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 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.

This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. The finest flavours from Scotland and France have been fused together through the art of experimentation, to redefine moments of celebration and create a new and extraordinary drinking experience.

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.

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...

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.

The Balvenie create a unique range of single malt Scotch whiskies hand-crafted in Speyside using centuries-old skills passed down through generations. The Balvenie's' process is a combination of expertise, skill and ambition which is the same now as it has been through generations. Balvenie's use of 5 key crafts is key to maintaining their high standards. Home grown barley, craft of the cooperage of the barrels, the malting floor where the grain is prepared, the copper stills that create the base spirit and the malt master who oversees the refining of the end product. The Balvenie French Oak is a vibrant single malt finished in casks previously held wine from the French Charentes vineyards. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from unfermented grape juice, to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. Sixteen years of maturation in American Oak casks brings an abundance of vanilla spice and warm honey notes. The finishing in Pineau casks brings energizing grapefruit, geranium, glazed fruit and ginger. This is the first of The Balvenie finishes to explore French Oak. Pineau is akin to cognac in terms of production and flavour, allowing us to capitalise on the rise of this flavour profile and its premium credentials. The Balvenie USA brand ambassador Lorne Cousin suggested Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE explore these casks after a trip to the region with his family where he fondly remembers sipping an aperitif. Beautifully balanced light floral notes from lotus and geranium flowers dance between hints of fresh meadow grass and pealed apple skin. On the palate there is an energising zing from tangy lemon rind and grapefruit meet the delicate subtle sweetness of glazed fruits and spice from root ginger, with a refreshingly concise finish.

Following a similar path to the Octomore 14.1, this 14.2 edition is also distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland barley and has been malted to the same 128.9PPM. However, the liquids diverge profoundly with the influence of wine and sherry casks on the 14.2 spirit. With over 200 different cask types in the warehouses, Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, has selected casks that have previously held Oloroso and Amarone – with the distinct sweetness and nuttiness of this combination creating an exceptional single malt. Hailing from the renowned wine regions of Spain and Italy respectively, the spirit is then brought together in French oak, adding remarkable depth and complexity to the single malt. Octomore’s signature peak smoke notoriously pairs well with Oloroso sherry casks, with the influence of the wood adding a robust, savoury flavour to the final spirit. The oak from the Amarone casks also has a significant impact on the spirit, imparting rich, red fruit notes - giving structure and cohesion to the 14.2. Like the 14.1 this whisky was aged for 5 years and distilled in 2017 from Concerto barley from the 2016 Scottish harvest, this whisky was matured for 4 years in the Oloroso (40%), Amarone 1st fill (16%) & Amarone 2nd fill (44%), followed by 1 year in Pauillac wine casks. Bottled at 57.7% and 128.9ppm. Deep Amber in colour, on the nose leather, prunes, red currants and malted barley come to the fore, followed by toasted oak and hints of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Waves of smoke and distinct red fruits follow, complemented with cereal notes of malt and porridge. The peat smoke is dry and brooding, with a hint of burnt heather and subtle pipe tobacco from the oak. On the palate the influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the vibrancy of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a crack of black pepper is complemented with rich fruit cake and dried fruits. A drop of water opens the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks, bringing a beautiful balance as notes of apple and pear grow with the dram. Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.

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.