Exceptionally hand crafted Okinawa Single Malt Whisky reserved in selected North American white oak casks for 12 years. Kura is made from best quality Indica with black Koji unique to Okinawa using traditional production methods of over 600 years of craftsmanship. Complex aroma and mellow taste bring whisky lovers to a different and new concept of true local Japanese whisky.

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

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

Part of Diageo's stable, Mortlach enjoys a cult status amongst whisky drinkers thanks to its thick, meaty texture. That unique spirit comes from a complex and unique distillation program, which sees the new make pass through a number of stills of varying shapes and sizes. In the end, it is said that Mortlach distill their spirit 2.81 times. The complex regime results in a thick, meaty spirit - one of Scotland's thickest - and has been prized by independent bottlers and drinkers since the vaunted 16-year-old Flora & Fauna release put it into the public psyche.

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

Highland Park had a 15 year old on the market over a decade ago, bottled at 43%. The age statement is being revived in this re-packaged version composed of a ‘high percentage’ of first-fill European oak sherry-seasoned casks. Complimenting this are first-fill American oak sherry casks, adding flavours of vanilla and crème brûlée. Meanwhile, a small proportion of refill casks give ‘gentle’ heather peat and ‘lightly fruity’ character. Perhaps what's most striking is the vessel itself. The whisky has been filled into heavily embossed 'ceramic' style bottles, made in partnership with UK-based Wade Ceramics. The design was inspired by ancient earthenware vessels, which would have been used to store whisky a century or two ago at the distillery. The new 15 year old is set to become a permanent edition to the core range. 44% Alc./Vol.

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.

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.