The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in virgin Tawny port and red muscat-seasoned casks. For the whisky that arguably has the most exotic cask make-up in this line-up, not to mention its famed meaty spirit, the nose on this is relatively quiet. It takes a bit of digging to find hints of red forest fruits (currants and raspberries) and perhaps some jelly confectionery notes.

Another Ardbeg Day release arrives, bottled once and never to be repeated. This time around, it's created with roasted black malt - a first for Ardbeg. Incinerated to within an inch of its life, the malt defines the profile contributing charcoal and sweet smoke, aniseed and dark chocolate for a memorable Islay experience. Trumping past releases, Ardbeg's marketing department has gone to considerable lengths for the new edition, this time focusing on the brand’s alleged punk past, with Islay’s main port, Port Ellen, going by the nickname ‘Punk Ellen’ in the 1970s. (There was even a punk posse led by the local hotelier's daughter, which reached as many as three at the height of its notoriety). Meanwhile, Ardbeg’s head of distilling and whisky creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, describes the flavour as being “like biting on a spiky ball.” Collectors will love it, with the story and presentation being a hook for followers of the brand. The limited edition main release has landed (as opposed to the even more limited Committee Release) and as is always the case, it comes bottled at 46% and non chill filtered. The first sniffs bring young distillate to the fore, so from a fresh bottle give this a good ten minutes and you'll get a moderate lift of menthol-infused peat that also hints at anise, fennel and rye bread receding into sweeter smoke and vanilla malt with further air contact. It's medium bodied and sweetly peaty (think Caol Ila); hints of Elastoplast mingle with chocolate sponge cake and sprinklings of pepper; the finish is ashy and warming with citrus tang lacing late malt sweetness. Overall, in spite of the presentation and marketing, this is much more civilised and approachable than you might expect. Notes from the producers... Spicy and savoury, Ardcore grips the senses with waves of marmite, burnt toast, chicory charcoal and infused coffee grounds making for a mosh pit in the glass. Like a safety pin through the septum, a classic Ardbeg herbal top note is present, while swirling, smoky bonfire and molasses loiter backstage. TASTE: A jaw dropping spicy and fiery mouthfeel leads to an explosion of rich, smoky flavours – cocoa powder, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime and a suggestion of soot and bonfire embers all pogo in unison on the palate. Amped up aniseed and malty biscuit elbow their way to the fore, punkturing taste buds. FINISH: In an altogether sweeter finish, long, lingering notes of treacle toffee, soot and smoke make for an anarchic, but delicious, aftertaste.

Using locally grown Oushukubai plums from Oyama, Oita which are said to be the best for ume brewing. Umeshu that has been aged for 3 years is then matured for a further 2 years in white oak barrels previously used for the maturation of Single Malt Nikka whisky. Comes with handmade Wooden Gift Box, and wrapped in a Furoshiki. Aromas of honeydew, stone fruits, almonds, apricots, brioche and malt, oak flow across the nose. The palate is rich with the fruity sweetness of plums, almonds, apricots and dried fruits with notes of Yamazaki malt. The impression of ex whisky barrels delivers some vanilla and woody notes to the finish. Slight bitterness to finish.

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.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. DISCONTINUED. Following Suntory's lead, Nikka has discontinued its lines of extra-aged whiskies, with some reports that the shortage could last up to a decade before the taps are turned back on. Winner World's Best Blended Malt at the 2018 World Whisky Awards. Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. This now discontinued 17 Year Old bottling is dedicated to the Father of the Japanese Whisky Industry, Masataka Taketsuru. The tale of Taketsuru's life is of the same fabric legends are made of. Sent in 1918 as young apprentice to Scotland by his Japanese employers to crack the secrets of Whisky, he not only came back with that knowledge but also with Rita Taketsuru (nee Cowan), who went on playing a decisive role in the development of the Japanese Whisky industry. Thanks to her connection to Japanese high society, Masataka was able to finance the company that is now known as Nikka Whisky. Forward a century later, Taketsuru 17 yo is awarded the Best Blended Whisky at the World Whisky awards 2012 and 2018, a fitting crown for this blend of Malts from the two Nikka distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.

The ceremonial firing of guns in salute is a legendary custom which can be traced back to early seafaring days. Friendly ships passing each other rendered this salute as a gesture of good will. Later it became customary to extend a 21 gun salute to a reigning sovereign upon their arrival. Today this salute marks the welcome of a foreign Head of State to a friendly host nation. The inspiration for Royal Salute, like the ceremony commemorates, seeks to reflect tradition. Aged and bottled in Scotland by Chivas Brothers for 21 years, Royal Salute is unmatched by any other blend for its sheer mellowness. A highly exclusive spirit created for the connoisseur. This is a complex and rich Scotch Whisky with hints of chocolate, lemon, coconut, and tea. The whisky is aged in oak casks for 21 years before bottling. It is then bottled in porcelain flagons, produced by Wade porcelain. The bottle design incorporates the image of Robert the Bruce and includes a Gaelic motto which translates as fidelity, stability since 1801. Note - The style of box may vary between the two pictured.

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognised as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label has an unmistakably smooth, deep, complex character. An impressive whisky to share on any occasion, whether you're entertaining at home with friends or on a memorable night out.

A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. Despite being the largest distillery on Islay (in terms of production anyway), nearly all of Caol Ila's output ends up in blends, so much so that until 2002 when the 12-year-old was released, independent bottlings were the only recourse for malt hunters. The distillery's gently fruity-smoky style sets it apart and comes down to the production process: "...although it receives the same spec of malt as sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila’s distillation regime – longer fermentation, higher cut point, taller stills, helps to reduce the heavy phenols." Tasting note: Pale straw colour with a subtle green blush. Aromas of soft, sweet peat - smoked trout, a hint of lanolin and some baked citrus. Rounded, pure and impeccably clean from start to finish, the palate offers semi-sweet smoky-fruity-oily flavours counterpointed by super fine tannins. Perfect balance. Finishes long with salt, smoked fish and light lanolin through the fade. A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. 43%Alc./Vol.

Suntory's Flagship whiskey, the Yamazaki takes its place as the number 1 single malt whiskey in Japan. Also available in 12, 18 and 25 year varieties the Distillers reserve is the youngest in the lineup. Crafted using malt matured in sherry casks which gives the whisky a rich spiced nose of sherry soaked plums and raisins. On the palate you’ll find coffee and chocolate with a hint of smoke. A fantastic Japanese malt and one of the best currently produced bearing the Takesuru name.