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

"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

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...

Ten years marks a significant period in the development of Old Kempton Distillery. Along with Lyn Lark, James Reid and Amelia Hope, we started what was going to be a small craft distillery. Over time, the distillery attracted a few passionate friends who shared our vision. They were welcomed into our family bringing expertise and enthusiasm guiding OKD to what it is today. We are also fortunate to have a wonderful support team to facilitate OKD’s commitment to becoming a true artisan distillery. On behalf of OKD, I thank you for your support and making the future look bright. We look forward to welcoming you to the distillery and being able to share more of our amazing Tasmanian spirits. Cheers for now, Bill Lark – Co Founder OKD Tasting Notes by Rob Tyson, Head Distiller. Aroma: A rich and ever developing aroma with dried fruits (raisins and sultanas), tinned pears, coffee with dark chocolate, orange peel, rich malt, and toasted almonds. Palate: Rich oil, and creamy across the palate with a good balance of both sweet and dry elements (ANZAC biscuits, Seville orange, and oak). Finish: Great mouthfeel with good spread and balance (Gingernut biscuit with spice and toffee). This release marries together spirit distilled at both our original site at Redlands Estate and at our new home at Dysart House, Kempton. Whist our location has changed, the delicate fruit and malt driven spirit that we produce has been consistent across our sites and is central to the style of whisky we produce.

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.

Bruichladdich is known for the most heavily peated scotch you can find, but its core whisky, the Classic Laddie, is actually unpeated. Now, more than two decades after it reopened, the distillery is releasing its first 18 year-old expressions as part of its high-end "Redefined" lineup with a classic bourbon matured malt. 50% Alc./Vol.