When Si King approached Cask Trade to create his first whisky collection, the brief was simple yet ambitious: select exceptional single malts that could shine in a glass while bringing genuine character to his PROPA! pie recipes. Working closely with Colin Hampden-White, Cask Trade’s Director and Keeper of the Quaich, Si embarked on a meticulous selection process, ultimately choosing three Scottish distilleries, each with its own distinctive story, to form a unique limited-edition collection.
The Powerhouse
Benrinnes 2013, aged 11 years and bottled at 46% ABV, announces itself with confidence. This Speyside distillery has long been a favourite among blenders for its robust, muscular character, and this single cask expression demonstrates exactly why. On the nose, expect waves of rich malt sweetness, dark fruit notes, and a whisper of leather. The palate delivers exceptional weight and texture, with honeyed cereals giving way to warming spice, hints of tobacco, and a satisfying chewiness that lingers. It’s a whisky with backbone, the kind that stands up magnificently in the Steak, Whisky & Green Peppercorn pie, adding savoury depth without losing its identity. At £49.99, it represents serious value for a single malt of this calibre and age.
Coastal Elegance
The Old Pulteney 2013 offers a uniquely captivating experience. Hailing from the northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland, this 11-year-old expression perfectly embodies its maritime heritage. Where Benrinnes crashes with force, Pulteney dances with finesse. The influence of sea air lends a delicate salinity, threading through layers of vanilla sweetness, crisp green apple, and gentle citrus. There is an elegance here, a refinement born of patient maturation and careful cask selection. Its texture is beautifully silky, carrying notes of honeycomb and toasted almonds through to a clean, subtly briny finish. As the lightest of the three expressions, it pairs naturally with the Chicken, Haggis & Whisky Cured Bacon pie, where its nuanced complexity enhances without overpowering. At £39.99, it is also the most approachable entry point to the collection.
The Crown Jewel
The Ben Nevis 15-year-old represents the pinnacle of the collection. Priced at £59.99, this is a whisky for those who appreciate depth and maturity. From Fort William’s historic distillery, nestled at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, comes a whisky of remarkable character. The additional four years of maturation shine through immediately. Aromas of dark chocolate, espresso, and rich dried fruits rise from the glass, layered over polished oak and a subtle hint of orange peel. The palate is luxuriously full-bodied, delivering waves of fig, date, and walnut, interwoven with vanilla custard and warming baking spices. An earthy, umami nuance makes it the perfect match for the Wild Mushroom and Blue Cheese pie, where whisky and ingredients echo each other in intensity. The finish lingers seemingly forever, leaving traces of dark caramel and toasted oak long after the last sip.
Craft Meets Purpose
All three whiskies share a common DNA beyond their Scottish heritage. They are non-chill-filtered and natural in colour, focusing on authentic flavour over showy presentation, though the bespoke label design adds a touch of style. The 50cl format is perfectly judged, offering enough liquid for both culinary experimentation and generous drams without the commitment of a full bottle. The labels themselves reflect the collaboration’s creative spirit, honouring Si King’s PROPA! brand while capturing the individuality of each expression.
What elevates this collection, beyond celebrity endorsement, is the genuine expertise behind it. Colin Hampden-White, Director of Cask Trade and a Keeper of the Quaich, brings decades of whisky knowledge to the selection process. His guidance ensured Si’s vision translated into liquid excellence, with each cask chosen for its individual merit and for its contribution to the collection as a whole. Beyond the technical selection, every element of the journey, from bottle design to pairing with new PROPA! Pies were tailored to celebrate local talent and culinary creativity.
The fact that all profits support Newcastle and Sunderland food banks adds weight to an already compelling proposition, giving the collection purpose beyond the glass. Available now on Cask Trade’s online platform, these whiskies satisfy both palate and conscience, a rare combination in today’s crowded spirits market. They stand as a testament to what can be achieved when craftsmanship, collaboration, and community impact come together in perfect harmony.
For more information, visit Cask Trade
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Photo credit: Courtesy of Cask Trade .