Jim Murray's Japanese Whisky of the Year for 2022. The small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies from Kurayoshi have been impressive. Blenders here often combine malt whisky from Scotland with locally produced whisky. This is not an uncommon practice in Japan, and the exact breakdown typically remains undisclosed. There have been several strong reviews for the 18 YO (see below). One can't help noticing the similarity in packaging to Suntory's Yamazaki 18...

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honours the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. The Yamazaki Smoky Batch The First, a ground breaking Japanese whisky that pushes the boundaries of flavour. Crafted with precision by Suntory’s master distillers, the oldest distillery in Japan, this exceptional single malt showcases the artistry of Japanese whisky-making. With its notes of sweetly fruity flavour, slowly spreading, and gentle smokiness in every sip. It’s often described as possessing the characteristic maturation and balance found in Yamazaki whiskies. However, what sets it apart from regular Yamazaki is its unique quality. A whisky with a distinct “Japanese-style gentle smokiness.” Golden in colour with aromas of pineapple and honey notes with the slightly smoky aroma of glowing embers. On the palate a sweetly fruity flavour, with slowly spreading, gentle smokiness. The finish is faintly woody and peaty flavour elements that linger long after the first sip. This release is part of a limited edition batch, making it a prized addition to any whisky collection. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour the first of its kind from Yamazaki.

Ardbeg is a renowned and revered name in the world of Scotch whisky. Situated on the remote Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, Ardbeg Distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whiskies since 1815. Known for its distinctive peaty and smoky flavour profile, Ardbeg whiskies have gained a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide. The distillery's location plays a significant role in shaping the character of Ardbeg whiskies. The island's unique terroir, with its peat-rich soil and briny coastal influence, imparts a distinct maritime essence to the whiskies. This, combined with the traditional peat-smoking process, results in an unmistakable smoky aroma and flavour that is synonymous with Ardbeg. Ardbeg offers a diverse range of expressions, each showcasing its own unique characteristics. From the flagship Ardbeg 10 Year Old, with its bold and robust flavors of peat smoke, iodine and citrus, to limited editions and special releases, Ardbeg continuously pushes the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship. The distillery's commitment to traditional production methods and attention to detail is evident in every bottle of Ardbeg. The use of traditional copper pot stills, the carefully selected malted barley and the maturation process in oak casks all contribute to the complexity and depth of flavour found in Ardbeg whiskies. Ardbeg has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its position as one of the world's leading whisky brands. Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is a rare, small batch whisky that has tantalising notes of pineapple, gentle toffee and lime sherbert on the the nose, with a sweet and sour mouthfeel of smoked chili chocolate, paprika and chocolate cream. Aromatic wood smoke resonates through the long finish. The Singing Sands is the local name for Isaly's beautiful Traigh Bhan beach. For this captivating place has white soft sands that sing beneath your feet, a hum that ebbs and flows with Isaly's winds and tides.

Leading Japanese Whisky with aromas of dried fruit and honey. It has a delicate, mellow taste with a lingering woody dry finish. For Scotch drinkers looking for something different.

Meukow Palme dOr collection is a selection of rare vintages and exceptional blends offered for limited edition. Rarissime is a blend of exceptional eaux-de-vie aged for up to 80 years, coming from the 2 of the most prestigious cognac appellations, Grande and Petite Champagne. This exceptional and very rare Cognac has very fine aromas of vanilla reinforced by shades of leather and tobacco. Its remarkable aromatic persistence reveals a rich and powerful rancio typical of long aging in oak barrels.

Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Scotch Whisky has enticing fruity aromas of sweet orange and peach, followed by notes of marzipan and nuts. Hints of rich milk chocolate orange and a fondant creaminess are the lead in to a finish that is smooth rounded and luxuriously long.

The Macallan Rare Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL is the most diverse and intricate Macallan Whisky; a reinterpretation of the classic profile achieved through the widest palette of cask styles. 16 different cask styles individually hand chosen for the character they impart to the Macallan spirit, some casks so rare they will never be used again.The result is unadulterated product complexity.

Limited edition release from Nikka - a decanter in the shape of a potstill. Deluve gift set edition.

Created from the finest carefully selected plants from the Blue Agave harvest. The Tequila is triple distilled to make it ultra-smooth and full bodied. A portion of each batch is aged for a limited time and then blended to create the finest platinum Tequila in the world.

The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, a perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.