Precious Liquors are an Independent Bottler of premium spirits for nearly ten years; active in the European, Singapore, Japanese and UK markets. Widely known for the bottling of premium Cognac, Rum and Whisky, bespoke bottles and creating their own series such as Jamaica Heroes Editions and DNC: Do Not Collect.
This article was developed out of an idea that nothing of significance has been written to celebrate the continued achievements of Independent Bottlers. Although there are independent bottler articles available; but none that covers their full contribution and scope.
In the vast and vibrant world of spirits, independent bottlers play a crucial role in showcasing the potential of what distilleries can truly produce when it comes to the unique and diverse range of flavors and characteristics in rum and whisky. These artisans go beyond the typical offerings of large distilleries due to brand limitations, often sourcing their products from lesser-known producers and offering limited editions that highlight exceptional liquid. Among these independent bottlers, Precious Liquors has emerged as a noteworthy player, respectfully competing with established players.
However the world of spirits is complex and rich, where even the independent bottlers have an abundance of stories to share. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of independent bottlers, their role, approach and why they are worthy of a place in the alcohol industry.
As early as the 19th century British merchants would buy and blend Cognac by importing from eaux-de-vie but aged in the UK to be sold. During this period some notable names flourished such as Martell, Rémy Martin, and Hine. It is of these origins the basis of how independent bottlers were formed, of which some became brands and distilleries that we know today.
The Forefathers of Independent Bottling:
In the beginning, the very foundations of the independent bottling of spirits began in the world of whisky as early as 1842 by William Cedenhead Limited and followed by Gordon & MacPhail established in 1895. With thanks to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Dewars; these brands became household names after their own independent bottling origins. Similarly this occurred within the rum world: for example, J. Wray & Nephew produced blended rum from the availability in Jamaica and sold this throughout their bars. (Campari House, 2024).
The Golden Age of Independent Bottlers:
It was a precious moment when many of today’s favourite and highly respected rum distilleries began to receive the attention they deserved. Premium rum bottling was led by Sinatory Vintage, Hunter Laing, Douglas Laing, Samaroli, Silver Seal, Velier, Berry Bros & Rudd, and Bristol Classic; now considered giants of industry.
Next Generation Independent Bottlers:
The next generation of independent bottlers are displaying absolute innovation and creativity with their approach to selection, branding and pushing the possibilities of the end result from the craft and communities of premium spirit makers from around the world. Some of the most notable examples include Precious Liquors, 1423, That Boutique-y, and Thompson Bros, Claxton Spirits and Rom Deluxe to name just a few. And according to RumX (2024) there are at time of writing over 500 independent bottlers of rum.
The Rise of Precious Liquors
Precious Liquors has made headlines for its remarkable success in rum bottling; placing sixth place out of 526 rum independent bottlers globally. Their approach is a commitment that focuses on a diverse selection of the finest casks, ensuring that each bottle tells a distinct story consistently through its flavour profile and lineage with accompanied tasting notes available on their website. The brand prides itself on transparency and authenticity, sourcing rum from renowned distilleries in particular the Caribbean while maintaining its independence. This has resonated deeply with consumers, leading to a loyal following and a reputation for quality that is hard to rival.
The Importance of Craftsmanship
At the heart of independent bottling is the capturing of craftsmanship. Each bottler brings their unique philosophy and approach to the selection and blending process. This results in a plethora of choices for consumers, each with its distinct character. Precious Liquors exemplifies this craftsmanship with every rum release, showcasing not just the spirit itself but the story behind it with transparency and distillery details. Their success is a testament to the growing appreciation for artisanal products in the spirits industry. As consumers become increasingly discerning, they seek out unique offerings that reflect quality and authenticity.
From the founder of Precious Liquors; An Independent Bottlers Approach to Selecting Spirits:
“For over a decade, I have been immersed in the world of fine spirits, specializing in the trading and brokering of whisky and rum casks. My journey has involved curating custom bottlings as well as producing exclusive releases under our own brands.
Through years of intense and often chaotic work, I have come to appreciate the value of simplicity in the selection process. Consequently, I do not employ a complex scoring system for cask samples, as we exclusively bottle aged products. I believe that a straightforward approach often yields the best results.
I utilize a five-point scale to evaluate the spirits, refraining from writing detailed tasting notes until the product is ready for market release. Here’s a brief overview of my scoring criteria:
1-2 Spirits displaying evident faults—such as being overly alcoholic, too low in alcohol, excessively woody, overly tannic, or having unusual scents and unbalanced esters—are deemed unsuitable for bottling.
3 Spirits that lack structure but may improve with age, blending or through changes in wood. Occasionally, these are lower-priced options that can be bottled as bespoke offerings for clients willing to accept the quality.
4 Very good spirits that may be bottled but would benefit from further aging.
5 Exceptional spirits that warrant immediate bottling—truly the pinnacle of quality.
At times, we pursue specific rum, whisky, or cognac that must meet particular expectations or fit within a product concept. This can be the most challenging scenario, especially if the desired spirit is not already in our inventory. However, thanks to our extensive database of sources for the finest spirits, we find that meeting these challenges is often achievable.
Among the independent bottlers in this space, Precious Liquors stands out for its commitment to excellence and quality. Their approach resonates with my own philosophy, emphasizing the importance of careful selection and a passion for fine spirits.”
Paweł Morozowicz
Conclusion
Independent bottlers like Precious Liquors are redefining the landscape of rum and whisky, offering all consumers the experience of spirits in a way that is authentic and deeply connected to traditions. Their exceptional bottlings are making waves in the industry, they serve as a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship in the world of spirits.
As the market continues to evolve, the role of independent bottlers will undoubtedly grow, and we can look forward to discovering even more unique and exciting expressions of spirits in the years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer exploring the offerings from independent bottlers; it is a precious journey well worth taking.
After all it is independent bottlers who should be credited with the creation of the premium spirits category.
Clive Edwards