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Lindores Abbey is the officially recognised site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky. It was back in 1494 that King James IV commissioned Brother John Cor at Lindores Abbey to make aqua vitae with eight bolls of malt. For more than 100 years, the preservation of the ruined abbey has fallen to Drew McKenzie-Smith and his family. Several years ago he learned of the abbey’s significance to the industry after visiting a website called Connoisseur Scotland . Further inspiration came when he was shown a copy of the late Michael Jackson’s book, ' Scotland and Its Whiskies .' In it, Jackson wrote of Lindores, “For the whisky lover it is a pilgrimage”. Following fifteen years of careful planning, construction work began on a new distillery that would not only capitalise on this whisky connection but also provide the means with which to preserve the abbey for future generations. In 2017, after five centuries of silence, the stills at Lindores Abbey began flowing again. There are actually two releases now in Australia: Lindores MCDXCIV and the MCDXCIV Commemorative First Release. They're essentially the same liquid, distinguished by a subtle notation on the label. Both come aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and STR red wine barriques from Burgundy. Both are three and a half year old Lowlanders. You might expect Lindores to be on the lighter side, however it's more like a young Speysider, nicely balanced and not shy on flavour. There's even a nod to Linkwood on the nose where the aromas show surprising weight; Cream tea biscuits, pear drops, light beeswax, cocoa and citrus are echoed with impressive purity, depth and texture of the palate. A fine astringency checks the length, but it's auspicious as far as inaugural releases go - all that's needed is more time to add further layers of complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

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.

Matured for many years in traditional Whisky casks before being finished in sherry casks, this 12 year old single malt from Balvenie is rich and smooth. It's characterised by rich honey sweetness and a delicate layer of Sherry that lingers on the palate.

The core character remains true to the heart of Glenfiddich signature 12 year old with a sweet, fruitiness rich in fresh pear and crisp apple. the flavour is deeper, sweeter and more oaky with light spice, delicate hints of dried fruits and a touch of baked apple.

Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch is a blend of entirely Single Malts and has aromas of smoky vanilla oak, pepper, fresh cut grass and sandalwood on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with a delicate earthiness are balanced through to a lingering malty aftertaste. Sophisticated and full of finesse. Great to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

Dewars 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky is carefully prepared by putting the whisky back into the cask to mature a second time after blending (double-aging). This method allows all of the older and characterful whiskies to mingle before bottling with resulting flavours of nut and marzipan, to name a few.

Released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lagavulin distillery by John Johnston in 1816, this eight-year-old is big and smoky, with sweet spice that becomes apparent with a drop of water. Inspired by the visit of Alfred Barnard to the distillery in the 1880's when he tried an 'exceptionally fine' eight-year-old from the distillery, this is a fitting tribute for the milestone.

The Kilchoman Sanaig Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky presents soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla on the nose along with toffee, peat smoke and a lingering sweetness on the palate. The finish is a lovely balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.