Rare Malts Selection: Iconic Whiskies from Closed Distilleries

“Rare Malts Selection” is an iconic single malt whisky series that played a key role in the history of the modern whisky market. It was created by United Distillers (later Diageo) in 1995 in response to the surplus of whisky from the 1970s and 1980s, known as the “Whisky Loch.” The series focused primarily on whiskies from closed distilleries, such as Brora, Port Ellen, Glenury Royal, and St Magdalene.

Key Features of the Rare Malts Selection

• Distillation in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s: Many bottles come from distilleries closed due to the overproduction crisis. • Minimum Age of 18 Years: The whiskies were aged for at least 18 years, ensuring depth of flavor. • Non-Chill Filtered Bottling: This preserved the full aromatic profile of the whisky. • High Alcohol Strength: Often over 60%, emphasizing the intensity of flavors.

Most Coveted Bottles

Some of the most highly prized bottles include: • Brora 1972: Considered one of the finest whiskies in the world. • Port Ellen 1978: Characterized by maritime and peaty notes. • Glenury Royal 1971: Rarely seen, with tropical fruit notes. • Millburn 1969: Known for its unique character and flavor intensity.

Transition to “Special Releases”

In 2003, the Rare Malts Selection series was succeeded by Diageo’s annual “Special Releases”. This new series continues the tradition of showcasing exceptional whiskies, often from closed distilleries.

Some Facts About Special Releases

• The first edition was released in 2003 and included whiskies from Brora and Port Ellen — already-closed distilleries that have since gained iconic status.

• Every year, the collection is widely discussed by whisky experts and enthusiasts, and new bottles quickly disappear from shelves.

• Bottles from the series are highly prized by collectors, and their market value often increases over time.

• Special Releases also often serve as a tribute to Scottish craftsmanship and whisky history.

History of the Rare Malts Selection

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Scotch whisky industry experienced a severe overproduction crisis, often referred to as the “Whisky Loch” (from the Scottish word loch — lake, used here as a metaphor for huge stockpiles). As a result, distilleries were producing far more whisky than the market could absorb. Massive quantities of casks of maturing whisky accumulated in warehouses, with little chance of being sold quickly.

United Distillers and the Creation of the Series

In 1995, United Distillers (later transformed into Diageo) decided to turn this situation into an opportunity. Instead of hiding the surplus, they created a series of limited-edition whiskies designed to showcase the unique character and quality of products from closed or rarely available distilleries. Thus, the Rare Malts Selection was born — a collection of single malt whiskies, often from distilleries that were either closed or produced whisky only occasionally. These were distilleries with their own history and distinctive style, which had been limited or shuttered due to the industry crisis.

Here are some of the distilleries included in the Rare Malts Selection:

Millburn 25 Years Old Rare Malts Selection 1975 is an exceptionally rare single malt from the closed Millburn distillery, bottled as part of Diageo’s Rare Malts Selection. The whisky was distilled in 1975 and bottled in October 2001 at a cask strength of 61.9%. Millburn was a small distillery in Inverness. It was founded in 1807 as simply the ‘Inverness Distillery’. The name was changed to ‘Millburn’ in 1904. Millburn produced a wonderfully bold and slightly smoky whisky, with notes of tropical fruit and leather. The distillery released only a handful of single malt bottlings during its lifetime, and the whisky remains extremely rare. Millburn closed in 1985 and was partially demolished three years later. The remaining buildings are now used as a hotel and restaurant.

Brora 1977

Distillery: Brora (closed in 1983) Age: 24 yo Profile: Heavily peated with a subtle smokiness, complemented by notes of honey, spices, and leather. This whisky showcases the unique combination of power, elegance, and sweetness that Brora is renowned for. Why It’s Valued: Brora’s rarity and distinctive flavor profile make bottles from the Rare Malts Selection true collector’s treasures, highly prized for their depth, balance, and historic significance.

Port Ellen 1978

Distillery: Port Ellen (closed in 1983) Age: 22 yo Profile: Intensely peated whisky, with pronounced maritime notes, iodine, salt, and smoke. It embodies the quintessential Islay character in a bold and complex expression. Why It’s Valued: Port Ellen is one of Islay’s legendary distilleries, and bottles from the Rare Malts Selection are considered exceptionally rare and highly sought-after by collectors worldwide.

Dallas dhu 1970

Distillery: Dallas dhu (closed in 1983 r.) Age: 24 yo Nose: strong floral and fruity notes, orange blossoms, apples, plums, vanilla, honey, a bit of oak and peat smoke. Taste: mild and sweet, baked apples, pears, caramelized sugar, crème brülée, honey and slight oak bitterness. Finish: quite long, vanilla, toffee, a pinch of pepper and a trace of peat smoke.

Rosebank 1981

Age: 20 yo Bottled at 62.3% at natural cask strength, distilled in 1981. Nose: slightly muted, apples, pears, nectarines, forest floor, elderberry liqueur, white pepper, lemongrass, a pinch of cinnamon, notes of wax, peat and oak. Taste: slightly mineral, bananas, mango, pink grapefruit, apples, milk chocolate, vanilla, roasted nuts and almonds, candied ginger, a bit of pepper and oak. Finish: quite long, with notes of honey, vanilla, citrus, fresh herbs, pine needles and oak tannins.

Caol ila 1978

Age: 23 yo Nose: Juicy and citrusy, with bright lemon notes, sea salt, and a light smoky peat aroma. Hints of wax, campfire, fresh grass, and subtle sweet sugar tones add complexity. Palate: Bold and flavorful, showcasing maritime saltiness, peat, tar, and smoke. Vanilla and spices such as black pepper and nutmeg integrate with vegetal notes like broccoli, alongside tropical mango and zesty citrus. Finish: Long and powerful, dominated by salt and peat—a quintessentially raw Islay character delivered in full intensity.

Cardhu 1973

Age: 27 yo Nose: Rich and layered, with notes of walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, honey, and nougat. Smoky nuances mingle with olive, farmyard hints, patchouli, and delicate floral accents. Palate: Fruity and silky, evoking apple jelly and white peaches. Oily texture with hints of fresh grass, wax, ginger, bedstraw, and malt, creating a complex, rounded character. Finish: Long and balanced, with a harmony of sweetness and oak. Subtle notes of coffee, licorice, and a calm yet decisive presence linger on the palate.

Mortlach 1978

Distillery: Mortlach Age: 20 yo Details: Distilled in 1978, ABV: 62.2% Nose: Dense, tropical stewed fruits, raisins, spices, wax, smoke, fresh herbs, citrus, almonds Palate: Raw, tannic, with citrus notes (lime, kiwi), herbal spices (thyme, rosemary), hints of earthiness, oaked pastes, licorice, and a meaty steak-like character Finish: Long, complex, green and grassy; recalls smoke, oak, straw, with a beautiful balance between strength and aroma

Aultmore 1974

Distillery: Aultmore, located in Speyside, has been operating since 1895-96; in 1998 it became part of the Bacardi Group following its acquisition from Diageo. Age: 21 yo Features: Distilled in 1974, abv: 60.9%. Flavor Profile: Cardamom, light marine notes, a perfumed floral/herbal character. The palate has notes of white pepper and cloves, raisins, and candied orange peel; over time, grassy, earthy notes emerge, with a touch of umami and a touch of honey.

St. Magdalene 1979

Distillery: St. Magdalene Age: 19 yo Characteristics: Distilled in 1979, 63.8% ABV. Nose: Complex, with notes of roasted chestnuts, walnuts, clay, Tie Guan Yin tea, dried seaweed, and salted caramel. Past: Salty, oily, with notes of stone fruit and black tea. Finish: Long, flawless—"balanced from start to finish."

Banff 1982

Distillery: Banff (closed 1983) Age: 21 yo Characteristics: Distilled in 1982, 57.1% abv. Distinct notes of nuts, biscuits, ginger jam, vanilla, and dried fruit. The finish is dry, slightly bitter, distinctive, and long-lasting. A more complex profile than the average whisky of the period.

Glen mhor 1979

Distillery: Glenmor Age: 22 yo Characteristics: Distilled in 1979, 61% abv. "Old, raw Highland": peppery, minerally peaty, subdued fruit, bitter-sour start evolving into maltychocolate notes, long, warm finish.