Lindores Abbey is the officially recognised site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky. It was back in 1494 that King James IV commissioned Brother John Cor at Lindores Abbey to make aqua vitae with eight bolls of malt. For more than 100 years, the preservation of the ruined abbey has fallen to Drew McKenzie-Smith and his family. Several years ago he learned of the abbey’s significance to the industry after visiting a website called Connoisseur Scotland . Further inspiration came when he was shown a copy of the late Michael Jackson’s book, ' Scotland and Its Whiskies .' In it, Jackson wrote of Lindores, “For the whisky lover it is a pilgrimage”. Following fifteen years of careful planning, construction work began on a new distillery that would not only capitalise on this whisky connection but also provide the means with which to preserve the abbey for future generations. In 2017, after five centuries of silence, the stills at Lindores Abbey began flowing again. There are actually two releases now in Australia: Lindores MCDXCIV and the MCDXCIV Commemorative First Release. They're essentially the same liquid, distinguished by a subtle notation on the label. Both come aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and STR red wine barriques from Burgundy. Both are three and a half year old Lowlanders. You might expect Lindores to be on the lighter side, however it's more like a young Speysider, nicely balanced and not shy on flavour. There's even a nod to Linkwood on the nose where the aromas show surprising weight; Cream tea biscuits, pear drops, light beeswax, cocoa and citrus are echoed with impressive purity, depth and texture of the palate. A fine astringency checks the length, but it's auspicious as far as inaugural releases go - all that's needed is more time to add further layers of complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

Pure Scot Blended Scotch Whisky is the perfect balance of provenance and progression. Contemporary and fresh: combining robust island malts, aged Speyside and Highland malts, select grain whiskies and our unique Bladnoch Single Malt. The expertise and passion of our master distiller Ian Macmillan is reflected in every drop - delivering a crisp, smooth, authentic taste - adaptable to many drinks and occasions. Bladnoch Distillery - home to Pure Scot - has resided on the Bladnoch River since 1817.

Johnnie Walker King George V was created to celebrate the Royal Warrant given in 1934 to the Walker family to mark the exceptional qualities of their whiskies. The King George has more restraint and sophistication courtesy of the Port Ellen Distillery component that is powerful, slow and resonant. It initially shows a profound smoky aroma followed by sweet, fresh fruit (apples, pears, bananas) malt characteristics; developing into rich dried fruit and spicy complexity, raisins, figs and cinnamon. The palate is smooth with a rich, fruity sweetness. Warming with subtle flavours of sandalwood and smoke. Taste is powerful, complex, rich yet smooth. A mouth warming and lingering rich peaty finish.

Full flavoured, with a background of peat smoke. The body is firm with a slight oiliness and the finish is long with noticeable oak. Simply click on the Click & Collect Icon and type in your postcode for your nearest store with availability.

Bold with plenty of backbone as this monster unfolds its fiery fangs on your palate. & not for the feint hearted. Take a generous mouthful . Hold it long in your mouth allow the thick tar peat smoke and creamy liquorice to penetrate every part of your tongue. A rugged fusion of sea spray, bonfire smoke, damp earth and spicy cinnamon immediately arouses the senses. Powerful aromas of peat moss and wet grass before notes of crushed pear apple and freshly baked bread provide the prefect finish

JOHNNIE WALKER Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas Scotch Whisky 43.8% ABV, Scotland

"Glenmorangie at its very best." - whiskyadvocate.com The raw materials used to create this whisky are quite unusual and include estate grown Cadboll malt along with chocolate malt (chocolate malt is usually used in the production of beers like porter and stout). The whisky has been matured in new, low toast, Ozark American oak casks and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. It is the brainchild of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's head distiller who first had the idea over 20 years ago. Retasted June 2017... Brilliant topaz / beams from the glass. Almost floral notes of cocoa and manuka honey drizzled over hints of orange spice cake and shortbread. Starts understated and fresh but finishes unlike almost any other whisky: A peacock's tail of fantastic length and force with miniature detonations of orange zest, dark chocolate, hazelnut and sweet spice dappling the tongue. The persistence is quite exceptional. Maintains its place as a high point in the Glenmorangie stable. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol. First tasted 2008... Deep orange brown colour with golden hue. Sweet and inviting nose of Mixed Peel, Chocolate, Coffee beans and Almond biscuit. The palate is thick, luscious and mouthfilling, almost creamy. Pronounced flavours of chocolate, coconut, orange, vanilla and hazelnut. The palate shows no sign of spirit heat, even without the addition of water. Outstanding balance. Exceptionally long, supple aftertaste of chocolate, vanilla, almond and hazelnut. Hints of orange emerge then fade. Drink with chocolate or dried fruit desserts, coffee or a cigar. A phenomenal, if unusual whisky. 97 points