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.

To create The Balvenie PortWood 21 year old single malt whisky, a marriage of rare Balvenie is transferred to port casks, or pipes, which have held fine port wines. Here it is sampled regularly by The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE to ensure that just the right amount of character is imparted by the port casks, enhancing and developing the single malt whilst preserving its original characteristics. Considered by many to be David’s finest creation, this whisky is one of his proudest achievements and has won an array of highly coveted industry awards since its release in 1996. A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes is backed by a nuttiness on the nose. The palate is refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes and a long, gentle nutty finish.

Every Macallan single malt reveals the distilleries unrivalled commitment to the mastery of spirit and wood for which they have been known since it was established in 1824. It is an expression of their enduring desire to go beyond ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts. There remain at The Macallan Estate rare, black-ended casks holding peated Macallan. The smoke-infused spirit matured in these sherry seasoned oak casks has gathered distinction and depth over decades. Flavour notes of warming wood spices open to dark chocolate and ginger, with a rare, lingering, and characterful peat trace. An affectionate history of a whisky, it expressively chronicles bygone crafts of the generations that made it. Those lucky to meet it will never forget their rendezvous. Subtly smoky and brooding it may be, but the whisky possesses the spark and breeding of a true Macallan. In its honour, its new home is hand crafted from black Lalique crystal. The Macallan M Black 2022 release is utterly unique. Precious, peat infused single malt, Lalique finesse and lateral creativity are married seamlessly. This remarkable release is truly one to cherish.

The Balvenie Cask Finishes is a unique range of single malts created by David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie Malt Master. Cask Finishes gains its distinctive character from maturation in two distinct cask types in succession, a proprietary process pioneered by David in 1983 with The Balvenie Classic. For The Balvenie Thirty, he marries Traditional and European oak casks that have been matured for decades in order to craft a whisky of incredible sweetness and complexity. The Balvenie Thirty’s silky sweetness gives way to rich honey, mellow oaky tones and hints of candied orange peel. Smooth and honeyed on the nose with mellow oaky tones and hints of candied orange peel, great depth with rich dark chocolate, hints of plum, marzipan and caramelised pear and an exceptionally smooth and warming finish with gentle spice and lingering sweetness.

A beautiful Scotch showing a magnificent balance between malt and peat. Aged for 14 years, slightly longer than most at the same price point, Oban is a whisky for those who love their Scotch's rich, smooth and intense.

Lasanta begins with Glenmorangie's deliciously delicate and fruity spirit, which is matured for 10 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being extra-matured for 2 years in Spanish Sherry casks. Lasanta is Gaelic for warmth and passion, a reflection of the sweet and spicy flavours of raisin, honeycomb, spiced orange, and chocolate-covered hazelnuts.

Product Description: A quarter century of Glenlivet—layered, lush, and unmistakably indulgent. The Glenlivet 25 Year Old from The Sample Room Collection is a showcase of precision ageing and finishing. Matured in traditional oak before being fully finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Tronçais Oak Cognac casks, this rare Speyside release layers decadence atop the distillery’s hallmark smooth and fruity style. It's Glenlivet, deep in its prime. PX Sherry brings plush sweetness—think fig, blood orange and plum jam—while the Cognac oak lends spice, warmth and toasted complexity. Expect aromas of chocolate ganache and Manuka honey, a palate rich with ginger, charred pineapple, and citrus zest, and a lingering finish that keeps you coming back. Every element is polished, every detail considered. Refined yet expressive, this is Glenlivet in slow motion—designed for savouring. Tasting Notes NOSE – Sweet and spiced Chocolate ganache, plum jam and honey with cinnamon and citrus zest. PALATE – Lush and warming Sweet fig, blood orange and ginger layered over toasted oak and charred pineapple. FINISH – Long and silky Sweet, gently spiced, with a soft Cognac warmth. Finer Details: Style - Scotch Whisky Country - Scotland Region - Speyside Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 43%

Product Description: Three casks, two decades, one remarkably rich Glenlivet. The Glenlivet 21 Year Old from The Sample Room Collection is a masterstroke of maturation. This refined single malt is triple cask finished—first-fill Oloroso Sherry, Tronçais Oak Cognac, and Colheita Vintage Port—bringing new depth to the distillery’s signature smooth and fruit-forward style. Each cask type lends its own influence: sherry for richness, Cognac for spice, and Port for plush fruit and sweetness. After decades in traditional oak, the whisky is finished in these rare barrels to layer complexity without overwhelming finesse. The result is all Glenlivet polish with added intrigue: caramelised pear and sultana on the nose, followed by dried apricots, chocolate-coated ginger and spiced warmth on the palate. It’s seamless, complex, and deserving of its age statement. One for the serious malt drinker or a special gift, this is Glenlivet elevated. Tasting Notes NOSE – Spiced and fruity Caramelised pears, juicy peaches and warm cinnamon with nutmeg. PALATE – Rich and layered Apricots, sultanas and ginger dipped in dark chocolate. FINISH – Warming and long Lingering spice and a velvety sweetness from the triple cask finish. Finer Details: Style - Single Malt Scotch Whisky Varietal - Malted Barley Country - Scotland Region - Speyside Vintage - 21 Year Old (Non-Vintage Release) Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 43%

Product Description: Peat softened by oak, smoke edged with sweetness. Laphroaig Oak Select Cask Collection is crafted as an approachable way into the distillery’s famously uncompromising style. It draws from whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximénez hogsheads, ex-bourbon barrels, and quarter casks, before being finished in rare virgin American oak. This layering of cask influence tempers the powerful maritime smoke with ripe fruit, spice, and gentle vanilla, creating a whisky that remains distinctly Islay yet with an openness that invites exploration. The whisky carries the unmistakable Laphroaig character—iodine-rich peat, sea spray, and briny depth—but framed by softened sweetness and a floral lift. For those beginning their journey with Islay malts, or seasoned drinkers seeking a more supple side of Laphroaig, Oak Select offers a thoughtful balance between rugged tradition and contemporary accessibility. Tasting Notes NOSE – Peat and fruit Forward smoke interlaced with ripe red fruits, citrus, honey, and a trace of vanilla. PALATE – Sweet then smoky Begins with a soft sweetness before rolling into peat smoke, ash, seaweed, and touches of toffee and oak spice. FINISH – Lingering and floral Long, with notes of marzipan and lime, a gentle floral edge, and persistent coastal smoke. Reviews & Accolades “Soft smoke, salinity, ocean breeze, old ropes, faint sulphur… toasted oak…, lemons, rock salt, tide pools…, medium length … lemon/lime juice, ocean water, distant smoke.” — Reddit Whisky Community, Score: 81/100 Finer Details: Style - Single Malt Scotch Whisky Varietal - Malted Barley Country - Scotland Region - Islay Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 40% Closure - Cork

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is created using award-winning whiskies including fruity Highland malts and lighter Speyside malts for sweetness and spice, combined with those from the Scottish islands for our signature smoky finish.