Antiquary

The Antiquary was founded in 1888 by brothers John and William Hardie, Edinburgh wine merchants. Named after Sir Walter Scott's 1816 gothic novel, the blend carries a distinctly Victorian character rooted in Scottish literary tradition. Now owned by Tomatin, the brand has undergone a modern revival while honouring its 136-year heritage.

The blend's signature is its unusually high malt content, complemented by Lowland grain spirit. Highland and Speyside malts (45% combined) deliver citrus and vanilla character, while a measured dash of Islay malt introduces restrained smokiness. Maturation spans American oak, with marriages in French, Portuguese, and Spanish oak casks—occasionally finished in sherry or tawny Port vessels for added complexity.

On the nose: warm gold colour with sweet, woody aromatics. The palate offers ripe apple, creamy vanilla, and caramel, layered with citrus and candied fruit notes. The finish is clean and gently drying, without aggressive alcohol burn.