North British Whisky

North British is one of only six remaining grain distilleries in Scotland, founded as a direct response to a monopoly. It rarely appears on the label, but it's guaranteed to be in the glass, as the backbone of countless blends you already know and love.

North British 1987/2021 Coopers Choice 33 years old Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 43.5%

Item no.: 059763-615-1063

In Edinburgh's Gorgie district, North British has been distilling grain whisky since 1885 – quietly, efficiently and without the fanfare grain whisky usually receives.
Expert's Description
North British 1987/2021 Coopers Choice 33 Year Old is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky matured for over three decades in a used bourbon cask and bottled at 43.5%.
The Coopers Choice series from The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. is known for sourcing exceptionally old grain casks. This North British has matured for more than 33 years, developing a beautiful golden colour and an exceptionally soft, rounded flavour, with only 240 bottles filled.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The glass first greets you with light oak, quickly followed by coconut and a hint of creamy vanilla.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied with mild pepper, light sweetness and delicate oak.
Finish
The finish is lightly spiced.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: The Coopers Choice
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 33 years
ABV: 43.5 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon cask, cask #238570
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 1987
Bottled: 2021
Number of bottles: 240
EAN no.: 5024720861692
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Investment Potential
Medium. A single grain whisky over 33 years old is rare in itself, and with only 240 bottles of this Coopers Choice release, older North British bottlings have historically shown growing interest among grain whisky collectors.
Did You Know?
North British is today jointly owned by Diageo and the Edrington Group through the company Lothian Distillers – two competitors sharing one distillery.
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187,50

1pcs.
163,25EUR
North British 1987/2023 Adelphi Limited 36 years old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 47.5%

Item no.: 059763-615-664

Grain whisky rarely gets celebrated on its own, but this North British from Edinburgh shows what patient maturation can do for an overlooked category.
Expert's Description
North British 1987/2023 Adelphi Limited 36 Year Old is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky matured in a refill bourbon cask and bottled at 47.5%.
Adelphi is run by two whisky enthusiasts who over 20 years have built an import business focused on great flavour and the ability to stand out from the crowd. This 36-year-old North British was filled from cask #235959, with only 208 bottles released worldwide.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with fresh straw and vanilla fudge, while creamy vanilla lingers in the background.
Palate
The palate delivers honeycomb and delicate oak, with a hint of citrus notes.
Finish
The finish is dry and elegant.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Adelphi
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 36 years
ABV: 47.5 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Refill Bourbon Barrel, cask #235959
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 1987
Bottled: 2023
Number of bottles: 208
Edition: Adelphi Limited
EAN no.: 5060383653496
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Investment Potential
Medium. A 36-year-old single grain whisky with only 208 bottles is an unusual combination of age and rarity, making this release relevant for collectors of older grain whisky.
Did You Know?
The North British distillery in Gorgie is one of the last grain whisky distilleries in Edinburgh and has run continuously since the mid-1880s.
See our full range of North British
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281,25

1pcs.
244,75EUR
North British 1991/2023 Signatory Vintage 31 Years Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky 54,3%

Item no.: 22227865365-8 - 23

There is a particular calm to old grain whisky that has been allowed to rest for decades, and North British is one of the finest examples of exactly that.
Expert's Description
North British 1991/2023 Signatory Vintage 31 Year Old is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky matured in a refill oloroso sherry butt and bottled at cask strength 54.3%.
An impressive 31-year-old single grain from North British, bottled by the renowned Signatory Vintage. This rare release comes from a single cask, entirely without additives and without chill filtration, with 415 bottles in total – a fine choice for the collector wanting to explore the refined world of well-matured grain whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The glass first greets you with dried fig, quickly followed by raisin and a hint of dark chocolate.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied with sherry sweetness, dried fruit and brown sugar.
Finish
The finish is warm with a hint of oak.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 31 years
ABV: 54.3 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Refill Oloroso Sherry Butt, cask #272183
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 16/10/1991
Bottled: 20/04/2023
Number of bottles: 415
EAN no.: 5021944122691
Flavour Profile
Sherry-matured · Spicy · Full-bodied · Dark fruit
Investment Potential
Medium. A 31-year-old single cask grain whisky at cask strength from a respected bottler like Signatory is rare on the market and has historically held its value well among grain whisky collectors.
Did You Know?
North British was founded in 1885, partly by blender Andrew Usher, who wanted an independent source of grain whisky outside the DCL monopoly.
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201,00

1pcs.
174,75EUR
North British 2003/2021 Douglas Laing 18 years old Old Particular Single Cask Grain Whisky 70 cl 48.4%

Item no.: 22227865479-1106-19727881

Edinburgh's whisky history usually centres on malt, but the North British distillery in Gorgie has quietly earned its place as one of the capital's most underrated spirit producers since 1885.
Expert's Description
North British 2003/2021 Douglas Laing Old Particular 18 Year Old is a Single Grain Whisky bottled at 48.4%.
Old Particular is part of Douglas Laing's "Exceptional Single Casks" range, where each bottle comes from a single cask, chosen for its individual character. With 788 bottles from this particular cask, it is a generous yet still limited release.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with vanilla fudge and fresh straw, while creamy vanilla lingers in the background.
Palate
The palate delivers delicate oak and honeycomb, with a hint of citrus notes.
Finish
The finish is dry and elegant.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Douglas Laing
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Whisky
Age: 18 years
ABV: 48.4 %
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2003
Bottled: 2021
Number of bottles: 788
Edition: Old Particular
EAN no.: 5014218818635
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Did You Know?
North British is today jointly owned by Diageo and the Edrington Group through the company Lothian Distillers – two competitors sharing one distillery.
See our full range of North British
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107,00

1pcs.
93,25EUR
North British 2006/2024 Coopers Choice 17 Years Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky 52%

Item no.: 2222699998-77415

Grain whisky is rarely allowed to stand alone, but when it does, as here from North British, it reveals a very different side of Scotch.
Expert's Description
North British 2006/2024 Coopers Choice 17 Year Old is a Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky finished in an oloroso sherry cask, bottled at cask strength 52%.
The whisky matured in American oak casks and finished in a single oloroso sherry cask, cask #4358, adding a rich and complex character to North British's usually light base profile. Only 246 bottles were filled.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose offers dark chocolate, chestnut honey and raisin.
Palate
On the palate there is spiced oak and walnut, while brown sugar adds a final twist.
Finish
The finish is long and spicy.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: The Coopers Choice
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 17 years
ABV: 52 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oloroso Sherry Cask, cask #4358
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: Juni 2006
Bottled: Januar 2024
Number of bottles: 246
EAN no.: 5024720863160
Flavour Profile
Sherry-matured · Spicy · Full-bodied · Dark fruit
Did You Know?
The North British distillery in Gorgie is one of the last grain whisky distilleries in Edinburgh and has run continuously since the mid-1880s.
See our full range of North British
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120,00

1pcs.
104,50EUR
North British 2007/2022 Murray McDavid 14 years old Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

Item no.: 22227865480-67093-0096

North British is today jointly owned by Diageo and Edrington and supplies the backbone of flavour to some of Scotland's best-known blends.
Expert's Description
North British 2007/2022 Murray McDavid 14 Year Old is a Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky finished in a Koval oat cask, bottled at 46%.
The cask comes from the American Koval distillery, known for its oat-based whiskey – an unusual choice for a Scotch grain whisky, giving this release a softer, creamier character with a touch of oatmeal and honey.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The glass first greets you with light oak, quickly followed by coconut and a hint of creamy vanilla.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied with mild pepper, light sweetness and delicate oak.
Finish
The finish is lightly spiced.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 14 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Koval Oat Cask
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2007
Bottled: 2022
Number of bottles: 849
Edition: Limited Release – Select Grain
EAN no.: 5060353303659
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Did You Know?
Grain whisky like North British is distilled in column stills and typically develops flavour more slowly than malt whisky, making older vintages especially sought after.
See our full range of North British
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93,75

1pcs.
81,50EUR
North British 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 years old Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

Item no.: 059763-615-154

Some whisky is built to carry other names forward. North British is the very definition of that quality, rarely given its own spotlight.
Expert's Description
North British 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 Year Old is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 46%.
Signatory sources casks from distilleries across Scotland and bottles them under its own name. This North British has matured for 13 years in bourbon casks, giving an accessible, soft grain whisky with a distinct vanilla character.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with fresh straw and vanilla fudge, while creamy vanilla lingers in the background.
Palate
The palate delivers honeycomb and delicate oak, with a hint of citrus notes.
Finish
The finish is dry and elegant.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 13 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon cask, cask #260481-260484
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 23/06/2009
Bottled: 02/2023
EAN no.: 5021944121939
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Did You Know?
North British was founded in 1885, partly by blender Andrew Usher, who wanted an independent source of grain whisky outside the DCL monopoly.
See our full range of North British
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53,50

1pcs.
46,50EUR
North British 2013/2024 Blackadder Raw Cask 11 years old Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 59.8%

Item no.: 059763-615-1096

A long maturation in a single cask can turn even the most reserved grain whisky into something deeply personal, as this North British shows.
Expert's Description
North British 2013/2024 Blackadder Raw Cask 11 Year Old is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky bottled at cask strength 59.8% without any form of filtration.
Raw Cask is Blackadder's internationally recognised flagship, bottling whisky straight from the cask without even mechanical filtration – exactly as it would have been poured from a cask behind a 19th-century bar. Traces of cask sediment may appear in the bottle as proof of its fully natural state. Only 285 bottles were filled from cask #314708.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose offers ginger, creamy vanilla and light oak.
Palate
On the palate there is fresh cereal and citrus notes, while delicate oak adds a final twist.
Finish
The finish is soft and refreshing.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: Blackadder
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 11 years
ABV: 59.8 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Cask #314708
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 12/02/2013
Bottled: 03/2024
Number of bottles: 285
Edition: Raw Cask
EAN no.: 5055030621416
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Did You Know?
North British is today jointly owned by Diageo and the Edrington Group through the company Lothian Distillers – two competitors sharing one distillery.
See our full range of North British
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100,50

1pcs.
87,25EUR
North British 31 years old The Sovereign 1988/2020 Single Grain Scotch Whisky 52,4%

Item no.: 505956-498796-456- 3

The North British distillery sits in the heart of Edinburgh's Gorgie district and has worked in the shadow of the better-known malt distilleries since 1885.
Expert's Description
North British 31 Year Old The Sovereign 1988/2020 is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Hunter Laing, matured in a bourbon cask and bottled at cask strength 52.4%.
The Sovereign series from Hunter Laing is dedicated exclusively to single cask grain whisky, always bottled at cask strength without added colour or filtration. This 31-year-old North British is limited to 197 bottles from a single bourbon cask.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The glass first greets you with coconut, quickly followed by light oak and a hint of creamy vanilla.
Palate
The palate is full-bodied with light sweetness, mild pepper and delicate oak.
Finish
The finish is lightly spiced.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: The Sovereign (Hunter Laing & Co.)
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 31 years
ABV: 52.4 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon cask
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: Oktober 1988
Bottled: Februar 2020
Number of bottles: 197
Edition: The Sovereign
EAN no.: 5060354272619
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Investment Potential
Medium. A 31-year-old single cask grain whisky with only 197 bottles from a dedicated grain series like The Sovereign is a rare combination that has historically attracted collectors of older grain whisky.
Did You Know?
The North British distillery in Gorgie is one of the last grain whisky distilleries in Edinburgh and has run continuously since the mid-1880s.
See our full range of North British
Listen to our podcast:
201,00

1pcs.
174,75EUR
North British The Ten 2007/2016 Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40,1%

Item no.: 22223333669-321

There is a particular joy in finding an old single grain that has been allowed to mature well beyond the ordinary, as with this North British.
Expert's Description
North British The Ten 2007/2016 is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky from French whisky merchant La Maison du Whisky, matured in a used bourbon cask and bottled at 40.1%.
The Ten series from La Maison du Whisky brings together ten different distilleries under a shared concept. This North British is bottled without added colour or chill filtration, with a nose of creamy vanilla and light oak, and a palate of delicate oak, lemon and mild pepper.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with vanilla fudge and fresh straw, while creamy vanilla lingers in the background.
Palate
The palate delivers delicate oak and honeycomb, with a hint of citrus notes.
Finish
The finish is dry and elegant.
Specifications
Distillery: North British
Bottler: The Ten (La Maison du Whisky)
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 40.1 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Used bourbon cask
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2007
Bottled: 2016
Edition: The Ten
Flavour Profile
Soft · Creamy · Light · Elegant
Did You Know?
Grain whisky like North British is distilled in column stills and typically develops flavour more slowly than malt whisky, making older vintages especially sought after.
See our full range of North British
67,00

1pcs.
58,25EUR

About North British

North British is a single grain whisky, markedly different from most of Scotland's famous single malt distilleries. Where single malt is distilled in traditional pot stills from malt alone, grain whisky is produced in a continuous Coffey still from a mixture of grains, typically wheat or maize, with a smaller proportion of malt added. This yields a lighter, more neutral distillate that has traditionally played a supporting role as blending material, though in recent years single grain whiskies like North British have begun to build their own following among enthusiasts who appreciate the soft, sweet style.

History & Background

The distillery was founded in 1885 by Andrew Usher, William Sanderson, James Watson, and John Crabbie, four men with a shared goal: breaking the iron grip Distillers Company Ltd. held over the supply of grain for blends. Production began in 1887 from a single Coffey still, but within three years capacity had already doubled to three million gallons a year, a testament to just how great demand was. North British is today jointly owned by Diageo and Edrington, making the distillery a central yet discreet player in the Scotch whisky industry.

Production & Style

The grain mixture is distilled in a Coffey still, a continuous distillation process that produces a cleaner, more neutral distillate than traditional pot stills. This gives North British a light, sweet character that's ideal for building a blend around, since it doesn't compete with the more characterful single malts but instead gives the blend body and rounded edges.

Signature Style

Sweet, Light, Neutral
The flavour is soft and sweet with notes of vanilla and cereal, a character that makes the whisky an ideal building block in a well-composed blend.

Facts

Distillery	North British
Founded	1885
Pronounced	Nord Britisj
Region	Lowland (Edinburgh)
Country	Scotland
Owner	Diageo & Edrington (joint venture)
Capacity	~74 million litres/year
Peat	Unpeated – grain whisky
Type	Single Grain Scotch Whisky

Did You Know?

North British was part of a deliberate act of resistance by four whisky men determined to break one company's grip on the grain supply, a story of competition largely forgotten today, yet one that still shapes how Scotch blends are made.

If you like North British, you should also try:

Cambus, Cameronbridge and Invergordon.

North British Whisky

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