Although never as widely recognised as bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage or Douglas Laing; Lombard Scotch Whisky Ltd quietly built a reputation for releasing exceptional single casks from both famous and forgotten distilleries.
Today, long after the final bottles were released, the series has become increasingly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike, with some absolute gems to be found amongst their ranks.
The Origins of Lombard Scotch Whisky
The roots of Lombard Scotch Whisky stretch back to the 1960s, when the company began purchasing new make spirit and filling casks across Scotland. Initially, Lombard operated primarily as a supplier of mature whisky for blends, quietly building extensive warehouses of aging stock rather than focusing on branded single malt releases.
Based on the Isle of Man, Lombard developed an enviable inventory of whisky from distilleries across every Scottish region. As interest in single malt whisky surged during the 1990s, the company recognized an opportunity to showcase these mature casks under its own labels.
From The Lombard Collection to Jewels of Scotland
Lombard's earliest branded releases appeared under The Lombard Collection, but during the late 1990s the company introduced what would become its flagship range: Jewels of Scotland.
Initially, the bottlings were marketed by whisky-producing region, carrying labels such as:
- Jewels of Speyside
- Jewels of Islay
- Jewels of Highland
- Jewels of Campbeltown
Around 2001, Lombard unified the branding under the now-familiar Jewels of Scotland title, creating a consistent identity that collectors recognize today. The range remained in production until 2017, just before the company would file dormant accounts and ultimately dissolution in 2019.
A Philosophy Focused on the Whisky
Unlike many modern independent bottlers that rely on elaborate packaging or marketing, Lombard allowed the whisky to speak for itself.
Most releases featured:
- Single cask bottlings
- Natural colour
- Non-chill filtration
- Bottling strengths around 50% ABV or at natural cask strength
- Detailed vintage and cask information
- Individual number and yield from the cask
Access to Remarkable Casks
One of the defining characteristics of the Jewels of Scotland series was Lombard's unusually deep inventory of mature whisky.
Because many casks had been filled decades earlier, the company was able to release expressions from distilleries that had either become rare or had already closed.
Collectors encountered bottlings from iconic names including: -
- Brora
- Caperdonich
- Glenury Royal
- Lochside
- Springbank
- Glen Keith
- Ben Nevis
- Bunnahabhain
- Arran
- Glenallachie
Some bottlings exceeded 30, or even up to 45 years, of maturation, offering whisky lovers an increasingly rare opportunity to experience spirit distilled during Scotland's golden age of production.
Rather than chasing unusual cask finishes or experimental maturation techniques, Lombard focused on showcasing traditional Scotch whisky character. Many releases matured exclusively in refill bourbon hogsheads or classic sherry casks, allowing the distillery's spirit to remain the star.
The End of an Era
Production of the Jewels of Scotland series gradually came to an end around 2017, after Lombard's mature inventory had largely been exhausted.
With no new releases entering the market and the company no longer active as an independent bottler, existing bottles quickly became part of whisky's growing secondary market.
Ironically, many collectors only discovered the quality of the range years later, as bottles began appearing at specialist auctions and tasting events. In recent years, Jewels of Scotland bottlings have enjoyed renewed interest.
Market prices for many expressions have risen steadily, particularly those from closed distilleries such as Brora, Caperdonich, Glenury Royal, and Lochside. Meanwhile, whisky enthusiasts continue to praise the exceptional value many of these bottlings represented compared with similarly aged official releases.
Notable Bottles from the Lombard Archives: -
Bunnahabhain 1979 25yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2004 Bottling
This fantastic 25 year old Islay single malt was laid to rest at the Bunnahabhain distillery on the 16th April 1979 and bottled by Lombard for their Jewels of Scotland series on the 15th October 2004.
Charged from single sherry butt number 7405 at 50% ABV, this is one of 559 limited bottlings.
The Whisky Vault Price: 375 (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Brora 1982 32yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2014 Bottling
An exceptionally rare and distinguished single malt, the Brora 1982 32 year old was bottled on the 28th July 2014 by Lombard as part of their prestigious Jewels of Scotland series.
Distilled on the 13th May 1982, in the twilight years before Brora’s closure in 1983, this is a true relic from one of Scotland’s most legendary and sought-after distilleries, which has now since reopened and resumed production in the summer of 2021.
Matured for 32 years, this expression captures the rugged Highland coastal character Brora is revered for — combining gentle peat smoke with wild herbs, waxy texture, and a deep, earthy complexity developed through decades of patient ageing.
Bottled at a natural strength 46.1% ABV from cask 876, Lombard are a respected independent bottler known for curating rare casks of distinction. This highly collectible release is incredibly limited, with only 69 bottles filled.
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,375 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Edradour 1968, The Lombard Collection – Golfing Greats
This classy Highland single malt was laid to rest at the Edradour distillery on the 27th November 1968 and bottled by Lombard Scotch Whisky Ltd in the 1980's as 'No. 93' in The Lombard Collection series.
Matured in oak cask number 319, this is bottle number 570 from 'The Golfing Greats' label.
The Whisky Vault Price: 583.33 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Glen Grant 1964, The Lombard Collection
This fantastic Speyside malt was distilled at the Glen Grant distillery on the 16th November 1964 and bottled by Lombard Scotch Whisky Ltd in the 1980's as 'No. 39' in The Lombard Collection series.
Matured in oak cask numbers 23-30, with only whiskies matured for a minimum of 15 years selected.
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,041.67 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Glenury Royal 1973 40yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2014 Bottling
This single cask 40 year old Highland malt was laid down at the Glenury Royal distillery on the 21st June 1973 and bottled by Lombard as part of their Jewels of Scotland series on the 20th June 2014.
Charged from ex-bourbon hogshead number 6867 at 40% ABV, this collectible release is very limited - with only 157 bottles filled.
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,250 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Lochside 1981 24yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2005 Bottling
This superb 24 year old Highland single malt was laid to rest at the Lochside distillery on the 23rd February 1981 and bottled by Lombard as part of their Jewels of Scotland range on the 4th August 2005.
Yielded from oak cask number 612 at 50% ABV, this is one of only 258 rare bottles.
The Whisky Vault Price: 500 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Springbank 1969 44yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2014 Bottling
An extraordinary and ultra-rare single malt, the Springbank 1969 44 year old, bottled by Lombard as part of their prestigious Jewels of Scotland series, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and character of Campbeltown’s most iconic distillery.
Distilled on the 16th July 1969 and bottled on the 14th April 2014, this is a whisky of remarkable depth, complexity, and grace. Very few casks from this vintage exist today, making this a treasured piece for serious collectors and connoisseurs. Lombard’s careful cask selection ensures that this expression remains true to Springbank’s distinctive house style—marrying maritime influence with rich, oily malt and subtle coastal peat.
Filled at a natural strength 41.1% ABV from cask 7, the results of the deep sherry maturation for 44 long years are both astonishing and incredibly pleasing on the eye. One of just 260 very limited bottles.
The Whisky Vault Price: 2,083.33 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Springbank 1969 45yo, Lombard Jewels of Scotland 2014 Bottling
An outstanding and super rare single malt from the Campbeltown masters, Springbank, that was bottled by Lombard as part of their revered Jewels of Scotland series.
Distilled on the 16th July 1969 and bottled on the 29th July 2014, this rare beauty was filled at a natural strength 40.6% ABV from single sherry hogshead number 15 - the results of the heavy sherry maturation for 45 long years are glorious and incredibly eye-pleasing.
One of only 237 very limited bottles, this is a true masterpiece from Lombard, known for their focus on rare and prestigious whisky.
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,875 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
A Lasting Legacy
The Jewels of Scotland and Lombard Collection series occupy a unique place in the history of independent Scotch whisky.
It emerged during a period when independent bottlers were helping consumers discover distilleries beyond the mainstream, and it did so with authenticity rather than spectacle. Every bottle represented decades of careful maturation and a commitment to presenting whisky as naturally as possible.
For whisky enthusiasts, the Jewels of Scotland series remains exactly what its name suggests: a collection of hidden treasures that continue to shine long after the final bottle left the warehouse. It’s rare to find smaller, indie bottlers with these types of stock still in their possession currently, Lombard certainly found a fascinating niche, even if it has been curtailed somewhat prematurely.