Duncan Taylor & Co
4 Upper Kirkgate
Huntly
History - Although now based in the North East of Scotland, Duncan Taylor actually began their whisky business in Glasgow. The cask broker and trading company was opened on the 27th of May 1938, at 20 Renfield Street, in Glasgow. Over the years the company grew its reputation as a broker and over time gathered a remarkable portfolio of rare, aged casks of whisky. In the 1960’s the company changed hands and was now in the ownership of a New Yorker by the name of Abe Rosenberg. Abe had made his money importing J&B Scotch to America just after World War II, a time when they couldn’t get enough of our Scotch blends. He started storing casks that he had bought from Scotland’s best distilleries at the time. Although his blended business was the money maker his collection of single casks were what the company would become famous for. During his time running Duncan Taylor he managed to build up a collection of of over 4500 casks of incredible single malt whisky, many of which remain within the company’s collection today. In 2002, eight years after Rosenberg sadly passed away, whisky merchant and former Glendronch distillery employee, Euan Shand returned Duncan Taylor & Co to Scottish ownership when he acquired the company and its prized collection of single malts, single grains and aged blended whiskies. Under Euan’s ownership, the company which celebrated its centenary last year has grown into a globally respected independent whisky bottler, which can be found in more than 60 countries.
The Spirits - In their whisky portfolio they have several brands of blended and single malt bottling. One of my favourites is the Octave collection, named after the small casks they use in the maturation of the whisky. These smaller casks give more wood interaction with the whisky over a shorter period of time than in a large cask, therefore allowing a more rapid melding of wood, air and alcohol. The result is a whisky packed with flavour and intense aromas. They obviously have the ubiquitous gin called Indian summer in their range but you may be surprised that this company also have one of the best rum offerings you will find. If you are into your rum then seek out their single cask rum collection online and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Interesting fact - When Euan took over the company he also inherited the Black Bull whisky brand. This forgotten Scotch blend dates back to 1864 and at one point had once been one of the largest blended whiskies imported into the US, but was one of the causalities of prohibition in America which stated in 1919. Duncan Taylor have brought the Black Bull brand back from the dead and have released new expresssions every year since 2009.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here