CSP Independent Bottlers & Third-Party Releases 3

Question 1

What does the term 'OB' stand for when Scotch enthusiasts compare releases?

Accepted Answer

Official Bottling

Answer

'OB' stands for Official Bottling, referring to whisky released directly by the producing distillery, as opposed to 'IB' (Independent Bottling) from a third-party bottler.

Question 2

Wemyss Malts is an independent bottler known for giving whiskies evocative names based on tasting notes rather than technical cask data. Where is this company based?

Accepted Answer

Fife

Answer

Wemyss Malts is based at Wemyss Castle in Fife, Scotland, and is known for releasing single cask Scotch whiskies with descriptive, flavor-forward names rather than standard industry nomenclature.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a 'vatted' whisky as historically released by some independent bottlers?

Accepted Answer

A blend of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries with no grain whisky added

Answer

A vatted malt (now called 'blended malt' under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009) is a marriage of malt whiskies from two or more distilleries with no grain whisky component.

Question 4

What advantage do independent bottlers typically offer consumers compared to official distillery releases?

Accepted Answer

Access to rare, single cask, or experimental expressions not available through distilleries

Answer

Independent bottlers often provide access to single cask expressions, unusual finishes, and rare aged whiskies that distilleries choose not to release themselves, offering enthusiasts greater diversity and discovery.

Question 5

Under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009, which of the five categories would a release from an independent bottler most commonly fall under, if it is from a single distillery?

Accepted Answer

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Answer

Most independent bottler single-distillery releases are classified as Single Malt Scotch Whisky, as they typically source malt whisky from one distillery, meeting the legal definition even when bottled by a third party.

(CSP) Certified Scotch Professional Practice Test

(CSP) Certified Scotch Professional Practice Test

CSP Independent Bottlers & Third-Party Releases 3