Herradura Añejo is a finely matured tequila, aged for 25 months in American oak barrels—far exceeding the industry requirement. This extended ageing imparts a deep amber hue and a rich, complex flavour profile, making it a refined expression for discerning palates.
Tasting Note by Herradura:Nose: Intense agave, toasted oak, candied nuts, cinnamon, citrusPalate: Deep, nutty caramel, hints of pineapple and orange.Finish: Smooth, sweet, warm baking spices.
Herradura Reposado is a richly flavoured tequila that reflects the heritage and craftsmanship of Casa Herradura. Aged for 11 months—well beyond the industry standard—this reposado develops a deep amber hue and a smooth, layered character.
Tasting Note by Herradura:Nose: Herbal, agave, warm wood, hints of vanilla. Palate: Roasted agave with a balanced-hint of anise and dried fruit.Finish: Smooth butterscotch, pleasant autumn spice aftertaste
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.
A small-batch blend of mature Barbadian rums, Mount Gay XO is crafted using both traditional column stills and double retort pot stills, resulting in a rich and complex profile. This expression is aged in a combination of American whiskey, Bourbon, and Cognac casks, bringing layered depth and a harmonious finish.
Round and expressive, the XO reveals a refined structure—balancing warming spice, ripe fruit, and oak tones with exceptional smoothness. A benchmark for quality in the world of premium rum, this release highlights Mount Gay’s longstanding dedication to craftsmanship since 1703.
Tasting Note by Mount Gay:Nose: Perfect balance of vanilla, oaky and dry spice notes.Palate: Salted caramel, baked fig and clove, dark chocolate.Finish: Round, smooth and richly creamy with a long finish.
Project 04 // Inverarity Morton is a limited-edition blended Scotch whisky created in collaboration with Inverarity Morton—a family-run business supporting the whisky trade since 1945. With a focus on bold character and versatility, this malt-forward blend was designed to surprise and delight, whether served neat or in mixed drinks.
Blended in February 2024 and bottled at 49.1% ABV, only 470 bottles were produced. The whisky features an extended finishing period in a yet-to-be-specified cask, chosen to add a final flourish in honour of Inverarity Morton’s ‘extra mile’ ethos.
Blend Summary
Strathclyde Distillery (Grain) – 36.1%
Glenlossie Single Malt – 19.4%
Loch Lomond (Non-Peated) – 16.7%
Glenrothes Distillery – 13.9%
Invergordon Distillery (Grain) – 11.1%
Glentauchers Distillery – 2.8%
Tasting Note by JPHA: A malt-heavy blend offering a rich texture, with notes leaning toward fruit, floral, and gentle wood, rounded by subtle funk and minimal smoke. A layered and engaging dram, built with balance and drinkability in mind.
This vibrant single cask rye whisky from East London Liquor Co. is crafted from a mash bill of 55% Norfolk rye and 45% Maris Otter barley. Fermented with saison yeast and distilled on-site in East London, it was matured for four and a half years in a second-fill Chardonnay cask.
Bottled at cask strength—57% ABV—without chill filtration, this limited release offers an expressive and distinctive profile. Notes of red orchard fruit, birch sap, peach compote, leather, and freshly cut grass unfold with each sip. With only 273 bottles drawn from Cask #57, this is a rare and characterful example of modern British rye whisky.
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.
With its deep autumnal hue and considered maturation, this 21 Year Old expression reveals a richly layered and distinctive character. Aged in hand-selected ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks, and finished in first fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry wood, it offers a compelling interplay of flavours. From earthy notes of tobacco leaf and heather to the sweetness of toffee treacle and beeswax, the whisky displays remarkable breadth and complexity. Its final chapter in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks is a quiet tribute to the instinctive craftsmanship of the Master Blender.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: A complex tapestry of tobacco leaves and heather, sweetened by rich toffee treacle and beeswax.Palate: A complex, cosmopolitan mix of sweetness, barbecued meat, berries and a whisper of salty smokiness.Finish: Rounded, sweet woods and gentle smoke linger expressively on the tongue as a lasting memory.
Strathearn Batch 02 Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the second release from Strathearn Distillery. It combines spirit matured in ex-Bourbon, Virgin Oak, and ex-Sherry oak casks, with a greater influence from Bourbon casks and less from Virgin Oak compared to the previous release.
Batch 02 is created from a vatting of 31 selected casks, including stock inherited by and produced under Douglas Laing's ownership. Bottled at 50% ABV, the whisky is free from added colouring and chill-filtration.
Tasting Note by Strathearn:Nose: Anticipate a rich, sweet nose with Sherry influence, orange zest, malted barley, and honey.Palate: The full-bodied palate offers dark fruits, spices, toffee, and caramel.Finish: While the long, buttery finish lingers with oak, ginger, and toasted nuts.
An exquisite expression of rosé, crafted from the finest parcels in only the best vintage years. This elegant blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay showcases rich complexity, vibrant character, and refined grace. A truly luxurious sparkling wine for exceptional moments.
A rare and refined English sparkling wine showcasing the exceptional Pinot Noir character of Nyetimber’s celebrated Tillington vineyard. Crafted only in select vintages, this elegant blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay offers a true expression of place. Presented in a luxury gift box.
A complex and versatile blend of authentic rums, inspired by the “mantuanos,” Venezuelan noblemen known for their discernment and refined taste. With a rich and smooth profile, Mantuano is the perfect choice for rum lovers looking to enhance their drinks for any occasion.
Tasting Note by Destilerias Unidas:Nose: Dried fruits and oak notes.Finish: Vanilla and delicate spiciness, leading to a balanced and slightly dry finish.
Togouchi 9 Year Old is a balanced and refined whisky, shaped by Japanese craftsmanship. A blend of 38% malted barley, it matures for nine years in bourbon barrels, developing a subtle profile with notes of white flowers, honey, and peppermint. Blended by the Sakurao Distillery, it ages in a former railway tunnel, where stable humidity and temperature create its light and elegant character.Tasting Note by Sakurao Distillery:Nose: Intense — Sweet spices, yellow fruit.Palate: Fresh and dry — Spices, citrus.Finish: Vibrant — Spices, citrus, peat, smoky.
Dewar's Double Double 21 Year Old is a testament to innovation in whisky-making, crafted using an intricate four-step ageing process. Master Blender Stephanie Macleod has perfected the art of blending by marrying malt and grain whiskies, then finishing the blend in Oloroso Sherry casks. This meticulous approach creates a whisky with subtle hints of cinnamon, ripe vine fruits, and a silky smooth finish, earning it recognition as 'World's Best Blended' at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards.
Tasting Note by Dewar's:Nose: A sweet buttery nose opens onto big sherry notes of raisins and cinnamon.Palate: On the palate, dried orange peel with cloves graduates into a candied sweetness. Finish: A lingering dram that will keep you warm in the Winter and would mix well with bitters and sugar to make a Christmas Old Fashioned.
This limited edition Royal Brackla, part of the Exceptional Cask Series, showcases the artistry of cask finishing. Distilled in 2000, it first matured in a refill puncheon before an additional ageing phase in a Tokaji white wine cask, carefully overseen by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod. Bottled at 53.3% ABV, with only 258 bottles available, this release balances complexity and refinement, highlighting Royal Brackla’s signature elegance.Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:Deliciously supple with ripe peaches and apricots, mellowed with fragipane and soft coconut.
The BenRiach Malting Season 2 celebrates the distillery's restored traditional malting floor, using hand-malted Concerto barley distilled in autumn 2013 and matured in first-fill bourbon casks until it was bottled in 2022 at 48.9% ABV. This process preserves the pure flavour of the raw ingredient, showcasing a whisky crafted entirely from barley malted in-house at BenRiach.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Rich malt sweetness with barley sugar and mandarin enrobed in creamy white chocolate.Palate: Smooth honeycomb infused with citrus and orchard apple, with an enveloping fruit, malt and vanilla cream finish.
Dewar's 12 Year Old Double Aged is a beautifully crafted Blended Scotch Whisky, offering a harmonious balance of fresh fruity notes and gentle sweetness. A descendant of the original blend created over a century ago, it embodies the expertise and tradition Dewar's is renowned for. Designed by former Master Blender Tom Aitken, this whisky celebrates the introduction of Dewar's first permanent premium blend. Whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail, or paired with food, Dewar's 12 delivers smoothness and complexity that truly define a classic Scotch.
Château Galoupet Cru Classé Rosé 2023 is a refined Provence rosé crafted from six grape varieties, including Grenache and Syrah. This organic wine highlights the estate’s focus on sustainability and biodiversity, offering elegant notes of mango, pineapple, and a touch of salinity. Perfectly versatile, it pairs beautifully with seafood, Mediterranean dishes, or light poultry.
The English 17 Year Old Portuguese Cabernet Sauvignon Cask (Founders Private Cellar Release 4) is a rare single malt, distilled in 2007 and matured for 17 years. Bottled at cask strength, this exceptional release showcases the depth and character achieved after years of patient maturation. Each bottling reflects the tradition started by founder James Nelstrop, highlighting the expertise of the distillers and the influence of the cask in a truly special expression.
Tasting Note by The English:Nose: Aromas of dates, toffee and dark chocolate.Palate: Red fruits, apples & brown sugar.Finish: Full bodied with a medium to long, dry finish.
Tomintoul 15 Year Old Tawny Port Cask Finish is a limited-edition single malt, crafted in the heart of the Cairngorms since 2008. Initially matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, it’s then refined in handpicked Tawny Port barriques from Portugal, adding layers of rich fruitiness. Bottled at 46% ABV, this uncoloured and non-chill filtered whisky offers a smooth, sweet, and complex flavour profile. With only 6,072 bottles available, it’s a rare and distinctive dram for whisky lovers.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul: Nose: Inviting aromas of cooked fruits and cinnamon pastries mingled with glace cherries, dark chocolate and clove spices.Palate: A wash of baked strawberry, stewed rhubarb and vanilla custard married with sweet nougat, candied almonds and cocoa powder.Finish: Nutty and warming with notes of coffee cake, ripe brambles, walnuts and dark chocolate lingering on the tongue.
This 11 year old Glenrothes single malt, part of Gordon & MacPhail's Discovery series, is matured in sherry casks, offering a rich and fruity profile. The Discovery range categorises whiskies into ‘Sherry,’ ‘Smoky,’ and ‘Bourbon,’ making this expression a delightful introduction to the diverse flavours found within the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Zesty seville orange aromas appear with plenty of cinnamon and clove spice. Stewed fruits - red berries, plum, and cherries are complemented by nuances of milk chocolate.Palate: Creamy; followed by cracked black pepper, dark forest fruits with warming spice. Orange marmalade flavours come to the fore. Roasted walnut leads to toasted oak.Finish: Long lasting with lingering chocolate and orange flavours.
Part of Gordon & MacPhail's Discovery range, this 10 year old Auchroisk single malt has been matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 46% ABV. This Speyside whisky offers a delicate balance of flavours, featuring notes of vanilla, tropical fruit, and citrus, complemented by a subtle spiciness. With its creamy texture and bright aromas, this expression highlights Auchroisk’s classic style, making it an interesting choice for those exploring the diverse offerings of the Discovery series.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Vanilla is followed by apple and poached pear, toasted almonds give way to pineapple and hints of lemon blossom.Palate: Sweet and creamy honey combines with ripe banana and zesty orange. Apricot comes to the fore, balanced by cracked black pepper.Finish: Medium-bodied finish with lingering tropical fruit and oak.
Octomore 15.2 is an exceptional single malt whisky, showcasing the unique combination of American oak, red wine, and French ex-cognac cask maturation. Crafted from 100% Scottish barley and peated to 108.2 PPM, this expression offers a compelling comparison to its 15.1 counterpart, highlighting Octomore’s distinctive character and innovative approach to whisky-making.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sweet citrus, lime zest and lemon meringue pie open on the nose, followed by toasted oak and a hint of earthy smoke. A medley of tropical fruit enhances the vibrancy of the single malt whisky, balanced with woody spices, smoked honey, toasted bread, and roasted coffee.Palate: Viscous in texture, the sumptuously smooth spirit brings vanilla custard, caramel, toffee and a crack of black pepper. Charred oak, cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg provide added depth with pear drops and dried apricot cutting through Octomore’s inimitable peat smoke.Finish: An unmistakable maritime quality lands on a finish, with waves of salt spray settling on the palate while peat embers linger.
Chandon Brut is a classic, versatile sparkling wine that blends tradition with contemporary style. It offers a fresh, approachable taste with a soft palate and crisp finish. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards, its mild, fruity flavors reflect the estate’s French roots with a hint of Argentine influence, crafted through the expert process of assemblage.
Tasting Note by Chandon:A pale straw, with a slight golden hue derived from the chardonnay with notes of white peach and pineapple emerge in harmony with subtle notes of bread and brioche. Fruity and accessible, this wine’s refinement, accuracy and long finish in the mouth are the distinguishing features on the palate.
This annual five-part series from Glen Scotia celebrates the Campbeltown market cross, a local symbol of storytelling and community. Inspired by the cross’s carvings of saints and mythical beasts, each release highlights a tale of heroism and resilience. This year’s edition, featuring Saint Michael defeating a dragon, is brought to life by artist Joel Holtzman. The whisky, carefully crafted by Glen Scotia’s Master Blender, reflects the spirit of unity and endurance that defines Campbeltown, echoing the town's history of overcoming adversity, like the heroic fight against a fire at Dalintober distillery in 1899.
Tasting Notes by Glen Scotia:Decadently smoky with hints of fiery red candied fruits and berries, the finish is long with a dry spicey end note. A subtle maritime salinity leaves no question which distillery this limited edition hails from.
Blair Athol 13 Years Old undergoes an extended maturation in a single Sangiovese red wine cask sourced from Italy. The well-rounded and intricate characteristics of the Sangiovese harmoniously blend with the rich depth of Blair Athol, creating a uniquely refined expression.
Tasting Notes by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Dark cherries, dried fruits, and spiced oakPalate: The unique Italian oak allows the malty sweetness from the highland whisky to shine throughFinish: Long, smooth finish brimming with red berries and sweet vanilla
Ardmore 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Old Particular range is a limited edition, distilled in January 2012 and bottled in December 2022. Matured in an ex-Laphroaig barrel (Ref: DL16980), it is uncoloured and non-chill filtered, with an alcohol strength of 48.4%. Only 348 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Fruity / hard candy in style then comes bonfire smoke and heavily charred wood.Palate: Oily and thick with soot and ash alongside crispy bacon and peated barley.Finish: Lingers long with puffs of smoke, a hint of allspice and cured meat. (CSL)
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.
A limited edition expression housed in a striking contemporary design by renowned designer Lee Broom. Featuring a selection of eaux-de-vie aged up to 37 years, it's fruit forward, smooth, and lengthy.Tasting Note:Nose: Jasmine, stone fruits, figs, saffronPalate: Walnuts, candied orange, cinnamon, and cocoa.Finish: Smooth, full-bodied and long lasting.
Encased in a diamond-shaped decanter, the Centaure expression features eaux-de-vie from both Grande and Petite Champagne, aged for a remarkable 20 to 50 years. Elegant, exceptional and perfect for gifts.A gift box is included, although it may show minor imperfections and is not guaranteed to be in pristine condition.
Tasting Note:Nose: Jasmine, hazel, and a subtle hint of Christmas spices.Palate: Citrussy orange, honeyberries and raisin.
Aged for over 20 months, Cincoro Añejo boasts a deep, rich flavour with a smooth finish and remarkable texture. Designed by Mark Smith, Michael Jordan’s long-time Nike collaborator, it's best enjoyed “the founders’ way” - on the rocks with a slice of orange.
Tasting Note by Cincoro:Nose: Fresh-cut oak wood; maple, dried fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg.Palate: Cooked agave, toasted oak, maple, dark chocolate, and baking spices.Finish: Long and complex; evolving wood notes.
Aged for 8-10 months at the Cincoro distillery, this tequila gains a rich, nuanced flavour through its interaction with the wood, resulting in a perfectly balanced blend. Its strong vanilla undertones make it ideal for an espresso martini; mix 2 oz Reposado, 1 shot of espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, and a dash of agave nectar for a delicious blend.
Tasting Note by Cincoro:Nose: Subtle aroma of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits.Palate: Cooked agave with subtle notes of honey, vanilla, a hint of pepper andwhite chocolate.Finish: Oak and spices give way to a long velvety finish.
An unaged tequila made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, sourced from both the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The blend of agave from both regions creates a smooth, complex taste with a refined finish. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a cocktail, it offers a perfectly balanced experience.
Tasting Note by Cincoro:Nose: Delicately aromatic with notes of fresh agave, citrus, and a hint of vanilla.Palate: Fresh agave, citrus, grapefruit, fresh jalapeño.Finish: Citrus undertones balanced by cooked agave and a faint spiciness
A distinctive rum that brings a unique perspective to the world of spirits. Sourced from the Quang Nam distillery and made from pure cane juice rum, this expression adds a unique flair to the adventurous 'Great Whites' range. Perfect for those seeking to explore new frontiers in rum, it promises a refreshing and vibrant journey through the nuances of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes:Nose: Green sugar cane, herbal jasmine tea leaves, incense and sandalwood.Palate: Sweet white fleshed fruits, praline, butterscotch and oak.Finish: Long with a hint of citrus.
A distinguished single cask release, matured for 22 years in a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt from the renowned Fernando De Castilla. Bottled at 53.9% ABV, this Highland single malt offers rich, complex flavours with a sherried profile. With only 683 bottles available, this release is a must-have for whisky enthusiasts
Tasting Notes:Nose: Rich sherry notes, dried fruits, and hints of dark chocolate.Palate: Stewed fruits, raisins, sweet spices, and a touch of oak.Finish: Long and warming with lingering sweetness and a hint of spice.
Matured exclusively in a select bourbon barrel, this expression boasts a remarkable balance between oak and vanilla. A rare single cask release, and rested for 24 years, nothing showcases well-roundedness and finesse quite like this release.
Tasting Notes:Nose: Vanilla crème brulee, honeyed pear, and a hint of toasted oak with subtle citrus zest.Palate: Rich and creamy with notes of caramelized toffee, spiced apple, and a touch of butterscotch, evolving into a delicate wave of citrus and warming spices.Finish: Long and smooth, featuring lingering notes of vanilla and a whisper of oak spice.
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.
An iconic champagne, capturing a perfect blend of sumptuousness and elegance. With rich flavours of white-fleshed fruit, gooseberry, a touch of citrus and delicate bubbles - the Réserve is both vibrant and seductive.
Tasting Note by Moët:
The vibrant intensity of green apple and citrus fruit
The freshness of mineral nuances and white flowers
The elegance of blond notes (brioche, cereal, fresh nuts)
A vibrant, smooth, and complex expression. Aged initially in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Tempranillo wine casks, this small batch edition is not one to miss.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: A bouquet of strawberry jam, cinder toffee, syrup sponge cake and cooked fruits with vanilla and chamomile highlights.Palate: A wash of mixed berry compote, brandy snap biscuits, and custard pastries married with white pepper, toasted oak, and cappuccino coffee.Finish: Cosy impressions of dark chocolate, raspberry, and stem ginger fading into an espresso and roast chestnut linger.
Crafted by Master Distiller Robert Fleming, this small batch features liquid aged in ex-bourbon American oak casks and finished in hand-selected Amarone wine barrels from Italy. The result is a richly complex and full-flavored single malt Scotch.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Inviting aromas of cherry crumble, sultanas, and baking spices with hints of oatmeal flapjacks and cocoa.Palate: Layers of summer fruit pudding, raspberry coulis, ginger biscuits, and salted caramel with creamy panna cotta and cedar spices.Finish: Warming impressions of honey and raisin porridge, pink peppercorn and chocolate cherry liqueurs lingering long on the tongue.
Inspired by the rugged beauty around the distillery, The Glenturret 7 Years Old is the perfect introduction to the core peat-smoked whisky collection.
Driven by American Oak, this whisky showcases a bold smoky character, complemented by sweet fruit notes from European Oak. Refill casks highlight the peated New Make Spirit, presenting a citrus-forward aroma that evolves into sweet, fruity flavours on the palate.
Tasting Note by Glenturret:Wisps of smoke from burning peat embers. Citrus fruit and creamy vanilla. Sweet fruit and peat intertwine with tempered oak for a soft finish.
Containing 70% aguardiente (Cuban molasses eaux-de-vie) for complexity and depth, Eminente Reserva is a rich, full-bodied rum with a long finish. Crafted by the youngest Cuban Rum Master and aged at least 7 years in white oak ex-whisky barrels, it blends the qualities of traditional Cuban light rum with the sophistication of an older rum.
Tasting Note by Eminente:Nose: Coffee, dulce de leche, toasted almond and cocoaPalate: Vanilla, cane sugar, sishuan pepper and pruneFinish: Chocolate, molasses, almond and pear
A blend of two tequilas aged in American and European new oak, imparting notes of vanilla, honey, and nuts. Made from 100% agave from Jalisco's highlands, this fruity, floral tequila with vanilla hints is perfect for sipping or cocktails.Tasting Note by Tomas Perez (Master Tequilier):Nose: Sweet agave, apple, blackcurrant, pineapple and peaches followed by nuts, honey and vanilla and a light floral note.Palate: Sweet floral and fruity notes are met with a soft mouthfeel.
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.
