Bruichladdich Port Charlotte PC8 Ar Dùthchas Cask Strength Single Malt Islay Whisky has the colour of Chartreuse sunshine. An updraft of sea spray and peat smoke greets you with spicy pepper and lemon aromas all exploding simultaneously. Spindrift on canvas sails with a tailwind of heather and myrtle. Then the sweetness of oak and malted barley burst through bringing calm for a while before you are swept onto the next wave. Viscous, rich and oily. Peat fire flavours and the mellow rich taste of sweet, oaky Demerara sugar toddy. Waves of Islay wash over the palate. An original Islay darm, unlike any other. Dreams come true and desires fulfilled! This prodigy of Islay’s west coast clearly shows that coastal maturation is THE key element as waves of marine notes add the vital spark to the oak sweetness of the spirit.

This timeless distillery has produced yet another astonishing Scotch. The sheer depth and complexity is truly a wonder to behold. For the true Whisky connoisseur.

This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. The finest flavours from Scotland and France have been fused together through the art of experimentation, to redefine moments of celebration and create a new and extraordinary drinking experience.

Jim Murray's Japanese Whisky of the Year for 2022. The small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies from Kurayoshi have been impressive. Blenders here often combine malt whisky from Scotland with locally produced whisky. This is not an uncommon practice in Japan, and the exact breakdown typically remains undisclosed. There have been several strong reviews for the 18 YO (see below). One can't help noticing the similarity in packaging to Suntory's Yamazaki 18...

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky embodies Kanosuke Distillery’s concept of "mellow land, mellow whisky. It was produced using all 3 of their pot stills, aged in several varieties of oak barrels, and blended together after 3 years of maturation. The Second Edition of the 2021 Kanosuke was distilled from unpeated malt in 2018, this release is largely matured in first fill re-charred ex-bourbon barrels for about 3 years. About 5,000 bottles have been released at a cask strength ABV of 57%. Citrus, Vanilla, Honey and Lemon Tea on the nose leading to a flavours of grapefruit with some cinnamon sweetness, sweet fresh fruits, vanilla and dark chocolate bitterness.

The Macallan Rare Cask 2022 release is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks, unearthed by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team using their knowledge, skill, passion, and creativity in their quest to seek out the extraordinary. This single malt whisky reveals the remarkable art and science of the Whisky Maker in selecting unique oak casks that exhibit a distinctive and complex flavour profile. They were curated for maturation by The Macallan Master of Wood and delivered to the exacting specifications of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team to create Rare Cask. This luxurious expression highlights the magic and science in The Macallan’s intricate whisky making process, as the whisky maker identifies the exceptional oak casks which impart the intense and highly complex flavour profile. Soft aromas of vanilla with rich raisin lead the journey of discovery into this single malt whisky, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange. Intense sweet raisin flavours dominate the palate, before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest. The finish is long, rich and velvety to offer a decadent whisky experience that will leave a lasting impression.

In 1898, John Duff built the Speyside Distillery, BenRiach. It is one of the few distilleries with its own on-site floor malting and draws its water from the Burnside Springs. This exquisite single malt has been crafted from peated spirit and four cask matured for at least thirty years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks and port casks from the Douro Valley. During long maturation Benriach’s sweet Speyside smoke mellows and integrates with the fruit, malt and oak. After thirty years, rich layering develops into sublime honeyed smoke, further enhanced through multi-layered cask maturation. The whisky from each cask type, imbued with particular flavour characteristics, is then expertly married together to create an exquisitely harmonious single malt, layered with dark fruits, rich walnut and velvety oak spice with a long, complex, smoked honey finish. All in perfect balance.

Founded in 1824 The Macallan is a pioneer in Scottish whisky production, with a global reputation for its single malts. Founded by Alexander Reid, The Macallan draws its unique character from a confluence of influences. From the fertile Speyside region (historically called "Maghellan") to traditional methods and the natural resources of Scotland, Spain, and North America, each element contributes to the whisky's distinctive personality. The Macallan's unwavering commitment to quality is embodied in its "Six Pillars," a philosophy encompassing every aspect of production. From the "place" itself to the passionate people involved, each pillar reinforces the brand's dedication to excellence. Central to this philosophy is the "Mastery of Wood and Spirit." The distillery's reputation rests on the exceptional quality of its oak casks, meticulously sourced, crafted, and seasoned under the watchful eye of The Macallan's Master of Wood. Up to 80% of the final flavour profile is influenced by these casks, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the signature Macallan style. Another hallmark is the whisky's natural colour, derived solely from the wood during maturation. The distillery acknowledges the inherent variation in wood, with each cask imparting unique flavours and hues. Through expert cask management and selection, The Macallan ensures a consistent and beautiful colour spectrum across its bottlings, a key element of the brand's identity. The Macallan's dedication extends beyond Scotland. The distillery partners with Spanish cooperage companies, overseeing the entire process – from identifying oak trees in northern Spain to seasoning the casks for 18 months before their journey to Scotland. This meticulous approach, encompassing "tree to finished seasoned cask," underscores The Macallan's unwavering commitment to crafting an exceptional whisky experience. The Macallan Litha presents a unique proposition in the world of single malts. This whisky is crafted entirely from first-fill sherry casks sourced from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This meticulous selection embodies the harmonious coming together of Scottish and Spanish influences to create an exceptional spirit. The story of Litha begins amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Jerez. Here, grapes destined for sherry production are meticulously cultivated. These casks, crafted to The Macallan's exacting specifications, then embark on a journey to Scotland. Upon arrival, they encounter The Macallan's "fruity new make spirit," sparking a remarkable union that defines the character of the whisky. The name "Litha" draws inspiration from the Celtic summer solstice. This astronomical event signifies a pivotal moment, a burst of new life and a shift in the balance of nature. Similarly, The Macallan Litha celebrates the transformative power that arises when two distinct forces converge. The vibrant presentation box, designed by award-winning illustrator Sija Hong, further enhances the whisky's allure. Two bold colour palettes represent Scotland and Spain, united by the central image of a tree. This symbolic representation underscores the crucial role that cask maturation plays in creating The Macallan Litha, a whisky born from the harmonious fusion of two worlds. The unique character and complex flavours of The Macallan Litha is derived from the use of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks, the whisky mingling with the sherry seasoned oak. The gentle scent of vanilla and butterscotch unites with a spark of citrus over a bright canvas of tropical fruits, reminiscent of a summer’s day and the radiance of the sun’s energy. As the flavour develops, smooth vanilla ice cream topped with a berry compote dances on the palate, beautifully balanced with warming wood spice, chocolate, salted caramel and pecans, with a lingering hint of sweet oak.

Product Information: Johnnie Walker x Perfect Moment. It's luxury scotch meets luxury fashion. Together they've crafted a must-have 'aprés-ski' accessory. In partnership with luxury ski & lifestyle brand Perfect Moment, this unique bottle comes adorned in a limited-edition luxury bottle bag that reverses into a cross-body bag, fearlessly designed to push boundaries and resonate strongly with fashion-forward luxury consumers; it doubles as a crossbody accessory once the bottle is removed. Master Blender Emma Walker began creating this special blend by going through the archives and hand-selecting the rarest of single malts from the most northern distilleries in Scotland, including famed distillery Brora and the highest distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie. These single malts were carefully laid during Scotland’s coldest winters, when the critical first phase of maturation is mellowed, allowing more of the beautiful distillery character to come through. Only 1 in 10,000 casks succeeds in bringing this character to life – velvety-smooth with notes of salted honey, cacao and soft malt characters. Maker: Johnnie Walker's story began in 1820 when a determined young man named John opened a grocery shop in Kilmarnock, Scotland, after his father's death. Facing challenges, John had a knack for business and a talent for whisky. Recognizing the inconsistency of single malts, he began blending them, creating a whisky that delivered a reliable taste. His blended whisky quickly gained popularity. When John passed away in 1857, he left a thriving business to his son, Alexander. With the arrival of the railway and Britain on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution, Alexander seized opportunities for growth. Things really kicked up a notch from there. In 1867, he introduced the iconic slanted label and square bottle, making the brand stand out. By 1908, with the help of illustrator Tom Browne, the Striding Man became the brand's symbol, leading to the creation of Johnnie Walker Red Label and Black Label. By 1920, Johnnie Walker whisky was available in 120 countries, becoming a global cultural icon, celebrated by statesmen, socialites, and artists alike. In 1934, the brand received a Royal Warrant from King George V. Today, Johnnie Walker is the world's largest Scotch whisky brand, embodying a spirit of progress and optimism with its famous slogan. The legacy of pushing boundaries in whisky continues to thrive. Philosophy: Rare casks, rare craft and rare characters combine to create a vibrant Scotch Whisky with rolling waves of flavour and an unrivalled depth of character. Made with unparalleled reserves, spanning the ‘four corners’ of Scotch–Lowland (Glenkinchie), Speyside (Cardhu), Islay (Caol Ila) and Highland (Clynelish). Only one in 10,000 casks – including some from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries – are hand-selected to craft this exceptionally smooth whisky. Johnnie Walker have honed in on their craft, a precision process that respects the many elements shaping a Scotch Whisky’s final flavour and character, including the type of grains and yeast used, the shape of the still, and the length of time it’s matured in the cask. Nose - Lightly Smoked, Cereal Grains, Old Leather Rolling waves of subtle pepper and spices. Pungent, integrated slightly oily and smoked. Dusty cereal grains, desiccated coconut, leather, hessian sack and freshly cut old mahogany wood. Palate - Honeyed Malt, Fruity Palate, Vanilla Oak Initial burst of salty smoked seaweed leads to an elegant lightly honeyed malty, dried fruity palate with vanillered wood, liquorice, brazil nuts and the merest hint of cinnamon spice. Finish - Hard Candy, Butter Fruit Buns, Smoky Finish Salty, smoked flavours return on the long finish with boiled sweet (hard candy) fruit and buttered fruit buns. A luxuriously long, smoky finish.