Grassy & Floral | Flavour: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Single Malt Scotch Whisky with grassy and floral notes offers a delicate and refreshing experience, reminiscent of Scotland's lush landscapes. These whiskies are celebrated for their light, vibrant character, weaving together the fresh, herbaceous essence of green fields with the subtle, aromatic bouquets of wildflowers. The interplay of grassy and floral elements creates a harmonious and nuanced palate, often accompanied by hints of fruit, honey, or a light touch of oak. Ideal for those who appreciate a gentle and sophisticated dram, these whiskies embody the elegance and tranquility of Scotland's natural beauty.
Being the original member of Bunnahabhain's current Core Range, the Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old occupies a special place in their hearts. It was first introduced in 1979, and its longevity of nearly four decades owes much to the dedication and commitment of the distillery team, as well as the affection and support from fans and friends worldwide.
This 12 year old expression has established the standard and tone for the rest of their collection, demanding nothing but excellence. It undergoes a double maturation process in Ex Bourbon and Ex Sherry Casks, resulting in a whisky of exquisite richness and full-bodied character, striking the ideal equilibrium between Bunnahabhain's distinctive nutty and sherry notes.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Fresh and aromatic, fruity floral with hints of dried fruit and a subtle prevalence of smoke.Palate: Light with fruit notes, nutty flavours with a sweetness and slight hints of vanilla and caramel.Finish: Lingering, beautifully rich and full-bodied.
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.
Bottled at a 46.3% ABV, the Tobermory 12 Year Old is featured as the signature expression in the Tobermory core range without any added colour and without chill-filtering. Exhibiting a natural hue and not subjected to chill filtering, the Tobermory 12-year whisky offers a lively array of fruit and spice flavors, complemented by a gentle saltiness that mirrors the waters of our harbor.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Rich fruit, orange and citrus notes, fresh floral hints and rich oak with vanilla and spice.Palate: Sweet orange and citrus, creamy caramel and rich vanilla with spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.Finish: Long and lingering vanilla and spice.
The Miltonduff 10 year old single malt, part of Gordon & MacPhail's Discovery range, is a vibrant expression of sherry cask maturation. Aged for a decade, this whisky showcases rich sherry character and is bottled at 43% ABV. Each Discovery bottling is colour-coded by flavour profile, with the purple packaging signifying its place in the Sherry category. This release offers whisky enthusiasts a fine introduction to the diverse flavours within the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Chocolate and sticky orange marmalade transforms into juicy plump stewed raisins and sweet baked apple, freshly cut grass notes delicately balance the rich sherry influences.Palate: Sweet and spicy: comforting butter candies weave with roasted hazelnut followed closely by orange zest, cinnamon, and mouth-warming pepper maturing into plum and fig jam.Finish: Long with highlights of chocolate and stewed fruit finishing with lingering winter spices.
The 12 Years Old whisky pairs perfectly with Parmigiano-Reggiano, as its rich malt character balances the cheese’s dryness. In return, the cheese serves as a foundation that amplifies the whisky’s sweet fruitiness and highlights its clean barley notes.
Tasting Note by Glen Garioch:Nose: The colour of sharp honey, on the nose heathery floral notes are balanced with the richness of poached pears and the sweetness of malted barley.Palate: Crème brûlée and sweet ripe banana at first, then comes a light oakiness with pear fruitiness, leading to a long smooth, creamy and fragrant finish.
In the first release of the Sinclair Series, this Ledaig Rioja Finish, absent of any age statement, showcases a captivating ruby-red coloration. This exceptional expression masterfully balances the allure of peat smoke with the seductive sweetness of Rioja wine. Remaining true to tradition, this whisky is left unaltered by chill-filtration and retains its natural color.
Crafted from heavily peated barley, it embarks on its maturation journey in ex-bourbon casks before undergoing a finishing period in meticulously chosen Spanish Rioja casks. The resultant single malt boasts a bold and dynamic flavor profile, encompassing nuances of smoky, spicy, grape-like, and sweet berry notes, with a lingering undercurrent of saltiness on the finish. Its vibrant and rich red hue mirrors the charm of esteemed Rioja wine.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Notes of Turkish delight and rose petals balanced with candied fruits and grapes followed by rich leather and a beautiful peppery spice. A hint of chocolate comes through at the back.Palate: Creamy mouthfeel packed full of almonds, barley and sweet malt with notes of peppery Ledaig, which give way to black raspberries, sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice and hints of freshly cut grass.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with red fruit and sea spray.
Part of Gordon & MacPhail’s Discovery Range, this Ledaig 12 Year Old introduces the unmistakable smoky and maritime character of Tobermory’s peated spirit. Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, the whisky balances sweet and smoky notes, capturing the essence of the Isle of Mull’s coastal environment. Bottled at 43% ABV, it showcases the harmony between rich fruit, smoke and oak influence.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Peat smoke opens to reveal maple-cured meat, toffee and baked apples, with seaside grasses and a gentle briny edgePalate: Stewed fruits, sultanas and currants mingle with milk chocolate and crème brûlée, alongside sweet toffee, citrus bursts and a smouldering bonfire ember noteFinish: Lingering oak fades slowly to reveal soft hints of citrus
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release marks a return to one of whisky's most celebrated cultural partnerships, reuniting The Macallan with James Bond to commemorate 55 years since the premiere of Diamonds Are Forever. The whisky was crafted by Whisky Maker Russell Greig, an avid Bond devotee who has translated the film's narrative arc directly into the cask selection, drawing on the film's locations, characters and pivotal scenes as the creative framework for this limited edition release.
The cask composition reflects the film's storyline with deliberate precision. American white oak casks represent the Las Vegas and coastal California settings that dominate the picture, while sherry seasoned oak casks pay homage to Bond's connoisseurship of Solera sherry, a moment that surfaces early in the film. A selection of red wine seasoned casks acknowledges a later scene in which Bond's forensic knowledge of wine proves critical to the plot. The cask selection is completed with bespoke hybrid sherry seasoned oak casks, custom crafted from both European and American oak staves within a single cask, an expression of the innovative spirit shared by both Bond and The Macallan. Natural colour and non-chill filtration preserve the whisky's full integrity, and the presentation packaging draws on the film's original creative archive, offering a behind the scenes glimpse into its visual development. This is an unequivocally collection-worthy release.
Tasting Note by The Macallan: Nose: Sophisticated notes of sweet polished oak, vanilla bean and rich dried fruits. Palate: Creamy vanilla and caramel, with hints of cocoa powder coated champagne truffles, coffee, dried fruits including figs, berries and apricots, and subtle trailing spices. Finish: Long and refined with a lingering warmth.
The Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 is a sophisticated single malt whisky, known for its subtle yet intricate blend of fruit and smoke. It's made from 100% Islay Concerto and Propino barley, heavily peated and distilled in 2014 from the 2013 harvest. Aged for seven years, its maturation involves 84% in first-fill bourbon casks, with the remaining portion split between second-fill Virgin oak and wine casks. This maturation profile creates a unique balance, further characterized by a phenol level of 40 PPM and a robust 50% ABV, culminating in a whisky that is complex, yet quietly harmonious.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Malty digestive biscuits and peat embers open on the nose, followed by sweet vanilla and notes of honey, toffee and Crème Brûlée. As the whisky breathes its fruity character comes to the fore, with lemon rind and peat smoke rising from the glass, moving to grapefruit, ripe melon, peach and crisp red apple. Port Charlotte’s signature maritime note is offset with a touch of wood spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, showcasing the depth and complexity of this single malt.Palate: An initial citrus tang is followed by sweet ripe fruit and gentle peat smoke. A subtle marine character comes through, with this sandy minerality complemented with toasted oak. On a second sip, the balance of fruit and smoke is unmistaken, with a medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon delicately wrapped in charred heather and peat embers. The maturation in American bourbon barrels brings lightly toasted oak notes, with a hint of coconut, creamy marzipan and tobacco.Finish: Soft stoned fruit and toasted oak sweetness leave a beautifully balanced finish, while a subtle, dry barbeque smoke lingers.
The Ben Nevis Peated 7-Year-Old 2015, specially selected by Milroy's, is a peated single malt whisky that has spent its maturation period in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead. Distilled in the year 2015 and bottled in 2023, this limited edition release consists of 353 bottles, highlighting its exclusivity.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Fresh and wild, with a distinct woodsmoke and exotic fruits - lychees and under-ripe melon.Palate: Crisp and poised, with fruit-stack ice lolly and an ever-present wood-smoke peatiness. Some herbal notes – fresh mint – and freshly cut spring grass.Finish: Smouldering embers remain, with a hint of barbequed pineapple.
The Glencadam 10 Years Old, an esteemed recipient of numerous awards, emanates a fragrant aroma featuring a grassy freshness complemented by subtle notes of citrus and spice, all the while delivering a rounded and smooth palate.
This exceptional single malt undergoes an exclusive maturation process in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, resulting in a natural sweetness, a gentle yet spiced oak influence, and a crisp, clean profile with distinct citrus flavors. Moreover, this meticulously balanced whisky is left in its natural color and remains unaltered by chill filtration, exemplifying a commitment to preserving its genuine character.
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Tangy and fresh with aromas of tropical fruits and citrus bound by a soft vanilla sweetness and baking spices.Palate: Bright and grassy with layers of pineapple, lemon curd and brioche with citrus zest highlights.Finish: Clean and crisp with notes of yellow fruits, vanilla pod and nutmeg spices.
Tomintoul 21 Years Old is a testament to the expertise of their Master Distiller, Robert Fleming. With meticulous care, he handpicks the finest American oak ex-bourbon barrels to house and nurture this exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky during its lengthy maturation period.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Ripe and pronounced with aromas of soft nougat, ruby grapefruit, boiled sweets and dried cranberry lifted by a herbal freshness.Palate: A wash of baked apple, honeycomb, orange peels, Danish pastries and Turkish delight bound in white pepper and oak spices. Finish: Fresh and tingly with notes of apple strudel, cedar spice and cinnamon lingering on the tongue.
Distilled in 2008, this exceptional expression embarks on its maturation journey within ex-bourbon American oak casks before undergoing a transformative finishing period in specially selected White Port barriques sourced from Portugal. These unique barriques bring forth rich fruit flavors, enhancing the whisky's character and complexity. Bottled at a robust 46% ABV and presented in its natural form with no artificial color or chill filtration.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul: Nose: Elderflower and orchard blossom floral notes, white grapes, pineapple sweets, and soft barley are all present.Palate: Plenty of fruity tang with summer berries, sultanas, and honeyed prunes. Syrupy flapjack joins, with a dash of fresh vanilla.Finish: Hints of creamy cocoa, praline, golden plums, spiced biscuits.
Tomintoul 14 Years Old is presented at a robust 46% ABV and retains its natural character through non-chill filtration. This expression, matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, embodies a richer and more robust interpretation of the classic Tomintoul style.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Sweet and inviting with aromas of sugared almond, icing sugar, orchard fruits and creme brulee with hints of lemon curd. Palate: Madagascan vanilla pod and toasted almonds mixed with cinnamon Danish, oat biscuit and citrus oils.Finish: Warming and toasty with layers of roast hazelnuts, mocha and fresh grassy highlights.
Matured exclusively in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Tomintoul 10 Years Old is a delicately well-balanced single malt. This 10-year-old expression is a beloved favorite within the Tomintoul range and has earned prestigious gold medals for its exceptional taste in some of the world's most renowned spirits competitions.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Delicate and floral with aromas of acacia honey, vanilla, wholemeal toast and mellow wood spices. Palate: Sweet and honeyed with layers of creme caramel and toasted almond with highlights of lemon zest and a grassy freshness. Finish: Notes of buttery oak, citrus peels fading into a mellow cake spice linger.
Benromach Peat Smoke is a distinct and memorable single malt Scotch whisky that sets itself apart with its pronounced peaty character. This small-batch expression is crafted using heavily peated barley, which infuses the whisky with a robust and smoky flavor profile. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, this whisky undergoes a transformative journey within the casks.
Tasting Note by Benromach:Nose: Very rich smoke with fragrant vanilla and light citrus zest. Hints of apples develop accompanied by white chocolate.Palate: Smooth with toasted oak, honey and sweet ripe fruit. Butterscotch and marshmallow flavours lead to a lemon sherbet all alongside sweet smoke.Finish: Mouth-coating sweetness and bonfire embers.
According to the legend, Clynelish once faced a fierce blizzard that threatened its precious casks with ruin. In the midst of this icy tempest, a silent and enigmatic feline creature came to the rescue. Situated in the densely overgrown woods of the Highlands, Clynelish is a distillery that stands even more remote than most, tucked away in the wilderness that serves as the natural habitat of the elusive Scottish wildcat. Although few of these elusive creatures remain, the symbol of the wildcat is proudly displayed at the Clynelish distillery, serving as its eternal guardian.
This particular Clynelish expression, as radiant as a gleaming golden eye, reveals a spicier dimension to its vibrant fruity notes and waxy texture. The luscious liquid emanates a dazzling array of complex aromas, encompassing fruits, herbs, and deeper, fragrant oak spices. Its velvety texture and opulent, wine-like sweetness are complemented by a burst of peppery spice, the result of an extended period of secondary maturation in Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso casks. A single malt as rare and elusive as the mysterious guardian that watches over it.
Tasting Note by Clynelish:Nose: Creamy top notes soon give way to light yet complex fruity and herbal aromas; subtle, understated suggestions of fruity mincemeat, tinned pears, even heather honey. Deeper still, spicy scents of oak preview a soaring intensity on the palate. A drop of water increases the herbal note, while also introducing a familiar waxy hint.Palate: A very smooth, mouth-filling texture introduces a lively taste that is rich and wine-sweet overall, the palate well-balanced by snarling peppery, oaky spice. A little water enhances the sweetness, steers the smoothness of the texture towards waxiness and rounds the flavours, which soon give way again to spicy heat.Finish: Quite long, chili-spiced, and appetisingly drying, with lingering pepper. A little water enhances the creamy-smooth texture and adds a little more spice.
According to legend, the ancient black rock beneath Cardhu experienced a seismic event one day, causing it to crack with a thunderous sound. From within this fracture, a tremendous warmth surged forth, creating a tropical paradise where none had existed before. The biting winds that once prevailed transformed into gentle breezes, and the rich fragrances of passion-flower and pineapple gracefully wafted through the distillery and its surroundings, imbuing everything they touched with an extraordinary, exotic essence. At the stroke of midnight, the chasm sealed itself shut, returning to silence for all eternity.
Tasting Note by Cardhu:Nose: Beguiling first impressions begin with the fresh, sweet fruitiness of lemon zest and white grape enriched by exotic notes of pink grapefruit and ripe mango, all on a faintly mossy base, a note that evolves into freshly ironed linen. A notably spicy and woody note soars high above. A drop of water dries these aromas and introduces a pinch of white pepper.Palate: A creamy-smooth and full texture, the taste erupting with sweet flavour. Tingling on the tongue, the fruity and malty sweetness behind this suggesting home-made rum toffee and more exotic hints of spiced pineapple and green banana, made more appetising still by spicy and drying, bracingly crisp, clean oak. A dash of water creates a delightful and even smoother texture, still strong in peppery spice.Finish: Quite short, sweet and peppery. With water, the oaky spiciness is even more forward.
With only 254 bottles produced, this limited edition single cask malt whisky is a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Matured for three years in an American oak bourbon barrel.
Tasting Note by Kingsbarns:Nose: The aroma reveals the presence of green apple and pineapple, offering a refreshing and vibrant quality. There is a subtle sharpness present, enhancing the overall freshness of the scent.Palate: The taste is characterized by a delightful combination of freshness, fruitiness, and sweetness. Clear notes of chocolate intertwine with the prominent presence of chili, providing a distinct flavor profile.Finish: The finish is notably long-lasting and showcases a noticeable heat from the chili, leaving a pleasant and slightly burning sensation on the lips.
Delicate and possessing a light body, this Cardhu expression is truly outstanding. It is complemented beautifully by an enigmatic hint of Parma violets, embodying the timeless grace of a flawless individual flower.
This Cardhu variation is a graceful and utterly enchanting creation, boasting fruity and meadow-sweet aromas. Its flavor profile is sweet, indulgent, and impeccably balanced, featuring a remarkable and unique floral note that adds to its allure.
Tasting Note by Cardhu:Nose: The mild nose is fresh and lightly fruity, as gentle aromas of white grape and lychee frolic with sharper hints of green apple, pear and a trace of orange zest, all enrobed by a hint of buttery pastry. Rising above these, a light spicy note reveals more of the wine-seasoned wood. A drop of water introduces a light note of meadow flowers, which become distinctly honeyed with time.Palate: A soft, creamy-smooth and quite full texture, the sweet taste suggesting home-made toffees. Soon, that taste becomes more fragrant and hints of Parma violets, a note further enriched by winey red apple and pear fruit and made more appetizing still by crisp, clean oak. A dash of water softens it to a delightful creamy-sweet freshness, leaving just a hint of spice.Finish: Short, sweet, clean and warming, with lingering perfume in the aftertaste. With water smoother still, as a warming pinch of white pepper appears, while there is a final burst of green apple in the aftertaste.
Ardbeg Ten Years Old stands unparalleled, globally celebrated as the quintessence of peated whiskies. Renowned for its intense smokiness and rich complexity, this single malt doesn't merely parade its peaty essence. Instead, it artfully allows the innate sweetness of the malt to emerge, striking a harmonious balance that enchants the palate.
Maintaining its true essence, this whisky is non-chill filtered, preserving its authentic flavors and depth. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, it carries hints of the cask's history, adding another layer of complexity and character to this already distinguished spirit.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere of 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: The finish goes on and on a long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.
The award-winning whisky underwent an initial 16-year maturation in ex-bourbon casks, followed by an additional 2 years of finishing in premium sherry casks, imparting delightful sweet and fruity characteristics to the spirit. Staying true to the Tobermory Distillery tradition, this whisky is non-chillfiltered and retains its natural color. It's bottled at 46.3% ABV and occupies a place in the Ledaig (peated whisky) core range, alongside Ledaig 10-Year-Old and Ledaig Sinclair Series: Rioja Cask Finish. Ledaig 18 is an island whisky characterized by its smoky profile. It skillfully combines the enticing notes of sweetness and florals with the depth and warmth of sea salt and smoke, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Rich, fruity sherried smokiness, lovely balance of phenols, seaweed and light creosote, dried chilli flakes, spicy black pepper with hints of sweet oakiness.Palate: Powerful rich, sherried, herbal smoky flavours, orange peel, coffee, a touch of sea salt, tobacco and white pepper.Finish: Long and quite pungent with more smoke, a hint of liquorice and sea spray.
