Some master what others can't see. Glenfiddich's Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, returns for a second release in the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team partnership — a whisky built the way a race-winning car is built: through relentless refinement, layer by layer.
This 16 Year Old expression is a marriage of whiskies matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and fine wine and fortified wine casks, then finished in sequence across four further cask types — Port pipes, Oloroso sherry casks, wine casks, and a final, delicate rest in Fino Sherry butts. Where last year's Release No. 1 was shaped by American oak wine casks and second-fill bourbon, this new edition adds a fourth layer of cask influence — deeper, richer, and more complex still.
On the nose, rich stewed fruits unfold alongside marzipan and polished leather. On the palate, mellow toffee sweetness meets caramelised cane sugar, balanced by dry oak tannin. The finish is long, oaky, and quietly assured.
Bottled at 43% ABV, this is Glenfiddich at its most awarded — with more accolades since 2000 than any other single malt Scotch whisky across the IWSC and ISC, two of the industry's most prestigious competitions.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Rich stewed fruits with a beautiful array of floral top notes. Hints of marzipan and polished leather. A drop of water accentuates the fresh, ripe fruits.Palate: Mellow and silky smooth with a creamy buttery toffee sweetness. Caramelized cane sugar with a lovely counterbalance of dry oak tannin.Finish: Long lasting oaky sweetness
Every grain of malt in this whisky was turned by hand on The Balvenie's own malting floor.
The distillery has worked that floor since 1931, but it normally supplies only part of the barley Balvenie uses. For this limited edition Twelve Year Old, it supplied all of it. Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie built the whisky around that malt, so the character of the barley sits at the centre of the flavour.
The spirit matured for many years in American oak, which brings vanilla and gentle spice. It was then finished in ex-sherry bodega European oak butts from Jerez for added depth. It is bottled at 47.5%, a stronger bottling that holds on to more of the spirit's character. Try it neat first, then add a drop of water.
It comes in packaging designed by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, in textured copper and verdigris tones inspired by The Balvenie's aged stills.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Warm biscuit, honeyed creamy toffee, delicate ginger and aromatic oak.Palate: Mellow barley sugar sweetness, warming into crystallised ginger, delicate raisin and spice.Finish: Rich, velvety and smooth, with a lingering spiced warmth.
Established in 1898 on the banks of the Pitilie Burn in the Scottish Highlands, Aberfeldy was built by John Dewar and Sons at a site chosen for the exceptional purity of its local water source, a burn celebrated for the traces of gold carried in its waters from the surrounding hills. The 12 Year Old is the accessible entry point into the distillery's core range, matured in handcrafted oak casks combining American oak ex-Bourbon and Sherry influences that work in harmony to develop Aberfeldy's characteristic honeyed richness and luxurious mouthfeel.
Twelve years in wood imparts a natural golden hue, a full-bodied texture and a layered complexity that rewards both the newcomer and the more experienced collector. Its exceptional quality has been recognised with a Platinum Medal and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, alongside a Bronze Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024. Whether served neat, over ice or as the foundation for a premium whisky cocktail, this is a Highland single malt of genuine versatility and consistent quality, and a reliable and well-regarded gift for any occasion.
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.
The Original Cask Strength is Laphroaig in its purest form, delivering the full power of Islay’s land, sea and air. Matured for 10 years in charred American oak barrels, this expression is drawn directly from the cask, barrier-filtered only to remove char particles. It is unchill-filtered and bottled at natural strength, showcasing the distillery’s uncompromising character.
Batch 16 stands as the most powerful release in the Cask Strength family. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, it balances peat smoke and maritime salinity with layers of sweet orchard fruit, vanilla, spice, and the oily richness that defines Laphroaig.
Tasting Notes by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet apples and caramelised pastry, with cereal, tanned leather and vanilla, lifted by Islay peat smoke.Palate: Vanilla and sea salt intermingled with freshly ground black pepper, pork crackling and savoury peat.Finish: Gentle spice, charred oak and smoked mackerel carried on an oily mouthfeel.
The Reserva PX represents one of the most intensely flavoured expressions in the Glencadam range, shaped decisively by the Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts sourced from Andalucía, Spain, in which it receives its final maturation. Produced at Glencadam's historic distillery in Brechin, Angus — in operation since 1825 — this small-batch release draws on single malt selected by the Master Distiller from the distillery's dunnage warehouses, where years of ex-bourbon maturation have laid a rich and fruited foundation for the PX cask to work upon.
Pedro Ximénez is among the most intensely sweet and concentrated of all sherry styles, and its influence here is profound — drawing out dark fruit, baking spice and confected richness that places this expression firmly at the indulgent end of the Glencadam spectrum. The result is a whisky of considerable depth and complexity, bottled unchillfiltered at natural colour. A collection-worthy release and a compelling gift for those who favour richness and character in their single malt. Glencadam Reserva PX Cask Finish was awarded the Best Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2024)!The Judging Panel described the whisky as showing; ‘Perfumed aroma with raspberry and blackcurrant jams and nutmeg. The complex palate features toffee, caramel, stewed apples, dates, nutmeg, and cinnamon.’
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Tangy and fresh with aromas of tropical fruits and citrus bound by a soft vanilla sweetness and baking spices.Palate: Bright and grassy with layers of pineapple, lemon curd and brioche with citrus zest highlights.Finish: Clean and crisp with notes of yellow fruits, vanilla pod and nutmeg spices.
Situated on a 485-acre estate on the banks of the River Spey in Craigellachie, The Macallan is one of Speyside's most distinguished distilleries, with a history stretching back to 1824. The distillery's famously small, curiously shaped stills produce a robust and fruity new make spirit that is ideally suited to long maturation in quality oak, and it is the cask, above all else, that defines The Macallan's house philosophy. Every bottle in the Sherry Oak Collection carries entirely natural colour, a commitment that speaks directly to the integrity of the maturation process and the quality of the casks selected.
The Sherry Oak 12 Year Old is matured for a minimum of twelve years on The Macallan Estate, predominantly in sherry seasoned European oak casks prepared in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. It is widely regarded as the definitive entry point into The Macallan's classic style, offering the full expression of what sherry seasoned European oak imparts to a long-matured Speyside spirit: deep natural colour, dried fruit richness, warming spice and genuine complexity. For those seeking a thoughtful and widely admired gift, or a foundational bottle for a developing collection, the Sherry Oak 12 Year Old consistently delivers.
Tasting Notes by The Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit, candied citrus peel and oak with notes of ginger and nutmeg.Palate: Raisins and sultanas with ginger syrup, a touch of sweet cinnamon spice and a hint of vanilla.Finish: Long with oak and warming ginger.
Established in 1887 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains family-owned across five generations and is widely credited with pioneering the single malt category as we know it today. The distillery's commitment to independence has never wavered, and that same self-reliance extends to every aspect of production, from the copper stills crafted and maintained on site to the patient, unhurried approach to maturation that defines the house style. At eighteen years, the spirit has spent long enough in wood to develop genuine weight and complexity whilst retaining the fresh orchard fruit character that is distinctly Glenfiddich.
The 18 Year Old is married in small batches of no more than 150 individually numbered casks, a process overseen with care to ensure extraordinary consistency across every release. The intense marrying period allows the whiskies from individual casks to fully integrate before bottling, producing a Flagship Collection expression that balances the richness of long maturation with the precision of small batch craft. A reliably distinguished gift and a natural step forward for anyone who has enjoyed the 12 or 15 Year Old expressions.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: A remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit, baked apple and robust oak.Palate: Richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates. Overlaid with elegant oak notes.Finish: Warming, rewarding and distinguished.
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.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish stands out as a remarkable expression. It combines the unforgettable flavours of the classic 10 Year Old Laphroaig with the sweet and complex influence of Oloroso sherry casks. This unique whisky begins with the same traditional process, aging in ex-Bourbon barrels, before it rests in Oloroso sherry casks to gain extra depth and character. Each sherry oak cask is hand-selected to create a truly exceptional single malt.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Sweet and peaty with medicinal notes of Manuka honey, hospital bandages, antiseptic lotion, Germolene, strong cloves aroma but also grilled smoky bacon, a distinctive character of sweet leather, iodine and pine tar.Palate: Sweet and aromatic, with rich wax and furniture polish notes followed by treacle toffee, maple syrup, bitter dark chocolate combined with pencil shavings, pine needle and cedar scented wood.Finish: Finished in European oak Oloroso sherry barrels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This new expression, aged for 16 years, is a testament to the art of whisky-making. The process begins with Glenmorangie whisky aged for 14 years in bourbon casks, chosen specifically for its silky depth and creaminess. It is then further matured for two additional years in a unique combination of sweet white wine casks, enhancing the whisky's richness and adding layers of complexity. This meticulous aging process results in a sumptuous, intricate whisky that captures the essence of luxury and indulgence.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Decadent with notes of baking brioche, baked apricot, vanilla pudding, toasted almond and hints of chocolate truffles.Palate: Rich and sticky with swirls of honeycomb, orange syrup and brioche, balanced by a soft drumbeat of spice and lemon zestiness.Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with some lemon rind, baking break and a touch of honeycomb.
Established in 1887 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains family-owned across five generations and is widely credited with pioneering the single malt category as the world came to know it. The distillery draws its water from the Robbie Dhu spring in the Conval Hills, a source William Grant identified and insisted upon from the very beginning, and that same Highland spring water continues to define the character of every expression produced here today. The high cut point Grant established for the distillation process, which captures only the lightest and most delicate part of the spirit, is the foundation of Glenfiddich's distinctively fresh and fruity house style.
The 12 Year Old is the entry point into the Flagship Collection and one of the most recognised single malts in the world, yet its reputation rests on genuine quality rather than familiarity alone. Twelve years of maturation in a combination of American and European oak casks allows the fresh, fruit-forward character of the new make spirit to develop into something balanced and approachable, with the subtle influence of oak adding depth without ever overwhelming the distillery's signature lightness. An ideal introduction to Speyside single malt and a consistently reliable gift for those new to whisky or returning to a trusted favourite.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced.Palate: Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours.Finish: A long smooth and mellow 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 colour. 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.
Established in 1826 in the sheltered Valley of Forgue in the Scottish Highlands, The GlenDronach Distillery is one of Scotland's most storied and consistently sherry-focused producers. Founded by James Allardice, the distillery has maintained an unwavering commitment to traditional methods for nearly two centuries, producing a characterful, full-bodied spirit that is ideally suited to extended maturation in wood. That continuity of craft and place gives each expression a depth of provenance that rewards both the curious newcomer and the seasoned collector.
The 12 Year Old is matured exclusively in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, each sourced from the bodegas of Andalucía in southern Spain. This dual-cask approach is the cornerstone of GlenDronach's richly sherried house style, coaxing layer upon layer of dried fruit, spice, and oak character from the spirit over the course of twelve years. Presented in elegant packaging, this expression makes a refined and considered gift for anyone with an appreciation for traditionally crafted Highland single malt.
Tasting Note by GlenDronach:Nose: Sherried autumn fruits meld with smooth chocolate praline, gingerbread and sun-dried raisin.Palate: Caramelised bramble, silky orange and sultana envelope the palate with warming spice.
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.
Produced at Glengoyne Distillery on the Highland-Lowland boundary since 1883, this 12 Year Old is built on two defining principles: Scotland's slowest distillation process and the exclusive use of unpeated, air-dried barley. Together they produce a characteristically clean, fruit-forward spirit entirely free of smoke, certified vegan and sustainably produced.
Matured for twelve years in hand-selected sherry casks, the whisky develops richness and depth whilst retaining the distillery's natural openness and approachability. It has earned Gold Medals at the New York International Spirits Challenge 2025, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024, and the International Spirits Challenge 2024, among a broader collection of international accolades.
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.
