Chapter 7

Bottling Character In Every Cask

Chapter 7 is a Swiss independent bottling company that takes a literary approach to whisky, curating a thoughtful anthology of single cask and small batch expressions. Founded in 2014 by Selim Evin, Chapter 7 began as a personal passion project and has since evolved into a respected presence in the independent whisky world. Rather than producing spirit, the brand is dedicated to discovering remarkable casks – each one unique, unrepeatable, and full of character.

A personal beginning

Selim Evin’s relationship with whisky began in childhood, when he accompanied his Scottish grandfather on visits to distillery friends. That early exposure left a lasting impression, and in 2014 he launched Chapter 7, initially as a part-time endeavour. Over the next five years, 45 editions were bottled, each contributing a new “chapter” to the growing narrative of the brand.

In 2019, Evin partnered with Sebastian, a like-minded whisky enthusiast, and the pair committed to taking Chapter 7 to the next stage. The Monologue, Anecdote, and Chronicle ranges were introduced in 2020, and by 2022, the company had opened its own bottling facility in Glasgow – a move that brought them closer to the heart of Scotch whisky production.

An Independent Eye For Whisky

Chapter 7 does not distil its own spirit. Instead, it searches the warehouses and cellars of distilleries and brokers across Scotland and Ireland, seeking out special casks that might otherwise go unnoticed. The emphasis is on individuality: each cask or small batch is selected for its singular expression of character.

The brand bottles only whiskies that cannot be replicated – whether single casks or small batches of two to five casks. This approach results in a portfolio that is always evolving and inherently limited, with each edition offering something distinct.

Inspired By Literature – And Craft

The name Chapter 7 is a nod to the “Seven Ages of Man” monologue in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Much like the human journey described in the play, whisky undergoes a transformation as it matures – gaining depth, complexity, and personality over time. Chapter 7 draws a poetic parallel between ageing in oak and the ageing of people, acknowledging the influence of both time and environment.

This literary inspiration extends to the brand’s identity. The typography is based on the Transport font used on UK road signs, while the label design is influenced by traditional cask-end markings found on warehouse barrels across Scotland.

The Art Of Maturation

At the heart of Chapter 7’s philosophy is the understanding that whisky is a living, breathing liquid. As the spirit rests in cask, the oak interacts with the air and the liquid, shaping flavour, texture, and aroma. No two casks mature in quite the same way – temperature, wood type, and warehouse conditions all leave their mark.

Rather than blend these differences away, Chapter 7 chooses to highlight them. Each bottling is a moment captured in time, a rare and often fleeting expression of its origin and maturation.

The Ranges

Chapter 7’s portfolio is structured into three principal series, each with its own focus.

Monologue

Monologue editions are single cask bottlings, often at cask strength, that showcase the individual voice of a single cask. These whiskies tend to be bold, unfiltered expressions that offer a clear view into the spirit’s interaction with wood and time.

Chronicle

The Chronicle range presents small batches drawn from a handful of casks – typically three to five. These bottlings aim to balance depth and nuance, while preserving the distinctiveness of the chosen casks. Each release contributes to a broader narrative of whisky exploration.

Anecdote

Anecdote expressions focus on older, rarer whiskies, often with unique finishing processes or notable provenance. These are curated with an eye for storytelling and depth, resulting in whiskies that are contemplative and layered.

In addition to Scotch single malts, Chapter 7 has expanded to include Irish whiskey and Scottish grain whiskies, always with the same commitment to individuality and integrity.

Final thoughts

Chapter 7 approaches whisky as an evolving story – one shaped by time, wood, and the subtle decisions of the people who guide it from cask to bottle. Rather than focus on volume or consistency, it values distinctiveness, allowing each whisky to retain its natural character.

For those curious about how individual casks reflect the diversity of Scotch and Irish whisky, Chapter 7 offers an honest, literary, and thoughtful perspective. Every bottle is a chapter in a much larger narrative – one that invites discovery, reflection, and appreciation.

Slàinte.