James MacArthur’s is an independent bottling label with a relatively small output but a stellar reputation as having turned out some of the greatest Islay single malt whiskies ever bottled. Founded in 1982, the company’s prevailing ethos (and aesthetic) has been resolutely old-school from the beginning, with no-nonsense labelling and only two ongoing ranges over the entirety of the company’s history: the James MacArthur’s Old Masters series, and James MacArthur’s Fine Malt Selection.

James MacArthur’s most famous whiskies are from Port Ellen and Caol Ila and were bottled early in the company’s life. Although these are the most famous bottlings there are plenty more superb whiskies from James MacArthur's, including a Brora 1972 bottled in the mid-1990s, a Dalmore 1964 and Glen Grant 1959 both from sherry casks bottled in 1999, 1960s casks of Springbank, Longmorn and Macallan, plus rare gems from Convalmore, Pittyvaich, Kinclaith and many more.

MacArthur’s sadly has never been a prolific bottler - the company has released less than two dozen whiskies in the last five years - but their label is as sure a sign of quality as can be found in the whisky world.