Ardbeg's latest annual offering comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The purifier is also responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. A spokesperson for the brand describes the flavour profile as, "Defined by a distinctive pungent earthiness, aromatic clouds of dark chocolate, a billow of aniseed and cinnamon, and a lingering tang of sharp peppermint." Dramface.com add "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." We've just received our allocation. The whisky's unusual conception is brought to life with accompanying graphics created by celebrated comic artist and illustrator, Dilraj Mann. The nose is slightly reticent while the flavour profile leans towards smokey dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper followed by a dried herbal quality. The aftertaste is ashy, drying, medium long and vaguely fruity in a mezcal kind of way. Like last year's Ardbeg Day release (Ardcore), Heavy Vapours is not quite as intense or complex as anticipated, although it does taste slightly more mature and feels like the texture is amplified, particularly at the finish where cured meats and a salt'n'pepper tang recall middle-weight Caol Ilas. In a word, more elegant than "extreme". 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

“The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles.” Perched on a wave washed, rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distilleries scattered white washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. First launched in 2003, “Uigeadail” (the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows) this cask strength, heavily peated Ardbeg is produced from a mix of bourbon casks and older sherry casks. The combination gives this whisky a velvety texture, with a sweet and smokey finish. Tasting notes: Bright gold appearance. Big, sweet sherry influenced nose offers dried apricot and marmalade scents over menthol and sweet cedar smoke. Some ripe green apple notes emerge with time in the glass. The palate is off dry with a rich, dark chocolate entry becoming heavier and fudge-like with orange chocolate, sweet cereal and the peat continually reinventing itself - at once dry and sooty, then tarry and finally kippery on the finish. Excellent balance at cask strength. Boiled lolly and spice aftertaste with a subtle spearmint fade. Latest batch tasted October 2010.

A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. Despite being the largest distillery on Islay (in terms of production anyway), nearly all of Caol Ila's output ends up in blends, so much so that until 2002 when the 12-year-old was released, independent bottlings were the only recourse for malt hunters. The distillery's gently fruity-smoky style sets it apart and comes down to the production process: "...although it receives the same spec of malt as sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila’s distillation regime – longer fermentation, higher cut point, taller stills, helps to reduce the heavy phenols." Tasting note: Pale straw colour with a subtle green blush. Aromas of soft, sweet peat - smoked trout, a hint of lanolin and some baked citrus. Rounded, pure and impeccably clean from start to finish, the palate offers semi-sweet smoky-fruity-oily flavours counterpointed by super fine tannins. Perfect balance. Finishes long with salt, smoked fish and light lanolin through the fade. A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. 43%Alc./Vol.

Named after Scotland's mightiest warrior, Black Douglas has a smooth taste and a clean finish. One of the true benchmarks in quality scotch.

Goodradigbee's Jarrah single malt is completely unique. It is made from Scottish Highland single malt and matured in Goodradigbee's whisky maturation cubes made from Western Australia's imposing Jarrah, an ancient local hardwood. The spirit is young on the nose but genuinely surprises when tasted. Complex flavours compete at first - sweetness and citrus, followed by cinnamon and sometimes, a touch of spice. Jarrah is different, in a good way. Be prepared to be surprised.

The Isle of Raasay Single Malt is a taste of the ruggedly elegant, exceptionally diverse island, made in small batches from the mineral water drawn from its well on site. A lightly peated single malt balanced with rich dark fruit flavours. The Isle of Raasay Distillerys carefully crafted and unique recipe combines peated and unpeated Raasay spirit that has been matured in three different types of oak cask: high rye whiskey, chinkapin oak and Bordeaux red wine. Every drop of spirit is distilled, matured and bottled on the island, supporting the local economy while maximising the influence of the Hebridean climate on the single malt whisky.The Isle of Raasays decanter-like glass bottle captures the rugged, natural beauty of the Isle of Raasay. With Raasays fossils and rocks moulded into the glass, holding it is like holding a piece of Raasay in your hands no matter where you are in the world.Bottled at 46.4% abv, non-chill filtered and natural colour.Tasting NotesNose: Sweet, aromatic smoke. Wood smoke on sea air. Candied fruit, glace cherries.Palate: Sweet spice, cinnamon, black pepper, blackcurrant, wood smoke. Heather, honey, sweet spice and sandalwood. Cherry, apricot and blackcurrant. Vanilla, butterscotch with a hint of saltiness.Finish: Dry, long, hint of saltiness. Faint wood smoke and dried fruit.

Dewars signature 25 year old - aged for a quarter-century a tribute to the art of blending. The accumulation of knowledge and skill passed down through generations of Dewars Master Blenders, since 1846, is evident in every precious drop. A blend of fine and rare scotch whiskies from the Dewars inventory are double aged and rested in Royal Brackla casks, Scotlands first and oldest Royal distillery, to create this intriguing blend. Rich fruit, Floral notes and delicate honey with a hint of smoke to finish.

Everyone's favourite blended Scotch mixed with one of the world's most popular soft drinks.

Dewars 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky is carefully prepared by putting the whisky back into the cask to mature a second time after blending (double-aging). This method allows all of the older and characterful whiskies to mingle before bottling with resulting flavours of nut and marzipan, to name a few.