Name: Kingsbarns 2015
SKU: 1360478
Price: 41.16 GBP
Availability: InStock

An early Single Cask release by Fife's very own Kingsbarn Distillery, this is limited release bottle one of only 214 and matured in a STR Barrique Cask.

June 2025

July 2025

The history of Scotch whisky has to a significant degree been shaped by excise legislation, ever since the first tax was imposed on it by the Scots Parliament in 1644. The parliament passed an Excise Act fixing the duty at 2/8d (13p) per pint of ‘aquavitae or other strong liquor’ – the Scots pint being approximately one third of a gallon.

Over the next two centuries, many changes were made to the legislation surrounding the taxation of whisky, but one factor that never changed was the determination of some distillers to operate illicitly, cutting out any proceeds for the treasury altogether.

In the early 1820s as many as 14,000 illicit stills were being seized each year, and it was estimated that more than half the whisky consumed in Scotland had been distilled without benefit of licence. In 1822 there were no fewer than 6,278 prosecutions for illicit distilling. 

The following year saw the passing of perhaps the most significant piece of legislation ever enacted in relation to Scotch whisky. The Act was an attempt – largely successful, as it turned out – to stifle the extensive trade in illicitly-distilled whisky.

The Excise Act encouraged legal distillation by cutting duty to 2s 5d per gallon, a historic reduction of more than 50 per cent, and a minimum still size of 40 gallons was sanctioned. A licence fee of £10 per annum was introduced, the concept of duty-free warehousing was developed, and distillers were free to export to England and overseas. 

One of the key figures behind the Excise Act of 1823 was the 4th Duke of Gordon, who had extensive estates throughout north-east Scotland, an area that was the very heartland of illicit distillation. Gordon proposed that if new legislation was put in place to make legal distilling more attractive, he and his fellow landowners would do all in their power to uphold the law as diligently as they could and evict anyone convicted of illicit distilling.

The advantages were perceived as being more revenue for the government, despite the lower level of duty, and opportunities for the lairds to make money out of the rash of whisky-making operations that would surely be built as a result of the proposed legislation. Remarkably, no fewer than 79 new distilleries were commissioned between 10th October 1823 and 9th August 1824, with the number of licensed distilleries rising from 111 in 1823 to 263 by 1825.

Perhaps the most significant name from a north-east of Scotland ‘Speyside’ perspective to join the list of legal distilleries was that of Glenlivet, where Captain George Smith began to distil legally at his Upper Drumin farm in 1824. However, Smith’s father, Andrew, had been distilling on the site since 1774, without ever feeling the need to acquire a licence! 
Glenlivet was notable as being the first distillery in the Highlands to be licensed in the wake of the 1823 Excise Act, with support from the Duke of Gordon. Not that the newly licensed Glenlivet flourished without interference, however. Many of Smith’s compatriots considered him a traitor for ‘going legit,’ and as he wrote some years later, they threatened to “…burn the distillery to the ground, and me at the heart of it. The laird of Aberlour presented me with a pair of hair-trigger pistols worth ten guineas, and they were never out of my belt for ten years.”

According to legend, Smith only ever had recourse to his pistols on one occasion. This occurred in a tavern where he stopped for refreshment after delivering some whisky to a customer, and involved a number of would-be thieves, keen to relieve wealthy travellers of their money. When they approached Smith, he drew one of his pistols and fired it into the fireplace. He was allowed to finish his drink in peace.
As a legitimate distillery, Glenlivet supplied high quality single malt to Scotland’s thirsty, expanding population centres to the south, and in terms of reputation, all other Speyside distilleries soon came to exist in its shadow.

One effect of the 1823 Excise Act was a move away from very small, localised licensed distilleries in southern and central Scotland, with larger whisky-making concerns reflecting the general trend towards bigger, more professional and integrated commercial activities across the UK. 
Indeed, Scotland had already witnessed a tendency towards the development of an industry focused on a relatively small number of extensive distilleries, with the likes of Kilbagie, Kennetpans, Glenochil, Cambus and Carsebridge among the most significant. This consolidation continued apace in the wake of the 1823 Act, though the Highlands were still characterised by a larger number of individually smaller distilling operations.

To give a clear idea of just how significant the 1823 Excise Act really was, many of the distilleries and single malts we now value most highly were licensed within a decade or so of its enactment. Not all of these were ‘new builds,’ of course, with some, usually farm-based, having previously operated under the radar without licenses.

The list of distilleries in question includes Balmenach, Ben Nevis, Benrinnes, cardhu, Edradour, Fettercairn, Glen Scotia, Glencadam, GlenDronach, Glenfarclas, Glengoyne, Glenkinchie, Miltonduff, Royal Lochnagar and Talisker   as well as many others no longer in existence.
While a very strong case can be made for declaring the 1823 Excise Act to be the single most important piece of excise legislation relating to Scotch whisky, a case can also be made for the 1860 Spirit Act which legalised the blending of malt and grain whiskies under bond for the first time. But that is another story for another day.

The Deil's awa wi' the Exciseman - Robert Burns

"The deil cam fiddlin' thro' the town, 
And danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman; 
And ilka wife cries,  Auld Mahoun, 
I wish you luck o' the prize, man.

The deil's awa the deil's awa, 
The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman, 
He's danc'd awa he's danc'd awa 
He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman.

We'll mak our maut, and we'll brew our drink, 
We'll laugh, sing, and rejoice, man; 
And mony braw thanks to the meikle black deil, 
That danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman.

There's threesome reels, there's foursome reels, 
There's hornpipes and strathspeys, man, 
But the ae best dance ere came to the Land 
Was, the deil's awa wi' the Exciseman.

The deil's awa the deil's awa , 
The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman, 
He's danc'd awa he's danc'd awa  
He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman."

…burn the distillery to the ground, and me at the heart of it.

In this intriguing piece, Gavin D. Smith delves into the relationship between taxes and the Scotch Whisky industry.

1823 EXCISE ACT

Historical

In our inaugural Blog entry, Guest writer Ian Buxton explores the seemingly unglamorous distillery mill. The unsung hero of whisky distilleries.

The Distillery Mill

january_auction_live_now_2741159_795586.png

Bidding Ends Monday 19th May

Auction Live Now! Your Next Dram Awaits ...

buy_sell_with_the_worlds_most_trusted_whisky_auction_2080060426f40.png

Worldwide shipping, Incredible selection of Rare & Collectable Malts.

Buy & Sell with The World's Most Trusted Whisky Auction.

sell_with_confidence_in_our_next_auction_november_13th_18th_2080058d35e6c.png

0% Seller Commission. Entry Deadline May 7th. Get in touch now to sell items in this auction!

Sell with confidence in our Next Auction: May 14th - 19th

real_time_valuations_for_your_whisky_20800567ccb49.png

Add bottles to your account for instant valuations of your entire collection.

Real-time Valuations For Your Whisky

time_to_sell_well_collect_your_whisky_for_free_2080055b450b4.png

Free UK courier for collections valued over £500. International courier collections also available.

Time to sell? We'll collect your whisky for free.

main_slider.png

Worldwide shipping available to 65 countries. Express & Insured options available.

Insured worldwide shipping. Delivering whisky, right to your door.

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky.jpg

70 cl

The King's Own Whisky

Royal Brackla 35 Years Old

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756418_631311.webp

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756419_260465.webp

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756420_900579.webp

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756421_126332.webp

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756422_259087.webp

royal_brackla_35_years_old_the_kings_own_whisky_2756423_813917.webp

Full Collection & Wooden case (6x70cl)

Johnnie Walker Directors Blend 2008-2013

2008 Release

Johnnie Walker The Directors Blend

johnnie_walker_the_directors_blend_2009_release_953787.webp

2009 Release

2010 Release

2011 Release

2012 Release

2013 Release

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756412_999863.webp

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756413_167336.webp

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756414_582733.webp

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756415_978705.webp

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756416_838618.webp

johnnie_walker_directors_blend_2008_2013_full_collection_wooden_case_6x70cl_2756417_915931.webp

springbank_30_years_old_2024_release_2433_562421.webp

2025 Release (25/13)

Springbank 30 Years Old

springbank_30_years_old_2025_release_2513_2746527_696774.webp

springbank_30_years_old_2025_release_2513_2746528_635498.webp

ardbeg_21_years_old_2001_angels_share_single_cask_no345_2756447_368960.webp

44% vol

Angel's Share Single Cask No.345

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 2001

ardbeg_21_years_old_2001_angels_share_single_cask_no345_2756448_533168.webp

ardbeg_21_years_old_2001_angels_share_single_cask_no345_2756449_946149.webp

heavens_door_26_years_old_canadian_whisky_mizunara_finish_bootleg_series_i_75cl_2755507_529224.webp

75 cl

55.7%

Mizunara Finish | Bootleg Series I (75cl)

Heaven's Door 26 Years Old Canadian Whisky

heavens_door_26_years_old_canadian_whisky_mizunara_finish_bootleg_series_i_75cl_2755508_077601.webp

bunnahabhain_23_years_old_triple_sherry_finish_feis_ile_2024_2755187_434201.webp

53.3%

Triple Sherry Finish | Feis Ile 2024

Bunnahabhain 23 Years Old

bunnahabhain_23_years_old_triple_sherry_finish_feis_ile_2024_2755188_755829.webp

Minor creases to box

Kingsbarns 2015 2019 Single Cask No.1520197

Official Bottling

STR Barrique

Kingsbarns

Lowlands

Full Size

kingsbarns_2015_2019_single_cask_no1520197.jpg

59.8%

2019 Single Cask No.1520197

Kingsbarns 2015

kingsbarns_2015_2019_single_cask_no1520197_2746798_808099.webp

kingsbarns_2015_2019_single_cask_no1520197_2746799_942500.webp

kingsbarns_2015_2019_single_cask_no1520197_2746800_724249.webp

March 2025

macallan_71_74_78_years_old_the_red_collection_3x70cl.jpg

41.6%, 42.6% & 42.2%

The Red Collection (3x70cl)

Macallan 71, 74, & 78 Years Old

macallan_71_74_78_years_old_the_red_collection_3x70cl_2752395_461576.webp

macallan_71_74_78_years_old_the_red_collection_3x70cl_2752396_837091.webp

ben_nevis_1996_hogshead_cask_no1686_held_in_bond_at_ben_nevis_distillery_582891_118134.webp

159.73 Litres

49.6%

Held In Bond At Ben Nevis Distillery

Ben Nevis 1996 Hogshead Cask No.408

ben_nevis_1996_hogshead_cask_no408_held_in_bond_at_ben_nevis_distillery_2750093_394982.webp

ben_nevis_1996_hogshead_cask_no408_held_in_bond_at_ben_nevis_distillery_2750091_084730.webp

macallan_40_years_old_the_red_collection_855271.webp

48.1%

The Red Collection 2020 Release

Macallan 40 Years Old

macallan_40_years_old_the_red_collection_2020_release_2750755_192433.webp

macallan_40_years_old_the_red_collection_2020_release_2750756_816904.webp

Decades 1-6 (6x70cl)

Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_1.jpg

43.7%

Decade 1

Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_4.jpg

Decade 4

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_3.jpg

Decade 3

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_2.jpg

Decade 2

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_6_with_print_036710.jpg

Decade VI

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_release_decade_5.jpg

Decade 5

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_decades_1_6_6x70cl_2741043_749027.webp

macallan_james_bond_60th_anniversary_decades_1_6_6x70cl_2741044_692332.webp

macallan_distil_your_world_mexico_edition_585699.webp

46.8%

Hong Kong Edition

Macallan Distil Your World

macallan_distil_your_world_hong_kong_edition_2752681_129288.webp

macallan_distil_your_world_hong_kong_edition_2752682_341096.webp

macallan_over_25_years_old_1966_anniversary_malt_927931_011775.webp

Anniversary Malt

Macallan Over 25 Years Old 1966

macallan_over_25_years_old_1966_anniversary_malt_2750795_919363.webp

macallan_over_25_years_old_1966_anniversary_malt_2750796_957784.webp

macallan_distil_your_world_mexico_edition.jpg

Mexico Edition

macallan_distil_your_world_mexico_edition_2743314_215400.webp

macallan_distil_your_world_mexico_edition_2743315_499118.webp

macallan_1989_2022_samaroli_magnifico_single_cask_no1219_216438.webp

2022 Samaroli Magnifico Single Sherry Cask No.6690

Macallan 32 Years Old 1989

macallan_32_years_old_1989_2022_samaroli_magnifico_single_sherry_cask_no6690_2750791_799185.webp

macallan_32_years_old_1989_2022_samaroli_magnifico_single_sherry_cask_no6690_2750792_030970.webp

hibiki_30_years_old_suntory_577261_682769_421893.jpg

Suntory

Hibiki 30 Years Old

hibiki_30_years_old_suntory_2749670_076784.webp

hibiki_30_years_old_suntory_2749671_669655.webp

macallan_easter_elchies_2012.jpg

57.2% vol

2012

Macallan Easter Elchies

macallan_easter_elchies_2012_2747631_130473.webp

macallan_easter_elchies_2012_2747632_222214.webp

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_pre_2018.jpg

700ml

Sherry Oak (Pre-2018)

Macallan 30 Years Old

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_pre_2018_2751126_432461.webp

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_pre_2018_2751127_186210.webp

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_2022_release.jpg

2022 Release

Macallan 30 Years Old Sherry Oak

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_2022_release_2750373_913150.webp

macallan_30_years_old_sherry_oak_2022_release_2750374_743265.webp

springbank_30_years_old_2025_countdown_collection_3rd_release_70cl_15cl_2752475_088892.webp

47.3%

2025 Countdown Collection 3rd Release (70cl & 1.5cl)

springbank_30_years_old_countdown_collection_2025_70cl_15cl_2752749_635545.webp

springbank_30_years_old_countdown_collection_2025_70cl_15cl_2752107_312337.webp

springbank_30_years_old_2025_countdown_collection_3rd_release_70cl_15cl_2752748_025945.webp

macallan_30_years_old_the_colour_collection.jpg

The Colour Collection

macallan_30_years_old_the_colour_collection_2744255_709623.webp

macallan_30_years_old_the_colour_collection_2744256_979070.webp

Minor crease to box

ichiros_malt_double_distilleries_peated_chichibu_hanyu_ghost_series_10_2751750_462786.webp

61.3%

Chichibu & Hanyu | Ghost Series #10

Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries + Peated

ichiros_malt_double_distilleries_peated_chichibu_hanyu_ghost_series_10_2751751_827697.webp

Kingsbarns 2015

2019 Single Cask No.1520197

Sell Whisky with 0% Commission

How To Buy Whisky?