Learn The Difference Between "IB" and "OB" Whiskies

The Difference Between IB and OB Whiskies

If you’re exploring Scotch whisky, you’ve likely heard the terms Independent Bottling (IB) and Official Bottling (OB). While both offer incredible ways to enjoy whisky, they cater to different tastes and experiences. We’re passionate about both and think understanding the difference makes whisky even more exciting.

What are OB Whiskies?

OB, or Official Bottling, refers to whiskies made and bottled by a distillery under its own name. These are the brands most people recognize—think Macallan, Laphroaig, Glenfiddich, or Bowmore... etc. I like to refer to these whiskies are Distillery Brands.

Why Choose OB Whiskies:

• Distillery Branding
  OB whiskies reflect a distillery’s identity, offering a taste of their style and reputation.
• Core Range & Special Releases
  Many distilleries have a core range with classic age statements (12, 18, 21 years, etc.), along with exciting limited editions or experiments.
• Reliability
  OB whiskies are consistent. When you pick a bottle, you know exactly what you’re getting.
• Mass Appeal
  They’re made in larger quantities, so they’re easier to find, usually easy to drink diluted to 40-43% ABV/Alc.

OB whiskies are perfect for anyone who loves relatively easy going flavor profiles, collecting whiskies for their iconic branding. Also great for people just starting to get into the world of whiskies. 

What are "I.B." Whiskies?

IB, or Independent Bottling, is a little different to distillery brand whiskies. Independent companies buy casks from distilleries, then mature & bottle them themselves in private warehouses, IB whiskies often under their own private label. We love IBs because they give us a chance to experience rare, experimental, and one-of-a-kind whiskies which are usually single cask and cask strength whiskies at a fantastic value vs OB whiskies. To get the 

We’re Big Fans of IB Whiskies

• Unique Expressions
  IBs often feature single casks or small-batch releases, giving you flavors you won’t find easily from distillery brand expressions.
• Cask Strength & Natural Character
  Many IBs are bottled at cask strength (high natural strength %ABV), non-chill filtered, and with no added color. It’s whisky in its purest form. Many big distillery brands use caramel, add water and chill-filtrate their whiskies in bottlings to regulate their big batch productions, aesthetics play a big part for many whisky drinkers unfortunately. Diluting their whisky product to well below 46% abv means the whisky would naturally get cloudy, whiskies at 40-43% would go through a chill filtration step to remove these natural flavour oily essences from the whisky which gives it real character and flavour.
• Rare & Experimental Casks
  IBs let us explore whiskies from lesser-known distilleries or rare casks—like a sherry-matured Dailuaine or a non-peaty Bruichladdich islay distillery.
• Creative Finishes
  Independent bottlers love to experiment, maturing whiskies in unique casks like wine, port, or rum barrels... and many more combinations.

Why Choose an IB?

We believe IB whiskies are truly great whisky experiences—suitable for whisky lovers who actually care about cask quality, flavors, and somewhat limited one-of-a-kind bottles that are great value for the what they could offer vs many OB whiskies. The same cask strength, single cask whisky by Distillery Brands are usually much much more expensive.

I must say not all IB & OB whisky brands are great, however we do try to offer you whiskies that you would at the very least find interesting to share with friends & family, or to enjoy slowly.

IB vs. OB – What’s the Difference?

Try Both!

We think both OB and IB whiskies have their own charm, and exploring both will give you a deeper appreciation for Scotch whisky.

• OB Whiskies are great if you love the consistency and heritage of a distillery’s craft.
• IB Whiskies are for adventurous drinkers who want to discover something unique, rare, or experimental.

Discover Both Worlds

We’re have a great selection of both OB and IB whiskies. Whether it’s a classic Macallan or a rare find IB whisky gem, we think you’ll find something to enjoy or very suitable for gifting.

Visit us online at www.caskells.com or stop by our store at G33 Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai to explore our selection of whiskies!

Cheers!