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.

Appearance: Oloroso, brilliant clarity, 8/10 viscosity.Nose: Big baked stone fruits and dark vanilla, old oaked sherry, and warm caramel with crisp toffee. Very old oak and sweet tobacco.Taste: Very big, round and smooth, concentrated dark malts with sherry, a hint of dark chocolate, brittle toffee and licorice.Finish: Long, warm sherried and old oak

"Unquestionably one of the great malts of the year...in spite of itself". - Jim Murray Tasting note: Deep gold / brass. Muted at first; builds with a PX top note almost overwhelming the expected distillery aromas; if only momentarily. Brandy soaked raisins and dark chocolate amid flashes of sweet peat and pepper. Three to four minutes exposure draws out smouldering cedar, cigar box and hints of elastoplast, accenting fruit cake in later inspections. Terrific balance in the sweet, smokey-malt mid palate; vanilla and Christmas cake add richness to the finish. Concludes prolonged and lozenge-like with Laphroaig's trademark medicinal edge and pepperiness breaking through late, finally checked by the sherry. Big PX influence here but deftly handled - think of it as drunken Christmas pudding, Islay-style . 48% Alc./Vol. Normally travel retail exclusive. Extremely limited stocks.

To create its well rounded flavour, Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old Extremely Rare Malt spends fifteen years maturing in American white oak casks, then approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks for a further three years. Then both elements are blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavour.

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

Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffee; Oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, ginger. Finished with a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavor. This is richer in taste than the 10-year-old whisky. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding; Mizunara Barrel brings out different levels of spice flavors. Deep floral woody scent is also full of vitality.

Tasmanian Single Malt Sherry Cask Matured. Colour: Dark Copper Nose: Caramel & raisins Palate: Lifted floral notes, caramel and dried fruit sweetness with some white pepper savory hints Finish: Delicious long and slightly dry finish which is indicative of some very fine old wood. A slightly smokey note that suggests peat but comes from the heavy cask charring

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

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