Annandale 2018 Refill Bourbon Barrel #163 - Spirit of Scotland - Gordon & MacPhail

Profile: The Annandale 2018 Refill Bourbon Barrel #163 - Spirit of Scotland - Gordon & MacPhail at a glance

• Lowlands Origin: This single malt hails from the revived Annandale Distillery in the Scottish Lowlands.
• Refill Bourbon Barrel: Aged for eight years in Bourbon cask no. 163 – with a deliberately restrained wood influence.
• Single Cask: Bottled from a single cask – strictly limited to just 238 bottles worldwide.
• Cask Strength: Bottled directly at a robust cask strength of 60.4% ABV.
• Natural State: Non-chill filtered and free from artificial coloring – part of Gordon & MacPhail’s exclusive “Spirit of Scotland” range.

Portrait: What makes the Annandale 2018 Refill Bourbon Barrel #163 - Spirit of Scotland - Gordon & MacPhail special

Reports of their demise were premature – and sometimes, they even turn into whisky. The story of the Annandale Distillery is a wonderful example of this.

Located in the heart of the Scottish Lowlands, Annandale was originally founded in 1836. After a long hiatus, the distillery resumed operations in 2014, reviving a nearly forgotten whisky tradition. Since then, it has once again been producing single malts that impressively spearhead the Lowlands' renaissance.

This single malt dates back to 2018 and subsequently matured for eight years in a refill bourbon barrel (cask number #163). A refill cask is by no means the whisky equivalent of a used shopping bag; rather, the process allows the spirit ample time to develop while the influence of the wood remains somewhat more restrained.

In 2026, this single cask was selected and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their renowned “Spirit of Scotland” series. Based in Elgin, this independent bottler boasts a history dating back to 1895 and is celebrated for its meticulous cask selection and extensive experience with Scotch whisky.

This Annandale arrives at a robust cask strength of 60.4% ABV. It remains entirely natural throughout: non-chill filtered and free from added coloring. After all, what ends up in the glass should come as directly as possible from the cask and the distillery—without making a detour to a "beauty consultant" first.

This bottling is made particularly exclusive by its limited run: only 238 bottles worldwide were produced from this single cask.

In doing so, the Annandale 2018 brings together several compelling stories: the rebirth of a historic Lowland distillery, eight years of maturation, a single bourbon barrel, and careful selection by Gordon & MacPhail.

238 bottles, one cask, eight years of maturation, and 60.4% ABV.
This is no mass-market release. It is more like a very small whisky gathering—and the guest list is already quite exclusive.

Distilled: 2018
Bottled: 2026
Cask No.: 163
Outturn: 238 bottles

Tasting Notes: This is how the Annandale 2018 Refill Bourbon Barrel #163 - Spirit of Scotland - Gordon & MacPhail tastes like

• Nose: Zesty lemon peel and freshly cut grass create a lively opening. They are joined by sweet mango and ripe apricots, lending an exotic fruitiness to the bouquet.
• Palate: Juicy mango and soft apricot define the palate. Subtle notes of charred oak provide a striking contrast, adding depth and structure to the profile.
• Finish: The finish is long-lasting and elegant. Floral nuances blend with a delicate citrus note, creating a fresh, harmonious conclusion.