The Original Cask Strength is Laphroaig in its purest form, delivering the full power of Islay’s land, sea and air. Matured for 10 years in charred American oak barrels, this expression is drawn directly from the cask, barrier-filtered only to remove char particles. It is unchill-filtered and bottled at natural strength, showcasing the distillery’s uncompromising character.
Batch 16 stands as the most powerful release in the Cask Strength family. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, it balances peat smoke and maritime salinity with layers of sweet orchard fruit, vanilla, spice, and the oily richness that defines Laphroaig.
Tasting Notes by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet apples and caramelised pastry, with cereal, tanned leather and vanilla, lifted by Islay peat smoke.Palate: Vanilla and sea salt intermingled with freshly ground black pepper, pork crackling and savoury peat.Finish: Gentle spice, charred oak and smoked mackerel carried on an oily mouthfeel.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish stands out as a remarkable expression. It combines the unforgettable flavours of the classic 10 Year Old Laphroaig with the sweet and complex influence of Oloroso sherry casks. This unique whisky begins with the same traditional process, aging in ex-Bourbon barrels, before it rests in Oloroso sherry casks to gain extra depth and character. Each sherry oak cask is hand-selected to create a truly exceptional single malt.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet and peaty with medicinal notes of Manuka honey, hospital bandages, antiseptic lotion, Germolene, strong cloves aroma but also grilled smoky bacon, a distinctive character of sweet leather, iodine and pine tar.Palate: Sweet and aromatic, with rich wax and furniture polish notes followed by treacle toffee, maple syrup, bitter dark chocolate combined with pencil shavings, pine needle and cedar scented wood.Finish: Finished in European oak Oloroso sherry barrels.
The Dalmore 12 Year Old is an exceptional single malt whisky hailing from the Highland region. It undergoes a remarkable maturation process, first aging in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks before receiving a finishing touch in rare and well-aged Oloroso Sherry casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in an outstanding whisky that captures the essence of its Highland origins.
Tasting Note by Dalmore:Nose: Citrus fruits, chocolate and aromatic spices.Palate: Seville oranges, dried fruits and hints of vanilla podFinish: Roasted coffee and dark chocolate.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is a masterpiece that undergoes a meticulous maturation process. Initially aged in oak barrels for 21 years, this whisky is then treated to a finishing period in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks, lasting up to four months. This precise method yields an exquisite Speyside whisky, bursting with intricate, warming, and vibrant flavours.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Intense and vanilla sweet. Floral, hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather and oak.Palate: Initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, peppery, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices.Finish: Very long, warming, dry and spicy.
The embodiment of Dalmore's house style, this Highland Single Malt undergoes finishing in a variety of aged Sherry casks, including Apostoles, Amoroso, and Matusalem Oloroso.
Tasting Note by Dalmore:Nose: Orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg.Palate: Mandarin, vanilla, ginger and crushed apples.Finish: Caramelised orange and rich dark chocolate.
With an ABV of 40%, Glenfiddich 18 Year Old stands as an extraordinary single malt Scotch whisky, matured for a minimum of eighteen years in Spanish Oloroso wood and American oak casks to cultivate its rich and robust flavours.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: A remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit, baked apple and robust oak.Palate: Richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates. Overlaid with elegant oak notes.Finish: Warming, rewarding and distinguished.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is a notable expression within the Double Cask range, skillfully combining the iconic Macallan style with the delightful sweetness of American oak. This single malt is a harmonious and well-rounded whisky, striking a perfect balance of flavours that encompass fudge, citrus, and gentle spice notes.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Creamy butterscotch with a hint of toffee apple, candied orange, vanilla custard and newly felled oak.Palate: Deliciously honeyed, wood spices and citrus, balanced with raisins and caramel.Finish: Oak lingers, warm, sweet and drying.
The summer release, double matured in refill Bourbon barrels and Port hogsheads alongside an Oloroso Sherry butt. This combination creates a sweet yet complex profile, with the spirit another year older than previous crops.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Bright red grapes, fresh strawberry jam and clotted creamPalate: Sweeter notes of baked apple pie and white chocolateFinish: Balanced with savoury notes of cracked black pepper
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old, with an ABV of 40%, presents an exclusive and extraordinary expression from the Glenfiddich Distillery. This remarkable whisky is meticulously aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks before embarking on a finishing journey in rare French Cuvee casks. The result is an elegant single malt Scotch whisky that harmoniously melds the finest elements from Scotland and France, creating an unparalleled drinking experience.As an added touch of refinement, this set includes a complimentary Norlan RAUK Heavy Tumbler.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Apple blossom, freshly baked bread and candied lemon.Palate: Layers of rich vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape.Finish: Long, opulent and sweet.
The winter expression, matured in 100% ex-Islay barrels. The extra year of ageing and use of peated casks produces Lochlea’s smokiest whisky to date.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Fresh green apple, sweet toffee and Lochlea cereal notesPalate: Fresh fruit leading to savoury smoke and malted biscuitsFinish: Coastal notes of sea salt with a long lingering hint of peat
The first in the final set of seasonal small batch releases, representing spring on the Lochlea farm. Matured in 100% first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels, this edition highlights floral aromatics from distilling in colder months.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Almonds, rose petals.Palate: White pepper, a vibrant burst of apple blossom.Finish: Warm straw, fresh grass.
The core single malt from Lochlea, crafted under Master Blender John Campbell. Matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and STR casks, it brings depth and complexity while showcasing the distillery’s signature Lowland character.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Pear syrup, fruit bonbons, warm cut grass, marmalade.Palate: Golden syrup, pepper, rye bread, macadamia nuts, cream soda.Finish: Long finish with a lasting orange beeswax note.
This exceptional whisky is meticulously matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks, undergoing a gentle maturation process in oak marrying tuns. It is within these vessels that Glenfiddich 12 Year Old acquires its iconic sweet and subtly oaky flavors. Crafted with the pure waters of the Highland springs, this single malt Scotch whisky exhibits a creamy texture, characterized by an unmistakable freshness, and concludes with a delightfully smooth and mellow finish.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced.Palate: Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours.Finish: A long smooth and mellow finish.
Introduced in 1993, the DoubleWood 12 was birthed from a method pioneered by The Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart, in 1982—a technique now widely recognized as 'wood finishing'.
To craft The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE begins with whisky aged for at least 12 years in traditional whisky containers, consisting of American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads. This is subsequently transitioned to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks, where it remains for an added nine months.
Following this, the whisky is shifted to large oak receptacles, known as "tuns", for a period spanning 3-4 months. This crucial step allows the distinct whiskies from separate casks to seamlessly "marry" together.
Owing its unique profile to maturation in dual wood types, The Balvenie DoubleWood single malt whisky imbibes varied attributes at each phase. The conventional casks infuse it with a subtle, delicate character; the sherry wood imparts depth and a rich flavour palette; and the concluding stint in the tuns ensures a harmonious blend of the whiskies.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.Palate: Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours ~ nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry.Finish: Long and Warming.
Driven by a desire to explore new dimensions within The Balvenie's flavor profile, distillery manager Ian Millar drew inspiration from a recent visit to Islay. He ordered a batch of Speyside peat for the kiln, marking a significant departure from the distillery's traditional methods. During one week each year, The Balvenie distills a batch of peated malt, resulting in a whisky enriched with honeyed, vanilla, and citrus notes, adorned with an intriguing layer of delicate smokiness.
The Balvenie Distillery finds its essence in the stories shared from one generation of craftsmen to the next. The Balvenie Stories collection, comprising three unique whiskies, pays homage to these tales of character, determination, and craftsmanship.
Each whisky brought to life by The Balvenie encapsulates a human narrative, evolving in tandem with its protagonists and revealing unforeseen twists as it matures over the years. It's a celebration of the enduring craft and heritage embodied by The Balvenie.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Gentle sweet peat smoke, lighter floral notes and delicate butterscotch honey.Palate: Velvety and round to taste with the peat smoke balancing citrus flavours, oaky vanilla and blossom honey.Finish: Gentle smoke with a lingering and creamy vanilla sweetness.
The autumn expression, matured in 1st-fill Oloroso Sherry butts. With the liquid another year older than the 2023 release, it emphasises richer sherry character and depth.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Baked apple and sweet Medjool datesPalate: Manuka honey and nutty fresh malted breadFinish: Rich buttery sandalwood oils and mixed peppercorns
The GlenAllachie Wine Cask Series, crafted by Master Blender Billy Walker, features a unique expression called The Cuvée Wine Cask Finish. This 2023 release blends whisky matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and European wine barriques from French and Italian regions. The result is an opulent, smooth malt with layers of robust red fruits, gentle spice, and citrus hints, bottled unchillfiltered at 48% ABV with no added colouring.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Bursting with orange blossom, espresso, maraschino cherries and honeysuckle, with hints of candied stone fruits, hazelnuts, lavender and cinnamon. Palate: Waves of dark chocolate, red currants and burnt coffee beans, followed by crystalised almonds, blackberries and orange zest, with ginger and liquorice on the finish.
Ode to the Valley is a beautifully crafted single malt from The Glendronach's Master’s Anthology, inspired by the lush landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Matured in a combination of ruby port casks and the distillery’s signature sherry casks, it delivers a harmonious balance of sweet floral nectar and ripe summer berries. This expression celebrates the rich heritage of sherry cask maturation while capturing the essence of the land that defines The Glendronach.
Tasting Note by GlenDronach:Nose: Late summer berries and chocolate de leche imbued with sweet demerara and apricot glaze.Palate: Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread and sweet damson plum
Deanston 12 Year Whisky boasts an ABV of 46.3% and belongs to the Core Range category. It garners high praise for its delightful characteristics, including a smooth and creamy sweetness, subtle fruity notes, a malty honeyed spiciness, and a gentle touch of vanilla. The experience culminates with a satisfying tingle of cloves, making it a truly rewarding dram for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Note by Dalmore:Nose: Aromas of milk chocolate, caramel, mandarin, and cracked black pepper.Palate: Manuka honey, sweet cacoa, poached apples, and golden sultanas.Finish: Vanilla cream, chocolate brioche, Navelina orange, and a light cinnamon warmth.
Bunnahabhain's Toiteach A Dhà combines peated malted barley with a strong sherry influence for a truly unique experience.
Translated as 'Smoky Two' in Scots Gaelic, it follows the original peaty expression. Crafted from a blend of ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks matured in our coastal warehouses, this whisky offers a subtle smoky character, lively strength, and a lingering, sweet sherry influence.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Intriguing peatiness with hints of sherry and rich oak.Palate: Immediate warming peatiness drift to a sweet Oloroso sherry influence with rich oak, balanced with delicate pepper.Finish: Robust length for the discerning palate.
Hakushu is the second Single Malt distillery brought to life by Japan's pioneering and highly acclaimed whisky producer, Suntory. Drawing inspiration from the pristine forests of Japan, Suntory dedicated 200 acres of natural sanctuary to craft the exquisite Hakushu Single Malt. Nestled in the mountainous region to the northwest of Tokyo, Hakushu Single Malt is characterized by its lively and grassy flavor profile, with a subtle hint of smoky peat. Every facet of Suntory's whisky production adheres to the principles of Japanese authenticity, influenced by the traditions of Scottish malts and executed with unwavering Japanese precision and craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Basil, pine needle, green apple.Palate: Sweet pear, mint, kiwi.Finish: Green tea, subtle smoke.
Glengoyne 21 Year Old, a recipient of the prestigious Double Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco Competition. This exceptional whisky is matured solely in carefully chosen sherry casks for two decades. Whether enjoyed after dinner or at any moment, it boasts an ABV of 43%.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Red apples, spicy strudel, toffee, sherry and dried fruits. Christmas cake in a glass.Palate: Lots of Sherry, honey, oak with a developing aromatic sensation. Ends with a heavenly cinnamon nip.Finish: Long, sherry, spicy, warm and dry.
Distilled in 1998, this expression marks a quarter-century of patient ageing at Laphroaig. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, it’s a rare release that stays true to the distillery’s character. Matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks, it reflects the evolution of a spirit shaped by time, tradition, and Islay’s coastal environment. From the boldness of youth to the complexity of age, this 25 year old whisky stands as a testament to Laphroaig’s legacy—powerful, uncompromising, and unmistakably itself.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet pear drops, crisp green apples, custard, and warm pastry on the nose, balanced with notes of cured smoked ham and cinnamon spice.Palate: Rich and complex, with tropical pineapple, peach, and mango, backdropped with a gentle hint of white pepper and barbecued orange rind.Finish: A long and soft finish with evolved smoky aftertaste.
The rebranded GlenAllachie 15 Year Old showcases the brand's commitment to excellence, particularly in sourcing top-quality Sherry wood. With meticulous maturation oversight, each bottle is filled at its peak to ensure superior quality and flavour. Presented at 46% ABV, retaining its natural colour, and eschewing chill filtration, it reflects GlenAllachie's dedication to authenticity. Marking the fifth anniversary of the GlenAllachie Distillers Company's return to private ownership, this highly anticipated core range addition has been perfected by Master Distiller Billy Walker. The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old stands out as a gem in their collection.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Dark cherries, golden syrup and sweet spices to the fore, with hints of toffee, glazed figs and hazelnuts.Palate: Our heather honey hallmark, alongside orange peel, cocoa and ginger, with caramelised brown sugar on the finish.
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu is a distinctively smooth and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes, representing a remarkable revelation among Japanese single malts. Crafted at Suntory's mountain forest distillery, situated deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu Single Malt embodies the essence of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Peppermint, melon, cucumber.Palate: Yuzu, grapefruit, lemon thyme.Finish: Refreshing, subtle smoke.
This whisky, bottled at 46% ABV with a peat level of 20ppm, retains the signature fresh character of Arran 10 Year Old while introducing a subtle twist of peat smoke on the finish. Aged for a full decade in first-fill bourbon casks, it remains non-chill filtered and free from added colouring. The result is a warm and inviting dram, where underlying sweetness balances the spice, complemented by a delicate layer of sweet smoke for added depth and intensity.
Tasting Note by Arran:Nose: Rich sweet spiced notes backed with the strength of peat smoke and ripe citrus fruits.Palate: Warming, balanced and rich. A sweetness lies beneath the spice and the layer of sweet smoke adds intensity.Finish: Sweetness, Citrus, Smoke, Long lasting , Sweet smoke, Warm, Sweet Spice.
In the first release of the Sinclair Series, this Ledaig Rioja Finish, absent of any age statement, showcases a captivating ruby-red coloration. This exceptional expression masterfully balances the allure of peat smoke with the seductive sweetness of Rioja wine. Remaining true to tradition, this whisky is left unaltered by chill-filtration and retains its natural color.
Crafted from heavily peated barley, it embarks on its maturation journey in ex-bourbon casks before undergoing a finishing period in meticulously chosen Spanish Rioja casks. The resultant single malt boasts a bold and dynamic flavor profile, encompassing nuances of smoky, spicy, grape-like, and sweet berry notes, with a lingering undercurrent of saltiness on the finish. Its vibrant and rich red hue mirrors the charm of esteemed Rioja wine.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Notes of Turkish delight and rose petals balanced with candied fruits and grapes followed by rich leather and a beautiful peppery spice. A hint of chocolate comes through at the back.Palate: Creamy mouthfeel packed full of almonds, barley and sweet malt with notes of peppery Ledaig, which give way to black raspberries, sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice and hints of freshly cut grass.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with red fruit and sea spray.
Aged in some of the industry's premier casks, this cask strength, Sherry-matured Single Malt exudes opulence and sophistication, boasting a harmony of profound sweet spice and oak. The Master Distiller at Arran collaborated with renowned Sherry Bodegas in Jerez, Spain, ensuring only the finest casks are chosen for aging the esteemed spirit.
Tasting Note by Arran:Nose: Toffee, sweet spice and fruit.Palate: Ripe fig and cherries.Finish: Dark chocolate, Mandarins, Ripe figs.
Inspired by the desire to create a fruitier and sweeter iteration of Balvenie, Apprentice Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie embarked on a novel experiment. She introduced Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky and subjected them to a deep toasting process at The Balvenie Cooperage. These barrels were then filled with Balvenie whisky previously aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The outcome is a remarkably intricate whisky brimming with notes of candied fruit, coconut, and delicate vanilla.
The Balvenie Distillery is built upon the narratives passed down through generations of craftsmen to their successors. The Balvenie Stories range, featuring three distinct whiskies, serves as a testament to these tales of character, dedication, and artistry.
Each whisky crafted by The Balvenie encapsulates a human story, evolving alongside its protagonists and unfolding unforeseen dimensions over years of maturation. It's a celebration of the enduring craft and tradition that defines The Balvenie.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Lusciously malty with some sweet fudge, followed by citrusy and oak vanilla aromas with layers of spicy oak notes of ginger and cinnamon.Palate: Candied orange and lemon peel, vanilla toffee and butterscotch, layers of blossom honey, some melted brown sugar and oak spices at the end.Finish: Rich and malty with gentle waves of oak vanilla and subtle spices.
The opening release in a new series honouring the people behind Laphroaig’s history. Chapter 1 pays tribute to Donald Johnston, the elder of two brothers who founded the distillery in 1815. His influence on the style and legacy of Laphroaig is reflected in this inaugural bottling, presented alongside striking illustrations by British artist Bill Bragg.
This whisky spent 33 years maturing in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak sherry-seasoned hogsheads. Bottled at fixed strength, it captures the depth of its long rest in the warehouse, offering a profile shaped by time and tradition.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Starting with stewed fruit and smooth vanilla créme brûlée.Palate: Our iconic smoky finish sets the scene for savoury aromas of cured meat.Finish: Sherry casks bring warm festive spice.
A bold exploration of distillation at Laphroaig, Elements 3.0 is the third release in the series. Born from an unexpected fire in the kiln, the peat was burned longer and hotter than usual, resulting in a distinctively intense single malt. Distilled from malt resting directly above the kiln floor, this whisky reflects how even subtle changes in distillation can profoundly influence flavour. Fully matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Charcoal, chocolate and spice. deep smouldering charred peat notes layered with a wash of maritime brine. sweet and citrusy; vanilla, lemon zest and butterscotch. a hint of cinnamon spice, plums and dates draws you in and invites you to take a sipPalate: A roar of intense peaty characters which tingle and warms the palette, intermingled with notes of roasted cocoa beans and bitter dark chocolate. as the rich phenolic characters subside, a tangy fruitiness comes to the fore with the introduction of blackberry, plum, and gooseberry notes with indulgent characters of a crème brûléeFinish: Long lasting and drying, with elongated notes of iodine, leather and sooty chimney smoke
Glengoyne 12 Year Old single malt whisky achieves a perfect equilibrium between oak and sweetness. The distinctive sherry wood presence contributes richness and depth, while the first-fill bourbon casks infuse fresh hints of citrus and vanilla.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Coconut oil, honey, lemon zest, dried oak.Palate: Toffee apples, cinnamon spice, ginger, orange, shortbread.Finish: A hint of sherry and soft oak. Very well balanced.
The oldest expression in Tamdhu’s core collection, this 21 Year Old single malt is matured exclusively in the finest Oloroso sherry oak casks. Hand-selected American and European oak casks, both first fill and refill, provide a rich balance of sweetness at the front of the palate with drying spice and oak towards the back.
This long maturation results in endless layers of sherry richness, unfolding gradually with poise and elegance. It represents Tamdhu’s dedication to the sherry cask tradition, offering a whisky of great depth and refinement.
Tasting Notes by Tamdhu:Nose: Wisps of sherried oak with chocolate, sultanas and warm cinnamon porridge.Palate: Christmas cake of plump raisins, candied orange and gentle oak.Finish: Endless waves of oak and spice finally give way to sweet fruit.
Tamdhu 18 Year Old expression is a testament to their commitment to Oloroso Seasoned Sherry Casks. With an exclusive maturation process in these exceptional casks sourced from Spain, this limited release bears a rich, deep copper hue derived solely from the wood, showcasing over a decade and a half of dedication to crafting a magnificent Speyside Single Malt. The un-chillfiltered bottling preserves the whisky's complex flavor profile, making it a must-try for sherry wood connoisseurs seeking a rich and distinctive dram.
Tasting note by Tamdhu:Nose: Dry nutty sherry, cherry, milk chocolate, rum raisin, citrus, baked oats and plum.Palate: Sherry notes are rich, complex and mouthcoating with vanilla, brown sugar, red apple and dried fruits.Finish: Long and warming, dried apricot and dates, soft spice and stewed apple.
Laphroaig Select is a classic Islay single malt that laid the foundation for what would later become Select Oak. This earlier expression brings together Laphroaig’s signature medicinal peat smoke with a subtle touch of sweetness and spice, offering a more accessible style while retaining the bold character the distillery is known for.
Crafted from a blend of cask types—including Oloroso sherry butts, American white oak, and seasoned Bourbon barrels—Laphroaig Select balances smoky depth with notes of vanilla, orchard fruit, and a gentle floral edge. Though now superseded by Select Oak, this expression remains a noteworthy chapter in Laphroaig’s evolution—bridging tradition with a more contemporary approach to peated whisky.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Forward peat smoke followed quickly by ripe red fruits. Palate: Sweet at first, followed by peat smoke and dashes of ash and seaweed. Finish: Long finish with lingering floral notes. Touches of marzipan and lime.
Inspired by Ian Millar's interest in peat following his visit to Islay, The Balvenie's "Week of Peat" epitomises 17 years of meticulous monitoring to harmonise peat perfectly with the distillery's signature flavours of honey, vanilla, and citrus, enriched with a subtle smokiness. This expression is part of "The Balvenie Stories," a trio of limited-edition whiskies that encapsulate tales of craftsmanship and tradition, emphasising the distillery's commitment to age-old, hands-on methods and storytelling through each unique batch of single malt, made from home-grown barley.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Subtle peat smoke, heather, orange peel and light tropical fruit, with light butterscotch and sweet vanilla.Palate: Velvety and round to taste with the peat smoke balancing citrus flavours, oaky vanilla and blossom honey.Finish: Gently smoke with a lingering and creamy vanilla sweetness.
A unique single malt from the budding Lochlea distillery in the Lowlands, exclusively bottled for Inverarity Morton! Established in 2018, this whisky was produced in the distillery's second year and was stored in an ex-red wine hogshead in February 2020. By 2023, 410 bottles were extracted from this cask, with no added colour, no chill filtration, and at a powerful cask strength of 61.2% ABV.
Tasting Note by Lochlea:Nose: Ripe strawberries and blackcurrents on the nose which opens up to zesty notes of vanilla.Palate: A hint of sweetness comes through on the palate.Finish: A beautiful finish of strawberries and cream.
The SC: 01 2012 vintage was exclusively conceived, cultivated, distilled, aged, and bottled on Islay. The barley used for this vintage was harvested in 2011 and supplied by seven local farmers, all situated within a 10-mile radius of the distillery. Showcasing the unique Islay terroir, this locally-sourced barley is enriched with a detailed cask formulation.
The barley is malted to a peat level of 40ppm by maltsters on the Scottish mainland. Afterward, it's brought back to Islay for distillation. Using tall, slender-necked stills, the distillation process aims for the utmost elegance and delicacy. The spirit then embarks on a tripartite maturation journey.
This vintage is a fusion of sherry butts, first and second fill American whiskey barrels, which were transferred at varying maturation stages into some of the premier Sauternes wine casks sourced from the left bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sweet, stone fruit and a delicate floral perfume on the nose with hints of peaches in syrup, dried apricots, honeyed melon and ripe pineapple. Brown sugar, vanilla-fudge, caramel and marzipan are followed by heady notes of honeysuckle and heather. Peat smoke and warm toasted oak come through with a little time to bring depth and complexity to the dram.Palate: The warmth and supple texture of this dram elegantly coats the palate and brings a balance of light peat smoke and ripe fruit. Another sip confirms both the beautiful viscosity and depth of flavour, as beneath the delicate smoke comes earthy notes of leather and boot polish. The oak brings strength and sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus to complement the waves of fruit.Finish: A dram you wish would last forever, the wonderful marine notes and earthy peat smoke linger on the palate with a citrus tang.
The original 'extra-old' cognac, initially bottled in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for exclusive distribution among family and close friends. Distinguished by its darker hue and significantly greater complexity in comparison to the VSOP, it offers alluring notes of leather and tobacco, complemented by a hint of spice—making it a splendid choice for pairing with cigars.
Tasting Note by Hennessy:Nose: The aromatic profile unfolds with a lavish and fruit-forward palate, showcasing the presence of luscious prunes, Corinth raisins, and delectable sticky toffee pudding.Palate: On the palate, the experience deepens with the indulgence of dark chocolate and the luxurious essence of over-ripe plums. A subtle character of sultanas, accompanied by the smoothness of cocoa butter and a hint of spice, adds layers of complexity and richness.Finish: The finish is characterized by a spirited, vanilla-led finale, accompanied by an array of tantalizing dark fruits. The combination of spices and the lingering presence of these fruits creates a memorable and satisfying conclusion to the tasting experience.
