Murray McDavid was founded in 1994 by Mark Reynier, Simon Coughlin, and Gordon Wright. Reynier and Coughlin were London-based wine merchants, while Wright was formerly a director at Springbank distillery, bringing deep industry expertise to the new venture. The company's name was a tribute to Reynier's grandparents, Harriet Murray and Jock McDavid.
With their backgrounds in fine wine, Reynier and Coughlin brought an unconventional perspective to Scotch whisky, particularly on the subject of cask finishing. At a time when using different wood types for maturation was rare, Murray McDavid began experimenting with a variety of interesting casks, most notably ex-wine casks. This creative process, which they dubbed the "Art of Maturation," quickly earned them a reputation for producing whiskies with a unique personality and flavour profile.
The founders' ambitions went beyond independent bottling. In 2000, they purchased the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, which had been lying dormant since 1994. They hired whisky legend Jim McEwan as Master Distiller to bring the distillery back to life.
Over the next 12 years, the once-closed distillery flourished under Murray McDavid's ownership, becoming a celebrated name in the industry. The partnership was a period of great innovation and growth, but it came to an end in 2012 when the French spirits giant Rémy Cointreau acquired Bruichladdich.
After selling Bruichladdich, Murray McDavid was acquired by the Scotch whisky broker Aceo Ltd in 2013. Following a brief period of inactivity, Aceo revived the brand in 2015, staying true to its founding ethos. Today, Murray McDavidoperates out of the disused Coleburn Distillery in Speyside, using its traditional dunnage warehouses to mature its extensive collection of casks.
Some of the exceptional ranges from the Murray McDavid back catalogue include; Mission, Celtic Heartlands and many top class Single Cask bottlings, notably from the likes of Springbank and Macallan.
We are going to take a look at some of their greatest hits to date here: -
Bowmore 1968 35yo, Jim McEwans Celtic Heartlands
This fabulous 35 year old Islay malt was distilled at Bowmore in 1968 in American Oak casks personally selected by Master Distiller, Jim McEwan.
Bottled in 2003 for the Celtic Heartlands series, this is one of just 722 expressions and was awarded a mammoth score of 93 points from the experts at Whisky Fun.
The Whisky Vault Price: 2,083.33 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Clynelish 1976 28yo, Murray McDavid Mission
This 28 year old Highland single malt was laid down at the Clynelish distillery in 1976 and bottled for the revered Mission series from Murray McDavid in 2004.
Drawn from refill oak Sherry cask, this is one of just 600 unique bottling's that is individually numbered and comes complete with original wooden presentation box and tasting notes. The bottle has been signed by Jim McEwan, the Master Distiller of Bruichladdich fame, who hand selected the casks for the Mission series.
This little cracker also managed to pick up a hugely impressive 90 points from the experts at WhiskyFun. This is right from the top drawer!
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,666.67 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Glen Moray 1962 34yo, Murray McDavid Single Cask 4115
This spectacular 34 year old Speyside single malt was distilled at Glen Moray in 1962 and bottled by independent bottlers, Murray McDavid, in the mid-1990's.
Heavily Sherry influenced, this unique bottling was drawn from single cask number 4115 at a natural strength 43% ABV and is bound to stir the interest of the seasoned connoisseur.
The Whisky Vault Price: 2,500 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Macallan 1974 21yo, Murray McDavid Single Cask 6024
This radiant 21 year old Speyside single malt was laid to rest at the Macallan distillery in December 1974 and bottled by Murray McDavid in November 1996.
Yielded from single Sherry cask number MM6024 and bottled at 46% ABV, this rare independent gem is bound to generate high interest.
The Whisky Vault Price: 1,875 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Springbank 1965 34yo, Murray McDavid Single Cask 580
This 34 year old single Campbeltown malt was laid down in February 1965 at the Springbank distillery and bottled by the independent bottlers Murray McDavid in May 1999.
Drawn from sherry oak cask number MM580, this rare collectible expression is always hot property.
The Whisky Vault Price: 2,500 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Springbank 1966 33yo, Murray McDavid Sherry Cask
This ridiculously rare 33 year old single Campbeltown malt was laid to rest at the Springbank distillery in 1966 and bottled by the independent bottlers Murray McDavid in 1999.
Yielded from single sherry cask and bottled at 46% ABV, this rare collectible expression from Springbank's golden era comes in fantastic condition.
The Whisky Vault Price: 5,000 GBP (Ex-VAT). Buy Here.
Click here to view all of our Murray McDavid bottlings.