Lindores Abbey is the officially recognised site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky. It was back in 1494 that King James IV commissioned Brother John Cor at Lindores Abbey to make aqua vitae with eight bolls of malt. For more than 100 years, the preservation of the ruined abbey has fallen to Drew McKenzie-Smith and his family. Several years ago he learned of the abbey’s significance to the industry after visiting a website called Connoisseur Scotland . Further inspiration came when he was shown a copy of the late Michael Jackson’s book, ' Scotland and Its Whiskies .' In it, Jackson wrote of Lindores, “For the whisky lover it is a pilgrimage”. Following fifteen years of careful planning, construction work began on a new distillery that would not only capitalise on this whisky connection but also provide the means with which to preserve the abbey for future generations. In 2017, after five centuries of silence, the stills at Lindores Abbey began flowing again. There are actually two releases now in Australia: Lindores MCDXCIV and the MCDXCIV Commemorative First Release. They're essentially the same liquid, distinguished by a subtle notation on the label. Both come aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and STR red wine barriques from Burgundy. Both are three and a half year old Lowlanders. You might expect Lindores to be on the lighter side, however it's more like a young Speysider, nicely balanced and not shy on flavour. There's even a nod to Linkwood on the nose where the aromas show surprising weight; Cream tea biscuits, pear drops, light beeswax, cocoa and citrus are echoed with impressive purity, depth and texture of the palate. A fine astringency checks the length, but it's auspicious as far as inaugural releases go - all that's needed is more time to add further layers of complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

Dimple is famous for not only its unique bottle shape, but by its long standing reputation for producing one of the finest blended malts available. Using malts predominantly from Glenkinchie and Linkwood, Dimple 12 Year Old is a beautifully well-rounded Scotch with surprising depth.

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich, dark mysterious gold colour with a nose reminiscent of relaxing in an old leather armchair while eating walnuts and chocolate covered raisins. The flavour is sweet initially with orange segments dipped in liquid chocolate. Then a lovely flavour of burnt brown sugar at the back of the mouth The finish is dry oozing with big tannins and more richdark cocoa beans. Let the whisky breathe a little or add a drop or two of water to fully open up the dram

Expertly crafted by Dewars seventh Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod. Called The Monarch, Dewars 15 years old was named after the famous 1851 painting The Monarch of the glen by Sir Edwin Landseer, which was purchased by Tommy Dewar in 1916. Winner of Best Whisky 13 to 20 years old at the 2016 World Whisky Awards. Golden honey, toffee, warm and complex. Succulent exotic fruits with hints of coconut and vanilla aromas. Complexity increases with citrus and green apple notes. Delicate and exquisitely scented floral aromas. Smooth, well-rounded with a long and warming finish.

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 Highland style of Whisky is generally considered to be one of the most approachable styles. Deep gold in colour with a nose of heather and wood smoke Highland Park has a deceptively complex palate that ranges from sweet maltiness to smokey peat and savoury spices.

Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch is a blend of entirely Single Malts and has aromas of smoky vanilla oak, pepper, fresh cut grass and sandalwood on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with a delicate earthiness are balanced through to a lingering malty aftertaste. Sophisticated and full of finesse. Great to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

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

Think you know peaty whisky? Think again. Glenfiddich, the worlds most awarded single malt Scotch Whisky, has launched Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, an unexpected combination of their rarely-seen peated whisky with unpeated bourbon-aged single malt, all of which is finished in Latin rum casks. The result is a surprisingly sweet and smoky dram that blends rich caramel and spice notes with fresh green fruit and soft pillowy smoke. A worthy continuation of the series that's very interesting to pair with different types of food try it with spicy sausage or ice cream, for example!