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About A.D Rattray Distillery
Most popular bottles from the bottler
A brief History
A.D. Rattray Whisky, Scotland. Founded in 1868
Where Tradition Meets Single Cask Curiosity
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a whisky no one else has — one that's bold, unrepeatable, and completely your style — then you’ll want to know A.D. Rattray. This independent bottler, founded way back in 1868 by Andrew Dewar Rattray, has been hunting down exceptional casks and bottling them ever since. And we’re not talking run-of-the-mill whisky here — these are single malts and blends that speak loud and clear, each with its own personality.
Over the decades, the company has moved from grocer to whisky blender to full-on cask whisperer. Today, A.D. Rattray is run by the Morrison family, whose roots in Scotch whisky run deep. Their philosophy is simple: no chill-filtration, no added colouring, and each cask bottled when it’s just right. This is whisky for people who like surprises — the good kind — and want to taste something real, raw, and full of story.
Taste Profile
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 |
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| Spicy |
Fruity
|
Oaky / Woody |
Since A.D. Rattray bottles from all over Scotland — from Islay to Speyside and everywhere between — you’re getting a huge spectrum of flavours. But there's a clear house style: bold cask influence, unfiltered character, and a sense that someone picked this cask because they actually loved it.
A.D. Rattray is known for bold, full-flavoured single cask Scotch whiskies. Their bottlings showcase the best of each cask, with a focus on rich fruit, warming spice, and layers of wood character. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Sticky toffee pudding and dried figs
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Clove spice and cracked black pepper
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Soft vanilla and buttery oak
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Long finishes that keep on giving
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates) |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Vanilla |
Their catalogue changes constantly, but here are some standout releases that have impressed whisky drinkers and collectors alike:
| Whisky | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inchgower 14 Year Old | 58.4% | Biscuit malt, orchard fruit, lemon zest, peppered oak |
| Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old | 55.1% | Salted caramel, smoke, sea spray, grilled pineapple |
| Benrinnes 13 Year Old PX Cask | 60.0% | Raisins, treacle, cinnamon, deep oak warmth |
| Glen Moray 10 Year Old Bourbon Cask | 56.7% | Vanilla custard, fresh apple, toasted coconut, nutmeg |
| Strathmill 12 Year Old | 53.6% | Golden syrup, pear drops, cinnamon toast, floral finish |
They also release a “Cask Collection” series — each one hand-selected, limited in number, and bottled at natural cask strength. You won't find mass-produced blends here — every bottle has a personality.
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The Bottler
A.D Rattray Whisky
Address: A.D. Rattray Whisky Experience, Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire, KA19 8HY, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 www.adrattray.com |
 +44 (0)1655 760 308 |
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes — and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. The A.D. Rattray Whisky Experience in Kirkoswald offers intimate tasting sessions, a whisky shop, and the chance to bottle your own dram straight from a cask. It's proper whisky geek heaven without the corporate gloss.
Opening Times:
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Monday to Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
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Sunday: Closed
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Tours & Tastings: Advance booking recommended, especially in summer
If you’re anywhere near Ayrshire, it's well worth popping in — relaxed, welcoming, and seriously good whisky.
Ownership History
Current Owners:
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The Morrison family – whisky royalty in their own right, with ties to Morrison Bowmore and a long-standing legacy in the Scotch world.
Historical Timeline:
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Founded in 1868 by Andrew Dewar Rattray
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Originally operated as a wine and spirits merchant
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Over time, became an independent bottler and matured into one of Scotland’s most respected names in the game
Today, they’re proudly independent and focused on casks that tell a story, not just fill a shelf.
Bottler Facts
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Founded: Established in 1868 by Andrew Dewar Rattray in Glasgow.
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Origins: Originally traded in French wines, Italian liqueurs, olive oil, and Scotch whisky.
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Current Ownership: Now operated by the Morrison family, with deep roots in the Scotch whisky industry.
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Headquarters: Based in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire, Scotland.
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Independent Bottler: Specializes in selecting and maturing single malt Scotch whisky from distilleries across Scotland.
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Philosophy: Focuses on single cask releases that are non-chill filtered, with no added coloring, often bottled at cask strength.
