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.
Tomintoul 15 Years Old Port Cask Finish, distilled in 2006, commences its maturation in ex-bourbon American oak casks before undergoing a transformative finishing process in Port pipe casks meticulously selected from Portugal.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Bramble and red cherry fruit notes mingled with toasted brioche and amoretti biscuitPalate: Layers of cherry Bakewell, dark fruits and marzipan followed by clove and pink peppercorn spicesFinish: Warming and toasty with soft nougat and dried cranberry leading into peppery wood spices.
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.
Under the expertise of their Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, Tomintoul presents the second batch of their Tomintoul 12 Years Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish. This exceptional expression begins with the careful selection of single malt distilled in 2010, which undergoes an initial maturation in high-quality ex-bourbon American oak casks. Subsequently, the single malt is artfully married and subjected to a finishing period in the finest Oloroso Sherry butts sourced from Andalucía, Spain.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Rich and inviting with aromas of treacle toffees, toasted pecans, sweet raisins and soft smoky highlights. Palate: Creamy and luxurious with layers of mocha, Brazil nut toffee, fruit cake, candied peels and brandy butter. Finish: Long and silky with notes of chocolate eclair, creme caramel and hints of clove.
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.
Tomintoul Cigar Malt represents a harmonious blend of both classic Tomintoul Single Malts and the elusive peated Tomintoul Single Malts. These distinct individual single malts have undergone maturation or finishing in carefully chosen Oloroso Sherry butts from Andalucía, Spain, adding a layer of complexity and depth to this exceptional expression.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Bold and pronounced with aromas of dried fruits, sweet spices, pecan pie and subtle peat smoke. Palate: Sweet and rich with layers of chocolate raisins, butter toffees and brambles mingled with black pepper and smoky woody spices.Finish: Warming and long with notes of mocha, maple syrup and toasted oak lingering on the tongue.
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.
In Tobermory's third release within The Hebridean Series, Bottled at 48.1% ABV, this expression offers a lighter, more complex, and open interpretation of Tobermory compared to the 24-year-old. It continues to feature delightful red and stone fruit flavors, but it has shifted away from intense, jammy notes toward a lighter, zestier, and fruitier character. Staying true to their commitment, this 25 Year Old unpeated whisky is bottled with its natural color and remains non-chillfiltered.
Bere barley, acknowledged as Britain's oldest cultivated cereal strain, would have been utilized by Scotland's early distillers over many centuries. Nevertheless, in the 20th century, there was a shift towards prioritizing yield and commercial viability, leading to the selection of varieties that offered easier cultivation and higher extract, favoring efficiency over flavor.
In their commitment to championing flavor, the distillery has been working closely with the University of the Highlands and Islands' Agronomy Institute since 2005 to reintroduce Bere barley into the production of single malt whisky. However, the importance of this barley extends beyond whisky production, as it holds significant potential for the future of food production.
Sown in April and harvested in September, the 2011 growing season primarily witnessed warm and dry conditions, except during the crucial harvest period when rainfall became more frequent. Maturing patiently for over a decade in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, the understated maturation of the 2012 vintage carefully balances an indulgent texture with the presence of malty, sweet fruit notes.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Complex and alluring, there is a wonderful combination of fruity and floral notes on the nose. Oak comes through with zesty lime and green apple, followed by fragrant honeysuckle and creamy vanilla. The Bere barley provides a tart robustness with hints of hay and barley sugar sweetness, with a peach note growing as the dram opens further.Palate: Firm and well rounded, Bere barley and stoned fruit glide across the palate bringing waves of apricot, ripe peach and stewed apple. Chocolate lime hints at the zesty richness of the spirit before barley sugar and warm scones bring a remarkable depth of flavour from the malt. Marine notes of sun kissed sand and sea shells follow, moving to marzipan, mellow oak and coconut.Finish: Long and delicate, the finish has notes of gingerbread, milk chocolate, marzipan, creamy vanilla and apricot jam. A subtle marine note lingers along with a hint of barley sugar.
The SC: 01 2012 vintage was exclusively conceived, cultivated, distilled, aged, and bottled on Islay. The barley used for this vintage was harvested in 2011 and supplied by seven local farmers, all situated within a 10-mile radius of the distillery. Showcasing the unique Islay terroir, this locally-sourced barley is enriched with a detailed cask formulation.
The barley is malted to a peat level of 40ppm by maltsters on the Scottish mainland. Afterward, it's brought back to Islay for distillation. Using tall, slender-necked stills, the distillation process aims for the utmost elegance and delicacy. The spirit then embarks on a tripartite maturation journey.
This vintage is a fusion of sherry butts, first and second fill American whiskey barrels, which were transferred at varying maturation stages into some of the premier Sauternes wine casks sourced from the left bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sweet, stone fruit and a delicate floral perfume on the nose with hints of peaches in syrup, dried apricots, honeyed melon and ripe pineapple. Brown sugar, vanilla-fudge, caramel and marzipan are followed by heady notes of honeysuckle and heather. Peat smoke and warm toasted oak come through with a little time to bring depth and complexity to the dram.Palate: The warmth and supple texture of this dram elegantly coats the palate and brings a balance of light peat smoke and ripe fruit. Another sip confirms both the beautiful viscosity and depth of flavour, as beneath the delicate smoke comes earthy notes of leather and boot polish. The oak brings strength and sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus to complement the waves of fruit.Finish: A dram you wish would last forever, the wonderful marine notes and earthy peat smoke linger on the palate with a citrus tang.
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Whisky is a whisky of bold nobility, reflecting the distillery's opulent and fruity style that has long been cherished by a select few. This 21 year old single malt, hailing from the Royal Brackla distillery, is finished in a combination of the finest Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, culminating in a rich and opulent finish.
Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:Syrupy toffee notes, with richly fragrant summer berries warmed by the sun and dusted in cinnamon and muscovado sugar.
Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Single Malt is matured in American oak and finished in the finest Palo Cortado sherry casks, it attains a rich and opulent flavour profile, embodying the essence of Royal Brackla's heritage and commitment to quality.
Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:Rich spices, creamy vanilla, big, succulent soft fruits and cocoa powder, brightened with a zing of citrus.
Matured in American oak and finished in the finest Oloroso sherry casks, it boasts a rich and opulent taste. Situated on the historic Cawdor Estate, the Royal Brackla Distillery has a legacy dating back to 1812, making it one of the world's oldest distilleries, proudly standing on grounds associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:The full bodied spice of Oloroso and the bright summer breeze of Royal Brackla elegantly combine as a smooth and inviting dram – ripe peaches, black cherries, chocolate covered almonds and muscovado sugar.
In the Craigellachie Cask Finishing Collection, one can find the Craigellachie 13 Year Old Bas-Armagnac Cask, a unique addition that pays homage to their traditional worm tubs. Casks from producers of oak-aged spirits who also employ worm tubs have been sourced to create this distinctive offering. The inaugural release in this collection showcases the award-winning 13-year-old Craigellachie Single Malt, artfully finished in Bas-Armagnac casks originating from the northernmost region of Gascony, France. This distinctive finishing process adds a roundness to the robust Craigellachie character. Initially, the whisky matures in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks before undergoing a resting period of just over a year in Bas-Armagnac casks. Staying true to their commitment to quality, all Craigellachie expressions remain non-chill filtered, devoid of caramel colouring, and are bottled at a respectable 46% ABV.
The whisky's maturation journey begins in a harmonious blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. After this initial aging period, 50% of the blend embarks on an additional refinement in first-fill Sherry casks, while the remaining whisky matures in first-fill Bourbon casks.
In keeping with their unwavering commitment to quality, all Craigellachie expressions remain unaltered by chill filtration or caramel colouring and are bottled with a respectable 46% ABV. For those seeking an authentic and exceptional whisky experience, the Craigellachie 17 Year Old is a true testament to the artistry of whisky craftsmanship.
In terms of cask types, it begins its maturation journey in a blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. Then, 50% of the blend undergoes further refinement in first-fill Sherry casks, while the remainder is aged in first-fill Bourbon casks.
Notably, all Craigellachie expressions uphold a steadfast commitment to quality: they are non-chill filtered, free from caramel coloring, and bottled at a respectable 46% ABV. For those seeking a whisky of character and authenticity, Craigellachie is a notable choice.
Tasting Note by Craigellachie: The scents of oozing toasted marshmallows, fire-roasted pineapples, and baked apples sprinkled with cloves, along with the tang of cordite lingering in the background, make Craigellachie 13 Year Old remind one of Bonfire Night.
The Aberfeldy 21 Year Old stands as a testament to time and craftsmanship. This single malt scotch whisky unveils a bouquet of floral heather honey, enveloped in a creamy intensity punctuated by notes of dried fruits and toasted coconut. Representing the pinnacle of Aberfeldy's portfolio, it is curated from an exclusive set of casks that have been patiently aged for 21 years or more. The meticulous blend of re-fill and re-char casks harmoniously intertwines with the opulence of Sherry casks and the enticing vanilla nuances of Bourbon casks, offering a symphony of flavors to the discerning whisky enthusiast.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy: Creamy macadamia nuts and chewy beeswax swarm the palate. Plush with orange, dried fruits, toasted coconut, silky oak and a trace of smoke.
The Aberfeldy 16 Year Old is a luxurious expression, brimming with copious amounts of honey, fruitcake, and dark chocolate. This lavish blend offers a deeply satisfying, rich finish that lingers on the palate. Initially matured in a combination of first-fill, re-fill, and re-char Bourbon casks, it receives a final touch of elegance with a six-month finishing period in premium first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks, adding layers of depth and complexity.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Sherried and full like fruitcake, with dabs of rich dark choclate and a soothingly rich, mouth-coating finish.
The 12 Year Old Aberfeldy is a delightful spirit, presenting a sweet honey touch intermingled with notes of fruit, spices, ample vanilla, and a faint wisp of smoke. Its intricate flavor profile results from maturing in a diverse assortment of Sherry, Bourbon, re-fill, and re-char casks. An interesting aspect of its aging process is the 'Angels' Share', which refers to the portion of whisky that vanishes during its time in oak casks, with nearly one-third of the Aberfeldy 12 Year Old being lost before bottling. This exceptional whisky, known as the Golden Dram, has received global recognition, clinching over 150 Gold Medals from leading spirit competitions.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy: Scented with spiced and honeyed plump fruits and syrupy with lots of vanilla, fudge and just a whisper of smoke on the finish.
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.
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.
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.
The Glenfiddich 40 Year Old embodies the concept of Cumulative Time, maturing over four decades to create an extraordinarily rich and layered flavor profile. This is achieved through a unique 'remnant vatting' process where each batch is carried over and blended with casks from subsequent releases. This continual aging process results in 40 layers of exquisite flavor, making it a pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship. The packaging, a bespoke jesmonite case, reflects the passage of time with its striking geological design, paying homage to Glenfiddich's heritage. Glenfiddich 40 Year Old is truly a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of time.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: A deeply layered expression of dried fruits, dark chocolate, roasted coffee and ripe black cherries. Completed with subtle waves of gentle wood smoke, polished leather and cloves.Palate: A luxuriously full and silky smooth taste, with memories of past releases in every nuanced note. Evolving from deep dried fruit notes to rich fruitcake, dates, raisins and stewed apples, before giving way to dry oaky notes, with subtle hints of bitter chocolate and peat.Finish: Complex, memorable, and exquisitely long-lasting.
Lagavulin, often referred to as "the king of Islay," is an essential Scotch Whisky beloved by connoisseurs and enthusiasts worldwide. Aged for a minimum of 16 years in oak casks, this sought-after Single Malt boasts the signature peat-smoke flavor of southern Islay. It also offers a remarkable richness and dryness, making it an intriguing and quintessential choice for whisky aficionados.
Tasting Note by Lagavulin:Nose: Intensely flavoured, peat smoke with iodine and seaweed and a rich, deep sweetness.Palate: Dry peat smoke fills the palate with a gentle but strong sweetness, followed by sea and salt with touches of wood.Finish: A long, elegant peat-filled finish with lots of salt and seaweed.
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.
What sets this whisky apart is its meticulous craftsmanship and the added luxury of spending over nine years finishing in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks. This unique aging process imparts a flavor profile that harks back to vintage bottlings from decades past, offering a truly nostalgic experience for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Note by Wilson & Morgan:Nose: Nutty with hints of red sweet desert wine, pears and red apples, with crushed almond giving a sweet marzipan note, sweet spices and hints of candied orange and a touch of dark chocolate, with a soft sherry note running through the aroma. Palate: Very rich and taste forward, lots of smooth and spice notes running side by side to deliver a nice balance to the front of the palate, Spices and roasted chestnuts, some waxiness coating the mid palate, apples skins dates, cinnamon and honey, this is a great tasting dram that is more rich than overly sweet.
This limited edition release is a rare gem, with only 630 crystal decanters available, each adorned with a unique number, making it a truly exclusive experience. Mahesh Patel's passion for collecting casks led him to handpick two Macallan barrels over 15 years ago, long before it became a trend. Now, he invites whisky enthusiasts to join him on a journey of exceptional flavors and unparalleled craftsmanship. The Macallan 26 Year Old (Sirius) whisky is a harmonious blend of fine-grained Highland peat and the traditional Macallan sherry profile.
Tasting Note by Sirius:Nose: Warm and inviting scents of butterscotch meet aromatic heather, encapsulated by orange zesty charcoal Smoke.Palate: Satisfyingly, creamy and peppery with aromas of roasted nuts, nutmeg and clove, with hints of Madagascan vanilla, dark chocolate, honey, candied fruits and floral smoke.Finish: Long-lingering sweet, oaky spice.
The GlenAllachie Wine Cask Series, crafted by Master Blender Billy Walker, features a unique expression called The Cuvée Wine Cask Finish. This 2023 release blends whisky matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and European wine barriques from French and Italian regions. The result is an opulent, smooth malt with layers of robust red fruits, gentle spice, and citrus hints, bottled unchillfiltered at 48% ABV with no added colouring.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Bursting with orange blossom, espresso, maraschino cherries and honeysuckle, with hints of candied stone fruits, hazelnuts, lavender and cinnamon. Palate: Waves of dark chocolate, red currants and burnt coffee beans, followed by crystalised almonds, blackberries and orange zest, with ginger and liquorice on the finish.
Tomatin 2011 from the Gordon & MacPhail Discovery range is a Highland single malt aged exclusively in bourbon casks. Known for its remarkable 168-hour fermentation period, this whisky showcases a fresh and fruity spirit. Bottled at 43% ABV, it offers vibrant notes of lemon zest, honeydew melon, tropical fruits, and brown sugar, making it a delightful expression of the Tomatin distillery's craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Fragrant lemon zest intertwine with rich tropical fruit and desiccated coconut. Honeydew melon and walnut notes develop.Palate: Smooth dried pineapple pieces compliment ripe green apple and rich honey. Brown sugar undertones develop alongside dried banana.Finish: Full with lasting malted biscuit and charred oak.
The Discovery series categorises whiskies into ‘Sherried,’ ‘Smoky,’ and ‘Bourbon’ for easy selection, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. This 11 year old expression, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Discovery range, highlights the sherried flavour profile, making it an excellent choice for those exploring the nuances of Scotch whisky.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Sherry aromas mingle with orange marmalade. Dried fruit notes develop; subtle spices weave through creamy vanilla toffee.Palate: Deliciously smooth and creamy; a gentle warming cinnamon spice matures into flavours of chewy dates and stewed plums with walnut undertones.Finish: Smooth milk chocolate with lingering dried fruit and hints of nuts.
This Glengoyne 15 Year Old exemplifies both contrast and harmony. The fusion of whiskies entirely matured in bourbon and sherry casks, perfectly balanced, produces a captivating interplay. It showcases the resinous, sweetly dark orchard fruit notes from sherry maturation alongside the brighter, vanilla-infused flavors derived from bourbon wood.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Fresh Hay, Malt Flour, Rosehip, Citrus and dried fruit.Palate: Clean with a gentle sweetness, a hint of tropical fruit, candied lemon, cinnamon, vanilla and apple pie.Finish: Pleasant dry finish with gentle spice and lingering oak.
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)
Crafted with artistry by our skilled whisky makers, The Dalmore 18 is a remarkable yearly release characterised by its profound and indulgent chocolate notes.
Tasting Note by Dalmore:Nose: Vanilla, dark chocolate, English marmalade, and sweet liquorice.Palate: Chocolate raisins, citrus fruits, rich coffee, nutmeg, and spice.Finish: Stewed fruits and toffee.
Batch 3 is the third and final release in the series of inaugural whiskies from the young Lagg Distillery located on the Isle of Arran. Like its predecessors, Batch 3 is crafted using double distilled 50ppm peated Concerto malted barley. It spends two and a half years maturing in first-fill bourbon casks before a six-month finishing period in custom-made rioja red wine Firkin casks. Bottled at 50% ABV, without added color or chill filtration, this single malt combines layers of red fruit with the earthy essence of peat at its core.
Tasting Note by Lagg:Nose: Light intensity. Earthy peat with some light minerality and a hint of oak. Palate: Thick, mouth coating. More of the peat comes through on the mouthfeel. There is a sweetness. Lots of berries maybe some dark fruit. Some more herbaceous notes in the background.Finish: Medium. More peat, nice balance with a little pinch of saltiness.
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.
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.
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.
In the most recent Limited Edition release from Ledaig, the whisky brims with flavor, having been fully matured in red wine casks and bottled at cask strength (56.8% ABV). This particular expression of peated Ledaig has enjoyed 9 years of maturation in the finest Bordeaux red wine casks. The result is a whisky with distinct notes of heather, pine cones, woody sea salt, and floral undertones that linger on the finish. As with all Ledaig whiskies, this release is presented in its natural color and is non-chillfiltered, allowing its character to shine through in the form of intense and rich flavors.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Smoked fudge, eucalyptus oil and carbolic soap.Palate: Burning heather and pine cones. Grape skins and melons, wood smoked meats.Finish: As the smoke drifts, some floral notes develop and finally lime pastilles.
Glen Scotia 15 is a refined single malt, embodying Campbeltown's unique character. Aged in first-fill bourbon and re-fill American Oak casks, it combines smooth vanilla oak tones with spicy, fruity notes of apricot and orange blossom.
Tasting Note by Glen Scotia: The distinctive nose contains understated flavours of sea spray, spicy aromatic fruits, and vanilla wood, all interlaced together.
Glen Scotia Double Cask whisky is a prime introduction to their range, ideal for those exploring whisky. It defies age with its rich toffee and fudge notes. Aged initially in bourbon barrels and finished in PX sherry casks for 12 months, it offers a blend of rich fruit flavours and distinctive Campbeltown character.
Tasting Note by Glen Scotia: It offers the ideal balance of rich, spicy fruits, overlaid with the distinctive sea spray and vanilla oak finish for which the house of Glen Scotia is renowned.
According to their legend, an extraordinary event unfolded when the King of Islay was reborn on a remarkable day. A brilliant spark of sunlight descended from the sky and ignited the land, engulfing it in flames. When the inferno finally waned, the scorched earth was shrouded in dense smoke. A majestic Phoenix ascended, its fiery wings fueling the stills of Lagavulin, intensifying the whisky's spicy and smoky character.
In this profound expression crafted from virgin oak and the smokiest casks in their reserves, peaty notes take the lead in a timeless dance with spices and smoke, all harmonizing with a profound sweetness.
Tasting Note by Lagavulin:Nose: Dry, with an immediate powerful smokiness; much more so than is usual with Lagavulin, with charcoal and fragrant peat massively to the fore, backed by a clean fresh base-note that suggests sea air and mineral scents. Much reduced, aromatically, with even a little water, it remains essentially unaltered.Palate: The smooth lightly oily texture shines with sweet richness; the taste is sweet to start, then takes off with a soaring lemony acidity and a sprinkling of sea salt to add freshness. Mid-palate the fire dries the taste, which flies still higher now in its salty-smoky intensity. A dash of water rounds and sweetens but it’s the smoke that dominates.Finish: Long, with great waves of peat-smoke, and new-fired heights of spiced and smoky intensity that last wonderfully in the aftertaste.
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 the legend, a particular night witnessed a blood-red transformation of the moon in the Mortlach sky, marking the beginning of a mysterious alchemical process. Deep within the Mortlach distillery's stills, the blood moon's alluring ruby richness and intricate darkness worked their enchanting magic, endowing Mortlach itself with an uncommon and captivating essence. Radiant with the glow of ruby light, this renowned whisky underwent a final maturation in a blend of Virgin Oak, Tawny Port, and Red Muscat wine casks, intensifying its deep amber hue.
Vigorous scents of opulent wine and sweet grape intertwine with Mortlach's signature meaty character. In the quiet hours of the night, amid flickering illumination, the finish ascends to unparalleled heights. It's a whisky to hold dear, where sweetness, darkness, and depth converge in a mystical union that leaves a lasting impression.
Tasting Note by Mortlach:Nose: Robust savoury, rich notes evoke a hearty cassoulet with haricots, tomatoes, spicy sausage, and crisp pork belly. Intriguing aromas of grape and red wine entwine with this meatiness then, as the nose develops, become more mineral. A little water changes the picture again, lowering the spiciness and bringing up more rounded, wine-accented sweet red fruit.Palate: Rich and smoothly mouth-filling in texture, while the deep and intense taste is sweetly fruity rather than meaty, and spicy-dry, as the virgin oak makes its presence felt. Magnificently lively, with a richly layered taste, in which hints of ginger lead a spicy dance. A dash of water fashions a delicious, harmonious and strong marriage between fruitiness and black pepper spiciness.Finish: Long and deeply impressive, with power, fruit and black pepper in perfect harmony, a spicy kick as it goes down and a warming glow spreading across the palate. Finally, the palate is left dry, bathed in a glorious afterglow. A drop of water adds a dash of acidity.
As one follows the meandering path along the river's edge beside The Singleton of Glen Ord, the tale of its unique enchantment carries significant meaning. Situated on the Black Isle, it stands as the sole remaining Single Malt distillery, and the allure of this whisky resides in its luxuriously intricate flavors. The mastery of slow craftsmanship has always been the secret, allowing each phase of production, from malting to maturation, to progress at its own unhurried pace, resulting in a liquid that is harmonious, velvety, and captivating.
This exceptional expression captivates the senses with its opulent character, honed over eight years of aging in wine casks.
Tasting Note by Singleton:Nose: Dry overall, the gentle nose gives a vinous first impression, backed by spicy, woody notes of oak shavings and beech. Alluring aromas of tart red berry fruit and creamy vanilla spread among them, and a hint of wax appears in the development. A little water softens the nose and relaxes the aroma, without great alteration.Palate: An ultra-smooth, mouth-filling texture prefaces a lively, intense taste; barley-sugar sweet, with a pinch of salt. That sweetness becomes pleasantly tart, with suggestions of gooseberry and crisp grape. At reduced strength, it is not as tart, but still spicy; the sweetness is highlighted yet the appetising spicy heat remains.Finish: Lengthy and palate-drying, as pepper-heat lingers in a last kiss of silken spice. With water sweeter, now with a trace of fondant in the aftertaste.
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.
According to their legend, when the tides of Talisker Bay surged with an unusual intensity, a radiant creature emerged from the darkest depths, illuminating the profound sea darkness with its enchanting radiance.
Nestled along the shores of Loch Harport, near the rugged western edge of the Isle of Skye, where legends find an easy home, Talisker has been shaping its own maritime destiny since the year 1830. This whisky, marked by sweetness, saltiness, thunderous power, and smoky allure, is as primal as the land, sea, or storm itself—a spirit designed for those with an untamed spirit, crafted by the ever-changing sea.
Within its deep golden hue, subtle notes of salt and smoky echoes reminiscent of a beach bonfire impart a maritime essence to its gentle aroma. This is a legendary Talisker, possessing an otherworldly charm and beauty.
Tasting Note by Talisker:Nose: Maritime in feel, with light spice-prickle, the first impression suggests a beach bonfire of dry seaweed, then deep-seated notes of maritime saltiness and marine engines take over, on a base of drying fresh linen. All these scents hold together well at reduced strength.Palate: Smoothly oily in texture, while the taste is gloriously sweet throughout and smoky-spicy, with a distinct fruity hint, all of which evokes an orchard seen through smoke and sea mist. A fine salty balance in the middle leads the spiciness on into a powerful chili pepper catch as you swallow. With a drop of water, the sweet fruitiness and saltiness come into their own.Finish: Long, sustained and lightly smoky, with lingering warming spice.
The Loch Lomond 14 year old Single Malt is created by using spirits distilled in their distinctive Straight Neck stills. These spirits undergo a meticulous aging process in a combination of American and French Oak casks.
Tasting Note by Loch Lomond:Nose: Coconut, green apple and pear, cinnamon and clove spice, lemon.Palate: Sweet toffee and vanilla fudge, grapefruit, citrus, pineapple, toasted oak.Finish: Long with gentle smoke and warming oak spice of clove and aniseed.
