Directors Greg W. Swartz and Guy Satchwell’s documentary Independent Spirits – Another Whisky Film pulls back the curtain on the world of independent bottlers and blenders of Scotch Whisky. The viewer is invited to explore the history and current state of an aspect of Scotch that doesn’t get much coverage. 40 experts unaffiliated with distillery brands describe the history, artistry, and business. The subtitle, “another whisky film,” is a reference to the fact that this is a follow-up to 2021’s The Water of Life.
Point of order: This film uses the anglicized UK/Scotland word “whisky,” but there’s an older spelling that comes from Ireland, the birthplace of whiskey. The Irish Gaelic phrase for “water of life” is Uisce Beatha, pronounced “ish-ka bah-ha,” which later evolved into the word “whiskey.” The first recorded instance of whiskey was in Ireland in 1405, with Scotland following about 90 years or so later.
The film is focused on products from Scotland, featuring vintage bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail and Cadenheads, but also mentions the Irish bottlers, where it is called “bonding.” Independent bonding is enjoying a revival in Ireland, with new merchants like W.D. O’Connell coming up, and old stalwarts like Mitchell & Son still in the game. Scotland still commands the lion’s share of the industry.
Independent Spirits – Another Whisky Film is the deepest of dives into a cask of brown liquor. The interviewees are all passionate experts, steeped in the tradition and technical aspects of bottling. Discussion ranges from the ebbs and flows of markets through world events, to the obsessive selection and treatment of wooden casks (mostly European oak) for aging.
Carla Laing discusses independent Scotch whisky bottling in Independent Spirits – Another Whisky Film (2025).
“… the artistry and business of Scotch Whisky independent bottlers and blenders …”
There is also discussion of the vagaries of marketing challenges, such as distilleries demanding that bottlers not disclose them when they blend their casks. One rules-skirting dodge is revealed, called “tea-spooning,” where a minute amount of liquid from another cask is added to make a “blend” that retains all of the characteristics of the original cask. The vicissitudes of the markets have resulted in some older bottlers leaving the business to get back to distillation, while micro-scale independent “armchair” bottlers are coming onto the scene.
It is nothing short of mind-boggling that there can be nearly two hours of storytelling focused on the lore and technique of Scotch bottling and blending, while never delving into the distillation process. Even more startling is that this is Swartz’s second documentary about the product. The passion, creativity, and enthusiasm of industry insiders and connoisseurs are impressive.
The four chapters covered were originally released as a series, but have now been edited into one feature. In addition to the interviews, there are behind-the-scenes clips of blending and bottling, as well as historical photos. Clocking in at 110 minutes, this is not oriented toward the casual viewer. One needs to have a vested interest in Scotch to stay focused. That said, Swartz mentions in his notes that both films have an enthusiastic following among dilettantes and industry folk: “The films have become so popular in the whisky community that we launched our own Whisky & Film Festival in Scotland. It has now sold out twice with more than 700 guests in attendance.”
The review rating given to the film comes with a caveat that the target viewer is a fairly serious aficionado of Scotch. For those enthusiasts, Independent Spirits – Another Whisky Film will be like savoring the first taste from your favorite bottle while sitting in a cozy room before a fireplace.
Learn more at the official Independent Spirits – Another Whisky Film website.
"…like savoring the first taste from your favorite bottle in a cozy room before a fireplace"
