"So consistent is the Laphroaig 10, that this is one of the whiskies I test myself each day with to check that my nose and palate are on song". 95 points - Jim Murray 2022 From the remote island of Islay in the Western Isles of Scotland. Laphroaig, pronounced 'La-froyg', is a Gaelic word meaning 'the beautiful hollow by the broad bay'. The full history of Laphroaig seems to be lost in the mists of time. It's clear that the Irish had been distilling on Islay for many years and that the locals picked up the skills when they left, but because it was illegal the small stills on the farms were rarely discussed - just a nod and a wink in the right direction!What is known, is that the family called the Johnstons started farming there around 1800, and that soon after messers Charles and Willie Doig were asked to do some 'work on a distillery' at Laphroaig. By 1815 Laphroaig's reputation had spread and the tax man was getting suspicious so they 'officially' established 'Johnston & Johnston' - the legend of Laphroaig had begun. Laphroaig is a malt to either love or hate. Full of the smoke and iodine, seaweed character Islay has become famous for, it has spurred some commentators to describe it as 'mouthwash', 'hospital gauze' or at best, 'medicinal'. Suffice to say, this is not a whisky for the faint hearted. Take Laphroaig neat like a stalwart, or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on your tongue, release the pungent earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley, the delicate, heathery perfume of Islay's stream and either swallow or spit. The final judgment on Laphroaig must always be left to the individual. Tasting note: Brassy gold. Seems a little tamer than previous incarnations, earthier too with a farmyard edge. Less iodine / elastoplast than before, more peppermint, baked citrus, kipper and lanolin, creaming up towards the finish, trailling off with hints of Fisherman’s Friend. 40% Alc./Vol.

A beautiful Scotch showing a magnificent balance between malt and peat. Aged for 14 years, slightly longer than most at the same price point, Oban is a whisky for those who love their Scotch's rich, smooth and intense.

Aged in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks. Double Wood is an excellent example of what the Balvenie distillery can craft, even at 12 years.

The distillery is located in the glen of the Kinchie Burn where it derives its name. Glenkinchie is a sweeter style of scotch that is supported by a delightful creamy texture on the palate.

Talisker is one of Scotland's remotest distilleries which produces a dram with trademark smoothness. Their 10 year old has a powerful peat and sea-salt nose; smoky sweetness with malt flavours and developing warmth with a huge, peppery finish. One of the six classic malts of Scotland, this Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a slight dash of water.

Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years has rich sweet fruit aromas along with toffee caramel, vanilla and a hint of smoke. Its warming and sweet on the palate with dark fruits, malty cereal, smooth creamy vanilla, fragrant almonds and tangerines, and a gentle smoke developing. A lingering finish brings notes of dark chocolate, caramelised citrus peel and very light smoke.

Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt is typical Islay (eye-la). Light gold colour with exceptional balance and depth on the nose. The aroma is a beguiling mix of toffee and chocolate sweetness, cinnamon spice, Fresh citrus and floral notes of white wine are evident, as are melon, pear drops and a gentle creaminess. There is also fresh phenolics of seaspray and smoked fish. Hickory and coffee emerge on the finish.

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old has been created by using whiskies matured for at least 18 years which has resulted in this very special Whisky. Exceptional richness with aromas of buttery toffee, dark chocolate and dried fruit. Hints of spices and smoke combine to produce a long, warm finish.

The darkest and most intense whisky in the extra matured range Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban has spent 10 years maturing in American white oak casks "Typical Morangie complexity... portrayed with clarity and confidence... form of cask finishing that has progressed from experimentation to certainty. 92/100" - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010.

Cragganmore Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky appears warm gold in colour with a sweet nose of jelly, juicy fruits and a slight smokiness. Light to medium body with a firm, sweet palate of smoky undertones and nutty fruitiness. Medium finish with lovely oaky expressions, banana and vanilla notes linger on the tongue.

Dalwhinnie is the highest of all the distillers in Scotland and place so to take advantage of the cleanest springwater possible. Dalwhinnie has a smokey, floral aroma and a delicate palate of heather and honed malt. A serious Whisky, yet approachable to the beginners.