North British 13 Years 2011 - 2025 #248817 Cask Masters

North British is one of Scotland’s most respected grain distilleries, renowned for its smooth and approachable style that thrives in sherry casks. This 13-year-old whisky, distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2025 by Brave New Spirits in the Cask Masters series, matured in a second fill sherry butt. The result is a well-balanced grain whisky with depth and elegance, bottled at 50.1%.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Gentle aromas of honey, light toffee and dried fruits, complemented by roasted nuts and a hint of vanilla.

Palate

Creamy and full-bodied with layers of caramel, raisins and subtle spices, perfectly balanced with the grain character.

Finish

Long and smooth, with notes of sherry sweetness, cocoa and warm spice.

A grain whisky that proves single grains can deliver both power and complexity.

North British Distillery

Established in 1885, North British Distillery is one of Scotland's largest and oldest grain distilleries. Located in Edinburgh, on the south-west side of the city, the distillery plays a key role in producing grain whisky for some of Scotland's best-known blends, such as Johnnie Walker and Famous Grouse. Its location near abundant water sources and the port of Leith makes North British ideal for large-scale production and logistics.

The distillery was established as a partnership between several whisky producers to compete with the dominant Scotch Whisky Distillers. Today, North British is owned by Diageo and Edrington, two industry heavyweights.

North British produces high-quality grain whiskies, mostly made from corn and sometimes wheat, distilled in column stills. The whiskies are known for their light and smooth character, with subtle notes of vanilla, honey and a hint of citrus, perfect as a base for blends or in independent bottlings.