The year 2000 was pivotal for Ardbeg, marking the renovation of the distillery and the creation of rare stock by Dr. Bill Lumsden and his team. As a limited series blending modern techniques with old stills, the Vintage Y2K stands out as a smoky anomaly with an unparalleled story.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: Herbal, sweet and fragrant, with a subtle, distant perfumed smokiness. Next a quirky, zesty note like lemon balsam emerges, along with a suggestion of linseed oil and candied walnuts. A splash of water and the fragrance intensifies, emitting heather honey, a touch of creosote and the tiniest trace of tent canvas.Palate: The texture is fizzy and effervescing (sherbety), with a real, vibrant effervescence on the tongue. At first the flavour is intensely sweet, then shifts as aniseed, toffee, digestive biscuits, peppermint, menthol, tar and coffee grits burst through.Finish: The sooty/tarry flavours keep building, until they finally dissolve into a long, lingering aftertaste of antiseptic lozenges, bitter oranges and oak tannins.
Intended for savouring, this extra-aged tequila is rich, warm, and silky, boasting intense flavours and sweetness from its maturation in American oak barrels.
The X.A bottle's striking design pays homage to the Tequila volcano, which erupted over 200,000 years ago in Mexico's Jalisco region, creating optimal conditions for blue agave growth.Tasting Note by Tomas Perez (Master Tequilier):Nose: Hints of spice, cooked agave and sweet notes of vanilla, honey and dried fruits combine on the nosePalate: Ultra smooth with a long finish – a reposado (aged) base brings the right level of sweetness and smoothness, while añejo (extra-aged) and extra-añejo (ultra-aged) tequilas add aromatic balance and complexity.
Drú is a cask strength single malt from the Indian brand Indri, distilled and matured in bourbon casks under the extreme temperatures of India's northern plains. The name 'Drú' originates from Sanskrit, meaning wood, tree, or a wooden vessel, which ties back to ancient mythology where Dru was a vessel used to collect 'soma' for the Gods. This whisky, bottled at 57.2% ABV without any added colour or chill-filtering, retains the robust flavours shaped by its unique cask profile and ageing conditions.
Tasting Note by Indri: Nose: Whiff of mixed fruit basket, vanilla, subtle citrus hints, gentle spice, chocolate and honey tones expressing robust nose profile.Palate: Sweetish fruity forward taste with, soft spice followed immediately with sweet vanilla, hint of chocolate with wood lactones and citrus appearing from the back of the palate.Finish: Fuller bodies, complex with mixed fruit finish that is fairly long, chewable and salivating dram.
The third and final release in Rosebank's inaugural global series of legacy whiskies celebrates the revival of the distillery, known as the 'King of the Lowlands'. This edition commemorates the distillery's re-emergence after over 30 years of dormancy, marking a key milestone since its restoration began in 2019. Distilled in the final three years before its closure, this release captures Rosebank's rich, fruity, and floral character. The packaging features a commemorative letter and an NFC tag for authentication, highlighting its significance as Rosebank prepares to welcome the public in 2024.
Tasting Note by Rosebank:Nose: Elegant and balanced, boiled sweeties, pineapple cubes, dried apricot, gentle oak, candied ginger, lemon drizzle, marzipan, hints of white pepper and café latte.Palate: Velvet mouthfeel with good body, hints of malt, thyme, butterscotch, tropical fruits, drying oak and softly warming spice.Finish: Soft and long with lemon, honeyed porridge and toasted walnut.
These casks were part of David Stewart's initial experiment to finish The Balvenie in French Pineau casks. After a few years, the results were not as expected, so he explored using a different source of Pineau, resulting in the creation of French Oak 16. However, this batch continued to age in the original casks and was discovered by Kelsey after 8 years in Pineau. She found they had developed into something remarkable.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Warming amber tones from toasted oak and delicate spice are immersed by smooth butterscotch and hints of ripe berries.Palate: Intriguing layers of spice and rich sweetness layer on creamy vanilla and honey before revealing gentle oaky tannins.
Originally set aside to become a 12 year old single barrel, this whisky was found to have developed a subtle smoky flavour upon tasting, due to being distilled immediately after peat week, even though the barley used was unpeated. It matured for 14 years in some of Balvenie's finest bourbon casks.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk.Palate: Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavours from beautifully roasted malt and deep vanilla oakiness.
Distilled in 1999, this whisky was sequentially matured in three types of sherry casks—Amontillado on 4 November 2009, Oloroso on 20 June 2011, and Manzanilla on 12 September 2016. The result is a splendid burst of sherry character, enriched with notes of creamy fudge, vanilla pods, and a hint of tobacco. This distinctive dram is exceptionally rare, with only 4,002 individually numbered bottles available worldwide. It combines the finest sherry finishes synonymous with Bunnahabhain—Amontillado, Manzanilla, and Oloroso—and is presented at cask strength with an ABV of 53.3%. True to its Islay origins, it is unpeated, with no added colour and is non-chill filtered.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Freshly baked almond pastries are met with sweet berries, creamy fudge, rose petals and a hint of desiccated coconut.Palate: Fresh vanilla pods, butterscotch and creamy strawberries are balanced with honeyed cashews, wood spice and a gentle hint of tobacco.Finish: Dry finish with pine needles and blackcurrants
Their 100% Rye Mashbill starts with 91% Raw Elbon Rye from Northwest Texas, along with cara, chocolate, and roasted rye, fully processed on-site in Waco, Texas. They use some of the tallest Forsyth copper pot stills in the world, creating a rich, viscous spirit. Each recipe undergoes a tailored 7-day fermentation, enhancing the development of fruity aromas. Texas's extreme temperature fluctuations deeply influence the whisky's flavour, as the spirit interacts with the oak casks through intense summers and cooler winters.
Tasting Note by Balcones: Nose: Texas Rye Bottled in Bond balances warm sun tea, candied fennel, and spruce tips before cooling notes of melted mint chip ice cream and raspberry glaze.Palate: It begins with graham cracker crust, dark chocolate espresso bean, and cardamom before well-articulated notes of carrot frond, cedar chest, and apricot preserves. Nutella and blackberry jam on rye toast linger for the finale.
They set out to demonstrate that exceptional whisky can not only originate from Texas but also lead its category. Using culinary-grade ingredients and processes shaped by Texas itself, their approach involves some of the world's tallest Forsyth copper pot stills to produce a rich, viscous bourbon. The long fermentations take advantage of local microflora to enhance fruity aromas, while Texas's dramatic climate and customised casks contribute to a complex flavour profile. Each barrel is meticulously tasted during blending to ensure the final product reflects the nuanced influence of its Texan maturation.
Tasting Note by Balcones: Nose: Ripe, buttered stone fruit, banana and pears; honey and rose water with delicate citrus accents.Palate: Silky and full on the palate; lightly toasted bread with fresh butter and marmalade.Finish: Long finish with lingering toast and burnt sugar notes morphing into rich malt and wood flavors with counterbalancing acidity.
At The English Distillery, the production of triple distilled single malt whisky is a rare event. These small batches yield a light and delicate whisky that is wonderfully enjoyable to drink.
Tasting Note by The English: With wafts of summer fruits, combined with hints of chocolate and light honey. Rich oak with just a hint of Liquorice; this is a lovely whisky for long lazy evenings.
The exceptional Royal Brackla 25 Year Old Pedro Ximénez limited edition is now available, with only 64 bottles in the UK. Aged for 25 years in first-fill Bourbon barrels and finished in PX Sherry casks, this whisky represents the pinnacle of Royal Brackla’s core offering, showcasing Stephanie's expertise in cask selection and finishing.
Presented in a clear flint bottle with gold and red screen-printed text, it features a gold standard tin capsule and a zamac gold cork. Each bottle is encased in an FSC-sourced wooden box with blue paint, Kurz Luxor gold foil, and screen-printed details.
Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:A mighty dram cloaked in robes of velvet: luscious summer fruits, overlayed with rich, spice-laden raisins and dried figs, adding weight and complexity to our summer dram. The aroma melts into pools of milk chocolate, balanced with ground coffee and toasted almonds. An endless and serene dram that will linger deliciously on the palate.
The Craigellachie 37 Year Old Whisky, part of the limited edition Exceptional Cask Series with only 3012 bottles available, exemplifies outstanding quality and craftsmanship. Initially aged in refill casks, it undergoes a final maturation in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. This finishing process enhances the distinctive Craigellachie distillery style, allowing its unique character to be fully expressed. This remarkable whisky was also honored with the title of Best Single Malt Scotch Over 25 Years Old at the IWC 2024.
Tasting Note by Craigellachie:The aroma opens with notes of pineapple tarte tatin and crème anglaise, balanced with soft cereals and notes of toasted banana bread. Faint whispers of fire embers emerge with the addition of water then fade to spicy vanilla and delicate oak-derived coconut. The palate is boldly complex with sweet acidity at first, mellowing to soft fruits and almonds with a long, indulgent finish.
This 21-year-old edition is distilled and initially aged in whisky refill casks on December 16, 1999, after which it was carefully transferred into Oloroso sherry casks on February 26, 2015. The outcome is a delightfully sweet and lively dram. Staying true to Tobermory's commitment to quality, like all their whiskies, this one is non-chill filtered and boasts its natural colour, maintaining an ABV of 46.3%.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Marzipan, hazelnuts, toffee and treacle. Furniture wax.Palate: Cherry wood, brown sugar, caramelised pineapples and sticky toffee.Finish: Fresh, light and sweet.
"Colheita," derived from the word "harvest," signifies the exclusive utilisation of grapes from a single crop to craft a vintage port. By blending The Lakes Single Malt with carefully selected grain and malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside, Islay and the Highlands, the Colheita undergoes a distinctive finishing in scarce Colheita casks, resulting in this luxurious rendition of The One. This expression is non-chill filtered to enhance its mouthfeel and richness, with the natural hues derived solely from local oak casks.
Tasting Note by The Lakes Distillery:Nose: Peach cobbler, fresh apricots, whiff of autumnal smokePalate: Ripe plums, vanilla custard, and warming cinnamonFinish: Rich and comforting
Arriving in a stunning gift box, Jaywalk Heirloom Rye is meticulously selected Single Barrel whiskey, bottled wholly at Cask Strength (114-116) and featuring a blend of 75% Horton Rye, an heirloom rye varietal not commercially grown since the 1800s. After 7 years of ageing, it boasts a robust, rich rye whiskey flavour with characteristics unique to each single barrel. This limited time offering consists of only 500 cases, and once it's gone, it won't return until at least Fall 2024.
Tasting Note by Jaywalk:Nose: Aromas of ripe banana, Tootsie Roll, and light caramel are accompanied by hints of birch and strawberry shortcake.Palate: The palate offers notes of cinnamon and saffron, akin to Red Hots or Hot Tomales candy, with a touch of dusty rye and toffee essence.
Crafted entirely from floor-malted grains, this whisky is a blend of the Stauning Single Malt and Rye Malt Whisky. Named HØST (pronounced “hurst”), which translates to ‘harvest’ in Danish, it embodies the natural beauty of Danish terroir and the season that is quintessential for Danish grain production. Delicate, smooth, and harmoniously balanced, this whisky is ideal for both novices and aficionados alike. It is meticulously crafted through a marriage of whiskies aged in American oak, with a subtle influence of Port wood.
Tasting Note by Stauning Whisky:This well-balanced whisky has a smooth and fruity flavour profile with floral undertones.
As the final ever single malt release crafted by Dhavall Gandhi as part of the Whiskymaker's Edition, the Galaxia can be perfectly described as a 'harmonious symphony and surrender to a dance of light and darkness'. Combining some of the best characteristics of previous editions, the Galaxia boasts the aromatic spices as seen in the Infinity and Odyssey, the stewed fruits of Revelation and the creamy vanilla of Iris and Milky Way. It is the perfect fusion of almost all editions that came before it.Each bottle of this exceptional whisky comes with a complimentary The Lakes Rocking Glass.
Tasting Note by The Lakes Distillery:Aromatic oriental spices, floral perfume, stone and stewed fruits, vanilla cream.
Working in collaboration with independent English retailers, the AON 18-443 is exclusively aged in STR ex-red wine casks. The result is a deliciously creamy whisky, boasting sweet, fruity and buttery notes.
Tasting Note by Nc'nean:Sticky toffee pudding, buttery fudge and fruit crumble.
Inspired by the Gaelic huntress goddess 'Neachneohain', this new themed series perfectly captures the innovation and discovery that underpins whisky making at Nc'Nean. Only produced once a year and created by a unique recipe crossover, this specific edition holds incredible jammy flavours, reminiscent of fresh baked biscuits with a hint of peppermint tea.
Tasting Note by Nc'nean:Cherry Bakewell, apricot marmalade, vanilla custard.
The 100% Agave Tequila Añejo begins as the Tequila Blanco, matured for 18 months in American Oak bourbon casks. While preserving its Agave essence, it unveils a remarkable palate boasting smoky oak, caramelized bananas, and chocolate notes. Ideal for savouring neat or on the rocks, it also shines in classic cocktails such as the Espresso Martini or Manhattan.
Aged for 6 months in American Oak bourbon casks, Vivir's Rapasado offers earthy Agave tones with hints of vanilla and caramel. It can be perfectly enjoyed simply on ice or with ginger ale. The Rapasado also pairs incredibly well with classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned or Negroni.
Utilizing traditional Hornos to cook the Agave, Vivir's Blanco has a smooth, clean, and floral finish. This premium Tequila is effortlessly drinkable, perfect for sipping, mixing into cocktails, or enjoying with your favourite mixer. It pairs exceptionally well with citrus tonics and soda.
Crafted by the Master Distiller Robert Fleming, this limited edition bottling is the result of his meticulous selection of Tomintoul. The whisky is initially aged in exceptional ex-bourbon American oak barrels before being meticulously married and finished in hand-selected Pedro Ximénez sherry butts from Andalucía, Spain.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul: Nose: Aromas of sweet treacle and dried figs mingled with malt loaf, raisins and baking spices.Palate: Layers of fruit cake and banana bread followed by marzipan stuffed dates, toasted walnuts and sultanas with hints of clove and cinnamon.Finish: Cosy notes of Danish pastries, cocoa powder and syrup sponge cake fading to a warming oak and tobacco linger.
Carefully curated from Glencadam's revered dunnage warehouses, this expression features single malt meticulously aged in premium ex-bourbon American oak casks. Following expert blending, the whisky undergoes a distinctive finish in hand-selected White Port barriques sourced from Portugal, adding a unique layer of flavour and complexity.
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Tangy strawberries and stone fruits bounde with Chantilly cream, buttery malt and citrus oils. Palate: Sweet layers of summer berries and baked apple mingled with golden raisins, raspberry jam and brandy snap biscuits. Finish: White pepper and custard tarts fading into a cinder toffee and sandalwood linger.
Rémy Martin Tercet stands out as an exceptional Cognac Fine Champagne, crafted from aromatic eaux-de-vie that bring forth notes of fresh tropical fruits. This expression embodies the distinct style of the Maison, marking a new direction for cognac with its luminous character.
Tasting Note by Remy Martin:Nose: An explosion of fresh tropical fruits and dried fruits, with cinnamon, ginger and hints of liquorice.Palate: The 84-proof blend gives a fresh, bold impression, rounded out with spices and fresh stone fruits.Finish: A round, smooth finale with a surprisingly long finish.
The Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Argentinian Malbec Cask Finish is the result of a remarkable collaboration between Malt Master Stephanie Macleod and award-winning winemaker Daniel Pi of Finca Ambrosia, one of Argentina's most prestigious estates. Having travelled to the Uco Valley in Argentina, Stephanie personally selected Malbec casks from Finca Ambrosia to bring an entirely new dimension to the Aberfeldy character — a partnership between two masters of their craft that has produced something genuinely distinctive within the distillery's wine cask series.
Aberfeldy Distillery was established in 1898 in Perthshire, drawing process water from the gold-laced Pitilie Burn and producing a fruity, richly honeyed Highland single malt in alembic copper pot stills crafted by Forsyths. Here, 21 years of patient maturation have been completed by a finishing period in Malbec wine casks, which lend vivid red fruit character, gentle floral notes and a subtle tartness that sits in elegant balance with the distillery's signature honeyed sweetness. Bottled at 46% ABV, this limited edition release is as well suited to the collector as it is to the enthusiast seeking something beyond the expected.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy: Evolving aromas of juicy strawberries glazed with sweet Highland honey, gently brightened by hints of fresh blackcurrant. This bouquet gives way to delicate floral notes of rose and violet, underscored by a subtle touch of warming cinnamon spice. On the palate, vibrant fruit flavours come alive, gracefully melting into creamy vanilla and concluding with a wonderfully smooth, lingering finish.
The nuanced equilibrium between agave flavors and the gentle influence of American oak unveils a smooth tequila with a notable presence amidst a meticulously chosen array of distillates, culminating in the exquisite, impeccable golden essence of Tierra Noble.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Nose: Rich and complex, pleasant wooden notes, dried fruit, vanilla and a slight touch of chocolate.Palate: Notes of prune, toasted almond, vanilla and a light presence of caramel. Rich and balanced.
The emblem of the distillery stems from an annual tradition upheld by its Master Tequileros, involving the selection of only the most subtly and elegantly flavored casks from hundreds, to mark the end of each season. With time, this exquisite combination of extra-añejos, aged for up to 85 months, has come to be known as the Founder's Selection.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Nose: Very pleasant and smooth on the nose, with fruitful and sweet aromas; notes of cooked agave, vanilla, prunes, chocolate, toasted almonds, peach and tobacco in a perfect balance with the wooden notes.Palate: Smooth on the palate, balanced and complex. With flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit, berries, a slight touch of tobacco and spices. Of great persistence on the palate.Finish: Surprisingly elegant, balanced and harmonious. Definitely the best expression of Casa Tierra Noble.
Reposados and Añejos are meticulously tasted until the finest casks that distinguish this Cristalino as unique are identified. This chosen assortment of Añejos and Reposados will be removed from the casks where they gained their character and maturity, to undergo a third distillation. This process finely tunes their flavors and aromas in a most imaginative manner, ensuring their identity is preserved with attention to every detail.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Palate: Strong character with sweet and frutal notes of green apple, a discreet presence of cooked agave and a light chocolate sparkle.Finish: Well balanced with citric notes, spices like colve, frutal with a vanilla-butter finish. Silky, smooth and lof long permanence in the palate whit fresh notes in the aftertaste combined with the tertiary notes of wood.
The blend of the most rare and unique Reposados is a creation born from the master distiller's fancy, giving rise to Tierra Noble Cristalino. This expression achieves its peak through a distillation process following its ideal aging in the cask, culminating in the illustrious golden hue that defines Tierra Noble.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Nose: Very pleasant, with a variety of aromas that go from fruit notes, sweet and citric from orange and grapefruit, with notes of cooked agaves honey, slight vanilla and cacao in a perfect balance of wood without overstepping . . its presence.Palate: The notes of smell are confirmed in taste; this is a very smooth product to the plate. Balanced and fresh, with a slight flavor of cacao, fresh and sweet fruit, peach and berries . Of great presence within the palate.
This represents the perfect embodiment of the 7200ft. concept, where the major agave-producing areas converge: the "Valle de Tequila," renowned for its aromatic complexity, and "Los Altos de Jalisco," distinguished by its herbal and sweet nuances. Such a fusion yields what is considered the most noble among tequilas.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Palate: Very well defined, strong presence of cooked agave, herbal notes, mint and citrus, with a light gleam of anise.Finish: Smooth and fresh with a building intensity; notes of raw agave give a long, rich and balanced finish.
The years spent in casks lend the Añejo an elegant and refined persona, which evolves into an expansive bouquet of aromas and flavors. This complexity is a reflection of the careful assembly of American and French white oak woods.
Tasting Note by Tierra Noble:Palate: Rich and complex; pleasant notes of wood, dried fruit, vanilla and a slight touch of chocolate. Finish: Magnificently structured; creamy balance, silky, sweet with subtle touches of dried fruit.
Experience a fresh interpretation of the timeless Irish whiskey tradition. Teeling's Single Pot Still pays homage to Dublin's renowned whiskey legacy, echoing the style once celebrated by the city's historic distilleries, now closed for nearly half a century.
This unique expression of Irish whiskey is meticulously crafted with a mash bill comprising 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, triple distilled to perfection. Maturation takes place in a blend of American Virgin Oak, Bourbon, and Sherry casks, adding depth and complexity to the spirit.
Tasting Note by Teeling:Nose: Fresh fruits, grapefruit, lychee and spicePalate: Peaches, poached pears, thick creaminess, cooked grains and allspiceFinish: Dry spice with muscovado sugar rich sweetness
With just 311 bottles being bottled in the new 2024 rebranding, the GlenAllachie 2010 13 Year Old Madeira Hogshead is a UK exclusive, meticulously selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Bottled at cask strength, its intense character is a testament to its aging process, enriched by the unique nuances of Madeira wood.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Brandy butter, honeycomb, orchard fruits and butterscotch, with hints of orange blossom, hazelnut and caramelised brown sugar.Palate: Heather honey, orange peel and burnt caramel, followed by waves of cinnamon, butterscotch and stewed orchard fruits, with a nutty bouquet on the finish.
Breaking from tradition, this Whiskey redefines the boundaries of Irish Whiskey, offering a tapestry of distinctive flavours shaped by unconventional cask maturation methods.Carefully chosen casks of grain and malt whiskey undergo full maturation in Ex-Bourbon barrels before being harmonised in Central American Rum casks for up to 12 months, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dried fruit essence.
Tasting Note by Teeling:Nose: An inviting nose where vanilla and spice dance with bright sweet notes of Rum.Palate: The palate has a solid Rum influence that creates a unique smooth, sweet and slightly woody marriage that sparkles on the tongue. Exotic fruit notes push through as well, with a sweet spicy finish complemented by lingering woody undertones.
Crafted from 100% malted barley, this Irish Single Malt Whiskey is distilled, matured, and finished in a unique combination of casks: Virgin American Oak, Ruby Port, Caravelos White Port, Madeira, and Bourbon. This method imparts a distinctive fruit-forward flavour profile that is complex yet harmoniously balanced, often likened to “a symphony” of flavour. This whiskey offers a rich tapestry of tastes that celebrate the artistry of Irish distilling.
Tasting Note by Teeling:Nose: Tropical fruits, caramelised sugar, oak spice and ginger.Palate: Chocolate, mixed berries and bouquet of orchard fruits.Finish: Luxurious and long with passionfruit and pineapple.
Inspired by Dublin's historic Blackpitts area adjacent to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, renowned for its malting houses, Teeling Blackpitts stands out with its unique approach. Utilising peat smoke to dry barley during malting imbues the resulting Peated Single Malt with a distinct smoky flavour—a hallmark of the region.
What sets Teeling Blackpitts apart is its triple distillation process, tempering the medicinal qualities found in Scottish Peated Single Malts and enhancing the barbeque smoke essence. This exceptional flavor is further enriched by innovative cask maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-Sauternes white wine casks, bottled at 46% without chill filtration.
Tasting Note by Teeling:Nose: An inviting nose where barbeque smoke and cloves are intermingled with fresh notes of butterscotch and orange peel.Palate: On the pallet a fascinating blend of Applewood smoke, honey and all spice are married with stewed pears and fresh grilled pineapple. This whiskey finishes with the return of a savoury smoke over a lingering wood undertone, which combines delightfully with notes of salted caramel.
The Ledaig Triple Wood is an inaugural release, curated in collaboration with Tobermory Distillery's Island Ambassador and the renowned wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, marking a union of three iconic Ledaig single malts. This blend signifies the partnership among Tobermory Distillery, Gordon Buchanan, and the Mull and Iona Community Trust, a charitable associate in a strive to uphold, safeguard, and conserve the island of Mull in the Scottish Hebrides.
This luxurious whisky comprises three classic Ledaig single malts, each meticulously matured in distinct casks — Wine, Bourbon, and Port. These are expertly harmonized by Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez. The outcome is a distinctive, smoky whisky brimming with hints of apple, vanilla, smoky oak, toffee, and a lingering touch of maple syrup.
Tasting Note by Tobermory: Nose: Sweet nose with notes of poached pears dusted with cinnamon, creamy butterscotch and American cream soda.Palate: An initial burst of apple strudel an vanilla ice cream is balanced with cracked black pepper, wood smoke, toasted oak and treacle toffee.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with cloves and a touch of maple syrup.
Milroy’s Vintage Reserve aims to embody the graceful sophistication of aged distillates. These exceptional releases reflect the timeless whisky traditions of bygone eras. The 27 Year Old Benriach showcased here epitomizes this ethos perfectly. In contrast to many distillery releases, which blend various cask types, this bottling stands out for its straightforward approach. Aged to perfection in a refill hogshead, it harks back to an era when floor maltings were commonplace at the North Speyside distillery, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its history.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Grassy yet dessert-like, poached pears come through first along with coconut, peanut, cashew, rich tea biscuits and a dusting of icing sugar. Palate: It gets a little richer here, with profiteroles, red fruits and caramel wrapped up in a brandy butter texture. Finish: Medium to long, with a rich oakiness.
Milroy's curated Soho Selection showcases youthful, dynamic spirits with distinctive cask finishes. This ex-hogshead Highland Peated Malt exemplifies this ethos perfectly. With its distinctive ashy peat notes and captivating texture, it offers a fascinating and delightful tasting experience.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Immediately peated, but with an airy lightness. There’s a straw-like freshness, as well as fruit compote notes. Palate: Pear drop and strawberry lace sweets come through, alongside crisp white pepper and raw vanilla pods. The smoke acts like a seasoning. Finish: Long, with persisting sweet, ashy smoke.
This Campbeltown blended malt encapsulates the essence of Milroy's Soho Selection range - a celebration of youthful, dynamic, and unconventional expressions. While the distilleries remain undisclosed, this bottling exudes the distinctive funky and coastal character characteristic of the region. Distilled in 2017, matured in refill hogsheads, and bottled in 2023.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Bold and pronounced, the nose offers seaweed and apple pie notes, along with sweet spices and a round nuttiness. Palate: Slick, oily and mouthcoating, this is a big dram. Candy floss arrives along with marzipan and a green moss, backed by a real earthiness. Finish: Long and lingering, with more sweetness.
Matured in select refill bourbon barrels and American oak hogsheads, followed by a six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, Glen Scotia's 21 year old whisky offers a smooth, aromatic profile. Its Oloroso finish imparts floral notes, maintaining rich fruit flavors and subtle maritime hints, embodying a classic Campbeltown character.
Tasting Note by Glen Scotia: Nose: Sweet perfumed oloroso, spiced red apple, peppercorns with a soft signature Campbeltown aromaPalate: Baked red apples, plump raisins, a journey of cloves, star anise, cinnamon and spice. Soft creamy vanilla, toffee and sea sprayFinish: Long, complex and incredibly balanced, with a lingering touch of sea salt and sherry dryness
Introduced in 2017 as a part of the Wood Finishes series, the Peated Port Wood variant from Glenglassaugh strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and smokiness. This no age statement whisky matured initially in ex-bourbon barrels and was later finished in ruby port pipes, leading to an approachable Highland single malt. It merges honeyed sweetness with dark fruits and a mild peat flavor, showcasing the distinctive character of this Banffshire distillery's creation.
Tasting Note:Nose: Ripe strawberry and cranberry notes, a touch of salt, and a strong scent of peaty smoke.Palate: A smooth, sweet profile with a touch of cinnamon spice, evolving into mellow smoky notes, complemented by slow cooked pears and blackberry. Finish: Dominated by sweetness, featuring tarte cherry flavors and a subtle note of citrus.
Glenglassaugh's Peated Virgin Oak Wood combines sweet earthiness with its coastal peated spirit. Matured in American Virgin Oak casks, Glenglassaugh develops rich candy and fresh spice notes, evoking a seaside confectionery. Bottled at 46%, it retains its natural colour and is non-chill filtered.
Tasting Note:Nose: Initially sweet, combining sweet peat, oak spices, vanilla, and dried coconut. Evolves to clean smoke, with hints of sea breeze on a warm wooden deck and honeyed peaches and apricots.Palate: Sweet and dry peat smoke, slightly ashy. Sweet spicy oak and honey are prominent, with a hint of coconut. A brief fruity burst is followed by vanilla and honey.Finish: Medium-length finish featuring peat smoke, honey, fruit, and a lasting spicy oak.
The "Akashi Single Malt Red Wine Cask" is a whisky that has been aged for over 4 years in cognac casks and then matured for an additional 10 months in red wine casks sourced from the Akashi vineyard in Yamanashi county. This whisky is notable for not undergoing chill-filtering or colouring, allowing its natural flavours and characteristics to shine through.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Full – Woody & red fruits.Palate: Intense – Tannins & dried fruit.
The "Akashi Single Malt Sherry Cask" undergoes a five-year aging process exclusively in sherry casks and maintains its natural colour and character without chill-filtering or colouring. This remarkable whisky was honoured with a Silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, a testament to its quality and craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Intense – White fruits & vanilla.Palate: Rich and silky – Dried fruits & almond.
The "Akashi Single Malt 5-Year-Old Bourbon Cask" whisky has been aged for a duration of 5 years in first-fill Bourbon casks. Importantly, it retains its natural character as it is neither chill-filtered nor coloured, offering a pure and authentic tasting experience.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Fresh – toffee & vanilla.Palate: Gourmet – Sweet & wood.
"Akashi Meïsei" is an exclusive Japanese blended whisky, presented as a special edition. Comprising 30% malted barley, Meïsei undergoes a 3-year maturation process in American Oak casks. This whisky offers a rich aroma, a round and floral palate, and delights with its pronounced notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet spices.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Soft and floral – oak & candied citrus.Palate: Round – spicy oak & vanilla.
