SUNTORY Hakushu 18 Year Old 43% ABV Single Malt Whisky, Japan

A rich and vibrant whisky that delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla and raisin, the prefect addition to the table this festive season. For the third year in a row it has received the 2019 Jim Murray's Whisky Bible award, it's truly the perfect addition to the table this festive season. Available online or in select stores. Winner | 2019 Jim Murrays Whisky Bible The Third Year In A Row.

Established in 1887, Glenfiddich, Gaelic for Valley of the Deer, is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family owned. The 12 Year Old is their signature expression and is the perfect example of Glenfiddichs unique Speyside style, widely proclaimed as the 'best dram in the valley'. After 12 years of maturation in oloroso sherry and bourbon oak casks, this signature single malt, is the true pioneer of the prestigious single malt category. It offers a distinctive fresh and fruity nose and smooth, elegant flavours of pear and subtle oak on the finish. Gold Medal | International Spirits Challenge 2014.

"Make no mistake. Clynelish ranks among the 10 best distilleries in the world..." 95 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022 Jim Murray raved about the 14 year old in his 2022 Whisky Bible, positioning it as one of the most highly rated and affordable malts of the annual. Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com ranks Clynelish a Grand Cru Classé and one of his favourite makes. Yet today, only a tiny percentage is marketed as a single, the remainder being allocated to the Johnnie Walker Gold blend. Thinking of the great centres of malt whisky, Speyside and Islay come first to mind. But other regions play a part in whisky’s story, and Scotland’s far north-east, from where Clynelish comes, is one. Located on the stormy sea coast of Sutherland, Clynelish is a replica of the modern Islay distillery, Caol Ila. Not long after the original Clynelish was built in 1819 by the Duke of Sutherland, its quality was already highly prized and only private customers were supplied; “trade orders” were refused and Clynelish was “always the highest priced of any Scotch whisky.” ' Old Clynelish' was mothballed in 1968 and re-opened as 'Brora' the following year, focusing on peated malt. 'New Clynelish' was built adjacent to Brora, the latter ceasing production in 1983. In the present day Diageo-owned operation, barley is malted with a medium peat and mashed with water from the Clynemilton burn to produce the wort, which is then distilled twice in pot stills. Described by whisky writer, Dave Broom as " A disarming malt that exudes sheer class", Clynelish’s style stands out for its low-peat coastal character, which is often notably waxy (think snuffed candles, beeswax or wax lined jackets) complexed by hints of orange peel and briny sea air. That pretty much sums up our experience of this bottling.