Another Ardbeg Day release arrives, bottled once and never to be repeated. This time around, it's created with roasted black malt - a first for Ardbeg. Incinerated to within an inch of its life, the malt defines the profile contributing charcoal and sweet smoke, aniseed and dark chocolate for a memorable Islay experience. Trumping past releases, Ardbeg's marketing department has gone to considerable lengths for the new edition, this time focusing on the brand’s alleged punk past, with Islay’s main port, Port Ellen, going by the nickname ‘Punk Ellen’ in the 1970s. (There was even a punk posse led by the local hotelier's daughter, which reached as many as three at the height of its notoriety). Meanwhile, Ardbeg’s head of distilling and whisky creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, describes the flavour as being “like biting on a spiky ball.” Collectors will love it, with the story and presentation being a hook for followers of the brand. The limited edition main release has landed (as opposed to the even more limited Committee Release) and as is always the case, it comes bottled at 46% and non chill filtered. The first sniffs bring young distillate to the fore, so from a fresh bottle give this a good ten minutes and you'll get a moderate lift of menthol-infused peat that also hints at anise, fennel and rye bread receding into sweeter smoke and vanilla malt with further air contact. It's medium bodied and sweetly peaty (think Caol Ila); hints of Elastoplast mingle with chocolate sponge cake and sprinklings of pepper; the finish is ashy and warming with citrus tang lacing late malt sweetness. Overall, in spite of the presentation and marketing, this is much more civilised and approachable than you might expect. Notes from the producers... Spicy and savoury, Ardcore grips the senses with waves of marmite, burnt toast, chicory charcoal and infused coffee grounds making for a mosh pit in the glass. Like a safety pin through the septum, a classic Ardbeg herbal top note is present, while swirling, smoky bonfire and molasses loiter backstage. TASTE: A jaw dropping spicy and fiery mouthfeel leads to an explosion of rich, smoky flavours – cocoa powder, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime and a suggestion of soot and bonfire embers all pogo in unison on the palate. Amped up aniseed and malty biscuit elbow their way to the fore, punkturing taste buds. FINISH: In an altogether sweeter finish, long, lingering notes of treacle toffee, soot and smoke make for an anarchic, but delicious, aftertaste.

Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices.

Note: The Octomore range often arrive in to our store suffering from minor damage in transit. This is out of our control. When we dispatch to you we will re-pack to avoid further damage in transit but you should allow for possible dents and scratches to the metal tins. This is the missing link in the Octomore 13 triptych, arriving later than the other two. Matured full-term in first-fill Fernando dè Castilla Oloroso Sherry butts and peated at a generous 137.3 PPM, the sherry influence is said to work a treat, complementing the smoke and vibrancy of the young malt. Says Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, “There’s a beautiful influence from the full-term maturation in these first fill Oloroso sherry butts. They’ve matured in the dunnage warehouses in the village of Port Charlotte, and the combination of cask and a slow and cold maturation has really accentuated the salty tang of the spirit. ” 58.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Notes from the producers... There is a wonderful viscosity and presence on the palate. Notes of smoked nuts and leather, warm orange marmalade on fresh scones. Dried apricot and hints of peppery spice toward the finish. Earthy peat smoke comes to the fore with a little time, along with the fruit and nutty aromatics of the oloroso casks. A salty tang of sea breeze creates a lively combination of flavours to finish.

This peaty Single Malt dates back to 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell each constructed a distillery on what today is the Lagavulin site. After Johnston died, Campbell consolidated the two, before selling it to malt merchant Alexander Graham. Today it continues to uphold the traditions of its past, using meticulous preparation to create powerful whisky. Their signature 16 year old malt has a strong peat, smoke and seaweed nose that is followed by a nutty complexity and light fruitiness. In the mouth characters of Charcoal, dry woodiness and iodine followed by chilli chocolate and a hint of toffee.

A rich and complex Scotch, finished in Caribbean Rum casks with toffee sweetness, notes of vanilla and hints of new leather. The Rum casks give the Scotch just the perfect kiss of exotic spice. Best enjoyed neat, with a splash of filtered water or over ice.

Golden brown in colour, Glenkinchie Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky displays sharp and brittle notes. Complex and refined, an astonishing balance between the sweet and dry flavours of vanilla and grape. The malted barley and cask wood offer nuttier tones and a complex oaky finish.

An independent bottling from Gordon &; MacPhail of Glenturret single malt scotch whisky. This independent take on the Glenturret spirit offers sweet peat, ripe banana and cocoa powder with a smooth, creamy body. Truly an easy drinking Highland malt.

Benrinnes 11 Years Old 2010 Artist Collective 5.4 by LMDW bottled at 48% ABV. Bottled 2021. 2 cask vatting. 1st fill Sherry Butt finish. Since 1956 La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) have been specialising in whiskies and spirits. They have established themselves as the leading French specialists in the importing and distribution of rare whiskies. Based in Paris, this family business launched its first shop in 1968. Fuelled by a deep passion and avant-garde approach instilled by founder Georges Bénitah, LMDW continues to innovate at the forefront of the independent bottling world.

Auchentoshan 13 Years Old 2007 Artist Collective 5.6 by LMDW bottled at 48% ABV. Bottled in 2021. A vatting of 2 Sherry butts. Since 1956 La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) have been specialising in whiskies and spirits. They have established themselves as the leading French specialists in the importing and distribution of rare whiskies. Based in Paris, this family business launched its first shop in 1968. Fuelled by a deep passion and avant-garde approach instilled by founder Georges Bénitah, LMDW continues to innovate at the forefront of the independent bottling world.

By mellowing just that little bit longer in old Sherry casks, Highland Park is a unique and smooth Scotch. Rich toffee sweetness is the backbone to this floral, smokey delight.