Annandale 2016 Single Cask #544 Man O’Sword
70cl / 61.1%
£99.00
- Cask type: Spanish Oak
- Malt type: Single Cask
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
A bold Lowland single malt from the revived Annandale Distillery, this 2016 vintage was matured in a Spanish oak hogshead (Cask #544) and bottled at a robust 61.1% ABV. One of only 321 bottles released, this Founders’ Selection expression (Bottle #034) showcases Annandale’s modern take on classic Scotch, with rich notes of dark chocolate, dried figs, and spiced oak, balanced by the distillery’s signature honeyed malt character.
Distilled in 2016—just two years after Annandale’s historic reopening—this single cask bottling reflects the distillery’s ambitious spirit. The Spanish oak influence adds depth, making it a standout for fans of powerful, cask-driven whiskies.
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A high-strength, peated single cask from Annandale, bottled at 61.3% ABV to showcase the distillery's robust, heavily-peated style known as "Man O'Sword."
At-a-Glance:
| Distillery: Annandale | |
| Bottler: Distillery Bottling (Single Cask Release) | |
| Country & Region: Scotland, Lowland (Dumfries) | |
| Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Heavily Peated) | |
| Age: Circa 6-7 Years Old | |
| Vintage: 2016 | |
| Bottled Circa 2023 | |
| ABV & Size(s) 61.3% / 70cl | |
| Cask / Treatment: Single Ex-Bourbon Cask (#544) | |
| Natural Colour: Yes | |
| Non-Chill-Filtered Yes | |
| Cask Strength: Yes (61.3% ABV) | |
| Bottle count / Outturn: Not stated by the producer (Single cask, estimated 200-250 bottles) | |
| Intended channel: Limited General Release / Specialist Retailer Exclusive | |
| Packaging: Standard glass bottle. | |
| Notes on discrepancies Annandale produces two distinct styles: Man O'Words (unpeated) and Man O'Sword (peated). This is the latter. |
Historical Context
The Annandale Distillery, originally founded in 1836, was silent for nearly a century before being fully re-established in 2014 by Professor David Thomson. This single cask bottling from the 2016 distillation vintage is an early testament to the quality of the revived distillery's production.
Annandale uniquely produces two distinct single malt styles: Man O'Words (unpeated) and Man O'Sword (peated). The Man O'Sword, named after Robert the Bruce, is the distillery's robust, heavily peated expression. This 2016 vintage, Cask #544, is a Single Cask bottled at natural Cask Strength (61.3% ABV), offering an unadulterated experience of the peated Lowland style.
The single cask, likely an ex-Bourbon barrel, ensures that the high peat level is the dominant characteristic, while the young age and high ABV amplify the spirit's bold, fresh texture. This release is highly valued as an early single cask from the contemporary revival era of this historic distillery.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 61.3% ABV/70cl is the single format for this cask.
- Cask: Single Ex-Bourbon Cask #544.
- Style: Man O'Sword (Heavily Peated).
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 61.3% (Cask Strength) | 70cl | Limited Release | Single Cask 544, Heavily Peated | Highest (Single cask, cask strength, peated Lowland) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state "Man O'Sword," the Cask Number (#544), and the Cask Strength of 61.3% ABV. The spirit is generally non-chill filtered and natural colour.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Man O'Sword is the peated style (approx. 50ppm). Cask Strength bottling ensures maximum flavour concentration.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is intensely smoky, fiery, and full-bodied, reflecting the cask strength and peat.
Nose: Not stated by the producer.
Palate: Not stated by the producer.
Finish: Not stated by the producer.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Annandale 2016 Single Cask holds a stable price point reflecting its scarcity and high technical specification.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 120.00 GBP.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): No specific hammer prices are reliably available.
Pricing stratification: The 61.3% ABV single cask commands the full retail premium.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low due to the small outturn. Sourcing is restricted to specialist retailers.
Price Snapshot:
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist) | Current | 70cl / 61.3% ABV | 120.00 | UK Retail Listing |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Annandale Distillery (revived 2014) is a Lowland distillery known for its precise production of two distinct styles: peated (Man O'Sword) and unpeated (Man O'Words). The distillery focuses on full transparency and traditional methods. The single cask releases are highly valued for their raw, cask-strength presentation.
- Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The single 70cl, 61.3% ABV, Cask #544 bottling.
- Red flags to avoid: Ensure the bottle is clearly marked as Man O'Sword (peated).
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): High fill level is mandatory due to the cask strength.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: Velocity is low. Margin potential is moderate.
