Part of A Collection of Curious Casks within The Balvenie Stories Range, this limited edition was hand-selected by Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie. It is matured for 12 years in European oak butts seasoned with a sweet dessert wine from Montilla, Spain, a cask style never before released by The Balvenie.
The Montilla wine cask accentuates The Balvenie’s signature honeyed richness with a balance of candied sweetness, vanilla oakiness, warming spice, and delicate fruit. Each bottle is drawn from a single cask and carries its individual cask number, representing both innovation and the continuation of traditional craftsmanship at the Dufftown distillery.
Tasting Notes by The Balvenie:Nose: Delicate, crisp and refined with vibrant barley sugar and runny honey balanced by toasted oak.Palate: Initial candied sweetness developing into rich vanilla oakiness with warming spice and dried apricots.Finish: Refreshing sweetness.
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 Macallan A Night on Earth: The First Light is the fourth release in the celebrated series, marking the arrival of the first dawn of the New Year in New Zealand, one of the first places in the world to welcome the sunrise. This expression captures the warmth and optimism of new beginnings, with flavours inspired by Manuka honey and the joy of shared celebration.
A collaboration between The Macallan and New Zealand-based artist Lauren O’Hara, the presentation features layered artwork symbolising the start of a new day. Red evokes the glow of beach bonfires, blue represents fireworks over the ocean and amber reflects the first rays of sunlight breaking over the horizon.
Tasting Notes by The Macallan:Nose: Caramel hints of fired icing sugar suggesting pavlova and coconut, with subtle Manuka honey notes.Palate: Rich caramel with mellow baking spices, vanilla ice cream, pavlova, stone fruits and a touch of coconut and Manuka honey.Finish: Sweet and fruity with mellow spice and toasted oak.
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.
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.This set includes a limited edition Glenfiddich branded hip flask, making it an excellent choice for gifting or enjoying a touch of luxury on the go.
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.
Meticulously matured in Spanish Oloroso and American oak casks, the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is renowned for its depth and robust flavour. Layers of dried fruit, toffee and oak combine harmoniously with a touch of spice, providing a luxurious drinking experience. The finish is warm, rich and lingering, with a distinctively soft, dry finish. Housed in a limited edition, nature-inspired design, this bottle is the perfect reflection of craftsmanship, making it an ideal gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
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.
This exclusive 16 Year Old single malt celebrates Glenfiddich’s partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. The release reflects the shared values of precision, innovation, and craftsmanship between the two brands.
The whisky is matured and married in American oak casks, crafted from a combination of American oak wine casks, new American barrels and second-fill bourbon casks. The result is a complex balance of layered sweetness and refined structure, bringing together indulgent richness with a bold yet smooth finish
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Rich and beautifully sweet, with biscuity cheesecake base, maple syrup, caramelised ginger, and subtle toasted oak notes.Palate: Indulgent, confectionary sweet with a silky, syrupy mouthfeel. Fresh fruit salad and Chantilly cream.Finish: Super smooth with a sustained sweetness.
The Aberfeldy 16 Year Old is a luxurious expression, brimming with copious amounts of honey, fruitcake, and dark chocolate. This lavish blend offers a deeply satisfying, rich finish that lingers on the palate. Initially matured in a combination of first-fill, re-fill, and re-char Bourbon casks, it receives a final touch of elegance with a six-month finishing period in premium first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks, adding layers of depth and complexity.Each bottle of this exceptional single malt comes with a complimentary Aberfeldy Whisky Fudge.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Sherried and full like fruitcake, with dabs of rich dark choclate and a soothingly rich, mouth-coating finish.
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.
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.
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.
The Glencadam Reserva PX Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted in limited batches by the Master Distiller, using meticulously chosen malt aged in premium American oak ex-bourbon casks from their age-old dunnage warehouses. This malt is then expertly blended and refined in hand-picked Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts from Andalucía, Spain. It's bottled at natural colour, 46% ABV and without undergoing chill filtration. 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.
Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Single Malt is matured in American oak and finished in the finest Palo Cortado sherry casks, it attains a rich and opulent flavour profile, embodying the essence of Royal Brackla's heritage and commitment to quality.
Tasting Note by Royal Brackla:Rich spices, creamy vanilla, big, succulent soft fruits and cocoa powder, brightened with a zing of citrus.
Ode to the Dark is the richest expression in The Glendronach's Master’s Anthology, matured in exceptional Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and bottled at high strength. This bold single malt embodies depth and indulgence, blending layers of richness with The Glendronach’s renowned expertise in sherry cask maturation.
Tasting Note by GlenDronach:Nose: A symphony of mocha, black cherry and dark chocolate precede créme brûlée with raisin, brown sugar and ginger.Palate: Velvet layers of smooth espresso and crème caramel fold into black grape and mint chocolate ganache.
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.
The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is crafted using a pioneering solera system that marries whiskies matured in sherry, bourbon and new oak casks. This combination creates an exquisitely complex whisky, characterised by its full-bodied richness and warming flavours of dark fruit, rich sherry and cinnamon. Finished with a lingering sweet oak note, the Glenfiddich 15 is a masterful creation for those who appreciate depth and character in their single malt. The limited edition packaging celebrates nature’s bloom, making it a special choice for festive gifting.
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.
Sourced from Caol Ila Distillery, this 13-year-old single malt Scotch whisky has been expertly matured by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Discovery range. Bottled at 43% ABV, it showcases the quintessential smoky character of Islay whiskies. The Discovery series highlights the bold flavour profiles of renowned distilleries, making this Caol Ila a perfect example of the island’s rich heritage.
Tasting Note by Gordon & MacPhail: Nose: Sweet and savoury: dry-cured meats glazed with luscious apricot jam combines with rich vanilla notes. Flashes of softly swirling peat smoke complement the delicious sweetness. Palate: Bursting with juicy tropical fruit - pineapple, kiwi, and banana - brushed softly with icing sugar. Light touches of malt and vibrant lemon peel balance the sweetness.Finish: Long and luxurious with hints of sweet marshmallow toasting over gently smouldering bonfire embers.
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.
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 12 Years Old whisky pairs perfectly with Parmigiano-Reggiano, as its rich malt character balances the cheese’s dryness. In return, the cheese serves as a foundation that amplifies the whisky’s sweet fruitiness and highlights its clean barley notes.
Tasting Note by Glen Garioch:Nose: The colour of sharp honey, on the nose heathery floral notes are balanced with the richness of poached pears and the sweetness of malted barley.Palate: Crème brûlée and sweet ripe banana at first, then comes a light oakiness with pear fruitiness, leading to a long smooth, creamy and fragrant finish.
This 14 year old whisky, first aged in Bourbon casks since May 26, 2009, was transferred to Ruby Port Hogsheads on November 17, 2020, for its final 3-year maturation. It is a limited release, celebrating Feis Ile 2024, showcasing a unique profile with 11 years in Bourbon casks followed by a finish in Ruby Port casks. This unpeated Islay whisky features an ABV of 58.7%, is non-chill filtered, and has no added colour, highlighting its natural quality and craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Bunnahabhain:Nose: Initial burst of dark chocolate which fades to reveal toasted oak, cherries, plums and raspberries, with a hint of carmelised walnuts.Palate: Spicy but sweet, with cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with pain au chocolat, redcurrants, pomegranate and sweet malt.Finish: Lingering finish with cocoa and spice.
The anCnoc 12 Year Old is a prized gem in the whisky world. Revered by enthusiasts worldwide, it boasts a delicate yet intricate flavour profile. Upon the first sip, the anCnoc is immediately light and gentle, making it a reliable choice for all palates. As a non-peated whisky, it serves as an ideal entry point for those just embarking on their whisky journey.
Tasting Note by AnCnoc:Nose: Soft, very aromatic with a hint of honey and lemon in the foreground.Palate: Sweet to start with an appetising fruitiness and a long smooth finish. Light yet complex, smooth yet challenging. This is a dram that has something for everyone.
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 Glengoyne 15 Year Old exemplifies both contrast and harmony. The fusion of whiskies entirely matured in bourbon and sherry casks, perfectly balanced, produces a captivating interplay. It showcases the resinous, sweetly dark orchard fruit notes from sherry maturation alongside the brighter, vanilla-infused flavors derived from bourbon wood.
Tasting Note by Glengoyne:Nose: Fresh Hay, Malt Flour, Rosehip, Citrus and dried fruit.Palate: Clean with a gentle sweetness, a hint of tropical fruit, candied lemon, cinnamon, vanilla and apple pie.Finish: Pleasant dry finish with gentle spice and lingering oak.
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.
