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The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, adding richness and complexity. A matured character, the 12 Years Old delivers rich wood spice and dried fruits and a natural rich gold colour.

On the Eye: Deep brass / gold On the Nose: Notes of choc-chip cookie, orange marmalade and clove. On the Palate: Spicy dried fruits (raisin and date) The Finish: Hints of plum, sultana and cocoa

Matured exclusively in the finest sherry oak casks. Vibrant summer fruits burst on the palate, followed by a rewardingly long finish. Natural colour and un-chillfiltered.

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

“The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles.” Perched on a wave washed, rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distilleries scattered white washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. First launched in 2003, “Uigeadail” (the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows) this cask strength, heavily peated Ardbeg is produced from a mix of bourbon casks and older sherry casks. The combination gives this whisky a velvety texture, with a sweet and smokey finish. Tasting notes: Bright gold appearance. Big, sweet sherry influenced nose offers dried apricot and marmalade scents over menthol and sweet cedar smoke. Some ripe green apple notes emerge with time in the glass. The palate is off dry with a rich, dark chocolate entry becoming heavier and fudge-like with orange chocolate, sweet cereal and the peat continually reinventing itself - at once dry and sooty, then tarry and finally kippery on the finish. Excellent balance at cask strength. Boiled lolly and spice aftertaste with a subtle spearmint fade. Latest batch tasted October 2010.

Kurayoshi are one of a few Japanese small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies to be released in Australia. Created in the shadow of Mt Daisen, at the Matsui Distillery, the whiskies benefit from the mountain’s crystal clear waters and over a century of expertise. The 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. Tasting note: Polished copper. Not vastly different to the 8 year old, showing the same subtle Summer yellow fruits, only softer again and with delicious succulence, a bigger finish and better length. It's delicately oily with cocoa-dusted stewed fruits and buzzing spices through the finish. The balance is perfect here, and it feels older than it actually is. Pick of the bunch. 43% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

This four-cask matured, extra-aged Benriach was first offered in 2018 and now debuts in Australia. Matured in a combination of Bourbon, Virgin oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry and red wine casks, Head Distiller, Rachel Barrie describes it as full of candied peel, honeyed malt and barley sugar flavours. 46% Alc./Vol.

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.

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.