Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown. If you would like information on specific signs of wear, please contact us on freecall 1800 069 295. Edition No. 2 follows on from the first edition, originally offered in 2015. This time the whisky employs a marketing concept that's currently in vogue: The "collaborative effort" (think Glenfiddich's Project XX). Master blender Bob Dalgarno has teamed up with Spanish chefs Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca and each contributor has handpicked a cask: Joan Roca, head chef, picked 1st and 2nd fill Diego Martin casks for its rich green wood and toffee flavours. Jordi Roca, pastry chef went with 1st and 2nd fill Vasyma American Oak casks to include light vanilla and citrus notes. Joseph Roca, the sommelier, selected 1st fill Jose Miguel Martin casks with spicy ginger notes. Bob Dalgarno picked 1st fill Tevasa cask, which conveys dried fruit and sherry notes. This combination of sherry puncheons, butts and refill hogsheads has resulted in a "deliciously floral and fruity whisky with notes of tropical fruit, black pepper, liquorice and brandy snaps."

"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.

BERRY BROS & RUDD Glenturret Distillery 34 Y.O. , The Highlands

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.

From first fill of bourbon casks creating a creamy, sweet and smoky single malt whisky is Bowmore No. 1.

Since 1814, Loch Lomond has been producing world class whiskies. They are a gold medal winning distillery winner of the '2017 Best Single Malt Distillery in the World' at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2017. An elegant and full bodied whisky with a smoothness making this exceptionally easy to drink, with a distinctive background character enabling a hint of smoke and peat. Best World Single Malt Distillery, Berlin Spirit Awards. Silver Medal 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Silver Medal 2015 Hong Kong Spirits Awards.

The Bladnoch Bicentennial Release has been matured for 29 years in Oloroso Sherry casks and finished in Moscatel casks for a final 18 months. Only 200 bottles were made to celebrate 200 years, making this an extremely rare release. Colour: Chestnut gold. Nose: Lovely rich old Sherry aromas, acacia, honey, beeswax, orange, fruitcake, a whiff of coffee and a hint of chocolate. Palate: Soft and silky Sherry flavours. Dark chocolate, ginger, spicy citrus notes, balanced oak and a hint of ground black pepper. Finish: Warming with a hint of honeyed spiciness. Satisfying and long.

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