In the intricate realm of whisky, where craftsmanship meets chemistry, the right partnerships can produce something truly extraordinary. Enter Ferg & Harris, a UK-based purveyor of luxury single cask whiskies, and The Old Barrelhouse, Australia’s premier whisky curator. Together, they’re rewriting the script of what whisky collaborations can achieve, blending heritage, innovation, and a shared devotion to creating unparalleled drams.
Ferg & Harris: Elevating Whisky to an Art Form
Founded in 2021 by John Ferguson and Alex Harrison, Ferg & Harris is a beacon of excellence in the whisky world. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: take exquisite single cask whiskies and marry them with meticulously selected wood finishes to craft an experience that transcends the ordinary.
The heart of their process lies in a storeroom brimming with around 500 carefully curated casks. Each barrel represents potential, a whisper of a flavor journey yet to unfold. But for Ferg & Harris, having great whisky is only half the equation. The real magic emerges in the selection of finishing casks—exotic wooden vessels infused with the echoes of spirits past.
Whether it’s a barrel seasoned with sherry’s velvety sweetness or a hogshead steeped in the smoky embrace of peated whisky, each pairing is an act of artistic precision. The result? Whiskies that are not only distinctive but truly transformative.
And exclusivity is a hallmark. With each single cask release producing just 150 to 400 bottles, Ferg & Harris ensures that every offering is as rare as it is remarkable. These aren’t just whiskies—they’re collector’s pieces, investments in flavor, and liquid time capsules.
The Old Barrelhouse: Australia’s Whisky Vanguard
On the other side of the globe, The Old Barrelhouse stands as a guardian of whisky’s past and a champion of its future. Founded by two passionate mates, this Australian institution is more than a retailer—it’s a storyteller.
Their shelves tell tales of antiquity and innovation, showcasing an unparalleled selection of whiskies from every corner of the world. But while their reach is global, their heart beats strongest for Australian whisky. With the largest collection of Australian whiskies on the planet, The Old Barrelhouse has become a lighthouse for local distillers, offering them a platform to shine.
Their ethos? Whisky is personal. From curating rare finds to forging relationships with distilleries and customers alike, The Old Barrelhouse is dedicated to making every bottle a meaningful experience.
Crafting Parallels: Two Brands, One Vision
When Ferg & Harris and The Old Barrelhouse joined forces, it was more than a business arrangement—it was the meeting of two creative forces united by a shared ethos. Both understand that whisky is more than a drink; it’s an art form, a sensory exploration, and a bridge between tradition and innovation.
Ferg & Harris brings to the table their boutique brilliance, offering whiskies that redefine boundaries through daring wood finishes. The Old Barrelhouse complements this vision by providing the perfect stage, introducing these small-batch masterpieces to a discerning Australian audience eager for quality and originality.
Their collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of partnerships. It’s a whisky duet, with each partner bringing their unique voice while harmonizing to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
The parallels between Ferg & Harris and The Old Barrelhouse are striking. Both operate with a fierce independence, prioritizing craftsmanship over commercialism. Both embrace small-batch production and limited-edition releases, ensuring their offerings remain exclusive and exceptional. And both are driven by a shared commitment to elevating whisky from a product to an experience.
Their partnership reflects a philosophy that greatness isn’t rushed. Just as whisky requires patience to mature, collaborations of this caliber are built on time, trust, and a shared passion for excellence.
Here are some of our favorite Ferg & Harris expressions—perfect examples of their mastery in reinventing tradition, pushing boundaries, and creating whiskies that both defy expectations and delight the daring palate.
Ferg & Harris 27-Year-Old Ledaig Oloroso Sherry Finish – A Symphony of Subtlety and Strength
Prepare to have your whisky preconceptions unraveled. This 27-year-old unpeated Ledaig is like discovering a vegetarian dish at a steakhouse—it shouldn’t work, but oh, it does.
An unsmoked Ledaig—how does one even begin to unpack this delightful anomaly?
Tobermory’s lesser-known alter ego takes an unpeated route in this expression, carving a unique niche in the pantheon of single malts. With whispers of the Isle of Mull in its DNA, this whisky has matured gracefully for 27 years in virgin oak, only to dance a final pas de deux with an Oloroso sherry cask.
The nose is an evocative sonnet of dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, and a wisp of coastal brine—an understated nod to its maritime origins. On the palate, the narrative deepens, unveiling spiced marmalade, candied ginger, and warm nutmeg, all enveloped in the silken embrace of sherry. The finish is as poetic as the journey, lingering with notes of orange zest and soft oak, a reminder of its distinguished age. With only 239 bottles gracing the world, this rare gem is not just a whisky—it’s an event.
Ferg & Harris 18-Year-Old Highland Park Oloroso Sherry Butt – A Storm of Orkney Elegance
This 18-year-old Highland Park emerges from the rugged Orkney landscape like a Norse epic rendered in liquid form. No finishing casks here—this whisky luxuriates in its second-fill Oloroso sherry butt for its entire maturation, yielding a profile both bold and beguiling.
The nose is an intricate prelude of cherry blossoms and spiced figs, grounded by a subtle thread of earthy smoke.
On the top of the mouth, the drama intensifies with a symphony of dark treacle, stone fruit compote, and honeyed florals, punctuated by a saline edge that evokes the wind-swept Orkney seas. At 59.7% ABV, it’s a tempest in a glass—complex, commanding, and utterly transportive. A whisky for those who appreciate both power and poetry.
Ferg & Harris 12-Year-Old Caol Ila Brunello di Montalcino Finish – A Mediterranean Muse Meets Islay’s Wild Soul
From the rugged shores of Islay to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, this 12-year-old Caol Ila tells a tale of two worlds. After a decade in first-fill bourbon barrels, it takes a detour into a Brunello di Montalcino hogshead, where its smoky heritage is softened by the memory of Sangiovese grapes.
What tickles the nostrils upon approach is a beguiling interplay of charred bacon, dried cherries, and leather-bound books—imagine a smoky library in an Italian villa. The palate unfurls like a Tuscan opera, with notes of dried figs, dark chocolate, and a touch of smoky paprika, each element harmonizing beautifully. The finish is long and layered, leaving behind a trace of earthy peat and vinous warmth. Bottled at 53.3% ABV, this whisky is as captivating as it is unconventional, a true meeting of fire and finesse.
With their powers combined, Ferg & Harris, with their singular approach to cask selection and dedication to small-batch artistry, and The Old Barrelhouse are charting new territory in the whisky world. Their partnership isn’t merely a meeting of brands; it’s a convergence of philosophies, a celebration of craft, and a pledge to deliver whiskies that surprise, delight, and inspire.
So, whether you’re savoring a dram of Ferg & Harris’s latest single cask release or exploring The Old Barrelhouse’s treasure trove of offerings, know that you’re partaking in something truly special—a collaboration born of passion, precision, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Here’s to the art of whisky and the partnerships that make it unforgettable.
Slàinte mhath!
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Ferg and Harris.