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%.

The third release in the hugely popular Renaissance Series from Teeling. This has been aged for a total of 18 years with a final finishing period in Muscat wine casks. Offering a different style to the previous releases this is very much in the tropical fruit spectrum with mango, pineapple and citrus to the fore and even a touch of mint and pear drops. A lively and more-ish single malt that is best served straight in a good nosing glass where the vibrant aromas can be savoured. Limited to just 9000 bottles and bottled at 46%.

Corowa Distilling Co. The Mad Dog Morgan 46% 500 mlDan Mad Dog Morgan was a ruthless renegade that long ago roamed the Corowa region. Mad Dog wasn't your typical bushranger and this isn't your typical whisky. On the nose; cinnamon, ginger honey, orange and floral notesOn the palate; oaky with spice, honey, orange, burnt caramel and raisinsFor the finish; long and sweet with a hint of vanilla.

Tasting note: [Batch 133A] Made from New York State organic corn and malted barley from the U.K. Bright topaz / polished copper. Delicate woody aromas of balsa, fresh cut cedar and hints of liquorice before the sugars come to the fore as banana bread, light sticky date, caramel fudge and vanilla. A peppery edge balances the sweeter notes. Youthful and chewy but already delicious with well rounded flavours of salted caramel, nut chocolate, popcorn and black peppercorns. The finish adds dried banana, peach and late caramel fudge. At just over two years young, this Bourbon already has impressive structure and feel. 45% Alc./Vol.

From the town of Togouchi, made by Chugoku Jozo in underground tunnels. Chugoku Jozo is a Japanese brewery located near Hiroshima. It has been making liqueurs, sake, and the traditional Japanese spirit shochu since 1918. For decades, Chugoku Jozo has developed a knack for making some of the most beautiful spirits in the world. But it wasn't until 1990 that the brewery decided to dabble with whisky by creating its Togouchi line. The master blender carefully chose the distillates (malt and grain) which would be sent to Japan, grown, and blended in the Japanese fashion. The 9 years old refers to the minimum time each whiskies in the blend spent in barrels. NOSE: rather intense and pleasant, dispersing aromas of yellow fruits. Palate: sweet spices, with the appearance of fruity flavors of citrus. In the end, peat and smoke come nicely together. Good stuff.