The year 2000 was pivotal for Ardbeg, marking the renovation of the distillery and the creation of rare stock by Dr. Bill Lumsden and his team. As a limited series blending modern techniques with old stills, the Vintage Y2K stands out as a smoky anomaly with an unparalleled story.
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:Nose: Herbal, sweet and fragrant, with a subtle, distant perfumed smokiness. Next a quirky, zesty note like lemon balsam emerges, along with a suggestion of linseed oil and candied walnuts. A splash of water and the fragrance intensifies, emitting heather honey, a touch of creosote and the tiniest trace of tent canvas.Palate: The texture is fizzy and effervescing (sherbety), with a real, vibrant effervescence on the tongue. At first the flavour is intensely sweet, then shifts as aniseed, toffee, digestive biscuits, peppermint, menthol, tar and coffee grits burst through.Finish: The sooty/tarry flavours keep building, until they finally dissolve into a long, lingering aftertaste of antiseptic lozenges, bitter oranges and oak tannins.
The Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 is a sophisticated single malt whisky, known for its subtle yet intricate blend of fruit and smoke. It's made from 100% Islay Concerto and Propino barley, heavily peated and distilled in 2014 from the 2013 harvest. Aged for seven years, its maturation involves 84% in first-fill bourbon casks, with the remaining portion split between second-fill Virgin oak and wine casks. This maturation profile creates a unique balance, further characterized by a phenol level of 40 PPM and a robust 50% ABV, culminating in a whisky that is complex, yet quietly harmonious.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Malty digestive biscuits and peat embers open on the nose, followed by sweet vanilla and notes of honey, toffee and Crème Brûlée. As the whisky breathes its fruity character comes to the fore, with lemon rind and peat smoke rising from the glass, moving to grapefruit, ripe melon, peach and crisp red apple. Port Charlotte’s signature maritime note is offset with a touch of wood spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, showcasing the depth and complexity of this single malt.Palate: An initial citrus tang is followed by sweet ripe fruit and gentle peat smoke. A subtle marine character comes through, with this sandy minerality complemented with toasted oak. On a second sip, the balance of fruit and smoke is unmistaken, with a medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon delicately wrapped in charred heather and peat embers. The maturation in American bourbon barrels brings lightly toasted oak notes, with a hint of coconut, creamy marzipan and tobacco.Finish: Soft stoned fruit and toasted oak sweetness leave a beautifully balanced finish, while a subtle, dry barbeque smoke lingers.
Tamdhu Batch Strength No. 7 showcases Tamdhu's steadfast dedication to crafting sherry-matured whisky, boasting a captivating natural copper hue and a complex flavor profile. Every Oloroso sherry cask is meticulously hand-selected, resulting in an exquisite and nuanced flavor with a memorable and gratifying finish that embodies Speyside's essence.
Tasting Note by Tamdhu:Nose: Subtle waft of vanilla sponge, followed by spicy cinnamon and roasted praline.Palate: Pavlova filled with luscious raspberries, caramel apricots with a wave of oak spice, and a zingy lemon punch.Finish: Warm oak spices, baked figs, evident sherry flavours, and freshly peeled clementine.
One of the esteemed "super-premium" selections within Bunnahabhain's core range, this whisky also stands as a formidable champion in the realm of awards. True to the tradition of all their single malts, it remains unaltered by chill filtration and retains its natural color.
Under the profound influence of sherry, their 25 Year Old expression aptly showcases the remarkable maturation capabilities of Bunnahabhain. It exemplifies the intricate spectrum of sweet oaken nuances and nutty notes that can be attained through those additional years of aging in the cask.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Scents of rich sherry, blossoming into sweet caramel and polished leather.Palate: An initial taste of sweet berries and cream that evolves into a feast of roasted nuts and malt.Finish: Soft and dry with a delicate hint of sweet sugar and spiced oak that linger long on the tongue.
Strathearn Batch 02 Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the second release from Strathearn Distillery. It combines spirit matured in ex-Bourbon, Virgin Oak, and ex-Sherry oak casks, with a greater influence from Bourbon casks and less from Virgin Oak compared to the previous release.
Batch 02 is created from a vatting of 31 selected casks, including stock inherited by and produced under Douglas Laing's ownership. Bottled at 50% ABV, the whisky is free from added colouring and chill-filtration.
Tasting Note by Strathearn:Nose: Anticipate a rich, sweet nose with Sherry influence, orange zest, malted barley, and honey.Palate: The full-bodied palate offers dark fruits, spices, toffee, and caramel.Finish: While the long, buttery finish lingers with oak, ginger, and toasted nuts.
Originally set aside to become a 12 year old single barrel, this whisky was found to have developed a subtle smoky flavour upon tasting, due to being distilled immediately after peat week, even though the barley used was unpeated. It matured for 14 years in some of Balvenie's finest bourbon casks.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk.Palate: Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavours from beautifully roasted malt and deep vanilla oakiness.
Aston Martin and Bowmore's Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old, released a year after their first collaboration, is a single malt whisky by Bowmore's Ron Welsh. It blends spirits aged in selected European Oak Oloroso casks and American oak hogsheads, offering notes of peach, honey, tobacco, clove, sea salt, and peat smoke. The 2022 edition is a joint effort with Aston Martin's Marek Reichman.
Tasting Note by Bowmore:Nose: Beginning with sweet and fruity notes of heather honey, vanilla with subtle cherries.Palate: Rich sweet and malty spicy notes of vanilla fudge.Finish: Sweet and woody with notes of liquorice sticks deliver a spicy feel.
Tomintoul 21 Years Old is a testament to the expertise of their Master Distiller, Robert Fleming. With meticulous care, he handpicks the finest American oak ex-bourbon barrels to house and nurture this exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky during its lengthy maturation period.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Ripe and pronounced with aromas of soft nougat, ruby grapefruit, boiled sweets and dried cranberry lifted by a herbal freshness.Palate: A wash of baked apple, honeycomb, orange peels, Danish pastries and Turkish delight bound in white pepper and oak spices. Finish: Fresh and tingly with notes of apple strudel, cedar spice and cinnamon lingering on the tongue.
These casks were part of David Stewart's initial experiment to finish The Balvenie in French Pineau casks. After a few years, the results were not as expected, so he explored using a different source of Pineau, resulting in the creation of French Oak 16. However, this batch continued to age in the original casks and was discovered by Kelsey after 8 years in Pineau. She found they had developed into something remarkable.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Warming amber tones from toasted oak and delicate spice are immersed by smooth butterscotch and hints of ripe berries.Palate: Intriguing layers of spice and rich sweetness layer on creamy vanilla and honey before revealing gentle oaky tannins.
Benriach's Smoke Season Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a special edition that harkens back to the historical roots of the Speyside region. While Speyside is not commonly associated with heavily peated or smoky whiskies, records from the 19th century indicate that such styles were once a part of the region's distilling tradition.
This special edition whisky is crafted to celebrate the time of year when peated spirit runs through Benriach's stills, a tradition that was revived by the distillery over 50 years ago. Smoke Season is a small-batch release that showcases one of Benriach's time-honored production techniques.
What sets this whisky apart is its intense smokiness, balanced with exquisite sweetness. It undergoes a two-cask maturation process, aging in both American virgin oak and bourbon barrels. These wood types are intentionally chosen to enhance and amplify the toasted sweet notes present in Benriach's smoky spirit.
Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie has fine-tuned a new recipe for this expression, making it the most intensely smoked whisky ever released by the Benriach distillery. It's a unique and bold addition to the distillery's range, celebrating the rich history and craftsmanship of Speyside whisky-making.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Caramel smoke, oak spice, citrus peel.Palate: Smoked dark vanilla, seared apple, and cinnamon with lingering charred orange into a sweet and smoky finish.
The winter expression, matured in 100% ex-Islay barrels. The extra year of ageing and use of peated casks produces Lochlea’s smokiest whisky to date.
Tasting Notes by Lochlea:Nose: Fresh green apple, sweet toffee and Lochlea cereal notesPalate: Fresh fruit leading to savoury smoke and malted biscuitsFinish: Coastal notes of sea salt with a long lingering hint of peat
A vibrant and expressive Speyside single malt, matured in ex bourbon American oak barrels before being finished in hand selected White Port barriques from Portugal. This finishing brings bright fruit character, gentle sweetness, and added depth to Tomintoul’s smooth and approachable style.
Tasting Note by Tomintoul:Nose: Tangy stone fruits and lychees mingled with lemon drizzle cake, vanilla pod, and ginger biscuits.Palate: Layers of apricot Danish, poached pears, and tarte Tatin bound with black coffee, buttery malt, and baking spices.Finish: Sweet and warming with notes of Swiss roll and strawberry trifle fading into mocha and toasted nuts.
In collaboration with leading bartenders, Glenmorangie introduces its first whisky crafted specifically for mixing. Boasting delightful notes of pear, vanilla, orange, and fudge, this expression is ideally suited for crafting long drinks when combined with your preferred mixer. It offers a versatile and flavorful addition to your mixing repertoire, designed to elevate your cocktail creations.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Lusciously freewheeling, with succulent scents of pear and vanilla, honeysuckle and oranges.Palate: A delicious extravaganza of flavour, from swirls of orange sherbet to bursts of creme brûlée, drizzled with chocolate fudge.Finish: Long, wonderfully rich and sweet.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask pays homage to an old whisky transportation tradition involving smaller quarter casks. These diminutive barrels enhance the whisky's flavor by increasing contact with the wood, augmenting the characteristics of spirits initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels. The result is a delightful interplay of coconut, banana, and vanilla notes complementing Laphroaig's signature heavy peat flavor. The whisky culminates in a lengthy, sweet, and smoky finish. To preserve the character developed in these small but impactful barrels, this quarter cask whisky undergoes barrier filtration.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Burning embers of peat in a crofter's fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas.Palate: Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness.Finish: Really long, and dries appropriately with smoke and spice.
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.
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.
Established in 1824 on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside, The Macallan has long defined its house style through an unwavering commitment to exceptional oak cask selection. The distillery's Master of Wood sources, crafts, toasts and seasons each cask to precise specifications before filling, ensuring the wood imparts the full measure of its character to the maturing spirit.
The Sherry Oak 18 Year Old 2024 Release is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. Eighteen years of undisturbed maturation in this single cask type produces the deep, natural mahogany colour and layered complexity for which this expression is celebrated annually. Each year's release marks a distinct moment in The Macallan's Sherry Oak Collection, making the 2024 edition a worthy addition to any serious collection and an exceptional gift for those with a discerning palate.
Tasting Note by The Macallan:Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange and ground cinnamon.Palate: Soft and rich, with flavours of dark chocolate coated ginger with dates and dried apricots, balanced with oak and the sweetness of vanilla.Finish: Lingering with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
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.
This superb single malt hails from the Glenfarclas distillery, having spent a remarkable 30 years maturing to perfection. This extended aging process has yielded a whisky with a fantastically full-bodied and immensely satisfying Sherry-influenced flavor profile, making it an all-around awesome and exceptional expression.
Tasting Note by Glenfarclas:Nose: Full of complex aromas with fruit and sherried malty tones.Palate: With Sherry, cognac, brandy, fruit, nuts, marzipan (and even icing), this is a wonderfully indulgent Christmas cake, in a glass!Finish: A whisky you never want to end and it very nearly doesn’t. The finish is exquisite with a real taste of brunt chocolate at the back of your mouth.
Matured for a minimum of 25 years, Glencadam 25 Years Old undergoes exclusive aging in meticulously selected American oak ex-bourbon casks, carefully curated from Glencadam's historic dunnage warehouses.
This distinguished whisky embodies elegance, intricacy, and a flawless balance, featuring captivating notes of apricot, peaches, and sweet spices. Each bottle of Glencadam 25 Years Old is distinguished by its individual numbering and is bottled at a robust 46% alcohol by volume. It proudly retains its natural color and refrains from undergoing chill filtration, allowing the whisky's complete character to shine through a testament to their unwavering commitment to authenticity and excellence.
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Bright and aromatic with notes of stone fruits, apple blossom, acacia honey and sweet cake spices.Palate: Tangy pear and peach fruit notes mingled with brittle toffee, toasted hazelnut and Danish pastry cushioned with peppery spices.Finish: Warming and toasty with layers of oat biscuits, lemon curd, greengage and citrus zest leaving a fruity and herbal linger.
This Ben Nevis 10-Year-Old 2012 release, curated by Milroy's, is a distinctive single malt whisky aged in a first-fill French oak Oloroso sherry hogshead, after being transferred from a refill hogshead for an enhanced maturation process. Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2020, it boasts a robust 57.1% ABV. From cask number 1728, this particular batch yielded a limited run of only 278 bottles.
Tasting Note by Milroy's:Nose: Dried figs and crystalised ginger are balanced by Scottish tablet and classic European Oak spice and dunnage warehouse funk.Palate: Full bodied, with wildflower honey and toffee-apples giving sweetness while more complex savoury notes of Porcini mushrooms and Parma ham give a nod to more farmyard-style Ben Nevis’ from previous decades.Finish: Brandy snaps and a hint of hessian bags/rancio give depth and maturity.
The opening release in a new series honouring the people behind Laphroaig’s history. Chapter 1 pays tribute to Donald Johnston, the elder of two brothers who founded the distillery in 1815. His influence on the style and legacy of Laphroaig is reflected in this inaugural bottling, presented alongside striking illustrations by British artist Bill Bragg.
This whisky spent 33 years maturing in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak sherry-seasoned hogsheads. Bottled at fixed strength, it captures the depth of its long rest in the warehouse, offering a profile shaped by time and tradition.
Tasting Note by Laphroaig:Nose: Starting with stewed fruit and smooth vanilla créme brûlée.Palate: Our iconic smoky finish sets the scene for savoury aromas of cured meat.Finish: Sherry casks bring warm festive spice.
Founded in 1897 beside the River Spey and revived in 2012 by Ian Macleod Distillers, Tamdhu has maintained an unwavering commitment to 100% Oloroso sherry cask maturation across its entire range. The 21 Year Old is the oldest expression in the core collection, matured in a combination of first-fill and refill American and European oak Oloroso sherry casks sourced directly from Jerez, Spain, where over two decades the Speyside spirit develops a balance of sweetness, dryness and deep sherry oak richness that defines this limited release.
Bottled at 47.5% ABV without chill-filtration and at natural colour, the 21 Year Old was awarded Whisky of the Year, Gold Winner in the Over £100 category, and Distillery Bottling of the Year 2025 at the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Grand Final, a remarkable sweep that confirms its standing as one of the most accomplished long-aged sherried single malts available today. Presented in a premium gift box, it is an exceptional choice for collectors and a fitting centrepiece for any serious whisky occasion.
Tasting Notes by Tamdhu:Nose: Wisps of sherried oak with chocolate, sultanas and warm cinnamon porridge.Palate: Christmas cake of plump raisins, candied orange and gentle oak.Finish: Endless waves of oak and spice finally give way to sweet fruit.
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.
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.
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.
Ardmore 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Old Particular range is a limited edition, distilled in January 2012 and bottled in December 2022. Matured in an ex-Laphroaig barrel (Ref: DL16980), it is uncoloured and non-chill filtered, with an alcohol strength of 48.4%. Only 348 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes by Douglas Laing & Co:Nose: Fruity / hard candy in style then comes bonfire smoke and heavily charred wood.Palate: Oily and thick with soot and ash alongside crispy bacon and peated barley.Finish: Lingers long with puffs of smoke, a hint of allspice and cured meat. (CSL)
An elegant Highland single malt matured exclusively in premium quality American oak ex bourbon casks. Glencadam 18 Years Old showcases the distillery’s refined house style, delivering layers of fruit, gentle spice, and a beautifully smooth, warming finish. Bottled at a higher strength, unchillfiltered, and with natural colour, this is a whisky of balance, depth, and maturity.
Tasting Note by Glencadam:Nose: Elegant aromas of fresh stone fruits, pear blossom, dried pineapple, and panna cotta with hints of baking spices.Palate: Creamy layers of baked peach, rice pudding, lemon curd, and crème caramel mingled with cosy nutmeg and cinnamon.Finish: Poached pears, ginger biscuits, and apricot Danish fading into a sweet, warming spice linger.
Old Pulteney 15 Year Old is one of the distillery’s most balanced expressions, capturing both richness and the freshness of coastal influence. Matured for 15 years, this single malt combines depth, sweetness and spice with lighter maritime tones, creating a whisky that is both vibrant and refined. Its character reflects the meeting point between the Highland spirit and the sea breeze that defines Wick’s maritime heritage.
Tasting Notes by Old Pulteney:Nose: Intense yet balanced. Bursting with rich dried fruit, ripe apples and citrus, with honey sweetness and creamy vanilla. Slightly chocolaty and floral in the background.Palate: Fragrant spices and Christmas cake with layers of chocolate and distinct dark toffee sweetness. A hint of salty sea air on the finish, connecting this single malt to its coastal home.
Matured for 18 years, Old Pulteney 18 Year Old is a refined Highland single malt that captures the essence of maritime influence and cask-driven richness. This expression is matured in both ex-bourbon and Spanish oak casks, giving it an indulgent character defined by chocolate, spice and vibrant bursts of citrus. Deeply warming and complex, it is a true testament to the distillery’s craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes by Old Pulteney:Nose: Intense and warming. Indulgent chocolate and creamy vanilla with rich honey sweetness balanced by vibrant spices. Hints of flowery fruitiness yield to crisp bursts of citrus and apple.Palate: Chocolatey indulgence layered with honeyed spices and Christmas cake. Floral notes add finesse, while zesty hints of citrus and green apple enliven a lovely long finish.
