Note: New blue packaging, not old brown packaging. While the twelve year old is a relatively non-descript malt, older Glenfiddich bottlings are now gaining high praise including one award as the world's best single malt Scotch whisky. However, as a representation of the house style, the 18 year old pretty much nails it. Always a centre-piece of the portfolio, the company has further emphasised its place by redesigning the packaging to give it a more superior look than its 12- and 15-year-old stablemates. The Glenfiddich distillery lies on the river whose name it bears. 'Fiddich' refers to the fact that the river runs through a valley inhabited by deers – hence the company's logo which features a stag. A proportion of the whisky in this version of Glenfiddich is supposedly even older than the label suggests. Tasting note: Deep gold colour. Moderate aromas include honey, clove and vanilla laced malt. On the palate, dried apricots and spice are augmented by soft peat, adding depth to the toasty malt. Plush mouth feel. Clean, dried fruit and spice finish. Rich and round, in the mainstream of Sherry influenced malts. 40% Alc./Vol.

At the peak of the Jura distillery's core range (relaunched in mid-2018) sits the Isle of Jura 18 Year Old. This expression aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before enjoying a finishing period in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, imparting a rich fruitiness. Top stuff for late evening dramming.

Ardbeg's Corryvreckan replaced the discontinued Airigh Nam Beist . Unusually dry for Ardbeg, otherwise an utterly brilliant, unique expression of Islay. Tasting note: Dull gold colour with pale straw hue. quite an unusual nose for an Ardbeg. Rich chocolate, vanilla, lemon butter and spice above a smoky salty layer, the only evidence that it's Ardbeg is the end note of terracotta/clay/wet charcoal. With time in the glass, fresh smoky characteristics emerge, but do not dominate. The intense palate is initially rich and creamy, quite heavily peated, rich chocolatey flavours mingle harmoniously with the lemon butter before the unusually overt oak grips dry and the peat explodes - softly! The back palate is dry, firm, overtly oaky, and extremely spicy. Excellent balance at cask strength. Warm, tingly, spicy finish. Lemon, dry cocoa, strong spice and gentle smoke dominate the lengthy aftertaste. Austerely dry by Ardbeg standards but one of their best on record. 57.1% Alc./Vol.

Product Description John Walker & Sons XR 19 Year Old is a beautifully crafted blended Scotch whisky that showcases the delicate, smooth complexity created by a long maturation in carefully selected American oak casks. This slow aging process imparts subtle layers of flavour, from rich toffee and brown sugars to gentle spiced notes. With whiskies aged for at least 19 years, including rare expressions from the now-silent Port Dundas distillery, XR 19 is a tribute to the art of whisky-making. The result is an exceptionally smooth whisky that offers a harmonious balance of orchard fruits, subtle spices, and a hint of smoke, making it a refined addition to the XR family. Maker Johnnie Walker, a globally recognised name in Scotch whisky, has been crafting some of the world’s finest whiskies since its founding in 1820 by John Walker in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The brand has earned its reputation for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in whisky blending. Johnnie Walker’s Master Blenders select only the finest whiskies from iconic distilleries across Scotland to create balanced, complex, and smooth blends that appeal to whisky enthusiasts worldwide. The brand's range of expressions, from the bold Red Label to the prestigious Blue Label, reflects the passion and expertise that has been passed down through generations. Today, Johnnie Walker continues to lead the industry in innovation while maintaining a deep respect for the tradition and craftsmanship that made it a household name. With a legacy that spans over two centuries, Johnnie Walker has become a symbol of excellence and luxury in the world of whisky. Philosophy At Johnnie Walker, the philosophy is built on a foundation of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The brand is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of whisky blending, constantly seeking new ways to elevate the whisky experience. Their Master Blenders meticulously select the finest malt and grain whiskies, ensuring that each blend is a perfect harmony of flavour, balance, and complexity. This commitment to quality is the hallmark of every bottle bearing the Johnnie Walker name. The philosophy extends beyond blending to every aspect of production, from selecting the best casks to maintaining the integrity of the whisky over time. Johnnie Walker’s dedication to excellence ensures that every bottle, whether it’s a classic or a limited-edition releases, embodies the brand’s values of craftsmanship and innovation, delivering an unforgettable whisky experience. Tasting Notes Nose Gentle Aromas Soft fruits and sweet toffee harmonise with subtle hints of vanilla and oak, creating a smooth and inviting aroma. Taste Velvety Smooth Layers of velvety smooth toffee flavours unfold, building to reveal delicate spices and orchard fruits with a hint of peppery warmth. Finish Subtle Smoke A gentle finish with a soft, lingering smokiness that’s carried on a sea breeze, leaving a refined and complex aftertaste.

The Glen Grant 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky matures in the highest quality, handpicked oak casks, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

Bakery Hill is a new Australian venture into the generally exclusive world of Whisky production. We say exclusive, because few distillers outside of Scotland have yet managed to create a whisky that approximates to the quality or style of the Scottish original, or when they have, the whisky has usually relied upon the importation of key ingredients from the ‘homeland’. Bakery Hill’s Single Malts, despite their youth, are very promising initial efforts, and as the spirits spend longer in barrel, one can anticipate some very interesting results. As with classic malts, Bakery Hill uses only malted barley [ from Tasmania ], yeast and water to achieve its flavour and aroma. No caramel is added in order to enhance the appearance. Barrelling at Bakery Hill is done using select second fill American Oak Bourbon barrels. French Oak casks are also used for the production of the classic double wood style. "The malt development on the palate is quite beautiful. A soft distant smokiness adds excellent weight to the lilting malt-oak richness." 46% Alc./Vol. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2004.

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.

Family owned and run for over 170 years, the Glenfarclas distillery has produced a slightly smoky, spicy Scotch with a rich long lasting finish. The 15 Year Old is golden amber in colour, the nose shows rich oak and a hint of peat smoke, with soft fruity characters. It is firm-bodied with a luscious glorious oaky finish, with a touch of smoke and sherry sweetness.

A rich and vibrant whisky that delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla and raisin, the prefect addition to the table this festive season. For the third year in a row it has received the 2019 Jim Murray's Whisky Bible award, it's truly the perfect addition to the table this festive season. Available online or in select stores. Winner | 2019 Jim Murrays Whisky Bible The Third Year In A Row.