Ye Whisky Of Ye Monks Ceramic Decanter

A characterful vintage blended Scotch in its iconic ceramic decanter, evocative of mid-20th-century design.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context
Donald Fisher Ltd, founded in Edinburgh in 1836, created the ‘Ye Whisky of Ye Monks’ blend ostensibly referencing monastic distilling heritage. The ceramic decanter versions (stoneware jugs) were popular through the 1960s and 1970s and were exported widely — especially to Latin America and the Far East. The decanter packaging gives it strong visual appeal and collectible status. As a blend rather than a single malt, this bottling sits more in the realm of decorative vintage whisky than modern prestige single malts, but it remains of interest to certain collectors. The lack of detailed distillation data means provenance and packaging condition are key.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

2.1 Documented variants

• “Ye Whisky of Ye Monks – 12 Year Old Ceramic Decanter – Circa 1980s – 75 cl – 40% ABV”.

• “Ye Whisky of Ye Monks Ceramic Decanter – 76 cl – 43% ABV” (listing from Glenbotal) with no stated age.

• Miniature versions: e.g., 40 ml size, 40% ABV, listed as “De Luxe” variant.

Variant Matrix

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Stoneware ceramic decanter with handle and stopper/wax seal in older versions; look for intact seal and jug condition (no chips/cracks).

• Label: Should read “Ye Whisky of Ye Monks” (or variant) with Donald Fisher Ltd Edinburgh. Some vintage jugs may have embossed stoneware identifying marks.

• Age statement may or may not be present – if claimed “12 Years”, check matching label and consistency with era.

• Fill level: Because many bottles are decades old and stoneware decanters have high “angel’s share”, check fill level—that low fill or evidence of top-up (clear glass neck not consistent) suggests caution.

• Replica or reproduction decanters: Beware newer decorative jugs or empty decanter re-use; provenance, condition of stopper/seal and original labelling are critical.

• Miniatures: For 40 ml versions, verify that the format matches known vintage miniature patterns (often labelled “miniature” or “de luxe”) and markings.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes

• As a blend and matured (if age stated) it qualifies as Scotch whisky. If no age is stated, it is still Scotch but selection may be younger.

• Because age statement and cask details are vague, it is best viewed as a collectible vintage bottle rather than a specification-driven liquid.

• “Natural colour” and “non-chill-filtered” statements are absent; assume standard for era (likely colouring used, chill-filtration unknown).

• Cask strength not applicable.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

• Nose: According to one reviewer: “honey to amber pour… aroma is complex and rather surprising: starting with citrus notes (lime, grapefruit, orange) and dried fruit (apricots, dates)”.

• Palate: Same review: “balanced, soft and silky… basically all flavours at once … a touch of sweetness, a dab of sourness, a tinge of umami, a hint of metal, even some slight saltiness.”

• Finish: “Boldly smoky, yielding some scents of leather and peat.”

• With water: Not documented by producer; reviewer mentions effect of drop of water opening certain notes.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

• Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by producer.

• Current UK retail range: Example listing at £149 for 76 cl / 43% version.

• Recent UK/EU auction range: One 12 Year Old decanter (~1980s) sold at £37.50 (in 2014).

• Pricing stratification: Higher value when age statement present (12 Years), good fill, intact decanter; 43% export variant may command premium for rarity; miniatures generally lower value.

• FX note: Not needed.

• Liquidity & sourcing note: Condition and decanter shape matter more than liquid specification; many bottles exist but verifying fill level and seal is key. Velocity is slower for high-condition examples; decorative bottles may trade in niche collector markets rather than broad whisky-liquid market.

Price Snapshot

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Donald Fisher Ltd is an Edinburgh-based whisky blender and bottler. While not necessarily a distillery itself, the brand created this blend which gained popularity as a decorative collector’s item, especially in ceramic decanter form. The whisky is not positioned as modern premium single malt but rather vintage blended Scotch with heritage appeal. The decanter packaging is a strong selling point for collectors.

Sourcing

• Target formats/eras to prefer: 75 cl or 76 cl ceramic decanter with clear vintage age-statement (preferably “12 Years”) and intact original stopper/seal. Good fill level is important, minimal head-space, no top-up evidence.

• Red flags to avoid: Cracked/chipped decanter, missing or replaced stopper, low fill, unclear or missing age statement, bottle re-filled or tampered. Miniature versions have lower value and may be plentiful.

• Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Many older decanters have high “angel’s share” (liquid loss over decades) – those with high fill (neck region) are preferred. Labels must be original and legible; any evidence of resealing or refilling should be a caution.

• Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: For well-conditioned age-statement decanter, margin can be positive, but market is niche and turnover may be slow. Decorative appeal helps but mass demand is limited compared to mainstream single malts.