2014 marks another benchmark with "Torfa" - the first peated whisky from this revived distillery, fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels and peated to 20ppm. It takes its name from the Old Norse language with which the Scots dialect spoken in North East Scotland has an affinity and translates to “turf” or “peat”. Non-chill filtered. Natural colour. Retasted April 2018... Bright gold. White pepper and sweet earthy phenols combine with beeswax and biscuity malt; more cocoa / dark chocolate-like after extended time in the glass. A full bodied, succulent delivery with toasted barley, hints of fruit and a superb slathering of sweet peat. Melts in your mouth with near zero heat, the buzzing spices ricocheting through the finish. Uncomplicated but very pure. Beautiful malt. 50% Alc./Vol. First tasted April 2014... Pale straw gold. Opening sniff detects hints of vanilla wafer biscuit, dried grass and white pepper; more cocoa like after exposure as mild peat infuses dark chocolate, accentuating with time in the glass. Quite sweet but remains in check with the mid palate featuring juicy vanilla malt and the finish highlighting the peat as wet-wool / lanolin. Controlled spices add length and continue into an attractive choc-peat fade. Smokey, but in an accessible Caol Ila kind of way. Nicely done. 93 points

"Unquestionably one of the great malts of the year...in spite of itself". - Jim Murray Tasting note: Deep gold / brass. Muted at first; builds with a PX top note almost overwhelming the expected distillery aromas; if only momentarily. Brandy soaked raisins and dark chocolate amid flashes of sweet peat and pepper. Three to four minutes exposure draws out smouldering cedar, cigar box and hints of elastoplast, accenting fruit cake in later inspections. Terrific balance in the sweet, smokey-malt mid palate; vanilla and Christmas cake add richness to the finish. Concludes prolonged and lozenge-like with Laphroaig's trademark medicinal edge and pepperiness breaking through late, finally checked by the sherry. Big PX influence here but deftly handled - think of it as drunken Christmas pudding, Islay-style . 48% Alc./Vol. Normally travel retail exclusive. Extremely limited stocks.

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

Whilst many Australian whisky enthusiasts are familiar with the traditional sherried bottlings from Aberlour distillery, many parts of Europe are privy to its more curious variants which combine whiskies derived from both sherry and bourbon casks, varying in proportion. We have sourced a small quantity of these relatively unknown expressions just to showcase what this distillery capable of.

A mix of first fill ex-Bourbon and first fill ex-Sherry casks were used to create this rich, lightly smokey malt.

(This whisky has recently been repackaged as a standard 21 Year Old as opposed to its previous incarnation as 'Gran Reserva'). Glenfiddich resurrects the lost tradition of maturing whisky in rum casks with this Glenfiddich 21 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky. Rum distillers from Sancti Spiritus, near the Sierra del Escambray in the heart of Cuba, worked to develop this unique Cuban rum finish. Casks of Cuban rum are decanted at the distillery in Scotland and then filled with 21 Year Old Glenfiddich to absorb the unique character lingering in the wood. The result is the unmistakable Glenfiddich flavour revealed through a new and vibrant overtone.

Signature fruity flavour, creamy sweetness, well-balanced, smooth

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown. Following on from the duo of Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao comes the second instalment in Macallan's limited annual series. 'Intense Arabica' and 'Smooth Arabica' are said to be influenced by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean. Both special malts exude flavours of sweet oak, tiramisu and dark chocolate and reportedly provide a delightful whisky and coffee pairing experience. The story goes that Chief Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner wanted to create an expression that would pair perfectly with an espresso, so he worked with a group of caffeinated experts including Ethiopian grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, Scottish roaster Lisa Lawson and acclaimed American barista Andrea Allen. “Exploring the world of coffee with our masters in the industry, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love for their art, was both an education and an inspiration,” says Bremner. “There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience.” Each whisky was aged in a combination of American and European oak casks but have different accents. As the name suggests, Smooth Arabica brings a creamy, silky character to Macallans malt, retaining the dark spice and heavy fruit we've come to expect. Also one for the collectors to complete the set. Drawing inspiration from a connection to the natural world, the distinctive packaging incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life. These are made partially from repurposed coffee bean husks, created by Italian paper mill, Favini. Very limited stocks.

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 Double Cask 30 Year Old is a perfectly balanced single malt matured for 30 years in sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. The Double Cask range tells the story of an incredible wood journey, from the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees and the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky, to create the perfect harmony. This release showcases Macallan's unwavering commitment to uncompromised excellence as oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of their single malt whiskies. This double cask whisky is golden acorn in colour and 100% natural. Aromas of fresh honeycomb, sweet toffee, red apple, fig and vanilla pod. A smooth melody of cinnamon, ginger, Madagascan vanilla, dried fruits and oak across the palate. Sweet oak, soft spice and toffee finish.

Johnnie Walker is a globally renowned brand of Scotch whisky that has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and luxury. With a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, Johnnie Walker has established itself as a true icon in the world of whisky. Founded by John Walker in Kilmarnock, Scotland, the brand initially gained popularity for its blended whiskies, which offered a consistent and smooth drinking experience. Over the years, Johnnie Walker has built a reputation for excellence by sourcing the finest malt and grain whiskies from various regions of Scotland. One of the key factors that sets Johnnie Walker apart is its commitment to the art of blending. The master blenders at Johnnie Walker meticulously select and combine different whiskies to create a harmonious blend that embodies the brand's signature style. Each expression in the Johnnie Walker range, from the iconic Johnnie Walker Red Label to the prestigious Johnnie Walker Blue Label, represents a careful balance of flavors and aromas. The Johnnie Walker portfolio boasts a diverse range of whiskies, each with its own distinct character and flavour profile. Whether you prefer the smoky notes of Islay whiskies or the fruity and floral aromas of the Highlands, there is a Johnnie Walker expression to suit every palate. In addition to its exceptional quality, Johnnie Walker is also celebrated for its iconic branding. The striding man logo, representing progress and forward momentum, has become a symbol of the brand's enduring legacy. The brand's distinctive square-shaped bottles and color-coded labels further contribute to its recognizability and prestige. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic cocktail, Johnnie Walker whiskies offer a sensory journey that captures the essence of Scotland's whisky heritage. With its rich flavors, impeccable craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality Johnnie Walker continues to be a beloved choice for whisky enthusiasts around the world. The aim of Johnnie Walker Double Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky creation was to create an 'amplified version' of the much loved Black Label. To achieve this end, the Master Distiller used peaty West Coast whiskies to emphasise the trademark smoky elements that have made Johnnie Walker whiskies so famous. Aimed at drinkers who are keen to explore the Johnnie Walker character in more depth, the Double Black offers intense nuances through the involvement of heavily peated malt whiskies, and some that have been aged in deeply charred oak casks. By reaching deep into some of the House of Walker's most distinctive and unparalleled single malts reserves, Double Black emerges as a powerful whisky that stands tall when placed shoulder to shoulder against its other blends and stands apart from all other whiskies on the market.