Aged in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks. Double Wood is an excellent example of what the Balvenie distillery can craft, even at 12 years.

"One for no age statement naysayers... Eloquent & beautiful." - whiskyadvocate.com Back in 2015, Nikka announced they were discontinuing their age statement and No Age Statement (NAS) releases for the Yoichi and Miyagikyo labels and consolidating them into two new bottlings. These whiskies have now arrived in Australia. Two NAS versions that differ slightly to the previous versions now represent the entire portfolio. It was yet another move that triggered a buying rush. Reports have it that Tokyo is now pretty much out of age statement Japanese whiskies, unless you visit bars or auction houses. Nikka's reasons for the radical new strategy are now familiar. They simply have no old stocks to sell. Decades ago, both local and world demand for Japanese malts was low, so few barrels were being laid down for extended periods. Stefan Van Eycken, writing for www.nonjatta.com explains "...there were years, at both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distillery, when the barrels laid down for maturation could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The ‘stock shortage’ is not an excuse or a PR stunt – it’s very real. Sources within Nikka have said that it is ‘likely’ that age-statement single malts will be brought back in 5 or 6 years’ time. No official statement to that effect has been made for the simple reason that doing so – in Japan – would be interpreted as a promise (which could come back to haunt them in 6 years’ time)." The dropping of age statements doesn't always translate into a drop in quality. Early reviews for both releases have been very positive. Evidently, Chief blender Tadashi Sakuma has risen to the challenge of creating a great assemblage from a restricted inventory.

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

This single malt Scotch whisky has been crafted by master distiller Jim McEwan from individually selected casks to showcase the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich house style. Unpeated, it is the signature bottling and the definitive Bruichladdich. Made from 100% Scottish barley, trickle distilled, then matured for its entire life by the shores of Lochindaal in premium American oak. The palate entry is so refined and refreshing, the sweet oak and the barley arriving together sending the taste buds into raptures. The fruits from Distillation drift in on an Atlantic breeze and pop on the tongue like champagne bubbles. A combination of ripe green fruit, brown sugar and sweet malt bring closure.

With a wholemeal and honey quality to the nose and the odd smoky tangent. A sweet, fruity core and a long round finish. Dalwhinnie has a little bit of everything, peat, honey and backbone. A classic malt for everyone.

NOSE: Spiced oak, warming vanilla and freshly shelled nuts. PALATE: Summer berries and cream. A splash of water brings out warm biscuits, oak spice and candied orange. FINISH: Rich spiciness, sultanas, citrus zest and brown sugar.

With an approach for our Single Malt that gives great length and vital contribution to the final flavour profile. The Aisling Single Malt Whisky is crafted to expose the Malted Barley produced right here in Australia. The Single Malt has a unique profile and character, which gives a full-bodied complex finish.The Aisling Single Malt Heritage Collection has been handcrafted and matured in 100 litre, Australian Vintage Apera (Sherry) Casks. Specifically coopered to give clean balance of both char and toast. The complexity from these casks is phenomenal.The natural sweetness of these casks complements the savory charisma of the Spirit.Visual bright amber with good viscosityNose revealing tobacco leaf, new leather, cherries, and prunesPalate bold and dry, moreish, and salivating with a savoury spicy finishMasculine elegance of the nose (leather and pipe tobacco) matched with the bold mouthfeel and dry spicy finish leaves you wanting more and more.700ml Bottle Size @ 51% Alc/VolCask No: 37,38,39,40,41,42 & 44Product of Griffith, NSW, Australia

With an approach for our Single Malt that gives great length and vital contribution to the final flavour profile. The Aisling Single Malt Whisky is crafted to expose the Malted Barley produced right here in Australia. The Single Malt has a unique profile and character, which gives a full-bodied complex finish.The Aisling Single Malt Heritage Collection has been handcrafted and matured in 100 litre, Australian Vintage Tawny (Port) Casks. Specifically coopered to give clean balance of both char and toast. The complexity from these casks is phenomenal.The natural sweetness of these casks complements the savory charisma of the Spirit.Visual deep amber with good viscosityNose revealing freshly cut wood, wet cereal, raisins, toffee, plum and liquorice rootPalate round and full mouthfeel, plump semi-dried sultanas, rich coating on the palate with a semi-dry finishFantastic drink, full and rich without being too complicated. Allowing a little time to open up and breathe, the Tawny Cask just keeps giving long after your glass is empty.700ml Bottle Size @ 49% Alc/VolCask No: 18,23,24,25,26,27 & 28Product of Griffith, NSW, AustraliaSKU: 9355966000030

Rounded and smoky - like burning Applewood - with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg's classic fragrance lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs. An Oa gives a final subtle reminder of the sea with briny notes and seaweed but always accompanied with creaminess. A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg & cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Wood is always present in the spirit, gently nutty and reminiscent of a carpenter's workshop. A long, sweet finish, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty biscuit notes.