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Shinobu Lightly Peated 10 Yo Pure Malt WhiskyShinobu Lightly Peated Pure Malt whisky NAS and 10Y are the first peated whisky to be released by Shinobu distillery. Peated whisky was sourced from selected distilleries from mainly highland and speyside regions and carefully blended by the master blender Mr. Usami Ken and finished in Mizunara wood for more than 6 months.The Shinobu Distillery in collaboration with Niigata Beer Distillery is located in the Japanese seaside region of Niigata on the countrys western coast. The area is famous for its Three White Treasures: snow, rice and sake which have been cultivated there for centuries. Shinobu Pure Malt whiskies are crafted by master blender, Mr. Usami Ken who blends malts aged in sherry, bourbon and Hogshead casks before finishing them in Japans prized Mizunara Oak. Famous for imparting rich, honeyed flavors of apples, pears, cloves and nutmeg, Mizunara Oak has been used in Japan since the 1930s and is now sought-after by whisky makers around the world. All Shinobu whiskies are created without chill-filtration or added color to protect and enhance their deeply complex, robust flavor.Nose: Delicious aroma with loads of malt and hints of sour wort, dry grass, and wet wood from light peatPalate: Lots of malt and light peat bring on an intense taste of smoke, salt, and hint of cokeFinish: Ends on smoke with dashes of salt and mineral700ml, ABV 43%.

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

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.

The Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Ancient Reserve is a truly superb single malt aged in Oloroso (Sherry) and Bourbon casks. Then up to 150 of the most exceptional casks are hand-selected by the innovative Malt Master, Brian Kinsman. These casks are then married in small batches in oak tuns for up to three months, to give a remarkably deep, rich and complex flavour.