Zanzíbar

Sansibar is an independent bottler based in Germany that has earned a global following for its exceptional single cask whiskies, rums, and other fine spirits. Known for sourcing rare and distinctive casks from distilleries across Scotland, as well as select producers worldwide, Sansibar has built a reputation for quality, creativity, and a willingness to take risks in flavour and presentation.

The brand takes its name from the Sansibar restaurant on the island of Sylt, a legendary German dining destination famous for its wine and spirits list. While the bottling arm operates independently from the restaurant’s daily business, it shares the same philosophy: offering only the best products to discerning customers.

Origins and Philosophy

The Sansibar spirits label was founded by Peter Merten in the early 2010s, driven by a passion for rare whisky and rum. The idea was to bottle exceptional casks in very limited quantities, each chosen for its unique character rather than to fit a fixed “house style.” This approach allows Sansibar releases to range widely in style — from smoky Islay malts to elegant Speyside whiskies and long-aged Caribbean rums.

All bottlings are typically non-chill filtered, at natural colour, and often presented at cask strength to preserve the full character of the spirit.

Beyond Whisky - Rum and Other Spirits

Sansibar is equally respected for its single cask rums, sourced from distilleries in Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, and other rum-producing nations. These releases can range from funk-laden high-ester Jamaican styles to dark, treacle-rich Demerara rums. Occasionally, Sansibar also bottles other rare spirits such as Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados.

Presentation and Collectability

One of the hallmarks of Sansibar bottlings is their striking label design, often featuring artistic, playful, or abstract imagery. Each release is bottled in very small quantities, sometimes fewer than 200 bottles worldwide, making them highly collectible. Once a Sansibar cask sells out, it is gone for good.

Flavour Profile and Appeal

Because each release is selected for individuality, there’s no single Sansibar flavour profile. That said, drinkers can expect clarity of flavour, well-integrated oak, and spirits that are bottled to showcase their natural qualities. Whisky lovers appreciate the transparency of information on the labels, which typically list distillery (when permitted), distillation and bottling years, cask type, and ABV.

Our Selection

Our Sansibar range features rare single cask whiskies, exceptional Caribbean rums, and other limited-edition spirits. Whether you’re searching for an old Islay malt, a Speyside sherry bomb, or a complex, long-aged rum, Sansibar offers an ever-changing collection of bottlings for those who value individuality and uncompromising quality.

With each bottle, you’re not just enjoying a spirit, you’re tasting a carefully chosen snapshot of distilling history, captured and preserved by one of Europe’s most exciting independent bottlers.