisky design or name that piques your interest. Each bottle tells its own story and it’s exciting to learn why it was crafted that way.

At Lochs of Whisky, we offer a wide selection of rare and uniquely designed whiskies, from Scotch to global favourites. Be sure to check out our full collection at Lochs of Whisky.