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LARK DISTILLERY Limited Release Christmas Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky 44% ABV, Tasmania

The Dalmore story began in 1839 with Alexander Matheson who lived in the Highlands of Northern Scotland. Matheson found the rich peat and pure water sources of the Highlands to be the makings of a perfect whisky. He built a distillery in the area and produced small batches until 1886, when the Mackenzie family acquired his operation. When a member of the Mackenzie family risked his own life to save Scotland’s ruler, King Alexander III, from a charging stag, the grateful king offered a token of his appreciation by bequeathing the stag to the Mackenzie family as a symbol of valor and courage. And more than 130 years later, the stag head still appears on every bottle of The Dalmore. Today, Dalmore distillery has ten stone warehouses and eight pot-stills, several which date back to the late 1800s. Much of the distillery burned down during World War I while occupied by the U.S. Navy, but production resumed in 1922. The production process is meticulous and includes double distillations in copper pot-stills and aging in white oak and sherry wood casks.

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.

A new Balvenie, matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks. A match made in heaven for some! Tasting note: Deep amber gold. Soft, plush aromas of toasted marshmallow followed by vanilla custard tart, toasted cereals and clove, echoe in a light to medium bodied, vanilla-malt profile with hints of dried fig, rum-like sugars and delicate toasted cereals towards the finish. Perfectly balanced with featherweight spices adding vibrancy. The lightness of the Balvenie spirit lends itself to wood finishes. This one works. 43% Alc./Vol.

This bottle of Cragganmore is apart of Diageo's 2022 Distillers Edition. The idea behind The Distillers Edition is to provide an alternative expression of each whisky; to add richness, complexity and interest in the form of a different ‘take’ on that whisky’s attributes. There are seven distinctive Distillers Edition expressions (including Lagavulin, Oban, Talisker, Caol Ila, Dalwhinnie, and more), the remarkable and complex Distillers Edition process, and the people who make it. An incentive to explore The Distillers Edition itself. The juicy Cragganmore, adding layers of mouth watering fruitiness and spiciness to the aromatic complexity of the regular release. Breaking up the sherry party of this years releases this Port-cask finished whisky from Speyside’s Cragganmore. Following ageing in refill casks it had a second maturation in Port-seasoned re-charred American Oak with heavily re-charred new ends. The nose is full of dark cherries, plums and cocoa nibs, with subtle smoke. On the palate flavours are reminiscent of wine gums with forest fruits, oaky spice and distant bonfire. the finish is more lingering red fruits.

Product Description The Lagg Distillery has a storied history steeped in the smuggling of illicit whisky, known as ‘Arran Waters,’ dating back centuries. Today, with the opening of Lagg Distillery and the release of its core range, we are proud to present the Lagg Corriecravie Edition Single Malt. A limited release, this whisky embodies the spirit and legacy of Arran, while showcasing the craftsmanship that defines the future of Lagg Distillery. The Corriecravie Edition is a bold and rich whisky, matured initially in Bourbon Barrels before finishing for six months in Oloroso Sherry Hogsheads sourced from Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain. This unique maturation process imparts rich, dark fruit flavours and complex spices to the whisky, creating an expression that is both full-bodied and smooth. The use of Concerto malted barley and water from Lagg’s own borehole brings a distinctive, island-born character to the spirit. Bottled at 55% ABV, with no chill filtration or added colour, the Corriecravie Edition is a truly limited and remarkable expression of Lagg’s potential. Maker LAGG Distillery is the newest chapter in the Isle of Arran’s whisky-making legacy, representing the future of the island’s spirit. Located at the southern tip of Arran, the distillery brings a unique twist to the island’s long history of whisky production. Building on the island’s rich heritage, LAGG produces a distinct range of peated single malts, crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Using Concerto malted barley and pure water from their own borehole, LAGG’s distillers pay homage to the history of whisky-making while pushing the boundaries of innovation. The arrival of LAGG Distillery in 2019 marked the start of a new era for Arran whisky, with the launch of its first peated single malt expressions. The distillery’s core focus is on creating whisky that embodies the unique character of the island, reflecting its rugged landscapes, natural resources, and maritime influences. The spirit produced at LAGG is a celebration of Arran’s diverse terroir, with peated expressions adding complexity and depth to the island’s whisky profile. Philosophy At LAGG, the philosophy revolves around the harmony of nature, heritage, and innovation. The distillery’s approach to whisky-making is grounded in the island’s rich history of illicit whisky production while embracing modern methods and equipment. By harnessing the finest ingredients and traditional distillation techniques, LAGG creates whisky that showcases the full potential of Arran’s unique environment. LAGG’s commitment to producing exceptional peated whisky is matched by its dedication to sustainability and responsible production. The distillery focuses on maintaining an eco-friendly operation while respecting the land that gives life to its whiskies. Whether it’s using water sourced from the island’s pure borehole or aging whisky in the finest oak casks, LAGG strives to produce a whisky that captures the essence of the island and its people, with a deep respect for nature and the craft. Tasting Notes NOSE Rich and Inviting Dark chocolate mingles with spiced red berries, creating a rich and enticing nose that invites you to take the first sip. PALATE Full and Mouth-Watering Rich and mouth-watering, with subtle notes of charred embers and hazelnut, this whisky reveals a depth of flavour that is both complex and satisfying. FINISH Lingering Warmth A long, lingering finish of charred oak, smoke, hazelnut, dark chocolate, and sweet spice wraps up the tasting experience, leaving an impression that stays with you.