Murray McDavid

The Art of Maturation

Established in 1994, Murray McDavid has built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most innovative and respected independent bottlers. From its home at Coleburn Distillery in Speyside, the company has redefined the art of cask maturation, earning acclaim for its thoughtful approach to ageing and finishing whiskies from across the country. With over 40,000 casks resting in its warehouses and partnerships with more than 90 distilleries, Murray McDavid stands as a modern standard-bearer for creative Scotch whisky craftsmanship.

A pioneering history

Murray McDavid was founded by London wine merchants Mark Reynier and Simon Coughlin, alongside Gordon Wright of Springbank Distillery. Their shared background in fine wine inspired an adventurous approach to maturation, particularly through the use of diverse and high-quality casks sourced from vineyards and cooperages around the world. This philosophy quickly distinguished Murray McDavid within the growing world of independent bottlers.

In 2000, the founders undertook an ambitious project - the revival of Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. With the guidance of Jim McEwan, one of Scotland’s most celebrated master distillers, they restored production and reignited global interest in the island’s distinctive spirit. After Rémy Cointreau acquired Bruichladdich and Murray McDavid in 2012, the latter found new ownership under Aceo Ltd., a leading Scotch whisky broker. Today, Murray McDavid continues to thrive under Aceo’s stewardship, proudly maintaining its creative spirit and commitment to quality at Coleburn Distillery.

The art of maturation

At the heart of Murray McDavid’s philosophy lies the belief that the cask is as vital to the whisky’s character as the spirit itself. The company’s Whisky Creations Team carefully selects casks and spirits that will complement and elevate each other over time. Their inventory includes whiskies at every stage of development – from fresh spirit yet to be legally classed as Scotch, to mature casks approaching thirty years old.

The team considers each whisky individually. A light, floral Speyside malt might only require a brief finishing period in a refill Sherry hogshead or a first-fill bourbon barrel to gain depth and sweetness. A robust, oily Islay malt, on the other hand, can withstand years in a bold red wine barrique or a rich Pedro Ximénez cask. This tailored approach allows Murray McDavid to produce whiskies that are balanced, expressive, and full of character.

Dean Jode, head of whisky creations, oversees this meticulous process. His role involves sourcing exceptional casks from across the world – from Sherry bodegas to rum distilleries – and ensuring they are used while freshly emptied, preserving the vibrancy of their previous contents. Within the traditional dunnage warehouses at Coleburn, Dean and his team monitor each cask closely, bottling only when the spirit and oak are in perfect harmony.

Distinctive collections

Murray McDavid’s range is as diverse as its philosophy, offering something for every palate while showcasing the influence of different oak types and finishing styles.

Mission Gold represents the pinnacle of the portfolio – rare and vintage single malts, grains, and blends that highlight decades of maturation.

Benchmark forms the core of the range, exemplifying the distillery’s artistry through balanced, flavourful single malts.

Mystery Malts invites intrigue, offering undisclosed single malts that challenge whisky drinkers to explore without preconceptions.

Select Grain celebrates Scotland’s lighter, sweeter