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.
This limited edition expression hails from the Blair Athol distillery in the Highland region. Distilled in 2011, it has undergone a meticulous maturation process for 10 years within a Refill Hogshead cask, numbered DL15574. With an ABV of 46% and a volume of 70cl, this whisky offers a unique tasting experience. Only 312 bottles of this exclusive release were produced.
Tasting Note by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Detect sweet Scottish honey, orchard fruits and a hint of lemon.Palate: Mouth-coating with grapefruit, pepper, and abundant sweet spices.Finish: Lingers with apple, more peppery spice, and late dry oak. (AJM)
Tomintoul 16 Years Old, cherished by their Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. This exceptional single malt is lovingly created from a carefully chosen selection of the finest American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Creamy and sweet with aromas of heather honey, soft nougat, vanilla fudge and toasted brioche with lemon zest highlights. Palate: Nutty and well rounded with layers of creme brulee and boiled sweets mingled with touches of mocha and amoretti biscuit.Finish: Mellow and warming with notes of shortbread, cinnamon icing and brittle toffee lingering on the tongue.
Originally introduced over 175 years ago by the distillery's founders, the Glenmorangie 10-year-old whisky was celebrated for its gentle and delicate character.
To impart a delightful and versatile finesse to the Original expression, the whisky is meticulously crafted in tall stills reminiscent of giraffes. It then undergoes a decade of maturation in bourbon casks, allowing it to absorb a rich tapestry of enticing flavors.
The outcome is a remarkably smooth whisky that greets your palate with a vibrant rush of citrus, followed by an engaging exploration of luscious tastes. These flavors range from zesty orange to sweet honey and creamy vanilla, punctuated by delightful bursts of peach.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Citrus and ripening peaches are balanced by vanilla softness.Palate: Vanilla emerges, then gives way to a burst of flowery fruitiness.Finish: A clean and salving aftertaste with hints of orange and peach.
Apogee XII from Bimber Distillery is an exquisite whisky crafted from a blend of selected malt whiskies, each of which has been matured for a minimum of 12 years. This extended maturation period allows the whiskies to develop complex flavors and characteristics.
One of the unique aspects of Apogee XII is its additional maturation in ex-bourbon casks that were previously used to mature Bimber whisky. This finishing process in Bimber's own casks adds a layer of depth and complexity to the final product.
Tasting Note by Bimber:Nose: Spiced pears and oven-baked apricot flans are sweetened by candy necklaces and scented with rosewater, nutmeg and powdered ginger.Palate: Syrupy orchard and stone fruits provide a bright and fresh mouthfeel supported by lightly charred oak, gentle white pepper and cooling mint.Finish: Lingering ripe and sweet fruits alongside sympathetic, aromatic oak.
In Batch 3 of their Virgin Oak Series, The GlenAllachie proudly presents a rare single malt that underwent an additional maturation process in casks crafted from Scottish Sessile Oak (Quercus Petrae), sourced from the Atlantic coast. Handling Scottish oak proves challenging throughout the entire production process, from growth and milling to coopering. Due to its rarity, costliness, and tendency to form knots, it is an infrequently chosen wood for whisky maturation.
Before being filled with whisky, the wood underwent an extensive 36-month air-drying period, followed by a medium-level toasting and charring process. Despite the inherent difficulties, this coveted oak variety imparts luxurious notes of blonde chocolate, accompanied by hints of zesty orange and velvety toffee, resulting in a truly distinctive and indulgent drinking experience.
Bottled at 48% alcohol by volume, with its natural color preserved and without undergoing chill filtration.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Bursting with baked oats, butterscotch and toffee, with notes of cinnamon, gingersnaps and heather honey.Palate: Lashings of heather honey, orchard fruits and lemon zest, followed by white chocolate, cinnamon and ginger, with toffee and butterscotch on the finish.
Tomintoul 14 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Sherry Quarter Cask Finish is a rare expression, distilled in 2009 and aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks before its final maturation in handpicked Pedro Ximénez sherry quarter casks from Spain. These casks infuse the whisky with deep, rich fruit notes that enhance its natural sweetness and complexity. Bottled at 46% ABV, with no colouring or chill filtering, this limited release of 4,380 bottles delivers a beautifully balanced, fruity, and smooth offering from the heart of the Cairngorms.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul: Nose: Deep and rich with aromas of chocolate fudge cake, maple syrup, dried fruits and cedarwood.Palate: Indulgent layers of maple pecan pie, chocolate ganache, raisins and roast nuts mingled with coffee grounds, tobacco and baking spices.Finish: Long and warming leaving impressions of tiramisu, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts lingering on the tongue.
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.
The 12 Year Old is gently matured in carefully hand-selected Oloroso sherry and ex-bourbon casks. Resolving with an Oloroso sherry cask finish creates extraordinary layers of rich sensory discovery. Its gentle maturation in meticulously chosen Oloroso sherry and ex-bourbon casks gives it an intriguing yet inviting complexity.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Intricate layers to explore, from mouth-watering vanilla caramel, red berries, and marzipan, to hints of dried fruit.Palate: A carnival of ripe pears, lemon juice, cinnamon, toasted almonds and peaches in syrup, as smoke levels crescendo.Finish: Our 12-Year Old resolves with clear intent, offering a pleasingly long and spicy finale.
The English Oloroso Cask is an unpeated single malt created by marrying three sister casks. Matured in high-quality Oloroso casks, it offers rich aromas of toffee, apples, and chocolate. Limited to just 1,236 bottles, this non-chill filtered whisky features natural colouring and delivers a long, dry finish, highlighting its refined character.
Tasting Note by The English:Nose: Lots of aromas of rich toffee, apples & chocolatePalate: Starts with juicy soft fruits, then buttery pastry with a hint of sultana and caramel.Finish: A long finish with dry oak and slightly spicy end.
This limited edition whisky is a true masterpiece, created in collaboration with renowned pastry chef Jordi Roca of the three Michelin-starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. Together, they have crafted a whisky that brings together the worlds of chocolate and whisky in perfect harmony. Embark on a journey like no other as Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan ventures to Girona, Spain, to immerse herself in the captivating world of chocolate. Exploring the chocolate-making process at Casa Cacao, she uncovers the distinctive flavor profiles that make this whisky truly exceptional.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Chocolate fondant, honey, oak, zesty lime and ginger.Palate: Dark chocolate, honey, dates, vanilla and cinnamon.Finish: Long with rich chocolate.
The Glenglassaugh Portsoy single malt is influenced by our adjacent harbor village of Portsoy, capturing its profound maritime essence. Aged in sherry, bourbon, and port barrels, the robust depth of Glenglassaugh Portsoy emerges gradually, seamlessly aligning with the rich coastal nuances of our peated spirit.
Tasting Note by Glenglassaugh:Nose: Rich maritime waves infused with tropical fruit and sherried dark soy, rolling into port with liquorice and sea kelp.Palate: Full-bodied with dark chocolate, fermented soy and charred mango with treacle and a crack of sea salt.
In Batch 3 of their Virgin Oak Series, The GlenAllachie proudly introduces an innovative single malt that embarked on a distinctive secondary aging journey in Hungarian oak. Master Distiller Billy Walker's quest for the extraordinary led him to the remote mountains of northeastern Hungary, specifically the Zemplén forest. This region's unique characteristics, including rocky volcanic soil, a colder climate, and higher altitude, result in slow-growing trees with tight-grained oak—an ideal quality for aging spirits.
Driven by a desire to explore the potential of this rare oak, the barrels underwent a carefully controlled toasting and charring process before being filled with their intricate spirit. As one of the world's pioneering single malts finished in Hungarian virgin oak (Quercus Petraea), this whisky promises an aromatic, well-balanced, and exquisitely unique profile, marked by its silky smooth richness.
Bottled at 48% alcohol by volume, with its natural color retained and without undergoing chill filtration.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Bursting with butterscotch, citrus and milk chocolate, with cinnamon, raisins, orchard fruits and ginger.Palate: Intense stewed spices enriched with honey, butterscotch, treacle, orange zest and hints of cloves.
Stauning Bastard is a rye whisky crafted exclusively from local ingredients. Malted on the distillery's floor and double-distilled in flame-heated pot stills, it embodies authenticity. After maturing for a minimum of three years in new, toasted virgin American oak casks, it is further refined with an additional six months or more of aging in seasoned mezcal casks from Mexico's Oro de Oaxaca. This unique combination imparts a distinct character to the whisky.
Tasting Note by Stauning Whisky:Nose: Sweet pipe tobacco smoke, raisins, oat biscuit, citrus, oak.Palate: Tobacco, vanilla, barley, dried fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar, molasses, shortbread, oak.Finish: Long sweet, slightly smoky, salty, brown sugar, pepper.
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.
Batch 3 of the Virgin Oak Series unveils a mahogany-hued malt enriched with spicy, treacly flavors, a result of its maturation in hogsheads crafted from Spanish Oak (Quercus Robur). This wood originates from the regions of Galicia and Asturias, specifically harvested in the cool, humid climate of the Cantabrian Mountains.
The oak was meticulously air-dried for approximately 18 months, followed by toasting and charring to a medium level. This process allowed our complex spirit to intricately interact with the oak, extracting its unique cask character. The secondary aging in these virgin casks further deepened the whisky's mahogany color and contributed to a palate teeming with dried fruits, maraschino cherries, and subtle hints of stem ginger.
This exquisite whisky is bottled at 48% alcohol by volume, with its natural color preserved, and it remains non-chill filtered, adhering to the commitment to authenticity.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Lashings of orchard fruits, baking spices and sticky toffee pudding, with notes of brown sugar, glazed cherries and citrus.Palate: Bursting with chocolate, coffee and heather honey, followed by notes of pepper, ginger and molasses, with banana and sultanas on the finish.
The exclusive Benrinnes 8 Year Old 2014 (Sherry) from the Old Particular Midnight Series by Douglas Laing. With just 635 bottles available, this limited edition whisky, distilled in April 2014 and bottled in September 2022, offers a unique taste and exceptional sherry influence.
Tasting Notes by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Rich and distinctly sherried, darkly fruited and spiced, with vanilla fudge.Palate: Shows early Christmas cake style – full of syrup, barley and sultanas.Finish: Malted with muscovado sugar and nuts – plus grapes and cereal throughout. (FHL)
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.
A testament to careful maturation, this complex 15 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask expression balances sweetness with gentle spice in a composed and layered profile. Aged for no less than fifteen years, it draws character from both European Oak Oloroso Sherry casks and American Oak ex-Bourbon casks, before being finished in European Oak casks seasoned with Oloroso Sherry. The result is a nuanced whisky, where indulgent sweetness meets subtle spiced undertones in harmonious fashion.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Moist Corinth raisins and sweet dates. Cinnamon, dark chocolate, and enveloped in subtle smoke.Palate: Cedarwood, treacle toffee, boiled sweet confectionery, clove spice and liquorice root.Finish: Intriguingly rich and wooded, revealing contented sweet spice.
Crafted by Master Distiller Robert Fleming, this small batch Tomintoul is aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira wine casks. It offers a rich bouquet of fresh fruity flavours balanced perfectly by spiced ginger and cacao notes.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: A bouquet of summer berries, spiced fruits and ginger biscuits with chocolate orange and baking spices.Palate: Layers of juicy cantaloupe melon, brambles and candied peels with chocolate mousse, syrup flapjacks and toasted oak.Finish: Cosy cake spices and cacao with highlights of ripe banana, vanilla panna cotta, and marmalade.
Triple distilled and matured for over eighteen years, Auchentoshan 18 Year Old represents the refined Lowland style at its best. The long ageing period develops depth and smoothness, combining the distillery’s delicate character with complex layers of flavour. A refreshing single malt with ripe citrus and green tea, toasted almonds, and the hallmark gentle profile that Auchentoshan is known for.
Tasting Notes by Auchentoshan:Nose: Fresh tobacco leaf with sweetness, layered with caramelised sugar, green tea and almonds.Palate: Smooth with floral freshness and sweet barley, followed by the tangy zest typical of Auchentoshan.Finish: Long, lingering and well balanced, leaving the senses invigorated.
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.
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 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.
One of the esteemed "super-premium" selections within Bunnahabhain's core range, this whisky also stands as a formidable champion in the realm of awards. True to the tradition of all their single malts, it remains unaltered by chill filtration and retains its natural color.
Under the profound influence of sherry, their 25 Year Old expression aptly showcases the remarkable maturation capabilities of Bunnahabhain. It exemplifies the intricate spectrum of sweet oaken nuances and nutty notes that can be attained through those additional years of aging in the cask.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Scents of rich sherry, blossoming into sweet caramel and polished leather.Palate: An initial taste of sweet berries and cream that evolves into a feast of roasted nuts and malt.Finish: Soft and dry with a delicate hint of sweet sugar and spiced oak that linger long on the tongue.
Tamdhu Batch Strength No. 7 showcases Tamdhu's steadfast dedication to crafting sherry-matured whisky, boasting a captivating natural copper hue and a complex flavor profile. Every Oloroso sherry cask is meticulously hand-selected, resulting in an exquisite and nuanced flavor with a memorable and gratifying finish that embodies Speyside's essence.
Tasting Note by Tamdhu:Nose: Subtle waft of vanilla sponge, followed by spicy cinnamon and roasted praline.Palate: Pavlova filled with luscious raspberries, caramel apricots with a wave of oak spice, and a zingy lemon punch.Finish: Warm oak spices, baked figs, evident sherry flavours, and freshly peeled clementine.
Crafted in Glasgow since 1823, Auchentoshan is one of Scotland's few remaining Lowland distilleries and the only one to triple distil every drop of its spirit. This process, carried out through three copper pot stills, produces a characteristically smooth and delicate new make that serves as the foundation for every expression in the range.
The 24 Year Old was released to mark the distillery's 200th anniversary and represents the highest-aged expression in the current Auchentoshan range. Distilled on 22 June 1998, it has been matured through a marriage of American bourbon casks and European oak sherry casks, with carefully curated refill casks completing the vatting. Twenty-four years of maturation have produced a whisky of considerable depth and refinement, presented in a premium gift box that makes it an exceptional choice for collectors and celebratory occasions alike.
Tasting Note by Auchentoshan:Nose: Mint leaves, menthol, beeswax, juicy green grapes, warm autumnal fruits and citrus.Palate: Candied citrus peel, creamy vanilla, moist raisins and chocolate coated almonds.Finish: Long and fruity, with citrus and soft spices.
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.
The English Whisky Co. 1st Fill Bourbon Cask Matured Small Batch is a truly limited-edition gem, with production restricted to only four casks, yielding a mere 2500 bottles. These small batches serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of the distillers, emphasizing the diverse flavor profiles that different casks can impart. This whisky is a delectable offering, characterized by delightful notes of vanilla, indulgent milk chocolate, and the vibrant essence of green fruits, particularly apples. Its lusciously oily texture adds to the overall appeal, culminating in a remarkably enduring finish.
Tasting Note by The English: Nose: Buttery vanilla, pears and banana, and delicate green notes.Palate: Buttery sweet corn, candied orange peel, vanilla custard, crisp green apples, traces of wood spice, milk chocolate with a beautiful oily coating to the lips.Finish: Wood spice leads to lemon peel, hot buttered toast with apricot jam, and vanilla.
Milroy's Heavily Peated Cask Strength is a bold, high-octane single malt selected and vatted by the expert team at Milroy's of Soho, one of the UK's most respected whisky specialists since 1964. Bottled at natural cask strength with no chill-filtration and no added colour, this expression is built for those who demand intensity and character in the glass.
The vatting combines 40% new oak and 60% first-fill Kentucky bourbon casks, a deliberate balance that brings dominant wood structure alongside fresher, more vibrant elements. The result is a coastal, phenolic single malt that performs equally well neat, over ice, or in cocktails.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Smoked peanuts, burnt toast, petrichor and citrus peels.Palate: Roadwork smoke, black pepper, charred tropical fruit and honeycomb.Finish: Very long with chilli spice and industrial smoke.
A rum of unparalleled smoothness and enduring class. Aged for 12 years, it boasts outstanding character. It matures in carefully chosen American oak barrels, undergoing a final aging process at a reduced proof. This results in a rum that possesses profound notes of dried fruit.
Tasting Note by Ron Abuelo:Nose: Notes of cocoa, dried prune, toasted wood and nuts. Palate: Well rounded and balanced. Notes of vanilla, dried fruits, tobacco and chocolate.
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 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.
Originally set aside to become a 12 year old single barrel, this whisky was found to have developed a subtle smoky flavour upon tasting, due to being distilled immediately after peat week, even though the barley used was unpeated. It matured for 14 years in some of Balvenie's finest bourbon casks.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk.Palate: Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavours from beautifully roasted malt and deep vanilla oakiness.
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.
Wire Works presents a lightly-peated English single malt whisky that has undergone maturation in a carefully chosen assortment of American and French oak casks, imparting a nuanced and unique character to the spirit.
Tasting Note by White Peak: Aromas of caramel popcorn, butterscotch, cloves, ripe banana, apples, vanilla sponge, candied ginger, cherry pie, bergamot, and nutmeg fill the nose, and are complemented throughout the palate by notes of chocolate orange.
At The English Distillery, the production of triple distilled single malt whisky is a rare event. These small batches yield a light and delicate whisky that is wonderfully enjoyable to drink.
Tasting Note by The English: With wafts of summer fruits, combined with hints of chocolate and light honey. Rich oak with just a hint of Liquorice; this is a lovely whisky for long lazy evenings.
Aston Martin and Bowmore's Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old, released a year after their first collaboration, is a single malt whisky by Bowmore's Ron Welsh. It blends spirits aged in selected European Oak Oloroso casks and American oak hogsheads, offering notes of peach, honey, tobacco, clove, sea salt, and peat smoke. The 2022 edition is a joint effort with Aston Martin's Marek Reichman.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Beginning with sweet and fruity notes of heather honey, vanilla with subtle cherries.Palate: Rich sweet and malty spicy notes of vanilla fudge.Finish: Sweet and woody with notes of liquorice sticks deliver a spicy feel.
Carefully nestled within the finest hand-picked oak casks and afforded the luxury of maturing at its own unhurried rhythm, this stands as an exceptional and flawlessly balanced single malt Scotch whisky. Among Bowmore's most elusive offerings, Bowmore 18 Year Old may have limited availability, but the enjoyment it offers is boundless.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Creamy caramel toffee, with ripe fruit and smoke aromas.Palate: Incredibly complex, with beautiful soft fruit and chocolate balanced with a light smokiness.Finish: The long and wonderfully balanced finish.
Benriach's Smoke Season Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a special edition that harkens back to the historical roots of the Speyside region. While Speyside is not commonly associated with heavily peated or smoky whiskies, records from the 19th century indicate that such styles were once a part of the region's distilling tradition.
This special edition whisky is crafted to celebrate the time of year when peated spirit runs through Benriach's stills, a tradition that was revived by the distillery over 50 years ago. Smoke Season is a small-batch release that showcases one of Benriach's time-honored production techniques.
What sets this whisky apart is its intense smokiness, balanced with exquisite sweetness. It undergoes a two-cask maturation process, aging in both American virgin oak and bourbon barrels. These wood types are intentionally chosen to enhance and amplify the toasted sweet notes present in Benriach's smoky spirit.
Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie has fine-tuned a new recipe for this expression, making it the most intensely smoked whisky ever released by the Benriach distillery. It's a unique and bold addition to the distillery's range, celebrating the rich history and craftsmanship of Speyside whisky-making.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Caramel smoke, oak spice, citrus peel.Palate: Smoked dark vanilla, seared apple, and cinnamon with lingering charred orange into a sweet and smoky finish.
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.
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.
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.
Inspired by the Gaelic huntress goddess 'Neachneohain', this new themed series perfectly captures the innovation and discovery that underpins whisky making at Nc'Nean. Only produced once a year and created by a unique recipe crossover, this specific edition holds incredible jammy flavours, reminiscent of fresh baked biscuits with a hint of peppermint tea.
Tasting Note by Nc'nean:Cherry Bakewell, apricot marmalade, vanilla custard.
Pokeno Discovery is a whisky that celebrates its unique place in the world. It begins by meticulously selecting and blending stock parcels that have undergone full maturation in first-fill bourbon, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximenez casks. These blended components are then returned to casks for further aging, allowing them to meld and harmonize perfectly. The result is a whisky characterized by its richness and complexity, featuring enticing notes of dark chocolate, black forest gateau, ripe cherries, and sweet citrus. This journey leads to a finish that is remarkably smooth and exceptionally long-lasting.
Tasting Note by Pokeno: Nose: A hint of treacle and cinnamon, along with dried figs, cherries, and cocoa nibs.Palate: Warm spices, vanilla, cocoa powder, candied orange peel, and oak.Finish: Allspice and dried raisins linger.
The whisky in question showcases a mouthfeel that is luxuriously creamy, enveloping the palate with an array of opulent dark fruit notes and the sweetness of malted barley. This experience gradually transitions into a realm of sweet vanilla and cocoa, punctuated by the warming presence of cinnamon spice.
Its journey to achieving this exceptional flavor profile begins with its initial maturation period in a combination of French and American oak casks, formerly used to age wine. However, the whisky's evolution doesn't conclude there. It embarks on a second phase of maturation, spending an extended duration in ex-fortified Muscat barrels sourced from the esteemed Morris winery, known for its numerous accolades in the fortified wine category.
This distinctive dual maturation process imparts a complex tapestry of flavors to the whisky. It intertwines the influence of the fortified wine casks seamlessly with the rich malt character and the delicate interplay of aromatic spices. The end result is a whisky that offers a truly remarkable tasting experience, characterized by its sumptuous fruity notes, underlying sweetness, and a tantalizing hint of aromatic spice. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the finer nuances of whisky.
Tasting Note by Morris Australian: Nose: Rich with dates, figs and sweetness of dark molasses.Palate: Well balanced and complex. Dried fig, sweet malt, vanilla and spices with creamy mouth feel.Finish: Superb oak influence, lovely finish with satisfying after taste that lingers on the palate.
Highland Park doesn't always take the easy route when it comes to making whisky. For Triskelion, they decided to involve not just one, but three legendary Highland Park Whisky Makers – Gordon Motion, Max McFarlane, and John Ramsay. Together, they embarked on a journey to delve into the intricate influence of wood and cask seasoning on their whisky.
These three Master Whisky Makers meticulously hand-selected and blended three primary cask types: first-fill sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts, first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks, and ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads. To achieve a balanced and harmonious flavor profile, a small number of refill casks were also added to the mix, contributing a touch of softness to the final single malt whisky. Triskelion represents the collective expertise of these three whisky visionaries in exploring the nuances of cask maturation.
Tasting Note by Highland Park:Palate: Seville oranges | Sultanas and raisins | Sweet apricots | Heather honey | Crushed coriander seeds | Aromatic peat smoke.
Crafted from 100% malted barley, this Irish Single Malt Whiskey is distilled, matured, and finished in a unique combination of casks: Virgin American Oak, Ruby Port, Caravelos White Port, Madeira, and Bourbon. This method imparts a distinctive fruit-forward flavour profile that is complex yet harmoniously balanced, often likened to “a symphony” of flavour. This whiskey offers a rich tapestry of tastes that celebrate the artistry of Irish distilling.
Tasting Note by Teeling:Nose: Tropical fruits, caramelised sugar, oak spice and ginger.Palate: Chocolate, mixed berries and bouquet of orchard fruits.Finish: Luxurious and long with passionfruit and pineapple.