Why choose Independent Bottlers?

In the world of spirits, there is a rich and varied universe, where each bottle tells a unique story. Welcome to the little-known and misunderstood ecosystem of independent bottlers. So what is their role? And why choose their products? Let's dive into the reasons why this taste experience is so captivating.

The role of Independent Bottlers

The independent bottler is above all a passionate and wise taster, since he chooses only barrels, which, in his opinion, offer the best quality potential. The independent bottler must also be innovative, because he will only bottle products that differ from the other products of the distilleries he has chosen. Whether it is the time and place of aging, the degree of alcohol he considers best suited, the choice of maturation in another barrel, the bottle that will be the showcase of his brand, the independent bottler dares, and is not afraid to take risks, advancing in the shadows of the unknown, in a mixture of hope and conviction, in order to make its contribution to the edifice of spirits.

Teamwork

Independent bottling is the result of teamwork. Without distilleries, coopers, farmers, accountants and traders, the independent bottler would not exist. But it brings undeniable added value by highlighting the hidden sides of a very stereotypical industry. It is necessary to understand how the Scotch Whisky industry has evolved to be able to understand the essential place of IBs (Independent Bottlers) in the world of whisky and spirits in general.

History

At the end of the nineteenth century, distillers were not able to bottle their own product as a "brand". It was the job of independent buyers, blenders, bottlers and brokers to take care of it. It was also at this time of the "industrial revolution" that a new distillation process appeared, with the use of a new type of still: the column still or "Coffey Still" which made it possible to considerably increase the productivity and quality of the products offered until then. The industry was booming, until it collapsed, first in 1898, partly because of the Pattison Brothers (brokers of the time who overvalued their stock and obtained too much credit from distillers) and then during the two world wars when barley was rationed and whisky was used as a bargaining chip for exports, particularly to the United States. These restrictions ended in 1953 and new distilleries were established, rebuilt and expanded. The production of whiskies continued to increase and the 60s saw a boom in the export of blended and vatted malt whiskies in bulk (unbottled whisky), especially to Japan.

Renaissance and Modern Challenges

This practice (bulk or wholesale) does not only exist in the whisky circle, but also in the circle of other spirits. This may be a turning point in the legend of spirits. The distillers work hand in hand with independent bottlers, in order to promote their know-how and their single malt and other single cask rums (and at the same time, sell their unsold casks). Overproduction is not necessarily due to the fact of demand, but rather to the fact of its value (between 1967 and 1976, the value of exports increased by more than 400%). In 1980, the United States was the main market for Scotch whisky, but due to other economic factors (and the diversity of different spirits sold to the American public), Scotch consumption fell by 27%. In 1983, several distilleries were forced to close their doors (Port Ellen and Brora to name but a few) and malt production was in decline and so were blended whiskies.

The 90s and Today

In the 90s, if the American market was more fond of "white" spirits (Vodka, Tequila, etc.), the European market was flooded with blended whiskies of lower quality (the proportion of grain whisky was now much more present than the proportion of malt whisky). Independent bottlers, lurking in the shadows of the incessant sale of bulk alcohol and permeative marketing, are freeing themselves from the consuming mass, by bottling single malts with a natural strength, single cask rums without additives, cognacs and armagnacs from itinerant distillers, becoming the symbol of difference and authenticity. Of course, their products are in limited quantities, but in unparalleled quality, and their popularity will continue to grow in the 2000s with legendary bottlings that are the pride of both those who have consumed them and those who collect them.

The Current Importance of Independent Bottlers

Nowadays, there are many IBs. There are those who have been able to show the way and hold their own (Gordon and MacPhail, Adelphi, Cadenhead's, Signatory), those who have been around for a little less time but who arouse the interest of the wealthiest collectors (Samaroli, Velier) and those of a new era, more anchored in flavors still unknown due to the multitude of new products, new types of distilleries around the world and new styles of manufacturing. The diversity of independent bottlers is proof that today's consumer is becoming more and more savvy, and more and more adept at quality. And distillery owners have understood this. Plenty more spirits are appearing in limited editions on the various commercial shelves, demonstrating once again, the importance that the passionate epicurean attaches to a product that differs from mass production. If independent bottlers cannot compete with large groups on a strictly financial level, they can far surpass their creativity. So, in your choice to buy a product that would make sense to its buyer, it is essential to take into consideration the 5% of products in the spirits sphere. Those of Independent Bottlers.