"Glenmorangie at its very best." - whiskyadvocate.com The raw materials used to create this whisky are quite unusual and include estate grown Cadboll malt along with chocolate malt (chocolate malt is usually used in the production of beers like porter and stout). The whisky has been matured in new, low toast, Ozark American oak casks and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. It is the brainchild of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's head distiller who first had the idea over 20 years ago. Retasted June 2017... Brilliant topaz / beams from the glass. Almost floral notes of cocoa and manuka honey drizzled over hints of orange spice cake and shortbread. Starts understated and fresh but finishes unlike almost any other whisky: A peacock's tail of fantastic length and force with miniature detonations of orange zest, dark chocolate, hazelnut and sweet spice dappling the tongue. The persistence is quite exceptional. Maintains its place as a high point in the Glenmorangie stable. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol. First tasted 2008... Deep orange brown colour with golden hue. Sweet and inviting nose of Mixed Peel, Chocolate, Coffee beans and Almond biscuit. The palate is thick, luscious and mouthfilling, almost creamy. Pronounced flavours of chocolate, coconut, orange, vanilla and hazelnut. The palate shows no sign of spirit heat, even without the addition of water. Outstanding balance. Exceptionally long, supple aftertaste of chocolate, vanilla, almond and hazelnut. Hints of orange emerge then fade. Drink with chocolate or dried fruit desserts, coffee or a cigar. A phenomenal, if unusual whisky. 97 points

Ardbeg's latest annual offering comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The purifier is also responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. A spokesperson for the brand describes the flavour profile as, "Defined by a distinctive pungent earthiness, aromatic clouds of dark chocolate, a billow of aniseed and cinnamon, and a lingering tang of sharp peppermint." Dramface.com add "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." We've just received our allocation. The whisky's unusual conception is brought to life with accompanying graphics created by celebrated comic artist and illustrator, Dilraj Mann. The nose is slightly reticent while the flavour profile leans towards smokey dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper followed by a dried herbal quality. The aftertaste is ashy, drying, medium long and vaguely fruity in a mezcal kind of way. Like last year's Ardbeg Day release (Ardcore), Heavy Vapours is not quite as intense or complex as anticipated, although it does taste slightly more mature and feels like the texture is amplified, particularly at the finish where cured meats and a salt'n'pepper tang recall middle-weight Caol Ilas. In a word, more elegant than "extreme". 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

The Talisker distillery is one of the most remote in the world, perched on the rugged western shores of the Isle of Skye, at the head of Loch Harport, in the small village community of Carbost. The distillery was originally founded back in 1830 – and not everyone in the local community was happy about it. The then parish minister felt the development of the distillery was 'one of the greatest curses that could befall (Carbost) or any other place'. More than a hundred and fifty years later, and Talisker is universally regarded as a jewel in the heart of Skye. The distinctive Talisker style recommends itself to seafood such as smoked salmon, kipper fillets, grilled smoked mackerel and oysters. Time has rounded but not tamed the powerful taste of this Malt Classic. Tasting note: It's been almost a decade since we revisited this maritime beauty, and at the very least, it's an age statement bottling that's held its ground - arguably even improved. Deep gold with water-like edges and solid legs. Opening aroma suggests dark chocolate and vanilla combined with a keynote of dried kelp. Air contact adds to the diversity introducing semi-ripe apple, pickled ginger, sea breeze and pepper. A creamy yet peppery profile that includes kelp, vanilla and a mildly oily texture. Finish ups the spice closing tongue tingling, fresh, citrus lozenge-like, mildly salty. Hints of pickled ginger, Fishermans Friend and drying oak in the aftertaste; some late sweetness returns in the fade. Complex, assured and immensely satisfying. 45.8% Alc./Vol.

Auchentoshan 13 Years Old 2007 Artist Collective 5.6 by LMDW bottled at 48% ABV. Bottled in 2021. A vatting of 2 Sherry butts. Since 1956 La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) have been specialising in whiskies and spirits. They have established themselves as the leading French specialists in the importing and distribution of rare whiskies. Based in Paris, this family business launched its first shop in 1968. Fuelled by a deep passion and avant-garde approach instilled by founder Georges Bénitah, LMDW continues to innovate at the forefront of the independent bottling world.

Ben Nevis 6 Years Old 2014 Artist Collective 5.1 by LMDW bottled at 57.1% ABV Bottled 2021. Vatting of 2 Sherry Butts 2nd fill. Since 1956 La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) have been specialising in whiskies and spirits. They have established themselves as the leading French specialists in the importing and distribution of rare whiskies. Based in Paris, this family business launched its first shop in 1968. Fuelled by a deep passion and avant-garde approach instilled by founder Georges Bénitah, LMDW continues to innovate at the forefront of the independent bottling world.

Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, the Parliament continues the great GlenDronach tradition of offering fruit-laden intensity in its single malts. This rich expression has been named Parliament after the colony, or parliament, of rooks that have been nesting in the trees that overlook the GlenDronach distillery for almost 200 years. Bottled at 48%, the Parliament is non chill filtered and of natural colour.

The first-ever master blend of whiskies from six famous coastal single malt distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower and Talisker. A gloriously pleasing and affirming whisky that captures the character of coastal malts perfectly

Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices.

The Soleo Collection is a new range with clear story and navigation, moving away from vintages and focusing on age statements. All expressions are matured in 100% sherry seasoned casks, for a rich sensorial experience. No allocation constraints. The Glenrothes 18 years old is a complex and well rounded expression, perfect for after dinner or to compliment fine chocolate and artisan cheese

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.