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.
Celebrate the distinctive character of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt with this limited 15 year old edition, commemorating the distillery's sponsorship of Cheltenham racecourse. Limited to 3,000 bottles, this special release is presented in clear glass, allowing Glenfarclas's natural colour to shine through—a notable departure from the customary dark glass used for their 15 year old bottling, rendering it an extraordinary collectible.
Tasting Note by Glenfarclas:Nose: Complex, sherried, deliciously peated, light butterscotch aromas, with a hint of dried fruit.Palate: Full bodied with a superb balance of sherried sweetness, malty tones and peaty flavours.Finish: Long lasting, gloriously sherried, sweet, gently smoky, and distinguished.
Fino, known for its light appearance and subtle flavour profile, represents the driest type of Sherry. It requires at least two years of biological ageing beneath a 'flor', a yeast layer that prevents oxidation. The maturation in ex-Fino hogshead casks results in a single malt rich with flavours of stewed pear, sugared almonds, and vanilla custard. The Wood Collection is introduced at a robust 48% ABV, in its natural colour and without chill filtration, showcasing the distinct character of each spirit.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Soft orchard fruits, cinnamon and heather honey, with butterscotch, hazelnuts and dark tobacco.Palate:Dried apricots, honeycomb and butterscotch, followed by baking spices, marzipan and caramel, with orchard fruits and citrus on the finish.
Starting as a Fino, Amontillado Sherry experiences further maturation without the 'flor' layer, resulting in a deeper hue and enhanced characteristics through oxidative aging. Matured in hogsheads that housed this aged Sherry, the resulting single malt features rich flavors of dark cherries, toasted hazelnuts, and caramel. The Wood Collection is introduced at 48% ABV, with its natural colour and without chill filtering, highlighting the distinctiveness of each spirit.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Soft orchard fruits, cinnamon and heather honey, with butterscotch, hazelnuts and dark tobacco.Palate: Honeycomb, maraschino cherries and dried apricots, followed by poached pears, blood orange, mixed nuts and cinnamon.
With just 311 bottles being bottled in the new 2024 rebranding, the GlenAllachie 2010 13 Year Old Madeira Hogshead is a UK exclusive, meticulously selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Bottled at cask strength, its intense character is a testament to its aging process, enriched by the unique nuances of Madeira wood.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Brandy butter, honeycomb, orchard fruits and butterscotch, with hints of orange blossom, hazelnut and caramelised brown sugar.Palate: Heather honey, orange peel and burnt caramel, followed by waves of cinnamon, butterscotch and stewed orchard fruits, with a nutty bouquet on the finish.
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.
Tamnavulin is no stranger to red wine cask finishes, yet this Speyside distillery presents a novel approach by maturing this single malt in casks that previously contained German pinot noir. This process infuses the whisky with abundant red fruit flavours and dry spices, making it an excellent pairing for a meal.Tasting Note:Nose: Subtle aromas of tarte cherries, baked apple pie, earthy cinnamon, and orange. Palate: Ginger spice, vanilla, black pepper and berry coulis, followed by fresh oak.Finish: A long finish of dry baking spices and forest fruits.
Tamnavulin Double Cask is a single malt whisky crafted in the heart of Speyside, renowned as Scotland's most celebrated whisky-producing region. This exceptional whisky undergoes maturation in American oak barrels, resulting in a sweet and mellow taste that is beautifully complemented by a rich and velvety sherry cask finish.
Tasting Note:Nose: Rich, warm aromas of marmalade, slow cooked berries, with subtle nuts and toffee.Palate: A blend of damson jam, flaked almonds, liquorice, and cinnamon, with a subtle touch of floral. Finish: Sweet caramel, subtly spicy ginger, strawberry, caramel, and dates.
The fourth release in the Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition series, this Speyside single malt Scotch whisky begins its maturation in American oak. It is then finished in barrels that once housed robust, full-bodied American cabernet sauvignon, resulting in a whisky rich in red fruit flavors and pronounced oak character.
Tasting Note:Nose: Black Forest gateaux, with hints of sweet vanilla, and toasted oak.Palate: Fresh berries, fig, and smooth caramel.Finish: Peppery allspice and jammy forest fruits.
The Tomintoul 15 Years Old Madeira Cask Finish, distilled in 2008, initially matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks before undergoing a special finishing process in Madeira wine casks personally selected by Master Distiller Robert Fleming from Portugal's Madeira Islands. These Madeira wine casks have flawlessly complemented the Tomintoul Single Malt, infusing it with rich fruit flavours that enhance the whisky's character and complexity. Bottled at 46% abv, it maintains its natural colour and avoids chill filtration. This release is limited to only 6,654 individually numbered bottles.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Sweet butterscotch, maple syrup and brambles, cushioned with ground coffee and dark chocolate.Palate: Juicy layers of chocolate covered raisins, stewed plums, candied peels and tiramisu married with liquorice, treacle toffees and peppery oak spices.Finish: Toasted nuts, espresso coffee and cacao highlighted with dark fruits, fennel and ginger spices.
The Tomintoul 14 Years Old Cognac Cask Finish, distilled in 2009, began its maturation journey in ex-bourbon American oak casks before receiving a special finish in carefully selected Cognac casks personally sourced by Master Distiller Robert Fleming from France. These Cognac casks have seamlessly enhanced the Tomintoul Single Malt with rich fruit flavours, elevating the whisky's character and complexity. Bottled at a robust 46% abv, it retains its natural colour and avoids chill filtration. This release is limited, with only 8,082 bottles, each uniquely numbered.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Sweet aromas of almond flan, baked apricots, vanilla and cedarwood mingled with dark chocolate and pink peppercorn.Palate: Complex layers of ginger biscuits, sandalwood, muscovado sugar and white chocolate with hints of dark berry fruits, greengage and baking spices.Finish: Warming spices and toasted oak tailing off into a vanilla custard, milk chocolate and roast chestnut linger.
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old is a meticulously crafted single malt whisky that achieves perfect balance through its 18 year maturation in a combination of American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. The influence of sherry seasoned American oak imparts delicate vanilla notes, while the subtle spice from European oak contributes to the whisky's sweeter and warmer character. It's a harmonious expression of The Macallan's dedication to creating exceptional whisky.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Dried fruit, ginger and toffee. Rich orange with hints of clove and nutmeg.Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger, balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger, turning to sweet orange.
The Harmony Collection Amber Meadow, the third installment in the Harmony Collection, is a collaboration between The Macallan and Stella and Mary McCartney. This edition pays tribute to Scotland's rich, verdant landscapes, a shared legacy of generations past. Emphasizing sustainability, it uses recycled natural materials for its packaging. The design is enhanced by Mary McCartney's photography of The Macallan Estate, featured on the presentation box and bottle labels, reinvigorating discarded meadow cuttings for a new purpose.
Tasting Note by Macallan:Nose: Rich orange and lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields.Palate: Rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond and green tea.Finish: Rich, sweet, long and complex.
Craigellachie offers a rare expression with pronounced biscuity sweetness and a standout pineapple note, distinguishing it from its 17-year-old sibling. This coveted bottle undergoes dual maturation: starting in mixed casks, then divided between first-fill sherry and bourbon casks. This process amplifies its signature character, epitomizing 'The Rock of Speyside'.
Tasting Note by Craigellachie:Intense aroma of pineapple chunks in syrup, spicy, rich and complex, fortified with an intriguing sulphury backbone. To the taste this 19 year old Craigellachie delivers a sweet biscuity base, with a hint of smoke.
A unique small batch bottling by handpicking Tomintoul whiskies matured in premium ex-bourbon American oak barrels. These whiskies are then blended and refined in carefully chosen Tawny Port barriques from Portugal. This meticulous 'finishing' technique results in a single malt scotch whisky of remarkable richness, depth, and complexity.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Indulgent berry fruits, bramble jam and dark chocolate cushioned with nutmeg and cherry liqueur.Palate: A wash of blackcurrants, blueberries and Black Forest gateau bound with cosy oak spices and mocha coffee.Finish: Maraschino cherries and thick cut marmalade fading into a clove and cinnamon linger.
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.
Part of the GlenAllachie Wine Series, this 10 year old Speyside malt undergoes initial aging in American oak before a nuanced maturation in Grattamacco wine barriques, handpicked by Master Distiller Billy Walker. From Tuscany's esteemed Bolgheri area, the Grattamacco Estate's barriques enrich the whisky with blackcurrant and sweet tannins, reflecting the elegance of the region's red wine. Presented at 48% and limited to 2,600 cases, this non-chill filtered malt marries honeyed sophistication with a balanced finish, unaltered by added colors.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Bursting with dark chocolate, butterscotch and heather honey, with notes of blackcurrant, caramelised brown sugar and cinnamon spice. Palate: Waves of ripe red berries, grapefruit and toasted honeycomb, followed by butterscotch, sugared fruit and black truffle.
Part of the GlenAllachie Wine Series, this 9 year old Speyside malt initially aged in American oak and then refined in Douro Valley wine barriques, handpicked by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Hailing from Portugal's esteemed and ancient Douro Valley wine region, these barriques introduce rich hues and flavors of dried stone fruits and subtle spices. This 48% malt, limited to 2,000 cases, is non-chill filtered and boasts natural colors, ensuring a pure and nuanced tasting experience.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Waves of plum jam, clementines and dried red berries, with notes of heather honey and vanilla spice. Palate: Bursting with dried apricots, heather honey and crystalised fruits, followed by hints of ripe black fruits, butterscotch and cinnamon spice.
Part of the GlenAllachie Wine Series, this 11 year old Speyside malt is matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels, then refined for over two years in wine barriques from Premier Cru Classé chateaux in Bordeaux, handpicked by Master Distiller Billy Walker. This process, influenced by the oak's history with specific grape varieties and winery terroirs, imparts unique complexities and deep flavors like black cherry and espresso. This 11 year old GlenAllachie malt, bottled at 48% and limited to 1,800 cases, is a non-chill filtered Speyside treasure without added colouring, offering a rich and intricate drinking experience.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Waves of butterscotch, blackcurrant and heather honey, with hints of minerality, poached orchard fruits and orange zest. Palate: Layers of honeycomb, black fruits and dark chocolate, followed by coffee, truffle and cinnamon, with crème de cassis and ginger on the finish.
The GlenAllachie 8 Year Old is a welcome addition to GlenAllachie's renowned core range, highlighting Master Distiller Billy Walker's prowess. Utilising premium casks such as Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry puncheons, Virgin Oak, and red wine barriques, he's crafted this outstanding single malt. This bronze-toned whisky, bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and with its natural colour, underscores its sherry-aged refinement.
Tasting Note by GlenAllachie:Nose: Heather honey, butterscotch and cinnamon, followed by waves of ginger, toasted almonds and mocha.Palate: Lashings of treacle, dried sultanas and butterscotch, with cinnamon, peppermint and honeycomb.
Benromach Triple Distilled, a limited release, is distinguished by its three distillation processes: once in the wash still and twice in the spirit still. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, it boasts a 46% alcohol content, emphasizing its unique character.
Tasting Note by Benromach:Delicate and sweet notes with ripe tropical fruits, malt biscuit and vanilla, leading to banana, green apple and subtle smoke.
The "CONTRASTS: AIR DRIED OAK" is a limited-edition release with a 46% alcohol content, matured uniquely in air-dried Virgin American Oak casks, lending it a distinctive character.
Tasting Note by Benromach:Sweet vanilla fudge aromas with toasted cereal and citrus blossom. Smooth yet peppery notes follow, with vanilla, fresh peppermint and oak flavours. Subtle smoke lingers on the finish.
The limited-edition "CONTRASTS: KILN DRIED OAK" boasts a 46% alcohol content and is uniquely matured in kiln-dried Virgin American Oak casks, giving it a distinct character.
Tasting Note by Benromach:Sweet malted biscuit aromas with lemon and apple. Creamy and fruity flavours are followed by barley sugar and mixed tropical fruit. Subtle smoke and menthol on the finish.
Craigellachie 23 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky embodies a bold, old-fashioned style, offering a robust and muscular profile. Distinct Speyside sweetness is complemented by fresh tropical notes, citrus, and toasted oak. Vanilla and spicy cinnamon develop alongside a unique zing of menthol and smoky pineapple over a campfire. This whisky is matured in a combination of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks, which contribute layers of richness and complexity. Non-chill filtered and free of added caramel coloring, it is bottled at 46% ABV, showcasing its unapologetically distinct character.
Tasting Note by Craigellachie:Vanilla, toffee and fudge notes, robust and muscular in flavour with a hint of pineapple.
This single malt offers strong aromas of sweet spices and toasted nuts that join the peat smoke. It is aged in premium Chinquapin virgin oak barrels originating from the Northern Ozark region of Missouri, USA. The mainland St. Fergus peat that was utilised to kiln the grain gives the 35 PPM whisky a sweeter kind of smoke character. The whisky has a rich flavour after a drawn-out 160-hour fermentation process that holds up well to maturation in virgin wood casks.
Tasting Note by Meikle Toir:Nose: Aromas of smouldering oak embers, burnt liquorice and honeycomb, with wild heather, ginger, butterscotch and orange peel.Palate: Dark chocolate, creme brulee and toasted almonds, leading to cinnamon, brittle toffee, aniseed and lingering campfire smoke.
The casks were expertly aged in premium Pedro Ximénez & Oloroso Sherry puncheons, which added rich, fruity undertones that blend seamlessly with comforting peat smoke using mainland materials.The sweet phenolic concentration of the whisky is 35 PPM and comes from St. Fergus peat a prolonged. A 160-hour fermentation process yields a fruit-forward spirit that is ideal for maturing in highest quality Sherry oak.
Tasting Note by Meikle Toir:Nose: Cedarwood and cigar box, alongside butterscotch, mocha and orange peel, with hints of honey and plum jam.Palate: Rich dark chocolate, smoked honey and mocha, followed by fig syrup, treacle and burnt sugar, with puffs of peat smoke on the finish.
Their traditional single malt, "The Original," is the real champion of Meikle Toir's peated endeavour. Made using St. Fergus mainland peat, the flavour contribution is sweeter than what one might expect from coastal peat. The whisky offers a flavor-rich, complex character thanks to its lengthy fermentation period of 160 hours, which is almost quadruple the industry average. The spirit checks in at 35 PPM and has been aged in first-fill Bourbon barrels, American virgin oak casks, and Rye barrels.
Tasting Note by Meikle Toir:Nose: Baking spices, burnt honey and roasted coffee beans, leading to hazelnuts, smokedalmonds and butterscotch.Palate: Wisps of sweet peat, with rich chocolate and heather honey, followed bycinnamon, ginger and oak-smoked sugar.
The Balvenie Stories 19 Year Old Revelation of Cask & Character celebrates the craft of coopering, using the finest oak barrels from Speyside and Jerez. Overseen by Head Cooper Ian McDonald, this whisky is part of the limited edition Stories Collection, reflecting Balvenie’s rich 125-year history. Aged in European oak oloroso sherry casks, it embodies the dedication and expertise that define Balvenie, with a long-lasting finish that is characteristic of their single malts.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Intense ripe fruits and caramelised orange peel reveal beautifully toasted oak and milled barley.Palate: Bold and balanced, flavours of currants, cherries and raisins give way to chewy fig, rich cacao and a creamy nutty finish.Finish: Long and lingering.
The Glentauchers 12-Year-Old 2010, selected by Milroy's, is a single malt that was initially matured in a refill hogshead before being reracked into a first-fill Manzanilla hogshead for further aging. This whisky, distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2022, has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 56.3%. This particular expression was limited to just 251 bottles, making it a rare and collectible release.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Clean, poised and citrusy with buttery baked apples with demerara sugar.Palate: Distinctly waxy with sharp fresh ginger, fresh malt, lemon drizzle cake and salted caramel crunch.Finish: Distinctly Palo-Cortado – dry but with hints of figs and burnt butterscotch.
The initial release of Old Ballantruan with a specified age statement, aged for a decade. This unique whisky is produced at the Tomintoul distillery, employing heavily peated barley, and it is presented at a robust 50% ABV.
Tasting Note by Old Ballantruan:Nose: Gentle waft of "peat reek", smoked campfires and subtle citrus fruit notes.Palate: A mellow, dry peat with hints of lemon cheesecake, cocoa and shortbread.Finish: Lingering smoke and peat with a light pepper kick.
Old Ballantruan 15 Years Old is a peat-rich, exceptionally smooth Speyside peated single malt, aged entirely in American oak ex-bourbon casks. This distinguished single malt delivers a blend of warm spice flavors and a sweet, enduringly spicy finish.
Tasting Note by Old Ballantruan:Nose: Smoky and intense with aromas of grilled meats, bell pepper and green banana with hints of eucalyptus and maple sweetness.Palate: Layers of grilled fennel, Pak Choi and cured meats mingled with rich fruit cake, liquorice, black olives and cinnamon sticks.Finish: Warming and long with layers of marzipan, prosciutto and pistachio fading into a sweet, smoky, aniseed linger.
Old Ballantruan is a distinguished Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, representing one of the rare peated malt offerings hailing from the Speyside region. This whisky has been meticulously matured over numerous years in carefully selected oak barrels. It's presented at a robust 50% volume and remains unaltered by chill-filtration, preserving its rich and layered peated character.
Tasting Note by Old Ballantruan:Nose: Heathery smoke balanced with subtle floral notes.Palate: Gentle "peat reek" flavours with hints of citrus tones and malty nuttiness.Finish: Lingering smoke and peat with touch of malted barley sweetness.
Tomintoul 25 Years Old is a masterful creation by their esteemed Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, who has meticulously curated the very finest casks of Tomintoul for this exceptional expression. This beautifully balanced and complex single malt has been nurtured in the finest bourbon barrels, resulting in a bold, rich, and fruit-forward whisky with an enduring, lingering finish. Its outstanding quality was duly recognised when it received the accolade of Best Scotch Whisky at The Global Spirits Masters in 2020, reaffirming its status as an exceptional single malt.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Bold and rich with aromas of treacle toffees, oat biscuit and sultana highlighted with hints of muscovado sugar and toasted oak. Palate: Sweet and complex with layers of salted caramel, rolling tobacco, caramelised nuts and maple syrup bound with oaky spices and stone fruit highlights.Finish: Warming and long with notes of coffee cake, creme caramel and brunt sugar.
Tomintoul's 17 Years Old Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish, distilled in 2005, embarks on its aging journey within American ex-bourbon oak casks before undergoing a transformative finishing period. The finishing touch involves the choicest Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts sourced from Fernando de Castilla in Andalucía, Spain. This meticulous process marries the rich heritage of Sherry with Tomintoul Single Malt, resulting in a whisky of exceptional character and depth.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul: Nose: Cinnamon, candied citrus peel, raisins, and a fruity, spicy flavour.Palate: Rich fruitcake flavour, together with toasty spices, a little sweetness, and a hint of roasted hazelnuts.Finish: Dryness and winter spices.
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.
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.
Matured entirely in Oloroso sherry casks, this whisky is a perfect choice for after-dinner indulgence. Its rich and full-bodied character makes it akin to a dessert in itself, and its lingering finish seems to go on forever.
Tasting Note by Glenfarclas:Nose: Complex, yet refined, with tempting aromas of marmalade, honey freshly ground coffee, sherry and nuts. Some oaky tannins.Palate: Full - bodied and robust, the sherry and the oak fight for your attention yet neither overpowering.Finish: Intense, long lasting, dry and malty. A beautiful dark chocolate taste at the back of your mouth to complete the 25 year old.
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.
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.
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.