Silver Barley Scotch Whisky, John Milroy.

Silver Barley Scotch Whisky, John Milroy....

Condition: New. Vintage. Collector. Very good condition.
Lost Distillery/Brand: Yes, Lost Brand.
Fill level: In the neck. Exceptional.

Whisky still produced: No, not this expression.
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillery: Undisclosed.
Bottler: John Milroy Ltd.
Bottling series: Silver Barley House Bottling.
Bottling Year: Estimated 1988-1995.
Stated Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
Cask type: Not stated (likely ex-bourbon refill casks, typical for bulk blend).
Strength: 40.0% Vol.
Size: 700 ml.
Colouring: Not stated, but in this case not likely, as Milroy often avoided caramel.
Chill-filtered: Almost certainly yes.
Bottle code: None.
Country Origin: Scotland.
Market: UK domestic.

Silver Barley was a modest, but well known house-brand Scotch bottling by John Milroy Ltd for retail sale in London, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This bottling offers a classic old-school blended profile aimed at everyday drinkers, with a simple screw cap and minimalist barley-themed label design.

It is now a very sort after bottling, due to its rarity and collector's value.

Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Silver with a tinge of gold.

(Assumed taste from historic bottlings.)

Nose: Light, grainy, faint orchard fruit

Palate: Mild malt sweetness, gentle spice, slightly thin

Finish: Short, clean, faint vanilla

Bottler History: 

John Milroy Ltd was founded by brothers John and Wallace Milroy, two influential figures in the London whisky scene during the second half of the 20th century. They are best known for establishing Milroy’s of Soho, one of the first specialist whisky shops in London, which opened at 3 Greek Street in Soho in 1964. The Milroy brothers were pioneers in offering single malts at a time when blended Scotch dominated the market.

Role in Independent Bottling

In the early years, the shop operated as a specialist retailer of fine whiskies and imported bottlings but soon began to bottle its own selections under the John Milroy name. This independent bottling arm allowed the Milroys to source casks directly from distilleries or brokers, bottle them under their own label, and sell distinctive small-batch single malts and blends not available from mainstream brands. Their range included:

• Single malts from well-known distilleries, sometimes from closed or less accessible distilleries.

• House blends and vatted malts under names like Silver Barley — low-cost bottlings for daily drinking.

• Limited releases, often with minimal branding, aimed at whisky enthusiasts.

Reputation

Milroy’s reputation grew through the 1970s and 1980s as one of London’s most trusted whisky shops, known for deep knowledge, a strong network of Scotch distillers, and good-value cask selections. John and Wallace were both highly regarded for promoting single malts well before the modern boom.

Ownership Changes

In the late 1990s, the Milroy brothers sold the business. The shop continued under the Milroy’s name, still selling independent bottlings, but the direct involvement of John and Wallace ended. Various owners have kept the Milroy’s brand alive — it is now owned by The Coterie Holdings (which also owns other spirits ventures) and still trades at the Soho address as a whisky shop and bar.

Status of Bottlings

Original John Milroy bottlings from the 1970s–1990s are increasingly collectible, especially single cask malts with age statements. House blends like Silver Barley are less sought after but interesting as pieces of indie whisky retail history, showing how bottlers filled gaps in the market with private labels.

Today, some independent bottlings still carry the John Milroy name through selected releases done by Elixir Distillers (previous owner) or other partners linked with the Milroy’s shop.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1964 (Milroy’s of Soho)

• Founders: John and Wallace Milroy

• Focus: Whisky retail, independent bottlings

• Specialty: Single malts, cask selections, house blends

• Notable Labels: John Milroy Single Malt, John Milroy Single Cask, Silver Barley (house blend)

• Legacy: Helped popularise single malts in London retail

• Current Status: Shop and bar in Soho under the Milroy’s name, no longer run by the Milroy family.

© copyright, Tasting World Ltd. England.