Dom Pérignon Vintage 2018 marks Vincent Chaperon’s first vintage creation as Cellar Master. Produced from 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, the vintage reflects an unusually warm and generous growing season that brought both varieties to exceptional levels of ripeness.
The 2018 season was defined by abundant sunshine and summer temperatures that exceeded the records set in 2003. Harvest began on 17 August, making it only the fifth August harvest in Dom Pérignon’s history. Chardonnay was allowed to reach greater maturity, while greater restraint was applied to Pinot Noir to maintain balance. This approach produced a Champagne combining the richness of the vintage with the tension and precision associated with Dom Pérignon.
Vintage 2018 is described as radiant and glowing, with a particularly unusual apricot character alongside orchard and tropical fruits. Its broader, denser texture is balanced by freshness and tension, with bitterness and sweetness providing contrast through the palate.
The vintage has received 98 points from Antonio Galloni, 99 points from James Suckling and 18+ from Jancis Robinson.
Tasting Notes by Dom Pérignon:Vintage 2018 is radiant and glowing. It opens with an extremely rare apricot imprint, followed by orchard fruits and tropical notes of yellow kiwi and mango, layered with ivy and balsamic nuances. On the palate, it is ample and dense, with an unctuous, sapid texture and a lively tension where bitters and sweetness interact beautifully.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2018 marks Vincent Chaperon’s first vintage creation as Cellar Master. Produced from 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, the vintage reflects an unusually warm and generous growing season that brought both varieties to exceptional levels of ripeness.
The 2018 season was defined by abundant sunshine and summer temperatures that exceeded the records set in 2003. Harvest began on 17 August, making it only the fifth August harvest in Dom Pérignon’s history. Chardonnay was allowed to reach greater maturity, while greater restraint was applied to Pinot Noir to maintain balance. This approach produced a Champagne combining the richness of the vintage with the tension and precision associated with Dom Pérignon.
Vintage 2018 is described as radiant and glowing, with a particularly unusual apricot character alongside orchard and tropical fruits. Its broader, denser texture is balanced by freshness and tension, with bitterness and sweetness providing contrast through the palate.
The vintage has received 98 points from Antonio Galloni, 99 points from James Suckling and 18+ from Jancis Robinson.
Tasting Notes by Dom Pérignon:Vintage 2018 is radiant and glowing. It opens with an extremely rare apricot imprint, followed by orchard fruits and tropical notes of yellow kiwi and mango, layered with ivy and balsamic nuances. On the palate, it is ample and dense, with an unctuous, sapid texture and a lively tension where bitters and sweetness interact beautifully.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2017 is a vintage Champagne shaped by an unusually contrasting growing season. The year moved from a mild beginning into severe spring frost, followed by hot and dry conditions and then rainfall at the end of August. Careful selection at harvest was particularly important, with the Chardonnay reaching its highest level of ripeness since 2000, while selected Pinot Noir retained a balance between maturity and freshness.
The character of Vintage 2017 reflects these contrasts. Dom Pérignon describes the wine through the tension between opulence and edge, roundness and straightness, combining generous maturity with the mineral tension associated with the Maison. Its development culminates in notes of candied yellow citrus skin, while maintaining a fluid and energetic character.
Tasting Notes by Dom Pérignon:An acute smell of petrichor, together warm and fresh. The scent of a heady flower, of jasmine. The complex touch of candied zest, altogether vegetal and fruity, soft and grainy. Dom Pérignon Vintage 2017 feels like a substance in zero gravity, with the fluidity of a moving mass. The movement pulses, boiling, then whirling. The wine leaves an impression of soft gushing. Of these evening perfumes, intense and mysterious, which trail carries us away. Of these fluid and rhythmic dances which movement we are drawn into. Seduction.
Bold and refreshing, this vintage showcases the skilful harvest of Provence terroir grapes. With its crystal-clear appearance and delicate nose, the Prestige maintains Minuty's signature rosé legacy with its pronounced minerality and lasting finish.
Tasting Note by Christophe Mongeot:Nose: Expect aromatic finesse with notes of yellow grapefruit, whitecurrant, blood orange and fresh berries such as raspberry.Palate: Crisp, strong, clean and lingering on the palate, there are dominant flavours of tangy red berries followed by notes of apricot.
A rich rosé crafted for Sancerre enthusiasts. Partially fermented in French oak barrels, Rock Angel achieves a refined structure and creamy texture without imparting an oaky flavour. With notes of sweetness and nuttiness balanced by crisp acidity, it pairs brilliantly with food.
Tasting Note by Château d’Esclans:Nose: Delicate red berry aromas with mineral notes, along with floral hints and a subtle spice.Palate: Rock Angel is rich and racy on the palate. The use of partial oak aging adds a creamy feel and texture to this wine, and the flinty minerality embues it with another layer of complexity.Finish: Powerful and elegant. Firm acidity with a long and silky finish.
Valdespino Vermouth Origen is a Jerez vermouth built around the longstanding connection between Valdespino’s sherry wines and The Macallan’s oak cask programme. Its base uses sherry wines specifically selected for seasoning virgin oak casks destined to mature The Macallan Single Malt, meaning the vermouth represents the first liquid to interact with these casks before their journey to Scotland.
Inspired by a Valdespino recipe dating to the 1920s, Origen combines the character of Oloroso sherry with Moscatel and a selection of botanicals and spices. The result brings together citrus and spice with the oxidative richness of sherry, balanced by a measured bitterness and gentle sweetness.
The maturation provides an unusual link between Jerez and Scotch whisky production. Rather than simply using an ex-whisky cask, Origen is connected to the beginning of The Macallan's cask journey, through the sherry seasoning process that prepares oak casks before they are subsequently used for whisky maturation.
Tasting Note by Valdespino:Nose: Rich and intense spices intertwine with notes of caramelised citrus fruits, layered over a delicate backdrop of sherry aged in oak casks.Palate: Well-balanced and harmonious, full-bodied, with fresh citrus notes woven together with gentle spices and a refined bitterness — a subtle legacy of the oak casks of The Macallan. Deliciously rich, it reveals a long, smooth finish.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old 2026 Release is an annual release from the Sherry Oak Collection, matured for a minimum of 18 years on The Macallan Estate in Speyside. The expression is led by predominantly sherry seasoned European oak casks from Jerez, Spain, bringing a combination of dried fruit, ginger, dark chocolate and oak character.
The Macallan’s sherry seasoned casks form a central part of the maturation process. European and American oak casks are taken to Spanish bodegas and filled with sherry wine for seasoning. Once emptied, the casks are transported to Speyside and filled with The Macallan’s new make spirit. During maturation, the whisky draws flavour, aroma and its entirely natural colour from the oak.
The 18 Year Old sits alongside the 12, 25 and 30 Year Old expressions in the Sherry Oak Collection. For the 2026 release, the presentation forms part of The Macallan’s collaboration with designer David Carson, whose artwork interprets the journey of the Maison’s sherry seasoned oak casks. The design incorporates repeated references to the number 18, representing sleeping casks, alongside sherry-red tones and a touch of white referencing American oak.
Tasting Notes by The Macallan:Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with orange and ground cinnamon.Palate: Dark chocolate coated ginger with dates and dried apricots, balanced with a hint of oak and vanilla sweetness.Finish: Long with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
Produced at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Octomore is the world's most heavily peated single malt whisky, with each edition rooting its character in barley provenance, peat level and cask influence. Edition 17.3 is the estate expression of the 17 Series, distilled from 100% Islay Concerto barley grown at Irene's Field on the Octomore Farm, grounding the spirit firmly in place and provenance.
Malted to an extraordinary 132.1 PPM and aged for 5 years in a cuvée of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill Ribera del Duero, Sauternes, Eiswein and Syrah casks, Edition 17.3 balances muscular peat with elegance and nuance. With time, the spirit, cask and grain knit tightly together into a powerful yet composed dram that is weather-beaten, coastal and deeply satisfying. Bottled at 60.9% ABV at natural cask strength.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Immediate coastal peat smoke — salty, tarry and medicinal — evocative of sea spray, coal smoke and weathered rope. As the phenols settle, the barley speaks clearly: warm malted grain, brown sugar and fresh barley flour. Lemon peel and crisp orchard fruit bring lift; green apple, pear and pear drops, alongside soft vanilla and marzipan sweetness. Herbal notes of marram grass and wildflowers add freshness, grounding the dram firmly in its Islay home.Palate: Full and commanding in texture — viscous, weighty and peppery. Sweet first-fill oak shows as salted caramel, smoked apple and toasted coconut, quickly joined by praline and vanilla cream. Then the peat rises: earthy and deeply charred, wrapping the palate in dry, ashy smoke. Citrus oils and mineral salinity rise sharply through the smoke, creating tension and precision. With time, the spirit, cask and grain knit tightly together — smoked malt, sweet barley and peat woven as one.Finish: Long, dry and resonant. Malty sweetness, soft florals and vanilla fade gradually into earthy smoke and maritime salt. The peat lingers for an age — savoury, warming and unmistakably Octomore.
Produced at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Octomore is the world's most heavily peated single malt whisky, defined by an uncompromising approach to barley provenance, peat level and cask selection. The 17 Series, presented as Chromatic Signatures, explores how distinct cask combinations shape and transform Octomore's signature super-heavily peated spirit.
Edition 17.2 is the second step in the 17 Series journey and the most complex in its maturation, spending 4 years in second-fill French oak that previously aged Californian red wine then bourbon, before being finished in first-fill port barriques. Distilled from 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley malted to 81.0 PPM and aged for 5 years in total, the port influence amplifies fruit and spice while allowing the barley and peat to remain present throughout. Rich, vibrant and beautifully composed, it is less overt in smoke on the nose yet profoundly smoky in structure.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Opens with ripe red fruits and soft, jammy sweetness suggestive of late-harvest berries and stone fruit jam. Raspberry and blackcurrant preserve and florals redolent of Turkish Delight mingle with toasted oak, clove and aniseed spice. The smoke is dry - wood-fired rather than phenolic, like smouldering embers. Hints of barley flour, fresh linen, leather and coastal iodine bring freshness and structure, with coconut and ginger warmth developing in the glass.Palate: Supple and viscous, immediately coating the mouth in wine-poached berries and spiced fruits. Strawberry, blackberry and cassis are followed by barley sugars and dark syrup sweetness. Peat smoke builds steadily, pepper y and earthy, alongside lemon zest and lime oils that brighten the palate. Oak tannins and gentle warmth lend depth and balance.Finish: Long and luxurious. Raisins, toasted oak and sweet malt fade gradually into dry, maritime salt and char. As the fruit recedes, a distinct Octomore signature remains — persistent peat smoke and soft spice linger on irresistibly.
Produced at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Octomore is the world's most heavily peated single malt whisky, defined not by age but by the extraordinary peat levels achieved through Bruichladdich's commitment to provenance, transparency and craft. Each edition in the series is built around a distinct combination of barley origin, peat level and cask type, with the 17 Series presenting the Chromatic Signatures collection.
Edition 17.1 opens the 17 Series with a marriage of smoke and char drawn from full-term maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels. Distilled from 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley malted to 81.0 PPM and aged for 5 years, it is an exercise in refinement and control, where profound and balanced smoke demonstrates Octomore's signature interplay of intensity and finesse. Bottled at cask strength without chill filtration.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Clean and precise at first, opening on sweet malt and creamy vanilla custard. Charred American oak brings toasted coconut and butterscotch, while delicate citrus peel and green melon lend freshness. Smoke rises gently rather than dominates — glowing peat embers and the distant memory of a beach bonfire carried on a salty Atlantic breeze. With time, floral barley notes, soft ginger spice and a distinct minerality emerge, anchoring the dram in its coastal origin.Palate: Texture leads the experience — viscous, mouth-coating and richly sweet. The high strength brings peppery heat without force. Vanilla milkshake, Scottish tablet and warm custard tart meet pear drops and malt syrup. The peat builds in waves: dry, earthy smoke then smouldering oak and ash, with Octomore’s signature balance. Salinity cuts through the sweetness, creating clarity with hints of coconut and gentle oak spice adding depth.Finish: Long and evolving. Sweetness fades to dry minerality, then lingering peat smoke and warm embers. Maritime salt and soft char persist, leaving a powerful, resonant smokiness that belies the spirit’s elegance.
Ellis & Angel 10 Year Old Maiden Voyage Release is a limited edition Irish Single Malt Whiskey produced in Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Released as a single cask expression, the Maiden Voyage combines a 10 year age statement with a limited outturn of just 360 individually numbered bottles.
The whiskey was initially matured in American oak before being finished in a French oak Bordeaux wine cask. This two-stage maturation brings together the influence of American oak with a final period in wine-seasoned French oak. The release is triple distilled, non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the Maiden Voyage Release marks Ellis & Angel's first limited release, with its single cask production and individually numbered bottles forming a central part of the expression.
Fielden Fieldnotes Hazybower Rye Whisky is the second release in the Fieldnotes collection, a series exploring different elements of the fields in which Fielden’s grains are grown. Hazybower focuses on the herbs, wildflowers and other plants that grow naturally alongside the grain, including clover, poppies, thistles and mayweed. The release is limited to 1,000 individually numbered bottles.
Produced at Oxford Distillery, Hazybower uses heritage varieties of rye, wheat and barley grown across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Norfolk. The grain composition is 70% rye, 20% wheat and 10% malted barley, with some rye and wheat grown together as traditional maslin. The spirit was fermented with the grain before undergoing pot distillation followed by pot and column distillation.
After a minimum maturation of 36 months, the whisky comprises 85% liquid matured in second-fill American oak and 15% matured in an old Hungarian oak Tokaji wine cask. The used American oak was chosen to allow more of the grain and fermentation character to remain prominent, while the Tokaji cask contributes to the whisky’s citrus, floral honey and ginger character. The components were married for 62 days before bottling at 46.3% ABV.
Tasting Notes by Fielden:Nose: Fresh citrus and blossom with custard and freshly baked scones. Herbaceous notes with hints of green banana and pineapple.Palate: Lemon tart, cream and nuts with hints of honey and sorrel.Finish: Fresh peppercornand ginger with a refreshing spiced finish.
Fielden Harvest 2020 Rye Whisky is the second release in Fielden’s annual Harvest series. Each vintage captures grain from a particular growing season, exploring how variations in weather, soil and growing conditions influence the resulting whisky. In 2020, a wet early spring was followed by a hot, dry summer, producing fully developed and ripe grain that became the foundation of this release.
The whisky was made with 73% rye, 18% wheat and 9% malted barley sourced from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Norfolk. Some of the rye and wheat were grown together as maslin. Two grain recipes were used, comprising Fielden’s classic 70% rye, 20% wheat and 10% malted barley recipe and a second 100% rye recipe containing 75% raw rye and 25% malted rye. The spirit was fermented for four to five days and double distilled through pot and column stills.
Maturation took place for a minimum of 47 months across seven casks, comprising 42% new American oak, 42% old American oak and 16% ex-wine STR cask. Following maturation, the whisky was married for 77 days and slowly reduced to 50% ABV. The release consists of 2,004 bottles.
Tasting Notes by Fielden:Nose: Soft layers of apple strudel, banoffee and roasted lemon. Hints of raspberry and thyme.Palate: Creamy and flaky pastry, biscoff and malted cereals. Caramelised nuts and toasted grain.Finish: Warming ginger and cinnamon with a gentle trace of cardamom and cumin.
Fielden Harvest 2019 Rye Whisky is the first edition in the distillery’s annual Harvest series, created to explore how individual growing seasons influence its heritage grains and ultimately the character of the whisky. The 2019 vintage refers to the year in which the grains were grown and harvested. A dry, warm spring followed by a mild, wet summer produced grain described by Fielden as bright and delicate in character.
The whisky was produced from 73% rye, 18% wheat and 9% malted barley grown across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Norfolk. Two grain recipes were used, including Fielden’s classical 70% rye, 20% wheat and 10% malted barley recipe alongside a 100% rye recipe comprising 75% raw rye and 25% malted rye. Following fermentation, the spirit was double distilled using pot and column stills.
The resulting spirits were matured across nine casks for a minimum of 38 months. The maturation comprised 37.5% used American oak, 37.5% American STR casks, 12.5% Sauternes and 12.5% Ramandolo. After maturation, the whisky underwent an 82-day marrying period and was gradually reduced to 50% ABV. A total of 2,680 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes by Fielden:Nose: Roses and herbs with fresh ginger, apricot and a little butter.Palate: Refreshing herbs and delicate summer fruits, soft pastries: brioche bun, cream and warming apple crumble.Finish: A pinch of white pepper and fresh thyme.
Fielden Rye Whisky is made from diverse grains grown across the fields of England, combining rye, floor malted rye, floor malted barley and wheat. Fielden places the character of its grain at the centre of production, using different grain recipes alongside fermentation in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats before distillation through both pot and column stills.
The new make spirit is matured in a combination of new and used American oak. Approximately 20% to 25% of the blend also matures and finishes in light dessert and fortified wine barrels, including Sauternes, Ramandolo, Moscatel do Douro and Moscatel de Setúbal, while Madeira wine barrels are also used. This combination of casks is intended to retain the fruity and herbal qualities of the grain alongside Fielden’s rye character of nuttiness, caramel and spice.
The whisky has a minimum maturation of 42 months and undergoes a 93-day marrying period before bottling at 48% ABV.
Tasting Notes by Fielden:Nose: Flowers and fruit, like thewild berries that grow in our hedgerows.Palate: Flaky pastry with caramel,hazelnut and freshly baked bread.Finish: The freshnessofthe grainand minty, peppercorn spice.
The second release in Laphroaig's Strong Characters series celebrates Dugald Johnston, one of the figures who helped shape the distillery's history.
Following the death of his father Donald Johnston in 1847, Dugald took responsibility for Laphroaig at an extraordinarily young age. Before he was 21, he had learned the complexities of Laphroaig whisky production and farm management, later helping to grow the distillery in both size and reputation.
Chapter 2 tells his story through a 35 Year Old Laphroaig, matured in the distillery's signature American oak casks, barrels and hogsheads. After three and a half decades of maturation, the whisky retains Laphroaig's unmistakable character, with peat smoke and spice developing into a creamy mouthfeel alongside fruit and oak.
The presentation is an important part of the release. Laphroaig commissioned award winning British illustrator Bill Bragg, who spent time sketching on Islay and immersing himself in island life before creating the artwork that brings Dugald Johnston's story to life.
Combining 35 year old Laphroaig, distillery heritage and commissioned artwork, Strong Characters Chapter 2 continues the collectible series that began with Donald Johnston in Chapter 1.
JPHA is an Exclusive Launch Partner for Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter 2.Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Enticing sweetness, followed by notes of freshly baked pastry and then fruity scents of apple and cherry, comparable to Bakewell or crumble.Palate: Inviting smokiness to start and spice on the palate. A creamy mouthfeel opens up to light raisin and a warm note in the background.Finish: Lingering aniseed and a light tingling, peppery mouthfeel, which fades slowly back to the original peat smoke notes.
Only 300 individually numbered decanters of the Rémy Martin Coupe 300th Anniversary ever made it to the UK, out of 6,724 released worldwide. Created to mark 300 years of the House of Rémy Martin, this coupe draws on a reserve carried forward by four generations of cellar masters — enriched by current Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau with eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne.
Each decanter is individually numbered and sealed, presented in a bespoke wooden case with a certificate and a personal note from the Cellar Master. This coupe will never be produced again.
Tasting Note by Rémy Martin:Nose: Radiance and directness with aromas of candied orange, passion fruit, sandalwood, leather, mixed spices, undergrowth and a hint of floral notes. Rancio notes have retained freshness.Palate: Candied fruit, passion fruit, fig, exotic fruits, nuts, discreet oaky notes, elegance and tension, with a very long finish.Finish: An impressive structure, explosiveness and a refined fresh fruit expression with a persistence that prolongs the tasting experience for a long time.
Batch 13 draws on a 2015 vintage and is elevated through maturation in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, red wine and virgin oak casks, a combination that produces the distillery's signature sherry-forward profile with additional layers of depth and complexity. Bottled at 59.8% ABV at natural cask strength without added colour or chill filtration, it is a multi-award-winning expression that rewards both those discovering The GlenAllachie for the first time and collectors building across the batch series.
Tasting Note by The GlenAllachie:Nose: Mocha, crystallised ginger and cinnamon, followed by manuka honey and muscovado sugar, with treacle and maraschino cherries.Palate: Cocoa, salted caramel and warmed honey, followed by baking spices, blood orange and molasses tart, with glazed blackberries and fig syrup.
Batch 7 of the 21 Year Old Cask Strength is matured in a selection of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso puncheons and hogsheads, sourced from Spain and hand-selected by Billy Walker for their depth and complexity. Twenty-one years of maturation in these exceptional sherry casks produces a whisky of opaque mahogany colour and considerable richness, with layers of espresso, spiced plums and dark chocolate running through the spirit. Bottled at 51.9% ABV without added colour or chill filtration, this is The GlenAllachie at its most unguarded and represents a serious collector's acquisition.
Tasting Note by The GlenAllachie:Nose: Baked ginger and mocha, followed by honeycomb, spiced orange and candied hazelnuts, with toasted cinnamon and cocoa.Palate: Black cherries, mocha and poached red apples, followed by manuka honey, crystallised ginger and muscovado sugar, with damson plums, raisin buttercream and treacle.
The sixth and concluding release in The Macallan Harmony Collection, Inspired by Fresh Coconut is the first expression in The Macallan range to place coconut at the heart of its character — not through any added flavouring, but through the natural oak lactones present in specially selected sherry-seasoned American oak, finessed by bourbon casks for balance.
This is a flavour-led release, not an age-stated one. The Whisky Mastery Team's focus throughout the Harmony Collection has been maturation itself — identifying, cask by cask, the flavours that oak alone can bring forward. Here, that process draws out fresh coconut, zesty lime and tropical fruit, layered with vanilla, sweet oak and gentle spice. The colour is entirely natural, with no added colouring.
On the palate: sweet lime, lemon and vanilla sponge, desiccated coconut, coconut milk and dried tropical fruits, closing on a finish of coconut and floral honey.
As the final chapter in a six-part series, this release completes The Macallan Harmony Collection. The presentation box is made from paper incorporating discarded coconut fibres, charred using an emission-free process for a natural black finish — in keeping with the release's character throughout.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Fresh coconut, zesty lime, citrus notes of lemon and orange, tropical mango and papaya, layered with vanilla, almond, sweet oak and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.Palate: Sweet lime, lemon and vanilla sponge with desiccated coconut, icing sugar, coconut milk, sweet oak and dried tropical fruits.Finish: Bursts of coconut and floral honey.
Made from 100% hand-picked estate-grown grapes, this blend brims with finesse, featuring aromas of citrus and garrigue. Light and delicate on the palate, its minerality provides a distinctive freshness, enhanced by the terroir's characteristic salinity.
Tasting Note by Christophe Mongeot:Nose: Aromas of citrus and wild herbs abound.Palate: On the palate, expect an impression of lightness with a minerality that leads to a distinctive freshness, enhanced by salinity.
Some master what others can't see. Glenfiddich's Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, returns for a second release in the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team partnership — a whisky built the way a race-winning car is built: through relentless refinement, layer by layer.
This 16 Year Old expression is a marriage of whiskies matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and fine wine and fortified wine casks, then finished in sequence across four further cask types — Port pipes, Oloroso sherry casks, wine casks, and a final, delicate rest in Fino Sherry butts. Where last year's Release No. 1 was shaped by American oak wine casks and second-fill bourbon, this new edition adds a fourth layer of cask influence — deeper, richer, and more complex still.
On the nose, rich stewed fruits unfold alongside marzipan and polished leather. On the palate, mellow toffee sweetness meets caramelised cane sugar, balanced by dry oak tannin. The finish is long, oaky, and quietly assured.
Bottled at 43% ABV, this is Glenfiddich at its most awarded — with more accolades since 2000 than any other single malt Scotch whisky across the IWSC and ISC, two of the industry's most prestigious competitions.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Rich stewed fruits with a beautiful array of floral top notes. Hints of marzipan and polished leather. A drop of water accentuates the fresh, ripe fruits.Palate: Mellow and silky smooth with a creamy buttery toffee sweetness. Caramelized cane sugar with a lovely counterbalance of dry oak tannin.Finish: Long lasting oaky sweetness
Established in 1923 in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Yamazaki is Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery and the foundation of Suntory's whisky heritage. The distillery's mastery of Mizunara oak, a rare and characterful Japanese timber notoriously difficult to season and cooperage, is among the most distinctive aspects of its craft, and one that sets Yamazaki apart from any other whisky producer in the world.
The 18 Year Old Mizunara 2024 Edition is the product of years of experimentation by Yamazaki's blending team, who discovered that the true potential of Mizunara casks is unlocked only through extended maturation. Eighteen years in this exceptional Japanese oak imparts an unmistakeable spiciness alongside notes of sandalwood and aloe, producing a whisky of rare complexity where fruit, spice and wood notes engage in a rich and elegant harmony. It is an expression for the serious collector and a gift of genuine distinction.
Tasting Note by Yamazaki:Nose: Rich and elegant with dark cherry, ripe peach and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.Palate: Subtly spiced organette with undernotes of Japanese incense.Finish: Long and lingering, accentuated with clove, sandalwood and hints of dried coconut.
Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, at the heart of Speyside, The Balvenie is one of Scotland's most craft-focused distilleries, maintaining its own floor maltings, cooperage and coppersmith team on site. Traditional methods are preserved here not as a point of heritage but as a genuine commitment to quality, a philosophy that runs through every expression in the range.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old begins its maturation in traditional oak casks before being transferred to casks previously prepared by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE with a blend of West Indian rums. Once the rum is removed, the aged whisky is introduced to the wood, allowing the cask to impart its final characteristics of tropical fruit sweetness and gentle warmth. This limited edition presents the expression in exclusive narrative-led packaging by award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai, making it a particularly distinctive gift for those drawn to sweeter, fruit-led expressions.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes.Palate: Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time.Finish: Soft and lingering.
Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, at the heart of Speyside, The Balvenie is one of Scotland's most craft-focused distilleries, maintaining its own floor maltings, cooperage and coppersmith team on site. It is a place where traditional methods have been preserved not as a point of heritage but as a genuine commitment to quality, and that philosophy runs through every expression in the range. The distillery's Malt Master lineage is among the most celebrated in the industry, with David C. Stewart MBE spending over five decades shaping its character before passing the role to Kelsey McKechnie.
DoubleWood 12 was launched in 1993, built on a wood finishing technique pioneered by David C. Stewart in 1982 that has since become widely adopted across the industry. The whisky first matures in traditional whisky oak casks before being transferred to European oak sherry casks for a further period of maturation, adding fruity, honeyed depth and greater complexity. The whiskies are then married for three to four months in large oak tuns before bottling. This limited edition presents the expression in exclusive narrative-led packaging by award-winning illustrator Victo Ngai, making it a particularly distinctive gift.
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.
Made from 100% hand-picked estate-grown grapes, this blend brims with finesse, featuring aromas of citrus and garrigue. Light and delicate on the palate, its minerality provides a distinctive freshness, enhanced by the terroir's characteristic salinity.
Tasting Note by Christophe Mongeot:Nose: Aromas of citrus and wild herbs abound.Palate: On the palate, expect an impression of lightness with a minerality that leads to a distinctive freshness, enhanced by salinity.
Dun Bheagan is a collection of small-batch and single cask whiskies bottled by Ian Macleod Distillers, named after one of Scotland's most iconic castles. Each expression is hand-selected by Ian Macleod's malt team with a focus on regional character and traditional methods, drawing from distilleries across Scotland to showcase the distinct personality of each whisky-producing region.
This Speyside expression is sourced from an undisclosed distillery within the region and matured in oak casks before being bottled without chill filtration and at natural colour, preserving its full texture and flavour. The result is an approachable, elegantly structured single malt that is true to the classic Speyside style and well suited both to those exploring the region for the first time and to those adding a well-priced small-batch bottling to their collection.
Tasting Note by Dun Bheagan:Nose: Classic Speyside aromas of honey, vanilla and ripe green fruits.Palate: Balanced and smooth, with sweet honey notes and floral flavours.Finish: Light, clean and gently warming.
Produced at Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries established in 1798, Ledaig is the distillery's peated single malt expression, shaped by the rugged maritime climate and wild Hebridean character of Mull's coastline. As the island's only whisky distillery, Tobermory crafts its spirits under the direction of Master Blender Julieann Fernandez, whose award-winning portfolio spans both the unpeated Tobermory range and the bold, smoky Ledaig expressions.
Castaway is a limited edition of just 6,428 bottles worldwide, matured in a rare marriage of Caribbean rum casks and Mexican tequila casks, a first of its kind for the brand. Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour and cask strength, the dual-cask influence layers exotic fruit and agave depth onto Ledaig's signature island peat smoke, producing a whisky of vivid contrast and considerable complexity. A portion of proceeds supports the Mull and Iona Community Trust, adding further purpose to an already compelling release.
Tasting Note by Ledaig:Nose: Coastal peat smoke with caramelised banana, lime zest and vanilla. Green apple, white pepper and a hint of sea spray.Palate: Bold smoky spice leads, balanced by grilled pineapple, brine and herbal agave. Black pepper, charred citrus and rich toffee develop through the mid-palate.Finish: Long and warming with smouldering peat embers, demerara sweetness, chilli heat and a final twist of lime.
Founded in 1881 on the north-eastern shore of Islay at the mouth of the Sound of Islay, Bunnahabhain is the island's most northerly distillery and one of its most distinctive. Unlike its Islay neighbours, Bunnahabhain produces an unpeated single malt, allowing the quality of the spirit itself and the influence of cask maturation to define every expression. The distillery's tall, pear-shaped stills with unusually long swan necks promote a lighter, more delicate character, while non-chill filtration and natural colouring preserve the full integrity of the spirit.
The 15 Year Old White Port Cask Finish is the first release under the An Cuan Garbh chapter of the Westering Home Collection, a series inspired by Islay's anthem of return and belonging. Master Blender Julieann Fernandez selected white port casks from Portugal's Douro Valley to finish the spirit, imparting layers of orchard fruit, honeyed depth and soft citrus that complement the distillery's naturally smooth and oily character. The expression was awarded Gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2026, and as a limited Fèis Ìle release it represents a significant addition to any Bunnahabhain or Islay collection.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Honeysuckle, elderflower, orchard fruit, candied citrus and honey warmth.Palate: Peach, apricot, candied lemon zest, honeyed almonds, toasted malt and ginger spice.Finish: Lingering nutty warmth with sweet candied fruit.
Established in 1923 in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Yamazaki is Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery and the foundation of Suntory's whisky heritage. Nestled at the confluence of three rivers, the distillery benefits from a humid, mist-laden microclimate that contributes to a distinctively soft and elegant house style, drawing on a diverse range of cask types and a breadth of distillation techniques unmatched in Japanese whisky production.
The Golden Promise is composed entirely from Golden Promise barley, a Scottish varietal first cultivated in the 1960s and prized for its exceptional malting characteristics and depth of flavour. Matured in American oak casks, the expression accentuates the natural richness of the Golden Promise grain, producing a whisky of malty, fruity character with a notably refined sweetness. It is a release that speaks to Yamazaki's enduring curiosity about the relationship between raw ingredient and finished spirit.
Tasting Note by Yamazaki:Nose: Sweet malt, vanilla and honey with a fragrant, delicate character.Palate: Rich and full with hints of orange marmalade and custard.Finish: Sweet and fruity with citrus, long and lasting.
Situated on the Highland Line just north of Glasgow, Glengoyne has distilled without peat since 1833, allowing the quality of its slow-distilled spirit and the influence of oak to define every expression. The distillery is known for the longest distillation time in Scotland, a process that strips away harsher notes and produces a characteristically smooth and fruity new make spirit.
Batch 11 is matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and refill casks, bottled at natural colour and without chill filtration at 60.5% ABV. The absence of peat places the full weight of character on the spirit itself and the European oak, producing a release of considerable intensity and aromatic clarity. As a limited-edition cask strength bottling, it represents Glengoyne at its most unguarded and is a compelling addition to any serious collection.Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Ripe orchard fruits, red berries and marzipan with lemon sherbet and digestive biscuit.Palate: Rich and full-bodied with dark chocolate, stewed fruits, warming winter spice and a prickle of pepper.Finish: Long and warming with lingering spice and the smooth, slow-distilled character for which Glengoyne is renowned.
Distilled on the southern shore of Islay, Laphroaig has been producing one of Scotland's most distinctive single malts since 1815. The distillery's character is shaped by its own floor maltings, peat cut from the Islay bog, and the brackish coastal air of the Kildalton coast, producing a spirit of deep, unmistakable smokiness that has defined the house style for over two centuries.
This 14 Year Old limited edition was personally selected by actor and Friend of Laphroaig Willem Dafoe alongside Senior Whisky Blender Sarah Dowling, chosen entirely on instinct and without formal tasting notes. Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the expression brings a layer of soft sweetness and depth to Laphroaig's signature peat-driven character. With no formal notes from the distillery, the bottle is designed to provoke personal interpretation rather than guided expectation, making it a singular collector's piece and a gift unlike any other in the current Laphroaig range.
Tasting Note by JPHA:Nose: Deep, unmistakable peat smoke with a coastal edge and the quiet richness of Oloroso sherry.Palate: Sea salt, warming spice and soft sweetness, with layers that shift and evolve in the glass.Finish: Long, smoky and mouthwatering, with a lingering complexity that resists easy definition.
Produced at James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, Booker's is an uncut, unfiltered small batch bourbon created by the late Booker Noe, grandson of Jim Beam and one of the most influential figures in American whiskey. Each batch is drawn from a select number of barrels chosen for their exceptional quality, bottled straight from the cask at natural proof with no chill filtration and no water added.
The Big Easy Batch, the first release of the 2026 Collection, is composed of five separate production dates drawn from five different warehouse locations across the Jim Beam campus, each floor and warehouse position contributing its own influence on the maturing spirit. Aged for 7 years, 2 months and 15 days in new charred white oak barrels and bottled at 61.9% ABV, this is a bourbon of considerable power and character, named in tribute to Booker Noe's lifelong affection for New Orleans.
Tasting Note by Booker's:Nose: Aromas of vanilla, spices.Palate: Big and bold, and unmistakably Booker's Bourbon.Finish: Long and delightful.
Maker's Mark has been distilling on its Star Hill Farm estate in Loretto, Kentucky since 1954, where the distillery's commitment to estate-grown grain production sets it apart from the majority of American whisky producers. The Star Hill Farm annual release series explores how farming decisions, soil, and grain selection directly shape the character of the whisky in the glass, with each year's edition focused on a distinct agricultural question.
The 2026 Release turns its attention to wheat, examining how different wheat varieties influence depth and character. Built from a blend of soft red winter, hard white, and heirloom hard red wheat alongside 62% malted wheat and a touch of malted barley, this expression is underpinned by a regenerative agriculture philosophy and fully estate-grown production. Bottled at cask strength, it is a release of genuine provenance and ambition, as compelling for collectors as it is for those drawn to whisky with a story rooted in the land.
Tasting Note by Maker's Mark:Nose: Dark and dense with notes of molasses, fig and delicate spice.Palate: Vibrant and complex with notes of zesty citrus, ripe pear and shortbread.Finish: Lingering and harmonious with notes of rich sweetness and soft cinnamon.
Crafted in Glasgow since 1823, Auchentoshan is one of Scotland's few remaining Lowland distilleries and the only one to triple distil every drop of its spirit. This process, carried out through three copper pot stills, produces a characteristically smooth and delicate new make that serves as the foundation for every expression in the range.
The 24 Year Old was released to mark the distillery's 200th anniversary and represents the highest-aged expression in the current Auchentoshan range. Distilled on 22 June 1998, it has been matured through a marriage of American bourbon casks and European oak sherry casks, with carefully curated refill casks completing the vatting. Twenty-four years of maturation have produced a whisky of considerable depth and refinement, presented in a premium gift box that makes it an exceptional choice for collectors and celebratory occasions alike.
Tasting Note by Auchentoshan:Nose: Mint leaves, menthol, beeswax, juicy green grapes, warm autumnal fruits and citrus.Palate: Candied citrus peel, creamy vanilla, moist raisins and chocolate coated almonds.Finish: Long and fruity, with citrus and soft spices.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has built its reputation on an exceptional commitment to cask selection and wood management. The Double Cask Collection, first launched in 2016, sits at the heart of the distillery's range, celebrating the complementary relationship between sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, each crafted and seasoned in The Macallan's own cooperages and bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera.
The Double Cask 18 Year Old 2026 Release is matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak for a minimum of eighteen years, with every selected cask having spent its entire maturation period in sherry seasoned wood. The American oak contributes unmistakable sweetness and vanilla, while the European oak delivers soft spices and dried fruit, producing a naturally coloured single malt of smooth, creamy balance. Released annually, each vintage represents a considered addition to any collection and a gift of genuine distinction.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit and toffee with rich candied citrus peel, ginger and nutmeg.Palate: Raisin, sultana and dried apricot with notes of treacle toffee, vanilla and ginger. Toasted wood spice and baked apple.Finish: Long with warm oak and citrus.
Distilled on the Orkney Islands at Highland Park's Kirkwall distillery, founded in 1798, Between You and I marks a first in the distillery's history: a whisky led by virgin Swedish oak casks. The expression was created in collaboration with Björn Frantzén, the only chef in the world to hold three Michelin stars across three restaurants simultaneously, whose personal flavour associations shaped the packaging design and concept.
The 16 Year Old is crafted from a combination of virgin Swedish oak casks, which impart a distinctly nutty spiciness, ex-bourbon casks for sweetness and warmth, and sherry seasoned American and European oak casks contributing vanilla and dried fruit. In place of formal tasting notes, each bottle is designed to prompt the drinker's own personal associations, making it a singular and thought-provoking addition to any collection.
Tasting Note by JPHA:Subtly smoky with nutty spiciness, sweetness and warmth, notes of vanilla and dried fruit, with complex and personal layers of flavour inviting individual interpretation.
Distilled on the Orkney Islands at one of Scotland's most storied distilleries, Highland Park has crafted whisky on its Kirkwall site since 1798. Under Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, each release is built around the precise marriage of hand-selected casks, with the distillery's signature lightly peated Orcadian heather malt underpinning every expression.
The 25 Year Old 2023 Release is drawn from just 22 casks: ten first-fill sherry seasoned European oak hogsheads, two first-fill sherry seasoned American oak hogsheads, four first-fill sherry seasoned American oak butts, five refill hogsheads and one refill butt. Each cask was selected by Gordon Motion for its marrying potential, depth of flavour and complex character, producing a whisky of natural deep copper colour and considerable aged richness. At this level of maturation and rarity, it is as much a collector's piece as it is a drinking whisky, and presents exceptionally well as a landmark gift.
Tasting Note by Highland Park:Honeyed peaches, sweet satsumas, pistachio biscotti, crushed coriander seed, aromatic oregano, crème brûlée, citrus zest and heathered peat smoke.
Distilled on the wind-swept Orkney Islands at the world's most northerly mainland distillery, Highland Park has produced whisky on its Kirkwall site since 1798. The distillery's house style is shaped by its own floor maltings, lightly peated with aromatic Orcadian heather, and by Gordon Motion's exacting approach to cask selection and maturation.
The 21 Year Old 2023 Release draws on 36 individually hand-selected casks laid down between 1998 and 2001, comprising ex-bourbon hogsheads, first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, and ex-Rioja casks. The extended maturation and diversity of cask types produce a whisky of notable complexity and balance, representing both a considered collector's acquisition and an exceptional gift for those who appreciate the rewards of unhurried ageing.
Tasting Note by Highland Park:Tropical fruits, toasted almonds, freshly grated nutmeg and floral peat smoke, with lemon zest, aromatic fenugreek, apples caramelised in honey and cinnamon, a dusting of cedar-smoked sweet paprika, woody spices and a hint of citrus oil in the heather-rich peat smoke.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has long defined its house style through an unwavering commitment to exceptional oak cask selection. The distillery's Master of Wood sources, crafts, toasts and seasons each cask to precise specifications before filling, ensuring the wood imparts the full measure of its character to the maturing spirit.
The Sherry Oak 18 Year Old 2024 Release is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. Eighteen years of undisturbed maturation in this single cask type produces the deep, natural mahogany colour and layered complexity for which this expression is celebrated annually. Each year's release marks a distinct moment in The Macallan's Sherry Oak Collection, making the 2024 edition a worthy addition to any serious collection and an exceptional gift for those with a discerning palate.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange and ground cinnamon.Palate: Soft and rich, with flavours of dark chocolate coated ginger with dates and dried apricots, balanced with oak and the sweetness of vanilla.Finish: Lingering with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
Glencadam Distillery sits in Brechin, on the eastern edge of the Scottish Highlands, and has been producing single malt since 1825. The Reserva Andalucía pays direct homage to the distillery's relationship with the famous sherry-producing region of southern Spain, drawing on carefully selected Oloroso sherry butts sourced from Andalucía itself to define the character of this multi-award winning expression.
The whisky is first matured in a combination of sherry butts and bourbon casks from Glencadam's traditional dunnage warehouses before being finished in Oloroso sherry butts from Andalucía. Bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration and at natural colour, the finish amplifies the distillery's characteristic fruitiness with layers of dried fruit, sweet spice and sherry-driven richness.
Tasting Note by Glencadam: Nose: Initial aromas of ripe soft fruits, soft nougat and oaky vanilla with a background of freshly made fudge. Palate: Smooth and creamy with sultanas, orchard fruits and toffee apple sweetness. Finish: Long lasting and silky smooth with honey, muscovado sugar and green tea lingering on the tongue.
Patrón El Alto is produced in the Atotonilco El Alto region of Jalisco, Mexico, where 100% Blue Weber Agave is cultivated at high altitude, a growing environment that concentrates natural sugars in the piña and lends the spirit its distinctively sweet agave character. The name itself is a direct reference to this elevated terroir, which Patrón regards as the foundation of the expression's quality.
The liquid is a blend of three maturation tiers: Extra Añejo aged for four years, alongside Añejo and Reposado tequilas, each contributing a different layer of oak development and agave complexity. The agave is ground using ancient volcanic stone and baked in clay ovens before distillation, preserving traditional Jalisco production techniques within what is an impressively refined and collectible expression.
Tasting Note by Patrón: Soft, sweet aromas of agave, dried fruit and toasted wood. Bright flavours of apricot, vanilla, almonds and cooked agave on the palate, with a smooth, subtly sweet finish.
Ilegal Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, where traditional Espadín agave cultivation and artisanal production methods have shaped the region's distilling identity for centuries. Founded by John Rexer, Ilegal began as a passion project before establishing itself as one of the most decorated mezcal brands in the world, earning recognition from Esquire and gold medals at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Tequila.net Awards.
Each batch of the Reposado is aged to taste for six months rather than to a fixed bottling date, using a combination of new and used American oak barrels with a medium char, sourced from Kelvin Cooperage, a family-run business since 1963. The result is a velvety, approachable mezcal that retains the wild agave character of the spirit whilst gaining a gentle layer of oak refinement.
Tasting Note by Ilegal Mezcal: Caramelised pear and bitter orange on the nose. Clove, butterscotch, and hints of vanilla on the palate.
Ilegal Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, where founder John Rexer began smuggling bottles across the border before establishing the brand as a legal export in 2009. Made from 100% Espadín agave using traditional artisanal production methods, Ilegal has grown into one of the most recognised names in contemporary mezcal, earning Best of the Best at the Tequila.net Awards for Best Aged Mezcal year over year.
Each batch of the Añejo is aged to taste for 13 months using a combination of new and used American oak barrels with a medium char, sourced from Kelvin Cooperage, a family-run cooperage established in 1963. Rather than bottling to a fixed schedule, each lot is assessed throughout maturation, ensuring the balance of oak structure and agave character meets the standard the expression is known for.
Tasting Note by Ilegal Mezcal: Maple, clove, and bitter orange on the nose. Dark chocolate and sweet agave on the palate.
SirDavis is an award-winning American whisky founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and crafted in partnership with Moët Hennessy and Dr. Bill Lumsden, five-time International Whisky Competition Master Distiller of the Year. The project draws on a deeply personal piece of family history: Knowles-Carter's paternal great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, was a successful moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition, concealing bottles in the hollow knots of cedar trees on his farm for friends and family. Four generations on, SirDavis honours that legacy and gives it an expression worthy of the craft.
The liquid itself is a considered marriage of rye and malted barley, combining the bold, spicy character of rye with the softer, more rounded qualities of malt, before being finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks that add a layer of dried fruit sweetness and depth. Dr. Lumsden, whose instinct for flavour balance is among the most decorated in the industry, spent years in research and blind tastings alongside Knowles-Carter to arrive at a profile designed to appeal equally to seasoned whisky drinkers and those newer to the category. The result has been recognised with Platinum, Gold and high-scoring medals across multiple international competitions in 2023, including Best in Class at the SIP Awards. A distinctive and conversation-worthy gift, and a genuinely original addition to any collection.
Tasting Note by SirDavis: Nose: Tangy Seville oranges mingle with soft sun-kissed raisins, while sizzling spices of clove, cinnamon and ginger play with luxurious notes of Demerara sugar and toffee. Palate: Rich and buttery toffee followed by an array of spices with cinnamon, clove and classic rye spice up front, followed by soft, malty and biscuity notes intertwined with a vibrant citrus top note. Finish: Hints of honey with a soft, lingering finish reminiscent of plump sultanas and ripe cherries.
Situated on the shores of Loch Indaal on Islay, Bowmore is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, established in 1779. Its position on the loch exposes its legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotch whisky, directly to the sea, lending the distillery's expressions their characteristic interplay of maritime influence and gentle peat. This 14 Year Old was crafted exclusively for Global Travel Retail, drawing on Bowmore's longstanding reputation for complexity and its willingness to explore cask influence with genuine creativity.
The whisky is first matured for 14 years in American oak ex-Bourbon casks, building the distillery's assertive, layered character before a finishing period in Bordeaux wine barriques sourced from some of France's most distinguished wineries. The Bordeaux finish introduces a lighter, brighter dimension that sits in considered contrast to Bowmore's naturally robust style, the result of a collaboration rooted in a shared respect for terroir, heritage and patient craft. Bottled exclusively for the travel retail channel, this is a distinctive and collection-worthy expression that rewards those with an adventurous palate.
Tasting Note by Bowmore: Nose: Ripe cherries. Palate: Salty, drying and spicy, yielding to a rousing, expressive orchestra of rich fruit. Finish: Raspberries, cherries and strawberries, resolving to an adventurous bitter dark chocolate.
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release marks a return to one of whisky's most celebrated cultural partnerships, reuniting The Macallan with James Bond to commemorate 55 years since the premiere of Diamonds Are Forever. The whisky was crafted by Whisky Maker Russell Greig, an avid Bond devotee who has translated the film's narrative arc directly into the cask selection, drawing on the film's locations, characters and pivotal scenes as the creative framework for this limited edition release.
The cask composition reflects the film's storyline with deliberate precision. American white oak casks represent the Las Vegas and coastal California settings that dominate the picture, while sherry seasoned oak casks pay homage to Bond's connoisseurship of Solera sherry, a moment that surfaces early in the film. A selection of red wine seasoned casks acknowledges a later scene in which Bond's forensic knowledge of wine proves critical to the plot. The cask selection is completed with bespoke hybrid sherry seasoned oak casks, custom crafted from both European and American oak staves within a single cask, an expression of the innovative spirit shared by both Bond and The Macallan. Natural colour and non-chill filtration preserve the whisky's full integrity, and the presentation packaging draws on the film's original creative archive, offering a behind the scenes glimpse into its visual development. This is an unequivocally collection-worthy release.
Tasting Note by The Macallan: Nose: Sophisticated notes of sweet polished oak, vanilla bean and rich dried fruits. Palate: Creamy vanilla and caramel, with hints of cocoa powder coated champagne truffles, coffee, dried fruits including figs, berries and apricots, and subtle trailing spices. Finish: Long and refined with a lingering warmth.
Milroy's Heavily Peated Virgin Oak is an expertly vatted single malt bottled at 46% ABV, selected by the team at Milroy's of Soho. Bottled without chill-filtration and with no added colour, it draws from a recipe of 40% new oak and 60% first-fill Kentucky bourbon casks, allowing the vibrancy of virgin oak to shine alongside the rustic, coastal peat character of the spirit.
This expression is remarkably versatile, delivering well neat and over ice whilst also making a compelling smoky Highball. It is a fitting addition to Milroy's portfolio of heavily peated bottlings, each crafted to showcase a distinct facet of peated Scotch whisky.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Medicinal smoke, tomato leaf, liquorice and elastoplast.Palate: Cinnamon, industrial smoke, strawberry jam and eucalyptus.Finish: Long with kerosene and sweet chilli chocolate.
