Review | Antiquary 15 Years Old

The 15 Years Old forms the cornerstone of the Antiquary blended Scotch whisky range. The famous and highly regarded blend is one of Scotland’s oldest blended brands. This expression features single malts from the Highlands and Speyside, including its spiritual home of Tomatin. The blend also includes single grain whisky from the Lowlands.

All have been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks before lengthy marrying period in ex-Claret red wine casks. These are sourced from Bordeaux, France. There are also age statements at 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old in the range. These have been married in ex-Port and ex-sherry casks respectively.

The Antiquary is a blend of the Victorian era. It was first registered as a brand in 1888 and was named after Sir Walter Scott’s gothic novel The Antiquary. The blend was created by JW Hardie Ltd. This was formed of James Hardie – a former Edinburgh grocer specialising in wine, spirits and tea – and his two sons, John and William.

The Antiquary had its heyday in the 1980s, when it became hugely popular. The current brand owners are The Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. They purchased The Antiquary in 1996. They in turn have been owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd. since 1985.

The Antiquary 15 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and is available worldwide via selected specialist whisky retailers. It is most popular in France and southern Europe, Japan, South America, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost around £45.

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Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep coppery gold and the nose is rich, sweet and woody. Initial aromas include sherry soaked raisins, bitter orange marmalade and caramel. These are followed by fragrant heather honey and some milk chocolate. Underneath sits a distinct dusty savoury character – think of antique furniture shop with a hint of old cigar box.

On the palate, this whisky is soft, bold and fruity. Up first are expressive dried fruits – imagine those sherry soaked raisins again with some juicy sugary sultana and dried apricot. These are joined by fresh fruit in the form of crisp red apple and ripe peach. Further sweetness evolves with notes of vanilla fudge, toffee and caramel coming through. A hint of milk chocolate, a pinch of sweet cocoa powder and a twist of bitter orange and lime zest add depth.

The second half of the palate takes a more savoury turn. Notes of antique oak furniture and waxy wood polish dominate and bring out the dried apricot element in particular. Then comes a dusty baking spice – cinnamon, clove and gingerbread especially – and a delicate background wisp of gentle smoke. The combination is reminiscent of dried tobacco and that old cigar box again.

The finish is long with a distinct oaky note evolving. The sweet and fruity notes fade slowly, leaving the dusty spices and hint of gentle smoke to play. The oak comes out of this and adds a dry, almost tannic, mouth watering quality. Very nice and makes you want to reach for another sip.

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What’s The Verdict?

The Antiquary 15 Years Old is a superb whisky and one of the best entry points into a core range that we can think of. It also offers great value for money, especially when considering the age statement and quality of liquid. The use of the ex-Claret casks has given a blast of dried fruit, wood tannin and chocolate, which sits very nicely with the other characteristics. The bottle design is also achingly retro and cool. Definitely one to have in your drinks cabinet.