A new Balvenie, matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks. A match made in heaven for some! Tasting note: Deep amber gold. Soft, plush aromas of toasted marshmallow followed by vanilla custard tart, toasted cereals and clove, echoe in a light to medium bodied, vanilla-malt profile with hints of dried fig, rum-like sugars and delicate toasted cereals towards the finish. Perfectly balanced with featherweight spices adding vibrancy. The lightness of the Balvenie spirit lends itself to wood finishes. This one works. 43% Alc./Vol.

Showcasing the more rugged side of Glenglassaugh, this smoky expression offers a satisfying combination of sweet peat and umami. Sherry and port wine casks bring notes of treacle, dark chocolate and spice, while savoury undertones bring to mind beach barbecues and coastal breeze.

The Glenfiddich Distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland. The name Glenfiddich derives from the Scottish Gaelic Gleann Fhiodhaich meaning "valley of the deer". Once the spirit has matured, the whisky is cut with pure Robbie Dhu spring water. Glenfiddich has a bottling hall onsite along with a large bottling plant in Bellshill. It is visible in a rocky valley’s many solid strata; laid down over millennia, worn smooth by wind and rain. And with layers comes complexity. Which is why Glenfiddich 40 is so much more than an exemplary single malt. This rare single malt is made through remnant vatting, a pioneering process in which the Glenfiddich malt master carries one batch over, time and again, and marries it with the casks selected for each subsequent release. Cask after cask, season after season, it absorbs the evolving flavours of the passing years. It is time, age, experience accumulated. It’s a unique process that isn’t commonly used. In fact, Glenfiddich is the only distillery that still makes use of the remnant vatting process, which is a testament to the label’s traditional approach to distillation. Part of the time reimagined series from Glenfiddich, the 30 year old release is know as suspended time. Time is often believed to be an irrefutable force. the seconds, minutes, hours fleeting figures of a clock face, slipping steadily away. but in the hands of a maverick, time stands still. This is something our malt master understands implicitly. Thirty years ago, he laid down the spirit to create an exemplary single malt. After three decades of patient maturation, the decisive moment arrived. Glenfiddich 30 is the pinnacle of this process. More than simply a superlative liquid, it is forethought, expectation, anticipation embodied. Three decades, captured. Time stilled, forever. Arrested, and arresting. An experience to savour. Thirty years of Glenfiddich's maverick mindset, suspended in time. Graphic and expressive, Glenfiddich 30 year old’s outer packaging is the capsule which encases the moment of maturation, in all its splendour. The design evokes the image of moving ribbons, each one frozen in time to form elegant cut-out windows, revealing the regal decanter inside. The design’s dynamic lines and complex structure create the illusion that the bottle is suspended, effortlessly, in mid-air. Rich Bronze in colour the nose is an exquisitely structured balance of hearty oak married with sweet, subtle sherry notes. On the palate you will find deep, woody flavours interlaced with delicate floral accents, in a complex combination. The finish is warm, honeyed and exceptionally long-lasting.

A Speyside single malt Scotch whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery. Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, their whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of single malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside. The Smoky Twelve is the perfect marriage of fruit,malt, oak and rich layers of smoke. Crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and three cask matured for at least twelve years in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. The whisky from each cask is then expertly married together to create a smooth, creamy single malt, multilayered with flavours of ripened fruit, aromatic smoky sweetness and warming oak spice. Burnished gold in colour the nose starts with smoked vanilla, charred orange and toasted almond. The palate leads with rich dark chocolate, fruit peel, brown sugar and smoked oak, lingering into a cocoa and orange smoked finish.

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 Macallan Lumina is an exquisite marriage of three select sherry-seasoned cask types. The Macallan Lumina directs the journey from the forests of the United States to Spain. European and American oak sherry-seasoned casks are combined with hogsheads to create a whisky that is grounded in the old world, but inspired by the new. Characterised by its bold flavours with notes of creamy vanilla, ginger and wood spice, this is a single malt whisky that guides Macallan's quest for excellence. The Macallan Quest Collection celebrates Macallans enduring desire to journey further and seek out the exceptional oak casks for which The Macallan is world-renowned. The Collection tells the story the unrivalled, tireless commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit. Each whisky is a new chapter in exploring the casks, flavours and aromas that begins in the forests and cooperages of distant lands and culminates in a singular Macallan experience. A rich sensory experience that reveals how hand picked, sherry-seasoned oak casks make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and full flavours at the heart of this single malt whisky and The Macallan Quest Collection.

Product Information: Sherried, intense, and bottled at cask strength. Enjoy the rich and complex flavours of A'bunadh – First placed in the favourite whisky category at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2024. Meaning ‘the original’ in Gaelic, A’bunadh is made in homage to Aberlour’s founder, James Fleming. A’bunadh is a whisky hand-made from start to finish with each batch being created to ensure rich and complex profile. It is bottled at cask strength resulting in a robust and deeply intense, sherried whisky. Notes of ripe red apples, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dark bitter chocolate on the palate, exotic spices for a final flourish at the finish. A real centre piece for celebrations. Maker: At Aberlour, they believe in substance over style. Their whisky is born out of craft, passion, and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. The story is of community, locally sourced ingredients and families of craftsmen who have shaped Aberlour into who they are today. The whisky with its depth of flavour and character, speaks for itself. Rather than boasting about the distinctive qualities of his Aberlour single malt, our founder, James Fleming remained true to his family’s motto since the days of Robert the Bruce, ‘Let the deed show.’ The proof is in the drinking. This saying simply translates as, ‘actions speak louder than our words’. James Fleming let his whisky do the talking. It was his actions then, and the actions now of all craftsmen that have followed that define the character of Aberlour. Born in the Speyside village of Aberlour, A’bunadh is made with local spring water from the Ben Rinnes and barley, locally sourced from the fields near the Aberlour distillery. In Gaelic, A’bunadh means 'the original' because the distillery make every bottle as they would have done 100 years ago: in batches, with no chill-filtering. Let the deed show A'bunadh is as close as you can get to tasting a dram at original cask strength at the distillery; just as founder, James Fleming, would have done in 1879. Distillery: James Fleming founded Aberlour Distillery 1879, choosing a location that not only provided a sure supply of pure spring water that flowed over the pink granite of Ben Rinnes, but also a place rooted in ancient times and noted for its magical relationship with water. Steeped in centuries of legend and surrounded by the dramatic Highland scenery of Ben Rinnes, the village of Aberlour lies at the very heart of Speyside, where the Lour burn joins the River Spey. The exceptionally pure, soft spring water used for making Aberlour whisky is drawn from nearby natural springs. In this special place, the resources of nature and the founder’s passion for making the best single malt combine to make the generously multi-layered whiskies of Aberlour. The expert crafting of spirit and cask has created a range of superlative single malt whiskies with layers of complexity and a velvety richness Tasting: Nose - Cherry, Cinnamon, Orange Zest Aromas of Spiced orange, dark bitter chocolate on the palate harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso Sherry. Palate - Dried Fruits, Sherry Soaked Oak, Dark Chocolate Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with Sherry and Oak. Full bodied and creamy. Finish - Red Fruit, Bitter Sweet Chocolate, Oak Spice Long and luscious. The sweetness of the red fruit lingers and is eventually replaced by a bitter sweet chocolate, spice and oak. A little water opens up the whisky and reveals more of the fruitier side of the profile, but at the cost of that rich, chewy mouth feel.

Product Description The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 11 Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a rare and authentic taste experience for whisky connoisseurs, showcasing the distillery’s signature character at its natural cask strength. This special release reflects the traditional whisky-making practices that were prevalent before the 20th century, offering an unfiltered, undiluted whisky brimming with complexity. By bottling at cask strength, The GlenDronach Cask Strength allows whisky enthusiasts to explore the full depth and intensity of the spirit, which can be customised with a drop or two of water to unlock its diverse flavours. The Batch 11 release features an enticing array of flavours, from the rich, spiced notes of bramble wine and treacle toffee, to the delicate layers of Seville orange peel, nutmeg, caramel, and maraschino cherry. The whisky’s deep bronze colour hints at its bold, rich profile, while the full-bodied mouthfeel offers a truly immersive whisky experience. The Maker The GlenDronach distillery, established in 1826 by James Allardice, has long been renowned for producing some of Scotland’s finest single malts. Nestled in the heart of Speyside, GlenDronach has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition over nearly two centuries of production. From its humble beginnings, the distillery quickly gained a reputation for creating rich, robust whiskies, primarily influenced by its signature use of sherry casks for maturation. Today, the distillery continues to operate using methods such as floor malting and direct-fire heating, ensuring each bottle is imbued with a deep, complex character that reflects its storied heritage. The GlenDronach is crafted using the finest ingredients, including highland water drawn from the Balnoon hills’ natural springs and malted barley sourced from trusted local suppliers. The distillery’s hallmark is its fusion of bold Highland spirit with the exceptional Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Spain’s Andalucía region, creating whisky that is both rich and full-bodied. This devotion to quality and tradition has earned The GlenDronach a place among the most respected distilleries in the world, with each release standing as a testament to the mastery of the craft. The Distillery Founded in 1825, The GlenDronach Distillery is one of Speyside’s most iconic whisky makers. After a period of dormancy, the distillery was revived in 2008, breathing new life into its long-standing tradition of producing exceptional single malts. The distillery is dedicated to preserving the age-old methods that have defined its character, such as the use of traditional floor malting and the direct-fire heating of its stills, which imparts a unique depth to the spirit. The GlenDronach’s passion for using sherry casks, particularly Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks sourced from Andalucía, is what truly sets the distillery apart. These casks provide the whiskies with their distinctive richness and luxurious flavours, producing complex and full-bodied single malts that are beloved by whisky connoisseurs around the world. By adhering to these traditional practices while embracing modern innovations, The GlenDronach continues to create whiskies of exceptional quality that celebrate the legacy of Speyside whisky-making. Tasting Notes Nose Rich Spiced Aroma A blend of mulled cranberry, orange, and clove liqueur mingles with dark honeyed treacle on a base of nutty oak, creating an inviting and complex bouquet. Palate Flavours of Dark Fruit and Spice The palate unveils richly spiced bramble wine and treacle toffee, complemented by chocolate raisin, cinnamon maple, and sultana. These flavours combine to create a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel with layers of depth. Finish Long and Warming The finish is long and warming, with sweet fruit and nutmeg notes fading into dry, oak-driven flavours, leaving a lasting impression of complexity and warmth.

Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL

An unusual age statement is inspired by Alfred Barnard's visit to the distillery in 1887 which became part of his book, “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom”. According to Diageo Director of Whisky Outreach, Dr. Nick Morgan, “At the end of the tour, he was given a taste of the whisky…he tasted an eight-year-old Lagavulin, which, of course, remember at the time was actually quite old…whiskies were considered to be venerable once they got around six years old in the 19th Century,” Morgan said in an interview with www.whiskycast.com. “He declared that whisky to be exceptionally fine, so our mission with this bottling was to find an exceptionally fine eight-year-old liquid which we thought Barnard would quite like if he were to be back here tasting it today.” Tasting note: Very pale straw gold showing considerable legs. Powerful and complex aromas include cocoa, sea spray, white pepper, dilute Elastoplast and lanolin followed by hints of citrus zest. Several minutes air contact accents the latent malt as well as dark chocolate. Concentrated but also surprisingly soft; almost creamy with grassy malt and a juicy vanilla, kelp and peppermint finish that goes long into the aftertaste. A departure from the 16, but terrific young malt. 48% Alc./Vol.