Glen Drummond 8 Year Old 1960s Bottling
75cl / 43%
£199.00
- Malt type: Blended Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Lemon, Peat, and Vanilla
Raw Cocoa, Caramel and Lemon Zest
Medium Long, Caramel, Ginger and Lemon Zest
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A rare, historical 'Pure Malt' blend from the pre-Blended Malt era, showcasing a high-quality Speyside profile.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Unstated Malt Distillery (Speyside/Highland) / Hankey Bannister & Co. / Scotland |
| Category | Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Historically designated 'Pure Malt') |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 8 Years Old / Distilled circa 1960s / Bottled 1960s or 1970s |
| ABV & Size(s) | Varies: 43% ABV (Preferred) or 40% ABV / 75cl or 750ml |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer (Likely refill oak) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Standard commercial blend volume) |
| Intended channel | Domestic and Export Retail (e.g., DAB Italia) |
| Packaging | Standard glass bottle, original paper label, sometimes with display carton |
| Notes on discrepancies | Original bottling era is confirmed as the pre-SWA term 'Pure Malt'. ABV confusion exists between 40% (later issue) and 43% (earlier/premium issue). |
Historical Context
The Glen Drummond 8 Year Old is a product of the mid-20th century Scotch trade, produced by Hankey Bannister & Co. This bottling is significant because of its now-obsolete categorization as "Pure Malt Scotch Whisky". This term, used before the modern regulations of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), denoted a whisky that contained only malted barley spirit, but sourced from multiple distilleries. This classification places it in the technically superior category of what is now called a 'Blended Malt' (containing no grain whisky), instantly elevating its historical quality above standard blended Scotches of the era.
The liquid was bottled at a young age—8 years old—a practice that was acceptable in the 1960s and 1970s. Its presence at 43% ABV in a 75cl volume for European export further confirms its premium status during that decade. For collectors, this bottle represents the genuine, higher-quality liquid specification associated with the historical 'Pure Malt' era.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The key technical variant is the bottling strength. The expression was released at both 40% and 43% ABV. The 43% ABV version (often confirmed in 75cl volume) is universally preferred as it retains greater flavour concentration, making it the primary target for connoisseurs.
The inclusion of the phrase "Finest Pure Malt Scotch Whisky" on the label is the primary authentication marker that dates the bottle to the correct era, providing definitive proof of its component quality (malt only).
Documented variants
The technical variations are primarily confined to minor adjustments in strength and volume over the bottling decade.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 75cl / 750ml | Export (Italy/EU) | 'Finest Pure Malt' designation | High (Preferred strength, historical provenance) |
| 40% | 70cl | UK/Later Export | 'Pure Malt' designation | Moderate (Lower strength) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication requires confirmation of the "Pure Malt" terminology and the specific 8 Year Old age statement. Given the bottle’s age (50-60 years old), liquid integrity is the paramount concern. Fill levels are critical, with reports noting auction lots sometimes exhibiting levels as low as the bottom shoulder (B/S). Fill levels below the Upper Shoulder (U/S) significantly devalue the item due to high risk of oxidation and volume loss. A bottle with original packaging, even if lightly faded, and a High Shoulder fill is necessary for optimal retail margin.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The designation Pure Malt is obsolete but confirms the spirit contains 100% malted barley. The 43% ABV version was bottled at a slightly higher than minimum proof, a key indicator of its premium market positioning at the time.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Not stated by the producer.
Palate: Not stated by the producer.
Finish: Not stated by the producer.
With water: Not applicable/recommended due to the standard bottling strength.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Pricing is sensitive to condition and the presence of the original carton. Auction hammer prices for this bottling are exceptionally low, but the perceived value in specialist retail is substantially higher.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 150.00 – GBP 250.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 16.00 – GBP 100.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (Hammer) | 16/09/2023 | 70cl, 40%, No box, L/C | 16.00 | Reflects extremely low hammer price |
| Auction (Estimate) | Undisclosed | 75cl, 43%, Carton, B/S fill | 100.00 – 200.00 | Estimated range for best condition |
Pricing stratification: The vast difference between hammer price (GBP 16.00) and estimated value (GBP 100–GBP 200) confirms that this is a low-liquidity auction item with strong margin potential if secured at a low price and sold via specialist retail channels. The 43% variant commands the upper range.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is very low. Sourcing requires capitalizing on low hammer prices at auction and adding significant value via specialist retail placement.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Hankey Bannister & Co., the bottler, was an established name associated with high-quality blending practices in the mid-20th century. Their bottling of "Pure Malt" confirmed the product's superior grain-free composition, providing a layer of provenance valued by historical collectors.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Focus on securing the 43% ABV, 75cl version with confirmed "Pure Malt" designation.
Red flags to avoid
Low fill levels (below U/S) are a major risk for this old malt. Avoid confusion with standard 'Blended Scotch Whisky' offerings.
Condition thresholds
Minimum Upper Shoulder (U/S) fill level is essential for viability.
Margin/velocity expectations
High margin potential (due to low hammer price) but very low velocity.
