Banff 18 years 1980 - 1998 Chieftain's Choice

A whisky from a closed distillery always carries a sense of magic – and Banff is a prime example. This 18-year-old Chieftain’s Choice bottling by Ian MacLeod, distilled in 1980 and bottled in 1998, offers a rare glimpse into the soul of a Speyside distillery that closed its doors in 1983. What remains is a whisky full of character, complexity and a touch of eccentricity.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and spicy with aromas of green apple, damp hay, beeswax and a hint of marzipan. Slightly medicinal with notes of malt and a whisper of smoke.

Palate

Elegant yet powerful. Citrus oil, green tea, peppery spices and hints of walnut wood. A lightly waxy mouthfeel with subtle salinity.

Finish

Long and dry with notes of orange peel, oak and a trace of camphor. Intriguing and layered to the very end.

Banff Distillery

Banff Distillery was located near the village of Inverboyndie on the north-east coast of Scotland, close to the town of Banff in Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1824 by James McKilligan & Co, the distillery had a turbulent history with several changes of ownership and multiple incidents, including a devastating fire in 1877 and bombings during World War II. The distillery finally closed in 1983 and the buildings were later demolished.

Although Banff Distillery no longer exists, its remaining bottles remain highly sought after by whisky lovers, collectors and investors alike. Banff's whiskies are prized for their rarity and the unique glimpse they offer into a piece of lost whisky history.

Ian Macleod

Ian Macleod Distillers is an independent, family-owned company with a rich history and an impressive portfolio of high-quality drinks. Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation has earned them a solid reputation in the whisky world and beyond. Whether it is their single malt whiskies, blended whiskies, or their gin brands such as Edinburgh Gin, Ian Macleod offers products that will appeal to both the traditional whisky drinker and the modern spirits enthusiast. With a focus on both tradition and innovation, Ian Macleod remains a major player in the world of spirits.

History

Ian Macleod Distillers was founded in 1933 by Leonard Russell. The company began as an independent bottler and dealer in spirits. Leonard Russell was a visionary who saw the potential in offering high-quality whiskies to a global audience.

Since its founding, Ian Macleod has remained a family business. The company is currently run by the third generation of the Russell family, with Leonard Russell Jr. as CEO. The continuity of the family business has ensured that the values of craftsmanship, quality and innovation have been maintained.

Please note

This bottle was bottled a long time ago. Please be careful when opening. The closure may have deteriorated. The item is sold as photographed and described. We do not accept any liability for the condition of the closure.