Clan Tins
The tins highlighting Scottish Clans, were first launched in the mid 1980's. And a total of four series have been released all in 70cl and 75cl variants with an abv of 40 or 43%. Only the last set, the black tins, released in the early 1990's, also came in 5cl miniature packs
The first release were green tins with the Clans of the Highlands of Scotland collection. On the tin it stated "Single Malt Pure Malt".
The first series showed the following clans
- Clan Campbell of Breadalbane – The original tins stated Campbell but showed a member of the Buchanan clan!
- Clan MacLean
- Clan MacDonald of ClanRanald
- Clan MacPherson
- Clan Kennedy
- Clan Cameron
- House of Stewart
- An inlay shows Clan Stewart/House of Stewart, however, there are no photographs to be found of this bottling
The second releases were also green tins with the Clans of the Highlands of Scotland collection. Only, on the tin it stated "Special Reserve Single Malt".
This second series might be the same size as the first series, however, I can find the following:
- Clan MacLean
- Clan MacDonald of ClanRanald
- Clan Campbell of Breadalbane
The third release was also in the green tin but renamed to the Clans Of The Scottish Highlands and strangely enough, the Pure Malt reference reappeared in combination with Special Reserve. The clans featured were:
- Clan Drummond
- The House of Stewart
The fourth and last releases in clan tins appeared in the ealy 1990's. Main difference was the tin colour changing from green to black. This release was staggered, meaning two came first and two were released slightly later. This was also released in a miniature pack of the 4 clans in 5cl tins
Clans featured in this release were:
- Clan Sutherland
- Clan Sinclair
- Clan Montgomery
- Clan Murray
Clan Sutherland portraits Kenneth Sutherland. 3rd Lord Duffus is by Richard Waitt (circa 1710) and is reproduced from an original painting in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.
Clan Sinclair shows Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster (Bart) is by Sir Henry Raeburn (1794-5) and is reproduced from an original painting in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.
Clan Montgomery shows Hugh Montgomery, 12th Earl of Eglinton is by Sir John Singleton Copley (circa 18th) and is reproduced from an original painting in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.
Clan Murray shows the portrait of Sir Mungo Murray, son of the 2nd Earl of Atholl is by John Miachael Wright (1683) and is reproduced from an original painting in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.