The best

• red wine
• white wine
• champagne
• rosé
• whisky
• spirits
• beer

deals in Australia

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.

Gwalarn: The First Celtic Blend After creating two prestigious single malts (Kornog and Glann Ar Mor), Celtic Whisky Distillerie has developed its first blend, born from the blending of whiskies of Celtic origin. Like its single malt predecessors, this blend bears a Breton name that evokes its character, Gwalarn or “North-West Wind”. The French distillery in Côtes-d’Armor intends to bring fresh air to the world of blended whiskies. The innovative blend designed by the cellar master, Aël Guégan, and by Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder of Maison Villevert, unites for the best, the complexity of a Scotch whisky, the character of a German whiskey and the peat of Kornog, titled single malt from Celtic Whiskey Distillery. The result is striking in its balance and complexity. Gwalarn presents itself on the nose with elegance. The notes of cereals, ripe fruit and vanilla are clear, with a peaty background reminiscent of Kornog. The palate is energetic and fruity, with lingering vanilla notes. The peaty, salty finish is particularly full and even. Such complexity and balance distinguish Gwalarn from the best premium blended whiskies. Thus, Gwalarn takes place in the collection of exceptional whiskies created by Celtic Whisky Distillerie.

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.

Goodradigbee's Jarrah single malt is completely unique. It is made from Scottish Highland single malt and matured in Goodradigbee's whisky maturation cubes made from Western Australia's imposing Jarrah, an ancient local hardwood. The spirit is young on the nose but genuinely surprises when tasted. Complex flavours compete at first - sweetness and citrus, followed by cinnamon and sometimes, a touch of spice. Jarrah is different, in a good way. Be prepared to be surprised.

A revitalised Fettercairn, focusing on the distillery’s fruity character. Matured in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years, this is packed with tropical flavour without losing the distillery’s weightiness and gentle gingery spice.Nose: Candied lemon and pineapple, butter icing and a hint of mint. A touch of meatiness sits right at the back, giving the dram some weight. The sweetness builds and orchard fruit develops along with vanilla, milk chocolate and some green leaves. A thread of fruitiness runs through the middle.Palate: Soft and rounded, with gentle spice, milk chocolate and sweet cream leading. Fresh pineapple notes are balanced by fresh oak, with damp oak and damp leaves following. Cinnamon, candied ginger and nutmeg develop, along with a touch of creamy coffee.Finish: Vanilla cream, chocolate and coffee fade to leave menthol and crunchy apples.

Islay artisans, Bruichladdich, turn their hands to producing the first and only Islay Dry Gin. The botanicals used comprise of nine classic gin varietals, plus 22 wild, Islay botanicals that are hand-picked from the wind-swept hills, peat bogs and the Atlantic shores. The result is a highly distinctive, complex, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance. In an age of re-badged industrial gins, the Botanist stands out as a truly artisanal, small-batch, hand-crafted labour of love and distiller's art. A breath of botanical Islay in every glass.

Dimple 15 Year Old Scotch has fragrant tones that are almost tones of perfume mellowing to a sweet buttery aroma. Flavoursome and light, nothing spicy or harsh. The finish is delicate and maybe a gesture of dark chocolate hiding in there.

The Highland style of Whisky is generally considered to be one of the most approachable styles. Deep gold in colour with a nose of heather and wood smoke Highland Park has a deceptively complex palate that ranges from sweet maltiness to smokey peat and savoury spices.

The Naked Grouse enriches the flavours of Scotlands favourite whisky by maturing in sun dried sherry oak casks. The influence of our quality first-fill sherry casks develops a deep russet appearance and an aroma that melds black cherries, cocoa and oak. The taste experience is sublimely smooth with famous trade-mark dried fruits yielding to cinnamon sticks and nutmeg. The sweet finale is rich in dark chocolate with a spicy, orange finish.

Think you know peaty whisky? Think again. Glenfiddich, the worlds most awarded single malt Scotch Whisky, has launched Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, an unexpected combination of their rarely-seen peated whisky with unpeated bourbon-aged single malt, all of which is finished in Latin rum casks. The result is a surprisingly sweet and smoky dram that blends rich caramel and spice notes with fresh green fruit and soft pillowy smoke. A worthy continuation of the series that's very interesting to pair with different types of food try it with spicy sausage or ice cream, for example!