Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker Whisky stable. Created to reflect the the style of whiskies of the early 19th century, it is created using the rarest casks in House of Walker, the largest in the world. The casks are hand selected and set aside for their exceptional quality, character and flavour while retaining the signature smokiness of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Akkeshi began distilling in 2016, based in the Akkeshi District of Hokkaido, the concept of distilling and maturing single malt in Japan’s northern wilderness traces back to the very first plans of Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer of the country’s early whisky production. Taisho is the 12th of the 24 Japanese solar terms. The hottest period of the year, this is a celebratory time with many festivals and fireworks. The indigo label is inspired by yukata, the light summer kimono worn during the warmer months. As always, the exact production details are difficult to pin down, but the key malt is 100% from Hokkaido aged in a variety of casks including Mizunara and Bourbon, alongside imported grain purchased as new make and aged completely in-house (nine separate components contributed to the blend) This is signature Akkeshi, with fresh yet savoury/saline peatiness positioned at the forefront. A hot-blooded blend, this changes constantly in the glass and is best without water. Secondary notes of spun sugar and tropical fruit are joined by deep citrus, burnt sage and green almond notes in the mouth. It finishes spicy, salty and long.

The Balvenie create a unique range of single malt Scotch whiskies hand-crafted in Speyside using centuries-old skills passed down through generations. The Balvenie's' process is a combination of expertise, skill and ambition which is the same now as it has been through generations. Balvenie's use of 5 key crafts is key to maintaining their high standards. Home grown barley, craft of the cooperage of the barrels, the malting floor where the grain is prepared, the copper stills that create the base spirit and the malt master who oversees the refining of the end product. The Balvenie French Oak is a vibrant single malt finished in casks previously held wine from the French Charentes vineyards. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from unfermented grape juice, to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. Sixteen years of maturation in American Oak casks brings an abundance of vanilla spice and warm honey notes. The finishing in Pineau casks brings energizing grapefruit, geranium, glazed fruit and ginger. This is the first of The Balvenie finishes to explore French Oak. Pineau is akin to cognac in terms of production and flavour, allowing us to capitalise on the rise of this flavour profile and its premium credentials. The Balvenie USA brand ambassador Lorne Cousin suggested Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE explore these casks after a trip to the region with his family where he fondly remembers sipping an aperitif. Beautifully balanced light floral notes from lotus and geranium flowers dance between hints of fresh meadow grass and pealed apple skin. On the palate there is an energising zing from tangy lemon rind and grapefruit meet the delicate subtle sweetness of glazed fruits and spice from root ginger, with a refreshingly concise finish.

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.

Michter's, a renowned American whiskey company, has a rich history dating back to 1753 when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded the distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. Shenk's whiskey was made from rye grain, which was a favourite local crop in the Pennsylvania Blue Mountain Valley where the distillery was located. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington purchased whiskey from Shenk's to fortify his men as they hunkered down in their camp through the long, brutal winter at Valley Forge. The Michter's Pennsylvania management would later say that Michter's was "the whiskey that warmed the American Revolution." In the mid-1800s, Pennsylvania Dutchman Abraham Bomberger purchased the distillery and it became known as Bomberger's. However, the passage of Prohibition in 1919 forced the distillery, along with other American spirits producers, to shut its doors to the public. Although the distillery did reopen after the repeal of Prohibition, it changed hands many times over the next few decades and frequently occupied a precarious financial position. In 1989, with the entire American whiskey industry suffering a prolonged downturn, Michter's then-owners declared bankruptcy and abandoned the premises, leaving its Pennsylvania operations in disrepair and the Michter's name seemingly lost to history. However, in the 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and his consultant and mentor Richard "Dick" Newman teamed up to resurrect Michter's. Magliocco and Newman made their first major strategic decision to resurrect Michter's in Kentucky, in the heart of the modern American whiskey industry, to ensure access to the best whiskey talent and resources available. Today, Michter's has three locations in Kentucky, including a 78,000 square foot distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, the architecturally significant Fort Nelson Building on Louisville's Museum Row and 205 acres of farm land in Springfield. Michter's is renowned for producing the best whiskey possible and they continue to honour the Michter's legacy by offering the greatest American whiskey. Michter's has come a long way since its early years in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania and its resurgence in Kentucky is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon, and 20-Year Bourbon expressions from Michter's are a testament to the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and Kentucky's unrivalled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. These highly limited releases are often significantly older than the age statement on the label, as only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion. The result is a truly exceptional whiskey that showcases the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is one of the brand's most limited production items, continuing the legacy of America's first whiskey variety (rye) from America's first whiskey company (Michter's, originally known as Shenk's). After a nearly three-year absence from the market, Michter's then Master Distiller Willie Pratt finally gave the green light for the re-release of Michter's 10 Year Straight Rye in April 2014. This single barrel rye is produced in limited quantities in Kentucky, a state renowned for its exceptional whiskey production. Bottled at a strength of 92.8 proof (46.4% Alcohol by Volume), this rye is aged in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels, imparting a rich and complex flavour profile. On the palate, this rye offers deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon, with an ample dose of crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus. The result is a truly exceptional whiskey that showcases the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is a testament to the brand's legacy and expertise in producing outstanding whiskey. Its limited production and exceptional flavour profile make it a must-have for any whiskey connoisseur looking for a unique and complex tasting experience.

(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.

Dalmore has always set the highest standards in whisky craftsmanship. A pioneer in the art of cask curation, Master Distiller Richard Paterson has been the creative force behind The Dalmore for nearly five decades. Inspired by the vision of The Dalmore’s founder, Sir Alexander Matheson, and the achievements of the Mackenzie family who came before him, Richard is admired across the globe for his passion and innovative flair. The epitome of Dalmore's house style the 15 Year Old single malt is finished in different styles of sherry casks including Apostoles, Amoroso and Matusalem oloroso. This whisky has aromas of orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg. Flavours of mandarin, vanilla, ginger and crushed apples flow across the palate to a peppery spice and oak finish.

Product Information: The Dalmore King Alexander III is the world’s first single malt to be crafted using an assemblage of six different cask finishes. This masterpiece showcases The Dalmore's philosophy of multi-cask maturation, bringing together Bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks, Madeira casks, Marsala casks, Port pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques—all expertly married in a Sherry butt. The result is a whisky that delivers a rich and enticing flavour profile with remarkable depth and complexity. Master Distiller Richard Paterson describes this pioneering whisky as "a fitting reward for those with the courage to stand apart and make a difference." Aromas of red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit lead to a palate of citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel, and crushed almonds. The finish is endless, revealing dustings of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger spice—a true testament to The Dalmore’s remarkable legacy. This whisky commemorates King Alexander III of Scotland, who reigned from 1249 to 1286. His rule is remembered as a golden era of prosperity and territorial expansion, thanks to his diplomatic acumen and courageous leadership, including his pivotal role in fostering peace with England during a time of frequent conflict. Maker: The Dalmore’s history is steeped in royal legacy, symbolized by the 12-point Royal Stag that adorns each bottle. This emblem was bestowed upon Colin of Kintail, chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, by King Alexander III of Scotland after he saved the monarch from a charging stag in 1263. The Dalmore distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, with the Mackenzie clan taking control in 1867, further cementing the brand's connection to royalty and quality. The distillery’s unique collection of stills produces a robust and fruity new make spirit, ideal for long, complex maturation. Richard Paterson, a pioneer in cask curation, guided The Dalmore for nearly five decades, setting the stage for its global acclaim. Today, Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass continues this tradition, blending innovation with time-honoured techniques to craft exceptional whiskies. Gregg Glass, awarded Master Distiller of the Year 2023 at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards, works closely with Richard Paterson OBE, pushing the boundaries of whisky-making while preserving The Dalmore’s timeless legacy. Philosophy: For nearly two centuries, The Dalmore has been guided by visionary whisky makers, forging exclusive relationships with the world’s finest bodegas and wineries to secure the best casks. Under their expert care, time, cask, and artistry work together to shape the spirit into an unparalleled whisky. The Dalmore's relentless focus on realising the full potential of its single malt ensures each bottle is a masterpiece, reflecting the distillery’s commitment to excellence. Nose - Red Berry, Subtle Passion fruit, Vanilla Pod Malty and fruity, unmistakably Dalmore. Seville orange zest, rose, malty cereal, barley and chocolate. Creamy vanilla fudge, and tropical vinous notes trail. Palate - Citrus Zest, Crème Caramel, Crushed Almonds Round feel. Winter berries, spice, zesty orange liqueur notes, amaretto sweet nuttiness. Finish - Cinnamon, nutmeg, Ginger Beautiful spicy impression in the finish. Peppery with judged oak followed by subtle claret notes.

Product Information: Johnnie Walker x Perfect Moment. It's luxury scotch meets luxury fashion. Together they've crafted a must-have 'aprés-ski' accessory. In partnership with luxury ski & lifestyle brand Perfect Moment, this unique bottle comes adorned in a limited-edition luxury bottle bag that reverses into a cross-body bag, fearlessly designed to push boundaries and resonate strongly with fashion-forward luxury consumers; it doubles as a crossbody accessory once the bottle is removed. Master Blender Emma Walker began creating this special blend by going through the archives and hand-selecting the rarest of single malts from the most northern distilleries in Scotland, including famed distillery Brora and the highest distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie. These single malts were carefully laid during Scotland’s coldest winters, when the critical first phase of maturation is mellowed, allowing more of the beautiful distillery character to come through. Only 1 in 10,000 casks succeeds in bringing this character to life – velvety-smooth with notes of salted honey, cacao and soft malt characters. Maker: Johnnie Walker's story began in 1820 when a determined young man named John opened a grocery shop in Kilmarnock, Scotland, after his father's death. Facing challenges, John had a knack for business and a talent for whisky. Recognizing the inconsistency of single malts, he began blending them, creating a whisky that delivered a reliable taste. His blended whisky quickly gained popularity. When John passed away in 1857, he left a thriving business to his son, Alexander. With the arrival of the railway and Britain on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution, Alexander seized opportunities for growth. Things really kicked up a notch from there. In 1867, he introduced the iconic slanted label and square bottle, making the brand stand out. By 1908, with the help of illustrator Tom Browne, the Striding Man became the brand's symbol, leading to the creation of Johnnie Walker Red Label and Black Label. By 1920, Johnnie Walker whisky was available in 120 countries, becoming a global cultural icon, celebrated by statesmen, socialites, and artists alike. In 1934, the brand received a Royal Warrant from King George V. Today, Johnnie Walker is the world's largest Scotch whisky brand, embodying a spirit of progress and optimism with its famous slogan. The legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky continues to thrive. Philosophy: Rare casks, rare craft and rare characters combine to create a vibrant Scotch Whisky with rolling waves of flavour and an unrivalled depth of character. Made with unparalleled reserves, spanning the ‘four corners’ of Scotch–Lowland (Glenkinchie), Speyside (Cardhu), Islay (Caol Ila) and Highland (Clynelish). Only one in 10,000 casks – including some from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries – are hand-selected to craft this exceptionally smooth whisky. Johnnie Walker have honed in on their craft, a precision process that respects the many elements shaping a Scotch Whisky’s final flavour and character, including the type of grains and yeast used, the shape of the still, and the length of time it’s matured in the cask. Nose - Lightly Smoked, Cereal Grains, Old Leather Rolling waves of subtle pepper and spices. Pungent, integrated slightly oily and smoked. Dusty cereal grains, desiccated coconut, leather, hessian sack and freshly cut old mahogany wood. Palate - Honeyed Malt, Fruity Palate, Vanilla Oak Initial burst of salty smoked seaweed leads to an elegant lightly honeyed malty, dried fruity palate with vanillered wood, liquorice, brazil nuts and the merest hint of cinnamon spice. Finish - Hard Candy, Butter Fruit Buns, Smoky Finish Salty, smoked flavours return on the long finish with boiled sweet (hard candy) fruit and buttered fruit buns. A luxuriously long, smoky finish.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker Whisky stable. Created to reflect the the style of whiskies of the early 19th century, it is created using the rarest casks in House of Walker, the largest in the world. The casks are hand selected and set aside for their exceptional quality, character and flavour while retaining the signature smokiness of Johnnie Walker whiskies.