Tasting note: Matured in a Bourbon cask. Amber gold. Opens a little shy, but develops with a spicy fruity interplay (dried fruits, plums, apricots?) perhaps a touch of grapefruit, then more nutty and sweet-spicy. All very subtle. Silky and mellow beyond its age statement. A deft burst of spice seals the finish. Possibly less fruity than the 3 year old but with a plusher texture. Quite lovely malt. 43% Alc./Vol.

The Kurayoshi Pure Malt Whisky Sherry Cask is a boutique Japanese whisky produced by the Matsui distillery..This is a 100% malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese Whisky, aged and cut to proof with the legendary volcanic stone filtered waters of Tottori Prefecture. This means that the profile is brighter that you would expect in this age-range. This brings out more herbal and citrus notes while maintaining a nice complexity. The real surprise is how well it pairs with food. Think of it like a “white Wine of Whisky” and enjoy.

Matsui Sakura Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky is single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in cherry wood casks. Combined with the malt aroma and bitter flavour of unblended whisky, a faint, sweet, crisp smell of cherry blossom spreads throughout the mouth. This masterpiece, carefully crafted with heart and passion, is brought to proof with high-quality natural spring water from Mt. Daisen.

While most other Japanese distilleries have followed the methods of Scotland, Mt. Fuji Distillery is influenced by major whisk(e)y producers all around the world, which explains this tri-part blend distilled using three different methods, each giving their own unique flavour profile. Although the exact mash-bill isn't stated, the backbone of the spirit is reported to be a 'Canadian style' grain, made with a batch distillation in something similar to a kettle still. That's supported by a Bourbon-style distillate using a Doubler, and a third Scotch-style light grain put through a continuous multi-column still. The triptych of profiles comes through in the flavours. Fuji smells a little more malt-like than typical single grain with creamy soda and vanilla malt enhanced by delicate fruity notes like stewed pears and caramelised apples. It's also fuller, richer and with more mouthfeel than you'd anticipate. There are the standard lashings of vanilla wafer but they sit over a backdrop of poached orchard fruits and warming wood spices, followed by more creamy soda, hints of dried banana and a lovely flourish of American oak which gives a Bourbonesque or light rye character to the finish. This release was initially for bars only, but from early 2021 it became available for regular tipplers in Japan and then abroad. A good thing. It's a single grain with terrific mouthfeel, and one that deserves a wide audience. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Notes from the producers... NOSE Aromas of poached pear, rustic fruit tart, Cognac and marron glacé. PALATE Seamless mouthfeel with multi layered flavours of poached pear, orange marmalade, raspberry jam, baking spices, and bitter chocolate. FINISH Mellow with gentle sweetness and pleasant spiciness, smooth with medium length finish and a hint of exotic incense.

Utilising centuries of knowledge and tradition, yet not restricted by it, Starward is the brainchild of David Vitale who set out to harness the very best of Australia's barley, barrels and climate to create the ultimate new world whisky. Years of experimentation, adjustment, trial and even more adjustment has created Starward, a whisky that will challenge your perceptions of what Whisky can be. Artisan Victorian barley is sourced to begin the bespoke process which ends up in aged Australian Apera casks that have been re-coopered, re-toasted and re-sized. All of which help create a Whisky of smoothness, sweetness and unparalleled complexity.

Ilegal mezcal is a beautifully balanced vintage mezcal from Tlacolula, Oaxaca Mexico. It is made by a fourth generation Mescalero and his family using 500 year old methods. Ilegal joven mezcal is a perfect balance of espadin agave and light smoke. Deep agave aromas. Hints of baked apple and white pepper. Lingering heat and sweet agave throughout.

While India may not be the first country to mind when great world whisky is mentioned, the Fusion Single Malt is about to change all that. Considered by Jim Murray to be the 3rd best whisky in the world as part of his 2010 Whisky Bible, the Fusion is a phenomenal amalgam of flavours, aromas and texture the envy of most, even in Scotland. On the nose this spectacular whisky offers up notes of heavy oak, barley sugar and some subtle smoke characters that play ever so well with amazingly complex flavours like custard cream, toffee and dried fruits. While the whisky threatens to be completely overpowering, the balance on the finish is nothing short of ground breaking. There is simply no better way to extend your whisky horizons than with a bottle of Amrut Fusion.

Laphroaig, founded in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, has an extremely rich history; neighbourly disputes with Lagavulin and many ownership changes to name a couple. The 10 Year Old Single Malt is Laphroaig's signature malt that is full sparkling gold in colour and has that signature rich smoke and seaweed character with a hint of sweetness. Surprisingly the palate is rich with subtle sweet hints and complex layers of salt and peatiness that evolve on the palate and continue to the long and dry finish.

Prosper Delord was a travelling distiller who upon discovering Armagnac fell in love with the spirit and decided to start Maison Delord in 1893. Today Jerome and Sylvain Delord, Propers great grandchildren continue the tradition with the same passion, knowledge and love that has been handed down through the generations. This armagnac is aged for a minimum of 10 years. Aromas of caramel with flavours of spice and oak, mellowing out into plums and raisin sweetness and an aromatic finish.

Nestled away in the far north of Scotland's Highland region is the distillery of Clynelish. Situated at Brora on the stormy North East coast, this 14 Year Old single malt has been matured in specially selected oak casks and then bottled at the full 46%. Displaying a waxy nose with a hint of sugar and florals, the whisky arrives on the palate with power and flavours of signature spice and maritime saltiness.