Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is a masterpiece that undergoes a meticulous maturation process. Initially aged in oak barrels for 21 years, this whisky is then treated to a finishing period in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks, lasting up to four months. This precise method yields an exquisite Speyside whisky, bursting with intricate, warming, and vibrant flavours.Each bottle of this exceptional single malt comes with a complimentary Aspinal of London Luggage Tag worth £48!
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Intense and vanilla sweet. Floral, hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather and oak.Palate: Initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, peppery, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices.Finish: Very long, warming, dry and spicy.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is a notable expression within the Double Cask range, skillfully combining the iconic Macallan style with the delightful sweetness of American oak. This single malt is a harmonious and well-rounded whisky, striking a perfect balance of flavours that encompass fudge, citrus, and gentle spice notes.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Creamy butterscotch with a hint of toffee apple, candied orange, vanilla custard and newly felled oak.Palate: Deliciously honeyed, wood spices and citrus, balanced with raisins and caramel.Finish: Oak lingers, warm, sweet and drying.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old, with an ABV of 40%, presents an exclusive and extraordinary expression from the Glenfiddich Distillery. This remarkable whisky is meticulously aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks before embarking on a finishing journey in rare French Cuvee casks. The result is an elegant single malt Scotch whisky that harmoniously melds the finest elements from Scotland and France, creating an unparalleled drinking experience.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Apple blossom, freshly baked bread and candied lemon.Palate: Layers of rich vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape.Finish: Long, opulent and sweet.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a masterful single malt whisky that achieves a harmonious balance by combining the influences of two distinct oak types. It matures in hand-crafted casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry, with American oak imparting delicate notes of vanilla, citrus, and butterscotch, while European oak contributes the trademark subtle spiciness that defines The Macallan's character. After 15 years of maturation, these two exceptional whiskies come together to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer flavor profile, making it a truly exceptional and harmonious whisky.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple. Balanced with notes of honey and chocolate.Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus.Finish: Warm with ginger turning to caramel and citrus, with a lingering and creamy mouth feel.
The Macallan Rare Cask is truly an extraordinary whisky. It is meticulously crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks, a testament to the expertise and dedication of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team. Their passion and creativity shine through as they unearth these exceptional casks, resulting in a whisky of unparalleled quality. The deep ruby mahogany color of Rare Cask is just the beginning of its allure.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Soft notes of vanilla with rich raisin, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange.Palate: An intense sweet raisin dominates before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest.Finish: Long, rich and velvety.
Inspired by Ian Millar's interest in peat following his visit to Islay, The Balvenie's "Week of Peat" epitomises 17 years of meticulous monitoring to harmonise peat perfectly with the distillery's signature flavours of honey, vanilla, and citrus, enriched with a subtle smokiness. This expression is part of "The Balvenie Stories," a trio of limited-edition whiskies that encapsulate tales of craftsmanship and tradition, emphasising the distillery's commitment to age-old, hands-on methods and storytelling through each unique batch of single malt, made from home-grown barley.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Subtle peat smoke, heather, orange peel and light tropical fruit, with light butterscotch and sweet vanilla.Palate: Velvety and round to taste with the peat smoke balancing citrus flavours, oaky vanilla and blossom honey.Finish: Gently smoke with a lingering and creamy vanilla sweetness.
The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old single malt whisky is a result of a unique process where a blend of rare Balvenie whiskies is transferred to port casks, often referred to as pipes, that have previously cradled fine port wines.
In this stage, The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE regularly samples the whisky to ensure just the right amount of character is infused by the port casks. This process enhances and matures the single malt while preserving its original characteristics.
Regarded by many as David's magnum opus, this whisky stands as one of his most cherished achievements, having garnered numerous prestigious industry awards since its debut in 1996.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes, backed by a nutty dryness.Palate: Refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes.Finish: Long, gentle, nutty.
This exceptional spirit is aged exclusively in the finest sherry oak casks, resulting in a deep and rich flavour profile that anyone who tastes it can appreciate. The whisky's packaging is designed to reveal the natural amber hue of the spirit, enticing connoisseurs to indulge in its intense richness on the palate and savor the long-lasting, lingering finish it delivers.
Tasting Note by Tamdhu:Nose: Rich and enticing, iced cinnamon rolls, orange boiled sweets, fresh sweet oak with raisins and the faint hint of mint.Palate: Silky texture that coats the mouth with banana, berry jam, malt biscuit and classic sherry oak depth.Finish: Pleasantly long and balanced with ground spice, dried fruit and soft Scottish tablet – finally unveiling the merest wisp of peat smoke.
Distilled in 2005 and bottled in October 2022, the #2788 Single Cask expression has spent 17 years in port pipes. At 59% ABV, it offers a robust experience with notes of stewed fruit, strawberries, ginger, oak, and milk chocolate. With only 390 bottles available, this limited edition expression is a rare find for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Note:Nose: Opens with a rich blend of stewed fruits and ripe strawberries, complemented by hints of ginger and subtle oak.Palate: Dark fruits, milk chocolate, and a touch of spice from the ginger. The oak influence is present but well-balanced, adding depth without overpowering the sweetness.Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet grapes and a gentle, warming spice.
The fourth release as part of Tobermory's acclaimed Hebridean Series. With an extra year of ageing, it’s spicier and richer, featuring deeper caramelised sugar notes compared to the lighter sweetness of its younger predecessors.Tasting Notes by Tobermory:Nose: A burst of dark brown sugar fades to reveal fresh strawberries, vanilla fudge, candied ginger and dried sultanas.Palate: A perfect balance of spicy and sweet; vanilla, toffee, walnuts and freshly baked cinnamon pastries intertwined with gentle oak and toasted malt.Finish: Lingering woody finish with notes of chocolate covered hazelnuts.
A bold and innovative expression that combines two contrasting flavours: smoky campfire and rich toffee sweetness. Breaking boundaries begins with blending peated whisky and Glenfiddich's signature sweet, fruity malts originally aged in bourbon casks. The final touch ends with six months of finishing in Latin rum casks.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Billowing soft peat notes, like distant smoke on the wind. Rich sweet toffee with zesty fresh fruit notes and spiciness.Palate: Like a Highland peat campfire, with oak notes and toffee. Sharp green fruit, sweet baked apple and soft smoke.Finish: Lingering smokiness and sweetness.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is an integral component of our esteemed Sherry Oak Collection, characterized by a range of single malt whiskies that have been expertly matured in premium sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, to impart richness and complexity. Exhibiting a matured character, this 12 Years Old expression unveils intricate notes of wood spice, dried fruits, and a natural, lustrous golden hue.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Complex with hints of vanilla.Palate: Smooth, medium balanced with fruit, oak and spice.Finish: Long with sweet dried fruits, oak and spice.
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.
With an ABV of 40%, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old embodies Glenfiddich's enduring tradition of innovation. This exceptional whisky undergoes a unique aging process, maturing in European oak sherry casks and new oak casks for a minimum of fifteen years. It is then subjected to the Solera Vat, a sizeable oak tun inspired by the storied bodegas of Spain and Portugal.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: An intriguingly complex aroma. Sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits.Palate: Silky smooth, revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Full-bodied and bursting with flavour.Finish: Satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness.
Glengoyne 12 Year Old single malt whisky achieves a perfect equilibrium between oak and sweetness. The distinctive sherry wood presence contributes richness and depth, while the first-fill bourbon casks infuse fresh hints of citrus and vanilla.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Coconut oil, honey, lemon zest, dried oak.Palate: Toffee apples, cinnamon spice, ginger, orange, shortbread.Finish: A hint of sherry and soft oak. Very well balanced.
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 color 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 GlenDronach Port Wood, a non-age statement expression, draws inspiration from the historical import of casked port into Scotland during the 19th century. In those days, port was highly prized, and the finest port pipes made their way from Portugal to Scotland. Selecting some of the finest port pipes from Portugal's Douro Valley, The GlenDronach embarks on a three-year maturation process. The Master Blender adeptly blends whisky from these port pipes, resulting in a ten year old expression characterised by abundant fruitiness, featuring ripe berries and a hallmark long, lingering finish.
Tasting Note by GlenDronach:Nose: Breathe in delightful waves of Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle, on a base of sandalwood and ginger.Palate: Layers upon layers of rich fruit. Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back-note.Finish: Savour orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish.
Ledaig 10 is a meticulously crafted 10-year-old single malt whisky known for its unique smoky profile, originating from Tobermory Distillery. Much like all their single malts, this peated Ledaig undergoes no chill filtration and retains its natural color. It's bottled at 46.3% ABV and is made using peated barley (30-40ppm) of the concerto variety.
Tasting Note by Tobymory: Nose: Sweet briny smokiness with distinct island character and playful notes that hint at mild antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate and floral seaside aromas. Soft peat, gentle smoke.Palate: Tantalisingly sweet, medicinal flavours infused with enticing sparks of spicy pepper and dried fruit with rich peaty smoke and a velvety vanilla and malty creaminess.Finish: A wondrous union of sublimely spicy white pepper, the vibrant sweetness of liquorice and a kick of cloves with a exquisite lingering saltiness.
This whisky is a blend of 15% first-fill European oak sherry casks, 15% first-fill American oak sherry casks, and 70% premium hand-selected refill oak casks. It reflects Scotland's methodical distillation process, utilising air-dried barley (free from peat) and the meticulous choice of sherry casks crafted from both European and American oak.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Sweet, with toffee and popcorn aromas. Slightly nutty, with fresh green apples coming through.Palate: Clean. Green apples and grass, soft oak and a hint of sweet liquorice. Water brings linseed oil and almonds.Finish: Sweet and malty.
The Glengoyne 24 Year Old White Oak stands out as a distinct expression within the Glengoyne range, primarily matured in first fill bourbon and virgin American oak casks. This choice of maturation imparts a lighter natural color and emphasizes the sweeter, more intense flavours characteristic of these woods, setting it apart from the historically sherry-dominated profiles of older Glengoyne expressions. Ideal for whisky enthusiasts looking to explore a cask-led taste that still resonates with the Glengoyne house style, this whisky is priced slightly below the 25 year old, offering a unique and rich flavour profile that provides a fascinating contrast when tasted side by side with its older counterpart.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Rich with vanilla and toasted oak, lemon curd, honey, plum jam, desiccated coconut, spiced apple pastry dusted with icing sugar, zest of lime.Palate: Gently balanced with intriguing depth, bright lemon and key lime pie, honeycomb, gentle tropical notes, soft oak warms the palate with hints of star anise, chocolate and vanilla.Finish: Long and well aged, toffee apple, delicate citrus and lingering oak.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old single malt whisky begins its journey aging in traditional oak casks for 14 years. It is then finished in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE prepares these casks with a blend of West Indian rums, which are later replaced by the aged whisky, allowing the wood to impart its final characteristics.Each bottle of this whisky comes with a complimentary Balvenie Tumbler.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes.Palate: Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time.Finish: Soft and lingering.
Maturing exclusively in 100% Oloroso sherry casks, this whisky serves as a fantastic entry point for individuals who appreciate the rich, sherried profile. It embodies the distillery's distinctive style and provides an excellent starting point for those who enjoy sherried whiskies.
Tasting Note by Glenfarclas:Nose: Fresh and beautifully light, sherried fruit combined with a tempting spicy sweetness and a hint of sappy oak.Palate: Full-bodied with delightful sherried fruit, oak and delicious sweet sensations.Finish: Long and flavoursome, with a lingering spiciness.
At 48% ABV, Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast is a peaty Islay single malt whisky that lives up to its name. It undergoes an intense blast of rich, sweet, and spicy Spanish sherry casks, resulting in a fiery, explosive, and incredibly bold dram that packs a punch so strong it might even turn your skull red.
Tasting Note by Smokehead:Palate: Thick peat then fruitier, creamier feel - soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. The hit of oily black smoke, with a rich, heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour if barbecued banana, tangy sultanas and dried fruits.Finish: The peat returns, just as you hoped. This time it's brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you're not dealing with the ordinary here.
Benriach The Original Ten Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a fine representation of the distillery's character and craftsmanship. This expression encapsulates the signature smooth and multi-layered profile of Benriach.
The Original Ten is aged for at least ten years and undergoes a unique maturation process, which involves three different types of casks: bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and virgin oak casks. This maturation imparts a complex array of flavors and aromas to the whisky.
The result is a whisky with layers of luscious orchard fruit, sumptuous honeyed malt, and toasted oak. These flavors are interwoven with a subtle trace of smoke, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile. Benriach The Original Ten is an excellent introduction to the distillery's signature style and the richly layered character of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. With a natural cask-imparted color and an ABV of 43%, it promises a delightful tasting experience.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Rich orchard fruit, honey and toasted oak.Palate: Ripe pear, nectarine and malt sweetness, with a finishing note of almond and spiced vanilla.
Crafted for Fèis Ìle 2023, this limited edition embodies Bunnahabhain's essence. Fully matured in rare Canasta sherry casks, this unpeated whisky bursts with sweet fruit, nut, and spice notes.
It was exclusively matured in William and Humbert Canasta sherry casks, previously holding a blend of Oloroso (75%) and Pedro Ximenez (25%) sherries. This unique maturation combines the spiciness of Oloroso with the sweetness of Pedro Ximenez.
A classic Bunnahabhain expression, this Limited Edition remains unpeated, sherried, and upholds our tradition of no added color and non-chillfiltration.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Classic sherried nose; sweet and caramelised fruits, honey roasted nuts, waves of cinnamon and clove with a hint of rancio.Palate: Maple syrup leads with creamy vanilla, dried figs, poached pears and a sprinkle of cocoa. A gentle twist of orange appears in the background.Finish: Long and sweet with notes of brown sugar, red apples and vanilla custard.
Introduced in 1993, the DoubleWood 12 was birthed from a method pioneered by The Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart, in 1982—a technique now widely recognized as 'wood finishing'.
To craft The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE begins with whisky aged for at least 12 years in traditional whisky containers, consisting of American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads. This is subsequently transitioned to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks, where it remains for an added nine months.
Following this, the whisky is shifted to large oak receptacles, known as "tuns", for a period spanning 3-4 months. This crucial step allows the distinct whiskies from separate casks to seamlessly "marry" together.
Owing its unique profile to maturation in dual wood types, The Balvenie DoubleWood single malt whisky imbibes varied attributes at each phase. The conventional casks infuse it with a subtle, delicate character; the sherry wood imparts depth and a rich flavour palette; and the concluding stint in the tuns ensures a harmonious blend of the whiskies.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.Palate: Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours ~ nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry.Finish: Long and Warming.
A trailblazing expression as part of the fifth release in the Experimental Series. Inspired by the orchards of Somerset, Brian Kinsman crafted the first-ever single malt Scotch whisky finished in Somerset Pomona Spirit Casks, a blend of apple cider brandy and apple juice. Unlike other experiments, it's crisp, fresh, and aromatic.Tasting Note:Nose: Fresh floral blossom and crisp red and green apples.Taste: An initial burst of ripe orchard fruits on the palate softens and develops into honeyed sweetness and oak.Finish: Long lasting sweetness.
Benriach The Twelve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a delightful expression that showcases the artistry of the distillery's maturation process. This whisky is matured for at least twelve years, and it undergoes a unique three-cask maturation.
To create Benriach Twelve, the spirit is matured in three types of casks: sherry casks, bourbon barrels, and port casks. This triple maturation imparts a rich and complex flavor profile to the whisky. It's a harmonious marriage of different cask influences.
Tasting Note by BenRiach:Nose: Rich maple honey, cocoa and baked forest fruit.Palate: Maraschino cherry, baked orange and hazelnut, with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish.
Uigeadail, named after Gaelic words for "a dark, mysterious place," is a whisky that encapsulates the essence of its peat-rich water source, Loch Uigeadail. It's a captivating blend of sweetness, spice, and smokiness, thanks to aging in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The unique vatting technique of Ardbeg Uigeadail melds smoky notes from ex-bourbon American oak with the sweet richness of ex-sherry Oloroso casks, creating a whisky of profound depth and character. This non-chill filtered whisky, with no age statement, boasts a 54.2% ABV and a deep gold color, offering an invitation to explore its complex flavors.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.Palate: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.
Introducing Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky's robust companion: stout. This dynamic duo brings together fiery peaty notes with indulgent chocolate aromas, promising a combination that'll invigorate even the toughest palate. With Smokehead aged partly in stout casks, this fusion is a bold twist on tradition, where the intensity of smoky single malt meets the smooth sweetness of stout head-on.
Tasting Note by Smokehead:Nose: The usual island intensity of Smokehead comes cloaked in sweet aromas of chocolate and treacle toffee. Maritime air meets a decent pint on the shore. Palate: Hot and soothing at the same time. Salty smoke weaves its way around dry roasted nuts, toasted marshmallow, vanilla ice-cream and fresh coffee.Finish: Old flavours reunited, wood smoke and spices. Malty, toasted biscuits. Zingy citrus. Dark and delicious and a fitting sign off from the twisted lovechild of whisky and beer.
Benriach The Smoky Ten Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinctive expression that pays homage to Benriach's unconventional approach to whisky-making. In the early 1970s, the distillery broke with tradition in Speyside by returning to the old-style method of distilling batches of whisky with malted barley that was smoked with Highland peat.
This unique approach using wood-rich Highland peat gives Benriach's peated whiskies a distinctly sweet and smoky character. The Smoky Ten is crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit. It undergoes a triple maturation process, spending at least ten years in a combination of bourbon barrels, Jamaican rum casks, and toasted virgin oak.
Tasting Note by BenRiach:Nose: Ripe orchard fruit syrup, smoked honey glaze and oak spice.Palate: Smoked applewood, honey maple and spiced pear finishing with lingering fruit and smoked oak.
The Ledaig Triple Wood is an inaugural release, curated in collaboration with Tobermory Distillery's Island Ambassador and the renowned wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, marking a union of three iconic Ledaig single malts. This blend signifies the partnership among Tobermory Distillery, Gordon Buchanan, and the Mull and Iona Community Trust, a charitable associate in a strive to uphold, safeguard, and conserve the island of Mull in the Scottish Hebrides.
This luxurious whisky comprises three classic Ledaig single malts, each meticulously matured in distinct casks — Wine, Bourbon, and Port. These are expertly harmonized by Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez. The outcome is a distinctive, smoky whisky brimming with hints of apple, vanilla, smoky oak, toffee, and a lingering touch of maple syrup.
Tasting Note by Tobermory: Nose: Sweet nose with notes of poached pears dusted with cinnamon, creamy butterscotch and American cream soda.Palate: An initial burst of apple strudel an vanilla ice cream is balanced with cracked black pepper, wood smoke, toasted oak and treacle toffee.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with cloves and a touch of maple syrup.
Smokehead Unfiltered Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a robust and unapologetically bold expression. The initial impression is one of intense, thick smoke, complemented by earthy undertones and hints of stout, ginger, and vanilla.
Tasting Note by Smokehead: Nose: Amongst the intense smoke, there are subtle notes of vanilla and stem ginger.Palate: A blend of oily walnuts, dark chocolate, and black pepper emerges amidst the dense smoke.Finish: The finish is dry, with a presence of medicinal herbs.
Nestled under the Mull of Oa, Ardbeg Distillery endures the Atlantic's harsh elements while enjoying natural shelter. Ardbeg An Oa reflects this rugged environment with its rounded, mellow character, crafted in the Gathering Vat. The blend of Pedro Ximenez, Virgin charred oak, and ex-bourbon casks creates a harmonious whisky with signature peat, dark chocolate, aniseed, and smooth butterscotch.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: Peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice. Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.Finish: Long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.
Benriach The Smoky Twelve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a masterful blend of fruity, malty, oaky, and smoky flavors. Crafted with a combination of unpeated and peated spirit, this whisky undergoes a triple maturation process, spending at least twelve years in a variety of cask types, including bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks.
With a natural cask-imparted color and an ABV of 46%, Benriach The Smoky Twelve promises a delightful and harmonious tasting experience that combines the best elements of fruitiness and smokiness in a well-rounded whisky.
Tasting Note by BenRiach:Nose: Smoked vanilla, charred orange and toasted almond.Palate: Dark chocolate, fruit peel, brown sugar and smoked oak, lingering into a cocoa and orange smoked finish.
A single cask release, aged for 14 years and finished in a Bordeaux wine barrique. Bottled at 60% ABV, it boasts notes of ripe red berries, dark chocolate, and subtle spices, followed by a long, satisfying finish of oak and sweet grapes. With only 261 bottles available, this unique Highland expression is a must-try for whisky lovers.
Tasting Note:Nose: Morello cherries, fresh baked cinnamon rolls, and ginger biscuits.Palate: Jammy red berries, Biscoff cookies, and toasted oak.Finish: Long, chocolate-y, followed by black coffee notes.
A distinguished single cask release, matured for 22 years in a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt from the renowned Fernando De Castilla. Bottled at 53.9% ABV, this Highland single malt offers rich, complex flavours with a sherried profile. With only 683 bottles available, this release is a must-have for whisky enthusiasts
Tasting Notes:Nose: Rich sherry notes, dried fruits, and hints of dark chocolate.Palate: Stewed fruits, raisins, sweet spices, and a touch of oak.Finish: Long and warming with lingering sweetness and a hint of spice.
The third and final release in Rosebank's inaugural global series of legacy whiskies celebrates the revival of the distillery, known as the 'King of the Lowlands'. This edition commemorates the distillery's re-emergence after over 30 years of dormancy, marking a key milestone since its restoration began in 2019. Distilled in the final three years before its closure, this release captures Rosebank's rich, fruity, and floral character. The packaging features a commemorative letter and an NFC tag for authentication, highlighting its significance as Rosebank prepares to welcome the public in 2024.
Tasting Note by Rosebank:Nose: Elegant and balanced, boiled sweeties, pineapple cubes, dried apricot, gentle oak, candied ginger, lemon drizzle, marzipan, hints of white pepper and café latte.Palate: Velvet mouthfeel with good body, hints of malt, thyme, butterscotch, tropical fruits, drying oak and softly warming spice.Finish: Soft and long with lemon, honeyed porridge and toasted walnut.
When the smoky defiance of Islay whisky encounters its Caribbean rum cask counterpart, Smokehead takes on a delightful fusion of robust peatiness and a tantalizingly sweet, spirited Caribbean kick. As the journey unfolds, the delightful interplay of flavors intensifies, with marshmallow sweetness, savory bacon, dried fruits, and the richness of dark wood swirling to the forefront, creating an unforgettable sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
Tasting Note by Smokehead:Nose: Immense smoke and fiery peat, followed by soothing citrus and tropical fruits. Followed with hints of marshmallow and bacon.Palate: Face down a fearlessly rich and peaty punch, thick oils and bracing sea spray, tempered with dried spices, banana and dark wood.Finish: Notes of caramel and cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, add a delicate contrast to the lingering smokiness.
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.
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.
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.
Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE orchestrates a seamless union of individual casks, each having matured in Traditional American and European Oak. This meticulous blending process results in an extraordinarily intricate and harmonious expression, showcasing the artistry and expertise of Single Malt TUN marriages.
The Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages emerges as a whisky of unparalleled character, offering tantalizing hints of The Balvenie's most coveted flavours—robust vanilla oak, crystallized ginger, and lusciously sweet, flowing honey.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Soft autumn fruits, runny honey, crystallised ginger and raw sugar cane. An underlying rich oakiness creates complexity and structure.Palate: The initial bold vanilla oak flavours slowly dissipate to reveal layers of toasted marshmallows, fresh fruit and cinnamon infused apple tart.Finish: Exceptionally long-lasting sweetness
The Aultmore 25 Year Old, standing as the most aged expression within the distillery's core offerings, is deemed the crowning glory of Aultmore. Savouring a sip of this exquisite whisky is indeed a rare indulgence, given its sporadic bottling and exceedingly limited quantities.
Tasting Note by Aultmore:Nose: Sticky toffee pudding with sliced bananas, apples and earthy oak emerges.Palate: More banana, buttered bread, and crumbly fudge. On the middle of the palate, leather and wood are joined by plum, orange, and possibly some pineapple.Finish: Warm, stewed fruit persists on the finish, and an oak spice prickle appears just before it fades away.
The Aberfeldy 25 Year Old Sherry Cask whisky has been meticulously aged for over two decades in a blend of re-fill hogsheads and refill butts. It was then refined for over a year in First-fill Oloroso Sherry casks. These Oloroso casks not only enhance Aberfeldy's innate rich and fruity essence but also introduce a captivating spiced undertone.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Nose: Wild strawberries and ripe peaches, cocoa powder, creamy caramel and warming cinnamon.Palate: Delicate fruit rests on a malty, cereal base.Finish: Hint of vanilla, coffee and a long satisfying finish.
Benriach The Twenty Five Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich and sumptuous expression that offers a masterful curation of flavors. It is crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and undergoes a quadruple maturation process, spending at least twenty-five years in various cask types. These casks include sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, and Madeira Island wine casks.
During its extended maturation, the sweet Speyside smoke character in Benriach's spirit mellows and seamlessly integrates with the fruit, malt, and oak flavors. After twenty-five years, the rich layering of flavors evolves into a profile of caramelised smoke, which is further enhanced through the multi-layered cask maturation process.
With a natural cask-imparted color and an ABV of 46%, Benriach The Twenty Five is a truly sophisticated and complex whisky that reflects the culmination of over two decades of maturation.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Smoked apricot, dark cherry chocolate, hazelnut toffee.Palate: Baked fruit, toasted oak spice, orange and cinnamon spice, finishing with rich caramelised smoke.
Benriach's "The Sixteen" is a Speyside single malt scotch that matures for sixteen years, culminating in a harmonious blend of their classic Speyside essence. It undergoes triple cask aging in bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak, which imparts flavors of stone fruit, velvety malt, natural honey, and oaken spices. It boasts a natural hue from the casks and has an alcohol content of 43%.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Baked apple and creamy hazelnut malt with overtones of ginger-spiced apricot and honey.Palate: Spiced stewed apple, stone fruit and mellow nutty oak, with honeyed malt and candied peel.
Milroy’s Vintage Reserve aims to embody the graceful sophistication of aged distillates. These exceptional releases reflect the timeless whisky traditions of bygone eras. The 27 Year Old Benriach showcased here epitomizes this ethos perfectly. In contrast to many distillery releases, which blend various cask types, this bottling stands out for its straightforward approach. Aged to perfection in a refill hogshead, it harks back to an era when floor maltings were commonplace at the North Speyside distillery, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its history.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Grassy yet dessert-like, poached pears come through first along with coconut, peanut, cashew, rich tea biscuits and a dusting of icing sugar. Palate: It gets a little richer here, with profiteroles, red fruits and caramel wrapped up in a brandy butter texture. Finish: Medium to long, with a rich oakiness.
