Duncan Taylor: Independent Whisky Merchants
Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited, established in 1938, is a renowned independent whisky merchant. It holds one of the largest privately held collections of aged single malt and single grain Scotch whisky casks. The company, headquartered in Huntly, releases these prized spirits through a range of award-winning brands.
The journey began in 1938 when Duncan Taylor & Co. was registered as a cask broker and trading company in Glasgow.
In the 1960s, Abe Rosenberg, a New Yorker who made his fortune importing J&B Scotch to America, acquired the company. He began storing casks from premium distilleries, focusing on single malts and single grains.
In 2002, Euan Shand brought Duncan Taylor & Co. back to Scottish ownership, acquiring the company and its valuable collection. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, reaching over 60 countries and earning numerous awards.
Celebrating over 80 years, Duncan Taylor operates from Huntly, near Speyside. The company continues to lay down premium casks, broker casks, and mature, blend, and bottle whiskies for the global market.
In 2024, Shawn Smith became the new Director, following Euan Shand's retirement. Shawn brings experience in technology finance and whisky, continuing the family-owned legacy. Duncan Taylor is now part of Whisky Holdings, LP, and remains committed to offering complex and authentic whiskies.
Storage:
Duncan Taylor's state-of-the-art warehousing facilities ensure optimal ageing conditions, enhancing the quality of each spirit. The company also offers bespoke bottling services, providing customisation and flexibility. Their in-house coopers meticulously manage each cask, ensuring the highest quality final product.
The Octave:
For over 40 years, Duncan Taylor has successfully experimented with maturing whiskies in smaller casks. This method increases wood interaction, allowing the whisky to develop more quickly.
After a second maturation in octave casks, the whisky's color, taste, and character are enhanced, resulting in a sophisticated and well-balanced Scotch. The Octave Collection includes a variety of single malts, single grains, and blended malts from distilleries like Aultmore, Bunnahabhain, and Highland Park.
An octave cask, made from European Oak, holds up to 70 liters, yielding 60 to 100 bottles.