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Everything you need to know about Antiquary Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Antiquary, Highlands Region, Scotland. Founded in 1888.
The Antiquary is one of Scotland's oldest blended Scotch whisky brands. First created in 1888 by John and William Hardie, the whisky takes its name from Sir Walter Scott's famous novel The Antiquary, published in 1816.
From the beginning, The Antiquary stood out from many other blends of the era. It contained a higher proportion of malt whisky than was common at the time, helping it develop a reputation for quality and character. The distinctive diamond-pattern bottle, introduced in the early twentieth century, remains one of the brand's most recognisable features.
Over the years, ownership has changed several times, but The Antiquary has remained a respected name in blended Scotch whisky. Today, the brand is owned by Tomatin Distillery, with the Highland single malt from Tomatin playing a key role in the blend's character.
The Antiquary may not attract as much attention as some larger Scotch brands, but it remains a favourite among whisky enthusiasts looking for a traditional, well-crafted blend.
Flavour Profile:
 |
 |
 |
| Oaky / Woody |
Fruity |
Sweet |
The Antiquary is renowned for its smooth and balanced style. The high malt content helps create a richer flavour profile than many traditional blends.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
|
Oak / Wood Spice |
 |
Apple / Pear |
 |
Vanilla |
 |
Honey |
Most Famous Bottles
The flagship bottling and the whisky most closely associated with the brand. Smooth, approachable and well-balanced.
The Antiquary 15 Year Old
A richer expression offering additional depth, fruit and oak character.
One of the premium releases in the range, known for its complexity and mature flavour profile.
The Antiquary Finest Blended Scotch Whisky
The classic blend that helped establish the brand's reputation around the world.
The Antiquary Limited Releases
Occasional special bottlings showcasing older stock and unique cask selections.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Antiquary at Tomatin Distillery
Destillery Address: Tomatin Distillery, Tomatin, Inverness, IV13 7YT, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 tomatin.com/the-antiquary/ |
 +44 (0)1463 248144 |
Visitor Centre
The Antiquary itself does not have a dedicated visitor centre as it is a whisky brand rather than a standalone distillery.
Visitors interested in The Antiquary can visit Tomatin Distillery, where key components of the blend are produced.
Tomatin Visitor Centre Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Visitors can enjoy:
- Distillery tours
- Warehouse tastings
- Whisky experiences
- Distillery shop
- Exclusive bottlings
Ownership History
Current Owner
Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. (2005–Present)
Tomatin acquired The Antiquary brand and continues to produce and market the whisky today.
Previous Owners
| Dates | Owner |
|---|---|
| 2005–Present | Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. |
| 1996–2005 | J&W Hardie Ltd. |
| 1990–1996 | United Distillers |
| 1888–1990 | John & William Hardie |
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
The Antiquary is one of Scotland's oldest blended whisky brands, first introduced in 1888 by the Glasgow whisky merchants J. & W. Hardie. The name was inspired by Sir Walter Scott's famous novel The Antiquary, reflecting the brand's strong Scottish heritage.
Unlike many traditional blends of its era, The Antiquary became known for using a particularly high proportion of malt whisky in its recipe, helping it develop a reputation for quality and complexity. Today, the brand is owned by Tomatin Distillery, which continues to produce and develop the range.
Production
- Spirit Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
- Country: Scotland
- Founded: 1888
- Owner: Tomatin Distillery
- Components: Blend of malt and grain whiskies
- Maturation: Primarily ex-bourbon and sherry casks
- Production Style: Malt-forward blended Scotch whisky
A significant proportion of the blend is believed to come from Tomatin single malt, contributing fruit, honey and malt characteristics to the final whisky.
Whisky Style
The Antiquary typically displays:
- Honey sweetness
- Vanilla and toffee notes
- Orchard fruits
- Gentle spice
- Soft malt character
- Smooth, balanced finish
The high malt content gives the whisky greater depth and richness than many traditional blended Scotch whiskies.
Key Expressions
- The Antiquary 12 Year Old
- The Antiquary 15 Year Old
- The Antiquary 21 Year Old
- The Antiquary Finest Blend
- The Antiquary Rare and Limited Editions
The 15 Year Old is particularly well regarded for balancing sweet malt character with oak spice and fruit complexity.
Significance
The Antiquary is considered one of Scotland's classic blended whisky brands and has remained in production for well over a century.
Its reputation for using a higher proportion of malt whisky than many competing blends helped establish it as a premium blended Scotch. Today, it continues to appeal to whisky drinkers seeking a traditional, malt-led style of blended Scotch whisky.
Antiquary Whisky to Buy
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