Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Belvedere was the worlds first super premium vodka and represents the pinnacle of the Polish vodka making tradition. Belvedere is exclusively distilled using Dankowskie Gold Rye and is additive free and quadruple distilled for greater purity. This is a vodka that combines over 600 years of vodka producing expertise in the one bottle.

A testament to Don Julios patience and determination for superior quality, Tequila Don Julio Añejo is the culmination of distinct rich flavours of agave balanced with the perfect amount of wood influence. Don Julio Añejo spends more than the minimum requirement of 1 year on oak, and is normally aged between 18 months and two years before it reaches its optimum age and taste profile. As with the rest of the Don Julio range the nose is fruity and floral, but with notes of vanilla and fresh agave, whilst the palate is slightly richer and more full bodied, yet still sweet and rich with citrus characteristics.

The hand making process strictly follows ancient traditions. With over 2500 years of written history, Shaoxing Rice Wine balances the heavens, nature and man.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker Whisky stable. Created to reflect the the style of whiskies of the early 19th century, it is created using the rarest casks in House of Walker, the largest in the world. The casks are hand selected and set aside for their exceptional quality, character and flavour while retaining the signature smokiness of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

This vintage Cognac comes from a family of public notaries who has been located close to the city of Cognac for many generations. This Petite Champagne was part of the inheritance of the father, who had bequeathed his stocks of Cognac to his wife and his son, who was public notary like him. The father has bought this batch on January 1974 to one of his clients, who was at the time the President of one of the most important Cognac Houses. Unfortunately, when the father passed away, his wife and his son were in disagreement and the succession was blocked until we propose a solution. This is a very “sentimental” cognac, stored under State control since the 25th of January 1974, in a very humid cellar located on the bank of the Charente river in the city center of Cognac. This cellar is today the Cognac Museum. The harvest 1973 was abundant ( 62% compared to the harvest 1972 in Petite Champagne!) and was qualified of “harvest of the century” at the time. Warm gold colour, with amber lights. The nose is rich and unctuous; ripe fruits, dark-red plums, Mirabelle plums, spices (curcuma, cardamom, pepper) and sandalwood, cedar scents. Surrounding the fruits, the lovely old rancio nose that well-matured Cognac develops. The taste increase the fruity delicacies (plums again, dark chocolate with cinnamon) and the spicy side (tobacco, nutmeg). At the end, slightly bitter as coffee beans, complexity and elegancy of a controlled rancio.

Founded in 1824 The Macallan is a pioneer in Scottish whisky production, with a global reputation for its single malts. Founded by Alexander Reid, The Macallan draws its unique character from a confluence of influences. From the fertile Speyside region (historically called "Maghellan") to traditional methods and the natural resources of Scotland, Spain, and North America, each element contributes to the whisky's distinctive personality. The Macallan's unwavering commitment to quality is embodied in its "Six Pillars," a philosophy encompassing every aspect of production. From the "place" itself to the passionate people involved, each pillar reinforces the brand's dedication to excellence. Central to this philosophy is the "Mastery of Wood and Spirit." The distillery's reputation rests on the exceptional quality of its oak casks, meticulously sourced, crafted, and seasoned under the watchful eye of The Macallan's Master of Wood. Up to 80% of the final flavour profile is influenced by these casks, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the signature Macallan style. Another hallmark is the whisky's natural colour, derived solely from the wood during maturation. The distillery acknowledges the inherent variation in wood, with each cask imparting unique flavours and hues. Through expert cask management and selection, The Macallan ensures a consistent and beautiful colour spectrum across its bottlings, a key element of the brand's identity. The Macallan's dedication extends beyond Scotland. The distillery partners with Spanish cooperage companies, overseeing the entire process – from identifying oak trees in northern Spain to seasoning the casks for 18 months before their journey to Scotland. This meticulous approach, encompassing "tree to finished seasoned cask," underscores The Macallan's unwavering commitment to crafting an exceptional whisky experience. The Macallan Litha presents a unique proposition in the world of single malts. This whisky is crafted entirely from first-fill sherry casks sourced from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This meticulous selection embodies the harmonious coming together of Scottish and Spanish influences to create an exceptional spirit. The story of Litha begins amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Jerez. Here, grapes destined for sherry production are meticulously cultivated. These casks, crafted to The Macallan's exacting specifications, then embark on a journey to Scotland. Upon arrival, they encounter The Macallan's "fruity new make spirit," sparking a remarkable union that defines the character of the whisky. The name "Litha" draws inspiration from the Celtic summer solstice. This astronomical event signifies a pivotal moment, a burst of new life and a shift in the balance of nature. Similarly, The Macallan Litha celebrates the transformative power that arises when two distinct forces converge. The vibrant presentation box, designed by award-winning illustrator Sija Hong, further enhances the whisky's allure. Two bold colour palettes represent Scotland and Spain, united by the central image of a tree. This symbolic representation underscores the crucial role that cask maturation plays in creating The Macallan Litha, a whisky born from the harmonious fusion of two worlds. The unique character and complex flavours of The Macallan Litha is derived from the use of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks, the whisky mingling with the sherry seasoned oak. The gentle scent of vanilla and butterscotch unites with a spark of citrus over a bright canvas of tropical fruits, reminiscent of a summer’s day and the radiance of the sun’s energy. As the flavour develops, smooth vanilla ice cream topped with a berry compote dances on the palate, beautifully balanced with warming wood spice, chocolate, salted caramel and pecans, with a lingering hint of sweet oak.

Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila is hand-crafted from 100% Blue Agave and is considered the tequila of all tequila's in Mexico. Highly sought after for its honour of tradition and attention the minute detail, Herradura Seleccion Suprema should be savoured neat, or if preferred, mixed to create a premium Margarita cocktail.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. DISCONTINUED. Following Suntory's lead, Nikka has discontinued its lines of extra-aged whiskies, with some reports that the shortage could last up to a decade before the taps are turned back on. Winner World's Best Blended Malt at the 2018 World Whisky Awards. Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. This now discontinued 17 Year Old bottling is dedicated to the Father of the Japanese Whisky Industry, Masataka Taketsuru. The tale of Taketsuru's life is of the same fabric legends are made of. Sent in 1918 as young apprentice to Scotland by his Japanese employers to crack the secrets of Whisky, he not only came back with that knowledge but also with Rita Taketsuru (nee Cowan), who went on playing a decisive role in the development of the Japanese Whisky industry. Thanks to her connection to Japanese high society, Masataka was able to finance the company that is now known as Nikka Whisky. Forward a century later, Taketsuru 17 yo is awarded the Best Blended Whisky at the World Whisky awards 2012 and 2018, a fitting crown for this blend of Malts from the two Nikka distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

Johnnie Walker King George V was created to celebrate the Royal Warrant given in 1934 to the Walker family to mark the exceptional qualities of their whiskies. The King George has more restraint and sophistication courtesy of the Port Ellen Distillery component that is powerful, slow and resonant. It initially shows a profound smoky aroma followed by sweet, fresh fruit (apples, pears, bananas) malt characteristics; developing into rich dried fruit and spicy complexity, raisins, figs and cinnamon. The palate is smooth with a rich, fruity sweetness. Warming with subtle flavours of sandalwood and smoke. Taste is powerful, complex, rich yet smooth. A mouth warming and lingering rich peaty finish.

"Drawn from extremely rare,precious casks, includingirreplaceable whiskies from thenow silent distillery of Port Ellen,this elegantly rich and creamywhisky has rarity reflected inevery drop, and its new limitededition design is the perfectgift to give to the one whonever walks alone."