A limited-edition 30-year-old single malt from Mortlach, Midnight malt was initially matured in a combination of refill American oak and European oak casks, before being finished in Bordeaux wine, Calvados and Guatemalan rum casks, then married and further matured in custom quarter casks. A release of just 350 limited bottles. NOSE A mellow nose with some initial prickle. This settles in time to reveal a savoury and faintly herbal top note, suggesting pork crackling sprinkled with dry sage. PALATE A richly winey, apple fruity and mouth-watering start delights the palate, backed by a long spicy intensity with a delicious black pepper note that really persists. FINISH Long, sweet and deep-flavoured, with a light peppery spiciness. With water, still sweet and softer, with the spicy heat joined by a suggestion of mint chocolate in the lingering aftertaste.

Built on the site of an older illicit distillery Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown which is the epicentre on Speyside. Mortlach is again making its mark as a single malt with last years Diageo Special Release bottling selling out in record time. Distilled in 1999 and matured in ex Pedro Ximenez Sherry & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks for no less than 21 years. Bottled at 56.9% abv and non-chill filtered. NOSE Rounded with dried dark fruits and rich sherry like notes, citrus peels, pancakes and salted butter, meaty with light savoury notes. PALATE Smooth and silky texture, dried fruits, savoury with chilli spice and dark fruits. FINISH Fruity and savoury notes, drying and rich.

LARK DISTILLERY Limited Release Brandy and PX Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky 48% ABV, Tasmania Larks limited release Brandy and PX Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt is like a sticky, plummy, homemade fruit cake in a glass. The nose offers citrus peel, forest fruits, dark cherry and vibrant top notes of Tasmanian Brandy while the finish is long, deep and fully encompassing.

BERRY BROS & RUDD Glenturret Distillery 34 Y.O. , The Highlands

Mortlach Rare By Nature 21 Year OldSingle Malt Scotch Whisky 56.9% Abv, Speyside Called The Beast of Dufftown for its robust, muscular and rich character, little known Mortlach may be the best kept secret in Scotch. Bold flavours are the mark of this special breed, distinguishing it as the monarch of its glen. 'Rich in smooth intensity, from a small batch finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks.' Tasting Notes APPEARANCE Deep gold with amber lights. Good beading. NOSE A mellow, rounded, nose with some prickle. The first impression is of rich, dried fruits, and beneath this fresh-baked buttered scones, perhaps spread with lime marmalade. Soon this becomes lightly savoury and meaty but retains a slight citric note. A drop of water modifies the latter and reduces the aroma. BODY Medium to full. PALATE At natural strength, mild for its strength and super-smooth in texture, while the wonderfully rich mouth-filling taste is immediately sweet overall with dried fruits, then intense and savoury with a surprising kick of chilli pepper as it goes down. Magnificently feral and delicious. Drying overall, with rich tannins. Similar with a dash of water, which raises a little more sweet, spiced fruit. FINISH Seemingly endless and deeply impressive, with the fruit and savoury notes in perfect agreement and a warming glow spreading across the palate. Finally leaving the palate dry, yet still wreathed in a glorious rich afterglow.

SUNTORY Hakushu 18 Year Old 43% ABV Single Malt Whisky, Japan