The extreme northern archipelago of mostly uninhabited islands around Orkney is in every sense isolated. It's not known when the first distillery was established in Orkney, but there were almost certainly local producers by the middle of the eighteenth century. Above the capital, Kirkwall, is a rise with fine views out to the northern isles traditionally known as the ‘High Park’. It's here that Highland Park distillery was said to have been founded in 1795. There have been several different owners, before coming into the hands of James Grant and family in the late 1800s. By 1826 when the distillery became legal, the site had already become known as 'Highland Park'. Now owned by The Edrington Group , its location must partly be accountable for the distinctive character of the malt, through the surrounding ocean, the local peat and the Orkney spring water. To blenders, the distillate is prized - many of whom claim it possesses unique 'catalystic' properties which enhance flavours in other whiskies. Nearly always ranked alongside the classic malts, revered as a spectacular after-dinner drink and without doubt '...a malt to challenge any Cognac or Armagnac', the house style is fragrant and floral with a smooth, honeyed character over hints of citrus and smoke. The phenol content of the distillery's own malt is 30-40ppm but the remainder which is imported from Simpson's is unpeated. The distillery is serious about quality oak, spending $20 million a year on wood alone, more than any other Scotch distillery - despite having a fraction of the output of some of the larger brands. First released in 1979, the 12YO is still the best introduction. Employing about 20% first-fill sherry casks, a name change and packaging update took place in 2017. Retasted 2019 ...Surprisingly full at 40% ABV but loses vitality and flattens out towards the finish. Otherwise, mostly unchanged. 90 points First tasted 2012... Brilliant, bright gold appearance. Almost floral in delivery. Honey and toasted barley mingles with a perfectly balanced waft of peat and brine. An exceptionally soft, silky entry offers good concentration and the same seamless integration as found on the nose. Medium dry, subtle nashi-pear fruitiness combines with a judicious slap of peat. Crescendos with a spicy flourish at mid palate. Finishes more peaty than some previous bottlings with drying brine, spice and smoke lingering before a honey fade. Getting closer to what this whisky was 10 years ago. 40% alc./vol. 92 points

It's been over a decade since we've revisited the Balvenie range. From the 12 Year Old, right up to the venerable 30 year old expression, the house style emerges as one of the lightest and most delicate to be found from Speyside with almost no peat evident. 'Doublewood' gains its character from maturation in two woods, transferred from traditional x-Bourbon American oak to a Sherry oak casks for its final maturation. It's sometimes described as the classic, "essential" expression in Balvenie’s core range. From a 30ml sample, the nose is lifted with vanilla, dilute honey and dried fruits. The entry is featherweight, unfolding into a medium-weight dram with moderate flavours of dried fruit and a warm mouthfeel. An aftertaste of dried grass and drying oak sustains a little prickle. All up, this is uncomplicated and typical of the distillery style, but even at 12 years old, Doublewood still tastes surprisingly young. 40% Alc./Vol.

In 1898, John Duff built the Speyside Distillery, BenRiach. It is one of the few distilleries with its own on-site floor malting and draws its water from the Burnside Springs. A richly sumptuous single malt, interwoven with mellow smoke and a masterful curation of oak. Crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and four cask matured for at least twenty five years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks and Madeira Island wine casks. During long maturation Benriach’s sweet Speyside smoke mellows and integrates with the fruit, malt and oak. After twenty-five years, rich layering develops into caramelised smoke, further enhanced through multi-layered cask maturation. The whisky from each cask type, imbued with particular flavour characteristics, is then expertly married together to create a sumptuous single malt, layered with baked fruit, honey malt and toasted oak spice with a long, rich, caramelised smoke finish. All in perfect balance.

Pours Spanish sunset. Mature oak opens to reveal dried fruits, vanilla, sweet pears and cinnamon on the nose. Dried fruits and wood spices coat the palate. Ginger, cinnamon and oak give depth. The finish lingers, full and long.

Sherry and peat can be a challenging equation as the wine can almost cancel the peat. Some distilleries manage to get the balance right, creating a new and interesting take on much-loved classics (if your preference when drinking Laphroaig is to have it as coastal and earthy as possible, this may not be for you). The sherry oak finish isn't generally available in Australia, and we've only been able to secure a tiny volume. It has a higher ABV in its favour - the standard 10YO is just 40% - with Oloroso sherry casks in support. Apart from the expected smoke, seaweed and salt, you'll find notes of manuka honey, bacon and maple syrup. Probably lightly filtered, but it's not stated on the label. 48% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

The Macallan Rare Cask 2022 release is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks, unearthed by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team using their knowledge, skill, passion, and creativity in their quest to seek out the extraordinary. This single malt whisky reveals the remarkable art and science of the Whisky Maker in selecting unique oak casks that exhibit a distinctive and complex flavour profile. They were curated for maturation by The Macallan Master of Wood and delivered to the exacting specifications of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team to create Rare Cask. This luxurious expression highlights the magic and science in The Macallan’s intricate whisky making process, as the whisky maker identifies the exceptional oak casks which impart the intense and highly complex flavour profile. Soft aromas of vanilla with rich raisin lead the journey of discovery into this single malt whisky, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange. Intense sweet raisin flavours dominate the palate, before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest. The finish is long, rich and velvety to offer a decadent whisky experience that will leave a lasting impression.

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. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old forms part of The Macallan Sherry Oak range. When matured in Oloroso sherry seasoned oaks casks from Jerez, Spain, their rich, fruity, and full bodied 'new make' spirit is transformed into an iconic single malt. The sherry seasoned oak cask delivers a single malt characterised by the mature oak, ginger, and raisin flavours.

Product Description The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Miami Polo Edition is a refined and luxurious whisky that celebrates the timeless elegance of polo. Finished in both first-fill rye and first-fill bourbon casks, this unique expression showcases the smooth, creamy vanilla and coconut notes from the bourbon casks, complemented by subtle spice from the rye casks. The combination of these cask influences mirrors the vibrant, sun-soaked atmosphere of Miami's golden beaches and reflects the spirited energy of the sport of polo. With its 21 years of aging, this exceptional whisky has developed a rich, opulent profile that’s as sophisticated as the polo lifestyle it represents. Whether savoured neat or enjoyed in a celebratory toast, the Miami Polo Edition embodies regal refinement, fitting for any momentous occasion. Maker Chivas Regal is a legendary name in the world of Scotch whisky, known for its heritage, craftsmanship, and exceptional quality. Founded in 1801 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Chivas has long been a symbol of refinement and innovation, blending rich history with the finest Scotch whisky traditions. The Chivas brothers, James and John, started their journey with a small grocery store and became pioneers in the art of blending Scotch whisky, a craft that has since become synonymous with luxury. Over the years, Chivas Regal has grown into one of the most prestigious and respected names in the whisky industry, known for its smooth, rich blends and commitment to excellence. Chivas Regal prides itself on creating exceptional whiskies using a blend of the finest malt and grain whiskies, sourced from the heart of Scotland’s whisky-producing regions. Their dedication to quality and innovation continues today with their renowned Master Blender, who brings decades of expertise to create whiskies that are both timeless and contemporary. With every bottle, Chivas captures the essence of craftsmanship and quality that has made it a true icon in the world of Scotch whisky. Royal Salute X Polo Collaboration For many years, Royal Salute has had a strong connection to the world of polo, an elegant sport with a rich history. As a global sponsor of polo events and tournaments, Royal Salute is synonymous with the sophistication and tradition of the sport. The partnership with polo reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, luxury, and celebration. The Royal Salute Polo Collection, including the 21-Year-Old Miami Polo Edition, is a tribute to the beauty, grace, and competitive spirit of polo. The Miami Polo Edition, in particular, embodies the vibrancy of the sport with its smooth and rich profile, making it the perfect whisky for those who appreciate both style and substance. Tasting Notes NOSE Vanilla, Coconut, Spice The nose is immediately inviting, with creamy vanilla and smooth coconut aromas that evoke the sun-drenched beaches of Miami. Subtle spicy notes from the rye casks add depth, creating an elegant balance of sweetness and warmth. PALATE Smooth, Rich, Spicy On the palate, the whisky is smooth and velvety, with a rich and indulgent mouthfeel. The vanilla and coconut notes are complemented by a hint of spice from the rye casks, while the influence of the bourbon casks adds layers of complexity. The whisky’s character is opulent, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. FINISH Lingering, Warm, Elegant The finish is long and warming, with the subtle spice of rye lingering alongside the smooth sweetness of the bourbon cask influence. The whisky leaves a refined and satisfying aftertaste, making it a truly regal drinking experience.

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.