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.
The opening release in a new series honouring the people behind Laphroaig’s history. Chapter 1 pays tribute to Donald Johnston, the elder of two brothers who founded the distillery in 1815. His influence on the style and legacy of Laphroaig is reflected in this inaugural bottling, presented alongside striking illustrations by British artist Bill Bragg.
This whisky spent 33 years maturing in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak sherry-seasoned hogsheads. Bottled at fixed strength, it captures the depth of its long rest in the warehouse, offering a profile shaped by time and tradition.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Starting with stewed fruit and smooth vanilla créme brûlée.Palate: Our iconic smoky finish sets the scene for savoury aromas of cured meat.Finish: Sherry casks bring warm festive spice.
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.
This new expression, aged for 16 years, is a testament to the art of whisky-making. The process begins with Glenmorangie whisky aged for 14 years in bourbon casks, chosen specifically for its silky depth and creaminess. It is then further matured for two additional years in a unique combination of sweet white wine casks, enhancing the whisky's richness and adding layers of complexity. This meticulous aging process results in a sumptuous, intricate whisky that captures the essence of luxury and indulgence.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Decadent with notes of baking brioche, baked apricot, vanilla pudding, toasted almond and hints of chocolate truffles.Palate: Rich and sticky with swirls of honeycomb, orange syrup and brioche, balanced by a soft drumbeat of spice and lemon zestiness.Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with some lemon rind, baking break and a touch of honeycomb.
Flavour-packed with indulgent treats, this beautifully presented gift box features two full-sized 70cl bottles from The Whiskymaker’s Editions: the vibrant and uplifting Volar, and the evocative, memory-laced Nostalgia. A celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, this duo offers a journey through bold character and emotional depth—perfect for gifting or collecting.The Whiskymaker’s Editions Volar is a bold yet graceful single malt inspired by the soaring eagles of Spain’s Cantabrian Mountains. A vibrant departure from The Lakes’ sherry-led house style, it balances berry-rich depth with fragrant elegance, shaped by both sherry and mountain wine casks. Uplifting, refined, and limited to select European markets.Tasting Note by The Lakes Distillery:Nose: Fragrant sandalwood, Medjool dates and honeyed nuts.Palate: Orchard fruits, berry compote and lingering spices.Finish: Vibrant and complex.The Whiskymaker’s Editions Nostalgia is a vivid sensory journey through sun-soaked summers and golden memories. Matured in a fusion of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, it bursts with notes of orchard pears, cherry blossom, and butterscotch.
Tasting Note by The Lakes Distillery:Nose: Poached pears, baking spices, caramel brittle, cherry blossom, vanilla, milk chocolate, sherbet, chocolate limes.Palate: Dried fruits in the form of raisin and fig, orchard fruits of plum and pear, vanilla, white chocolate, butterscotch,vanilla, baking spices, orange oil.Finish: Lingering oak, dark chocolate and cherry drops.
Driven by a desire to explore new dimensions within The Balvenie's flavor profile, distillery manager Ian Millar drew inspiration from a recent visit to Islay. He ordered a batch of Speyside peat for the kiln, marking a significant departure from the distillery's traditional methods. During one week each year, The Balvenie distills a batch of peated malt, resulting in a whisky enriched with honeyed, vanilla, and citrus notes, adorned with an intriguing layer of delicate smokiness.
The Balvenie Distillery finds its essence in the stories shared from one generation of craftsmen to the next. The Balvenie Stories collection, comprising three unique whiskies, pays homage to these tales of character, determination, and craftsmanship.
Each whisky brought to life by The Balvenie encapsulates a human narrative, evolving in tandem with its protagonists and revealing unforeseen twists as it matures over the years. It's a celebration of the enduring craft and heritage embodied by The Balvenie.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Gentle sweet peat smoke, lighter floral notes and delicate butterscotch honey.Palate: Velvety and round to taste with the peat smoke balancing citrus flavours, oaky vanilla and blossom honey.Finish: Gentle smoke with a lingering and creamy vanilla sweetness.
The Balvenie French Oak stands as a vibrant single malt whisky that has undergone a finishing period in casks previously cradling wine sourced from the renowned French Charentes vineyards.
Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine, is crafted by blending unfermented grape juice with Cognac eau-de-vie, followed by a maturation process. This distinctive wine is also crafted as a homemade product in the neighboring Deau-Sevres and Vendee regions.
The inspiration for this exploration into French Oak casks came from a suggestion by The Balvenie USA brand ambassador, Lorne Cousin. He urged Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE to consider these casks after a visit to the region with his family, where he fondly remembered savoring an aperitif.
This release marks The Balvenie's initial foray into the realm of French Oak. Pineau, resembling Cognac both in production and flavor, allows them to leverage the growing popularity of this flavor profile, complemented by its premium standing.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Beautifully balanced light floral notes from lotus and geranium flowers dance between hints of fresh meadow grass and pealed apple skin.Palate: An energising zing from tangy lemon rind and grapefruit meet the delicate subtle sweetness of glazed fruits and spice from root ginger.Finish: Refreshingly concise.
Ron Abuelo Centuria is a premium rum crafted to celebrate a century of expertise. A rich blend of the distillery's finest reserves, it is aged using the traditional solera method. With its deep mahogany colour and balanced, rounded profile, Centuria embodies the legacy and craftsmanship of Ron Abuelo, offering a refined taste of tradition.
Tasting Note by Ron Abuelo:Nose: Sweet citrus prunes. Raisins, pecan nuts & cocoaPalate: Notes of ripe fruits. Apricot hints & mature wood finish.Finish: Balanced & rounded. Very long, structured finish.
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.
At 15 years old, this whisky showcases refined, fragrant fruit notes, marking a new stage of maturity and flavour exploration. The Master Whisky Maker expertly balances the spirit’s natural elegance with the bold influence of European oak sherry-seasoned casks, creating a unique harmony of delicate character and rich depth. The result is The 15 – a vibrant expression with bright, sweet spice at its core.
Tasting Note by Glenrothes:Nose: Dark brown sugar, baked orchard fruits and bright spice. Hazelnut praline, candied orange peel and maple syrup are complimented by toasted oak and soft worn leather.Palate: Caramelised pears, dark chocolate and sweet baking spices - cinnamon, clove and cardamom. Pecan pie, crystallised ginger and orange marmalade. Soft, rich and mouth-coating.Finish: Rich, sweet and silky with lingering bright spice.
Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2015 is an elegant and expressive Champagne produced exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay sourced from the Côte des Blancs, including Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil sur Oger. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée was aged for six years in Pol Roger’s deep, cool cellars before release, allowing exceptional finesse, purity and complexity to develop. The 2015 vintage showcases both precision and richness, balancing vibrant freshness with layered depth and refined structure.
Tasting Notes by Pol Roger:Nose: Expressive and powerful aromas of lemon zest and pastry, followed by mocha, cocoa, confectionery and fresh butter with a hint of orange zest.Palate: Creamy and harmonious with buttery notes, hints of patisserie, hazelnut liqueur and toasted overtones developing gradually across the palate.Finish: Long and refined with lingering freshness, combining richness and elegance in perfect balance.
Produced at Glengoyne Distillery on the Highland-Lowland boundary since 1883, this 12 Year Old is built on two defining principles: Scotland's slowest distillation process and the exclusive use of unpeated, air-dried barley. Together they produce a characteristically clean, fruit-forward spirit entirely free of smoke, certified vegan and sustainably produced.
Matured for twelve years in hand-selected sherry casks, the whisky develops richness and depth whilst retaining the distillery's natural openness and approachability. It has earned Gold Medals at the New York International Spirits Challenge 2025, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024, and the International Spirits Challenge 2024, among a broader collection of international accolades.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Coconut oil, honey, lemon zest, dried oak.Palate: Toffee apples, cinnamon spice, ginger, orange, shortbread.Finish: A hint of sherry and soft oak. Very well balanced.
In the most recent Limited Edition release from Ledaig, the whisky brims with flavor, having been fully matured in red wine casks and bottled at cask strength (56.8% ABV). This particular expression of peated Ledaig has enjoyed 9 years of maturation in the finest Bordeaux red wine casks. The result is a whisky with distinct notes of heather, pine cones, woody sea salt, and floral undertones that linger on the finish. As with all Ledaig whiskies, this release is presented in its natural color and is non-chillfiltered, allowing its character to shine through in the form of intense and rich flavors.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Smoked fudge, eucalyptus oil and carbolic soap.Palate: Burning heather and pine cones. Grape skins and melons, wood smoked meats.Finish: As the smoke drifts, some floral notes develop and finally lime pastilles.
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.
Part of the GlenAllachie Wine Series, this 9 year old Speyside malt initially aged in American oak and then refined in Douro Valley wine barriques, handpicked by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Hailing from Portugal's esteemed and ancient Douro Valley wine region, these barriques introduce rich hues and flavors of dried stone fruits and subtle spices. This 48% malt, limited to 2,000 cases, is non-chill filtered and boasts natural colors, ensuring a pure and nuanced tasting experience.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Waves of plum jam, clementines and dried red berries, with notes of heather honey and vanilla spice. Palate: Bursting with dried apricots, heather honey and crystalised fruits, followed by hints of ripe black fruits, butterscotch and cinnamon spice.
AnCnoc 10 Year Old Peated is a Highland single malt that balances sweetness and smoke in perfect harmony. Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks for a decade, it delivers a smooth, rounded character with layers of honey, fruit and gentle peat. Made using a distinctive style of peat sourced from Aberdeenshire, this whisky captures a contemporary twist on traditional Highland flavour.
Tasting Notes by AnCnoc:Nose: Sweet campfire smoke, runny honey and freshly cut grass.Palate: Smoky vanilla, green apples and orange citrus.Finish: Softly smoky with lingering sweetness and light fruit.
Nestled under the Mull of Oa, Ardbeg Distillery endures the Atlantic's harsh elements while enjoying natural shelter. Ardbeg An Oa reflects this rugged environment with its rounded, mellow character, crafted in the Gathering Vat. The blend of Pedro Ximenez, Virgin charred oak, and ex-bourbon casks creates a harmonious whisky with signature peat, dark chocolate, aniseed, and smooth butterscotch.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: Peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice. Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.Finish: Long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.
Benromach 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a well-regarded expression that has been aged for a decade. With an ABV of 43%, it is known for its quality and craftsmanship. This whisky is exclusively matured in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, which contribute to its exceptional flavor profile.
Tasting Note by Benromach:Nose: Sweet green apple and pear complement creamy dark honey. Soft vanilla develops alongside gentle smoke.Palate: Smooth flavours of malted cereal and stewed fruit combine with warm toffee and a hint of black cherry.Finish: Full bodied finish with malted cereal and soft smoke.
Herradura Plata is a smooth and crisp tequila with a bold agave-forward character, enhanced by an industry-leading 45-day barrel ageing period. This short rest in oak lends subtle hints of vanilla and warm wood, setting it apart from standard unaged tequilas.
Tasting Note by Herradura:Nose: Herbal, agave, warm wood, hints of vanilla. Palate: Mildly sweet with mellow notes of roasted agave and oak.Finish: Smooth, crisp, and clean.
In collaboration with leading bartenders, Glenmorangie introduces its first whisky crafted specifically for mixing. Boasting delightful notes of pear, vanilla, orange, and fudge, this expression is ideally suited for crafting long drinks when combined with your preferred mixer. It offers a versatile and flavorful addition to your mixing repertoire, designed to elevate your cocktail creations.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Lusciously freewheeling, with succulent scents of pear and vanilla, honeysuckle and oranges.Palate: A delicious extravaganza of flavour, from swirls of orange sherbet to bursts of creme brûlée, drizzled with chocolate fudge.Finish: Long, wonderfully rich and sweet.
Louis Royer VS Cognac is a well-rounded and floral expression, showcasing the artistry of blending with a proportion of very old eaux-de-vies. This results in an elegant and complex brandy that can be enjoyed as both a sophisticated digestif or a delightful pre-prandial aperitif. Its harmonious blend of flavors and fragrances makes it a versatile choice for those seeking a refined Cognac experience.
Tasting Note by Louis Royer:Nose: A lovely twirl of apricots, plums, peaches, oak, leather and tobacco on the nose.Palate: Sweet intro followed by a farrago of dark fruits, oak and tobacco.Finish: Rich, soft and warm lingering finish.
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.
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.
An elegant Highland single malt matured exclusively in premium quality American oak ex bourbon casks. Glencadam 18 Years Old showcases the distillery’s refined house style, delivering layers of fruit, gentle spice, and a beautifully smooth, warming finish. Bottled at a higher strength, unchillfiltered, and with natural colour, this is a whisky of balance, depth, and maturity.
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Elegant aromas of fresh stone fruits, pear blossom, dried pineapple, and panna cotta with hints of baking spices.Palate: Creamy layers of baked peach, rice pudding, lemon curd, and crème caramel mingled with cosy nutmeg and cinnamon.Finish: Poached pears, ginger biscuits, and apricot Danish fading into a sweet, warming spice linger.
A vibrant and expressive Speyside single malt, matured in ex bourbon American oak barrels before being finished in hand selected White Port barriques from Portugal. This finishing brings bright fruit character, gentle sweetness, and added depth to Tomintoul’s smooth and approachable style.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Tangy stone fruits and lychees mingled with lemon drizzle cake, vanilla pod, and ginger biscuits.Palate: Layers of apricot Danish, poached pears, and tarte Tatin bound with black coffee, buttery malt, and baking spices.Finish: Sweet and warming with notes of Swiss roll and strawberry trifle fading into mocha and toasted nuts.
A refined small batch Speyside single malt, initially matured in exceptional ex bourbon American oak casks before being married and finished in hand selected Cognac casks from France. The result is a rich, complex whisky that adds luxurious sweetness and elegance to Tomintoul’s signature smoothness.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Light and lifted with aromas of chestnut, lemon rind, blossom honey, and amaretti biscuits, with hints of chamomile and fennel.Palate: Sweet choux pastry and Chantilly cream mingle with sugared almonds, butterscotch, golden raisins, and rolling tobacco.Finish: Layers of white chocolate, panettone, and nutmeg fade into warming ginger spices.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2015 is a refined and expressive Champagne that showcases the house’s mastery of ageing and balance. Crafted from a predominance of Pinot Noir, supported by Chardonnay and Meunier, this vintage reflects a year defined by excellent ripeness and structure. Extended ageing on lees and the inclusion of oak aged reserve wines add depth, precision, and aromatic complexity, resulting in a Champagne that is both vibrant and gastronomic, with impressive ageing potential.
Tasting Note by Veuve Clicquot:Bright yellow in appearance with a focused and energetic profile. Aromas of citrus fruits including orange, grapefruit and lemon peel are layered with notes of toasted brioche, biscuit, praline, roasted coffee beans, dried apricot, honey and almond. The palate is structured and mineral driven, combining freshness, tension and elegance, with savoury nuances, subtle spice and a long, refined finish.
A refined Champagne from an exceptionally hot year, that yielded fantastic red pinot noir grapes. Elegantly packaged in a gift box, it offers delicate notes of citrus, white peach, and almond, balanced by fresh acidity and fine bubbles. The smooth, creamy texture leads to a crisp, lingering finish, perfect for celebrating special moments.
Tasting Note by Benoït Gouez:Nose: Initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to white peach and watermelon, finishing with notes of garrigue at dawn.Palate: A direct and enveloping palate with floral, aniseed and mentholated nuances bringing lightness and freshness. The finish lingers on a delicate bitterness evoking fresh almonds.
Speyburn 18 Year Old is matured in a combination of hand-selected bourbon and sherry casks, developing remarkable depth and complexity over nearly two decades. The result is a rich, indulgent Speyside single malt with notes of smooth caramel, dark chocolate and stone fruits. Crafted with care and patience, it reflects the distillery’s dedication to traditional maturation and balance.
Tasting Notes by Speyburn:Nose: Sweet toffee, chocolate, candied almonds and tropical fruit.Palate: Creamy dark chocolate and toffee with gentle oak spice and a hint of orange zest leading to a long, smooth finish.
Matured for 18 years, Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is a refined Highland single malt that captures the essence of maritime influence and cask-driven richness. This expression is matured in both ex-bourbon and Spanish oak casks, giving it an indulgent character defined by chocolate, spice and vibrant bursts of citrus. Deeply warming and complex, it is a true testament to the distillery’s craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes by Old Pulteney:Nose: Intense and warming. Indulgent chocolate and creamy vanilla with rich honey sweetness balanced by vibrant spices. Hints of flowery fruitiness yield to crisp bursts of citrus and apple.Palate: Chocolatey indulgence layered with honeyed spices and Christmas cake. Floral notes add finesse, while zesty hints of citrus and green apple enliven a lovely long finish.
Old Pulteney 15 Year Old is one of the distillery’s most balanced expressions, capturing both richness and the freshness of coastal influence. Matured for 15 years, this single malt combines depth, sweetness and spice with lighter maritime tones, creating a whisky that is both vibrant and refined. Its character reflects the meeting point between the Highland spirit and the sea breeze that defines Wick’s maritime heritage.
Tasting Notes by Old Pulteney:Nose: Intense yet balanced. Bursting with rich dried fruit, ripe apples and citrus, with honey sweetness and creamy vanilla. Slightly chocolaty and floral in the background.Palate: Fragrant spices and Christmas cake with layers of chocolate and distinct dark toffee sweetness. A hint of salty sea air on the finish, connecting this single malt to its coastal home.
Balblair 21 Year Old is a masterfully matured Highland single malt that captures both depth and vibrancy. Initially aged for 15 years in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, it is then given further refinement in Spanish oak casks seasoned with Oloroso wine. This extended maturation imparts elegant layers of sweetness, spice and tropical fruit while maintaining the distillery’s refined balance.
Tasting Notes by Balblair:Nose: Pineapple and apricots intertwined with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by toffee apples and honey.Palate: Tropical flavours of mango and pineapple with warming notes of cloves and ginger.Finish: Long and lingering with notes of dark chocolate and tropical fruit.
Balblair 18 Year Old is a deep and refined Highland single malt, offering a perfect balance of richness and vibrancy. Matured first in American oak ex-bourbon casks and then in first fill Spanish oak butts, this expression brings depth, spice and indulgent sweetness, while retaining the bright fruit character that defines Balblair.
Tasting Notes by Balblair:Nose: Rich toffee and baked pears with an elegant backdrop of new leather.Palate: A masterful balance of juicy apricots, seasoned oak and vanilla custard.Finish: Long and warming with hints of fresh spices and raisins.
AnCnoc 16 Year Old is a classic Highland single malt matured exclusively in American oak ex-bourbon casks. This carefully balanced whisky captures the distillery’s trademark bright, honeyed style, offering layers of fruit, vanilla and gentle spice. The result is a refined and approachable expression with a long, sweet and satisfying finish.
Tasting Notes by AnCnoc:Nose: Fresh apples with spiced vanilla and rich caramel.Palate: Rich toffee apples, orange citrus and sweet honey.Finish: Long-lasting with notes of sweet vanilla and coconut.
Ardbeg Vintage Y2K marks a pivotal moment in the distillery’s history, celebrating the year 2000 as the beginning of its modern revival. Following The Glenmorangie Company’s acquisition in 1997, Ardbeg underwent extensive renovation, and by the millennium, production was reignited, ushering in a new era for Islay’s legendary distillery.
This 24 Year Old expression brings together spirit distilled on Ardbeg’s old stills with innovative modern techniques. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and hand-selected Amontillado sherry casks, it showcases Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite style of sherry, adding depth and elegance to Ardbeg’s trademark smoky intensity. Released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, Vintage Y2K is a unique fusion of old and new, representing a true smoky anomaly in the distillery’s story.
Tasting Notes by Ardbeg:Nose: Deep, pungent and spicy with creamy toffee, flowering blackcurrant, creosote, coal tar soap, antique leather and almond nuts. With water, notes of charcoal, graphite and damp moss emerge, finishing with a distinct sooty character.Palate: Powerful and smoky with coal tar, woodsmoke and antiseptic lozenges intertwined with bonfire embers. Subtle notes of toffee, leather, cinnamon and clove emerge from the Amontillado influence.Finish: Long and lingering with menthol, eucalyptus, linseed oil and charcoal.
The pinnacle of GlenDronach’s artistry, this inaugural 2025 edition is crafted from a selection of casks distilled in 1978, 1983, and 1984. Initially aged in PX and Oloroso sherry casks, the whiskies were vatted and further married in a first-fill PX puncheon and a second-fill Oloroso puncheon before bottling. The result is a whisky polished by over four decades of maturation, exuding unparalleled richness, velvet texture, and multi-layered dark fruit character.
Tasting Notes by GlenDronach:Nose: Opulent dark fruits with hints of walnut, leather and treacle.Palate: Deeply layered with raisin, date, chocolate and velvet tannins, lifted by warm spice.Finish: Exceptionally long, with lingering fruit richness and sherry cask complexity.
Re-imagined as a 15 Year Old, The Lasanta is Glenmorangie’s sherry cask finished single malt, matured in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks for a richer and more elegant expression. Dr Bill Lumsden describes it as bottling the magic of a sunset, with flavours that combine rich spice and sun-drenched sweetness.
Tasting Notes by Glenmorangie:Nose: Rich with chocolate, cinnamon and raisins.Palate: A lush flavour storm, bursting with raisin, honeycomb and chocolate-covered hazelnuts, balanced by cinnamon spice.Finish: Long, warming and sweetly spiced.
A refined Champagne from an exceptionally hot year, that yielded fantastic red pinot noir grapes. It offers delicate notes of citrus, white peach, and almond, balanced by fresh acidity and fine bubbles. The smooth, creamy texture leads to a crisp, lingering finish, perfect for celebrating special moments.
Tasting Note by Benoït Gouez:Nose: Initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to white peach and watermelon, finishing with notes of garrigue at dawn.Palate: A direct and enveloping palate with floral, aniseed and mentholated nuances bringing lightness and freshness. The finish lingers on a delicate bitterness evoking fresh almonds.
The Original Cask Strength is Laphroaig in its purest form, delivering the full power of Islay’s land, sea and air. Matured for 10 years in charred American oak barrels, this expression is drawn directly from the cask, barrier-filtered only to remove char particles. It is unchill-filtered and bottled at natural strength, showcasing the distillery’s uncompromising character.
Batch 16 stands as the most powerful release in the Cask Strength family. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, it balances peat smoke and maritime salinity with layers of sweet orchard fruit, vanilla, spice, and the oily richness that defines Laphroaig.
Tasting Notes by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet apples and caramelised pastry, with cereal, tanned leather and vanilla, lifted by Islay peat smoke.Palate: Vanilla and sea salt intermingled with freshly ground black pepper, pork crackling and savoury peat.Finish: Gentle spice, charred oak and smoked mackerel carried on an oily mouthfeel.
The winter expression, matured in 100% ex-Islay barrels. The extra year of ageing and use of peated casks produces Lochlea’s smokiest whisky to date.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Fresh green apple, sweet toffee and Lochlea cereal notesPalate: Fresh fruit leading to savoury smoke and malted biscuitsFinish: Coastal notes of sea salt with a long lingering hint of peat
The core single malt from Lochlea, crafted under Master Blender John Campbell. Matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and STR casks, it brings depth and complexity while showcasing the distillery’s signature Lowland character.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Pear syrup, fruit bonbons, warm cut grass, marmalade.Palate: Golden syrup, pepper, rye bread, macadamia nuts, cream soda.Finish: Long finish with a lasting orange beeswax note.
Ardray was created with a singular vision: to offer a new, elegant interpretation of blended Scotch whisky that sets a benchmark of excellence. Crafted through collaboration between Suntory’s Japanese blending artistry and the heritage of Beam Suntory and Edrington’s Scotch distilleries, Ardray combines malt and grain whiskies from renowned distilleries including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Glen Garioch, The Macallan, Glenrothes, and Highland Park.
The result is a malt-rich blend that balances the wild, rugged character of Scotland’s terroir with the precision and harmony of Japanese blending. Ardray offers layered complexity, where each component complements and elevates the whole, creating a whisky that is both expressive and refined.Awards:World Whiskies Awards 2025 – Gold Medal in Taste
Tasting Notes by Ardray:Nose: Gentle and intriguing, with a creamy sweetness and hints of apple, pear, and plum backed with a soft, savoury smokinessPalate: Floral, citrusy hints with a touch of smoke and a vanilla custard creaminessMouthfeel: Silky, complex and multi-layeredFinish: Long-lasting and mellow with notes of soft smoke and hints of warming spices
First introduced in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden was crafted to showcase a more subtle side of bourbon. Inspired by Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr., an 18th-century Maryland rye farmer who moved to Kentucky, this bourbon pays tribute to his decision to use a higher percentage of rye in his mash bill. Booker revived this approach, creating a refined, approachable bourbon designed to welcome new drinkers into whiskey while honouring both Hayden’s ingenuity and his own innovation.
Tasting Notes by Basil Hayden:Nose: Charred oak and sweet notes of vanilla caramel with hints of dried fruit.Palate: Charred oak flavour complemented with sweet brown sugar, a touch of black pepper, and dried fruit to round it out.Finish: A pleasant, lingering charred oak finish with a touch of dried fruit.
Legent is the result of a collaboration between Fred Noe, seventh-generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam, and Suntory’s fifth-ever Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo. Crafted from premium grains and Kentucky limestone water, the whiskey begins as Kentucky Straight Bourbon before portions are matured in red wine and sherry casks. Fukuyo then blends these secondary-finished bourbons with classic Kentucky bourbon, merging two traditions into one expression.
This innovative process results in a whiskey that balances the rich sweetness of bourbon with layered notes influenced by wine and sherry oak, creating a refined spirit with remarkable depth.
Tasting Note by Legent: Nose: Balance of mature cooperage notes with spicePalate: Soft balance of oak, dried fruits of raisin and date, and spice. Sweet with light acidityFinish: Pleasant viscosity from the whiskey, wine-cask and sherry-cask finish. It has better legs on the glass than typical premium bourbons
As part of the Mizunara Series, this expression represents a core extension of the Yamazaki brand, highlighting the artistry and rarity of Japanese Mizunara oak. Known for its distinctive aroma and flavour, Mizunara has been integral to Yamazaki since the 1940s, when scarcity of American oak after the war led to its adoption. The wood is notoriously difficult to work with, requiring trees over 200 years old and more than 70 cm in diameter to yield usable casks, making each release a rare achievement.
Matured exclusively in Mizunara oak for 18 years, this whisky captures the complexity and depth associated with Japan’s most elusive cask type. The Mizunara oak imparts notes of sandalwood, agarwood, and oriental spice, complementing Yamazaki’s refined character.
Tasting Note by Suntory Whisky:Nose: Dark cherry, ripe peach, cinnamon, nutmegPalate: Spiced orange, apricot, Japanese incenseFinish: Long and lingering with clove, sandalwood and dried coconut
