Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of East Lothian, the Glenkinchie distillery stands as a proud cornerstone of the renowned Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland distilleries. As a testament to its heritage and craftsmanship, Glenkinchie takes great pride in distilling the Edinburgh Malt, which has captivated whisky enthusiasts around the globe as both a standalone expression and an essential ingredient in the iconic Johnnie Walker whiskies. With a rich legacy steeped in tradition, Glenkinchie continues to uphold its esteemed reputation by producing a malt that embodies the spirit of Edinburgh. This distinguished whisky has become a beloved choice for connoisseurs and serves as a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Whether savoured on its own or integrated into the world-renowned Johnnie Walker blends, the Edinburgh Malt from Glenkinchie continues to delight discerning palates and leave an indelible mark on the whisky landscape. The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today. The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life. Dong Qiu's art seamlessly blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with a modern sensibility, fusing delicate lines and subtle shades reminiscent of classical ink paintings with bold, vibrant colours. This unique combination showcases her deep understanding of Chinese painting techniques while infusing a contemporary twist that sets her work apart. The Glenkinchie 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) is known as "The Floral Treasure," boasting thick whispers of rich smoke, bright herbs and juicy plums that leave an indelible finish. This special release was finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, which impart a unique character to the whisky. Aromatically, the whisky features thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke that pay homage to the ancient art of tattooing, evoking the imagery of clouds slowly dispersing in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, while smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each sip unfolds like a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history spanning more than 200 years, the Malt Master of Glenkinchie explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulsates with herbal flavors both ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amidst fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavors. The experience unfolds with sweet, juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then evolves into a progressively more herbal and smokier profile, leaving a lasting impression as a whisky of legends.

Classic Speyside Distillery, Balvenie have blended some of their rarest reserve whiskies and aged them for 21 long years. In the final few months of the ageing process, the whisky is transferred to port casks, or pipes, to impart a luscious, creamy and silken character. The whisky is tasted regularly by the Balvenie Malt Master to impart just the perfect amount of flavour to further enhance those honey and spice notes that give way to a long, gentle and nutty finish.

Dewars signature 25 year old - aged for a quarter-century a tribute to the art of blending. The accumulation of knowledge and skill passed down through generations of Dewars Master Blenders, since 1846, is evident in every precious drop. A blend of fine and rare scotch whiskies from the Dewars inventory are double aged and rested in Royal Brackla casks, Scotlands first and oldest Royal distillery, to create this intriguing blend. Rich fruit, Floral notes and delicate honey with a hint of smoke to finish.

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.

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 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.

LARK DISTILLERY Para 1992 Rare Cask Release Single Malt Whisky 46.5% ABV Tasmania 500ml with 100ml bottle of Seppeltsfield Vintage 1992 Tawny Para Liqueur 22% ABV Larks Para 1992 Rare Cask Release Single Malt Whisky commemorates Larks 30th anniversary, and came about after their head distiller discovered 16 special tawny port casks in the Seppeltsfield archives. This stunning gift pack also includes a 100ml bottle of Seppeltsfield Vintage 1992 Tawny Para Liqueur.

JOHNNIE WALKER Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas Scotch Whisky 43.8% ABV, Scotland

Tasting note: The deep mahogany / gold ochre hue stains the sides of the glass and shows good viscosity. Mildly prickly aroma offers suggestions of pancake, dilute maple syrup and mocha. Little variation in the second phase which, if anything sees the intensity drop a notch. Light entry opens to a plush, clean, richly sherried profile; semi sweet Christmas cake flavours, hollowing out at the finish, concluding with vanilla and caramel at the fade. 45% Alc./Vol.

For over 150 years, the Dalmore has set the standard in multi cask maturation. Hand selected casks, from the world's finest bodegas and wineries are expertly curated to create a sumptuous and layered whisky of legendary finesse. The Dalmore 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been matures in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and aged in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.