Cutty Sark Prohibition

Cutty Sark Prohibition is an 18-year blended Scotch expression from the Prohibition-era brand — a premium age-stated release that celebrates Cutty Sark’s most famous period, when the light-coloured blended Scotch was smuggled into the United States by rum runners during Prohibition (1920–1933), presented at higher strength than the standard expression.

Cutty Sark’s connection to Prohibition is foundational to the brand’s identity — the whisky was famously shipped to the Bahamas and distributed by rum runners including the legendary Bill McCoy. The Prohibition expression commemorates this heritage with an aged 18-year minimum expression at 50% ABV, non-chill filtered. Browse all Scotch whisky at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cutty Sark associated with Prohibition?

Cutty Sark was founded in 1923 specifically to target the American market with a lighter-coloured, more accessible blended Scotch. During Prohibition it was shipped to the Bahamas and distributed to the US by rum runners including Bill McCoy — whose reputation for uncut, genuine spirit gave rise to the phrase ‘the real McCoy.’

Is Cutty Sark Prohibition worth seeking out?

Yes — the 18-year minimum age statement and 50% ABV non-chill filtered format represent a significant step up from the standard Cutty Sark expression, with considerably more complexity and depth.