In the world of whisky, there are distillers, there are global conglomerates, and then there are independent bottlers.
GreatDrams proudly belongs in the latter category—yet stands apart with an approach that blends rarity, authenticity, and storytelling into every drop. Founded by husband-and-wife team Greg and Kirsty Dillon, this Cheshire-based bottler has become one of the most exciting names in modern whisky. Their ethos is simple: bottle rare and characterful casks, make them approachable, and share them with drinkers who value quality, heritage, and a great story.
Origins: A Marriage of Craft and Character
GreatDrams was born from Greg Dillon’s lifelong passion for whisky, honed through years as a writer, consultant and strategist in the drinks industry. Alongside him, Kirsty brings creative flair and marketing expertise, ensuring that every release looks as beautiful as it tastes. From day one, their mission has been to uncover remarkable casks and small batches, and to bottle them with both integrity and a touch of theatre. Whisky, in their hands, isn’t simply liquid—it’s a story to be told and an experience to be shared.
What Sets GreatDrams Apart
At a time when whisky shelves are dominated by mass-produced labels, GreatDrams offers something refreshingly different. Their focus is on single cask and small-batch releases—whiskies that exist in limited numbers and, once gone, are gone forever. Each release is chosen not for volume, but for personality and distinction.
Awards have followed in abundance. In 2025 alone, GreatDrams’ Campbeltown Blended Malt was crowned World’s Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, while other recent releases picked up three Gold Medals at the Global Spirits Masters. For collectors, bartenders and serious enthusiasts, these accolades are a seal of quality and a reason to seek the brand out.
Equally important is accessibility. While the bottles themselves are rare, the tone of the brand is anything but elitist. Through engaging storytelling, tastings, and beautifully designed packaging, GreatDrams invites both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers into the fold.
The Bottles Worth Knowing
A selection of standout releases illustrates the GreatDrams philosophy in action:
• Founder’s Choice
The bottling the team is most protective of—hand-picked by Greg himself, typically cask strength, and designed to showcase the best of what they find. It’s a whisky of power and presence, created for those who want a dram with personality.
• Campbeltown Blended Malt
Awarded World’s Best, this blend combines layers of coastal influence and complexity, making it one of the most talked-about bottles in the independent bottling world today. For drinkers who appreciate both rarity and recognition, it is an irresistible combination.
• Craigellachie Peated Cask
A twist on a Speyside classic, this release introduces smoky depth to Craigellachie’s robust character. Innovative finishing and creative thinking are part of what makes GreatDrams such an engaging bottler to follow.
• Aberfeldy Port Cask Edition
Aberfeldy is seldom bottled independently, making this release even more special. A finish in Port casks brings rich, dark fruit layers, enhancing the honeyed character of Aberfeldy itself. For collectors, this is as rare as it is rewarding.
More Than Bottles
GreatDrams is not just about bottling whisky; it is about building connections. The business spans consultancy, helping other spirit brands with strategy and storytelling, alongside hosting tastings and events that put whisky in the hands of drinkers who truly care. This multifaceted approach means GreatDrams doesn’t just respond to trends—it helps to shape them.
For luxury retailers and bars, GreatDrams offers a way to stand out: unique bottles with global awards behind them, presented with compelling stories that staff can share with customers. For private clients and collectors, the appeal lies in owning something genuinely scarce, with the reassurance of quality guaranteed by the brand’s reputation.
The Luxury Perspective
For Luxuria Lifestyle readers, GreatDrams resonates on many levels. Each bottle is rare, with production numbers sometimes as low as 150 bottles from a single cask. Packaging is elegant yet contemporary, balancing craft tradition with modern design. Every release comes with a narrative that transports the drinker to a distillery, a region, a moment in time. Luxury today is not about volume—it is about scarcity, authenticity, and connection. GreatDrams embodies these values in whisky form.
Looking Ahead
There is much to look forward to from GreatDrams. Future releases promise further experimentation with unusual cask finishes, new single casks from rarely seen distilleries, and the expansion of private membership opportunities, where insiders gain access to exclusive bottlings and direct dialogue with the founders. International partnerships are also on the horizon, bringing these distinctive whiskies to a wider audience across Europe, Asia and beyond.
Final Thoughts
GreatDrams offers something rare in the whisky world: a combination of passion, precision, storytelling, and award-winning craft. Whether it’s the drama of a smoky Craigellachie, the fruit-rich Aberfeldy Port Cask, or the global recognition of their Campbeltown Blended Malt, the brand delivers on both flavour and prestige.
For those seeking whisky with distinction—bottles to drink, to gift, to collect, and to remember— GreatDrams is a name to watch and a dram to savour.
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