A mix of first fill ex-Bourbon and first fill ex-Sherry casks were used to create this rich, lightly smokey malt.

Released in the UK in 2021, 'A Tale Of Winter' is the latest annual limited edition from Glenmorangie to arrive in Australia, coinciding with the approaching Winter season and World Whisky Day (Saturday the 21st of May). Like its predecessor, "A Tale of Cake', this is a concept whisky from the inside out. Bill Lumsden has used 13 year old (plus) x-Bourbon matured single malt and finished it in Sicilian Marsala wine casks. The flavours of Marsala typically hint at apricot, vanilla and brown sugar and range from dry to very sweet. Evidently Lumsden felt these casks were perfectly suited to provide the profile he was looking for. The marketing team have responded with an eye catching knit-sweater-patterned presentation to evoke the feeling of the season. As for the whisky itself, it kind of reminds you of mulled wine or spiced rum. The colour is deeper and the nose heavier and richer than most 'Morangies to date; Festive spices feature, with cinnamon and nutmeg over ginger snaps and hints of orange cake and boiled confectionary. The palate is more full bodied again with a deliberate spice theme: Ginger beer, fruit cake and persistent warming spices ricochet around the drying finish. Ultimately, it's a whisky that achieves exactly what the label suggests - a genuine Winter warmer. Besides sipping straight, Glenmorangie recommend it in a Winter Old Fashioned (recipe below). 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Matured exclusively in the finest sherry oak casks. Vibrant summer fruits burst on the palate, followed by a rewardingly long finish. Natural colour and un-chillfiltered.

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.