“The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles.” Perched on a wave washed, rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distilleries scattered white washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. First launched in 2003, “Uigeadail” (the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows) this cask strength, heavily peated Ardbeg is produced from a mix of bourbon casks and older sherry casks. The combination gives this whisky a velvety texture, with a sweet and smokey finish. Tasting notes: Bright gold appearance. Big, sweet sherry influenced nose offers dried apricot and marmalade scents over menthol and sweet cedar smoke. Some ripe green apple notes emerge with time in the glass. The palate is off dry with a rich, dark chocolate entry becoming heavier and fudge-like with orange chocolate, sweet cereal and the peat continually reinventing itself - at once dry and sooty, then tarry and finally kippery on the finish. Excellent balance at cask strength. Boiled lolly and spice aftertaste with a subtle spearmint fade. Latest batch tasted October 2010.

In 1950, Chivas Brothers began the search for a secure supply of exceptional malt whisky. Strathisla Distillery in Keith, the oldest and most beautiful distillery in the Highlands, was the obvious choice. From that day to this, the world-famous Strathisla Single Malt Scotch whisky became the foundation of the Chivas blend. The international reputation of Chivas Regal has been built upon this distillery and the skill of successive generations of Master Blenders. Legally, a blended Scotch whisky must contain both single malt Scotch whiskies and single grain Scotch whiskies. Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year old whiskies are blended using a special process called triple blending. First of all, the selected single malts are blended together. The second stage sees the selected single grains blended together, and then thirdly, the vatted malts and the vatted grains are brought together. These spirits are each married in selected oak casks for an extended period of maturation in order to produce an exceptionally smooth, rich whisky. 'The smooth taste of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old reflects the traditional style of blended Scotch whiskies with a powerful array of rich, fruity aromas, and a defined smokiness that develops into a long and memorable finish.' So says Colin Scott , Master Blender of Chivas. Colin hand-picks each whisky designated for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old from the distilleries most precious stock - including certain whiskies that are now exceedingly rare. Winner of three major awards, each bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old bears its own unique serial number, sourcing it back to the one particular triple blending. And because only selected casks are matured to such a great age, the quantity of Chivas 18 Year Old produced every year is always strictly limited. Tasting notes: Brassy gold appearance. Bubblegum / marshmallow opening is a little bourbonesque. Second pass reveals vanilla and biscuity malt with a judicious slather of peat. The palate combines a silky mouthfeel with solid concentration - nothing like the comparatively beige 12 Year Old - delicate spices, biscuity, honeyed grains with hints of dried fruits. The finish is crisp with a lingering confectionary note. 40% Alc./Vol.