“The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles.” Perched on a wave washed, rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distilleries scattered white washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. First launched in 2003, “Uigeadail” (the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows) this cask strength, heavily peated Ardbeg is produced from a mix of bourbon casks and older sherry casks. The combination gives this whisky a velvety texture, with a sweet and smokey finish. Tasting notes: Bright gold appearance. Big, sweet sherry influenced nose offers dried apricot and marmalade scents over menthol and sweet cedar smoke. Some ripe green apple notes emerge with time in the glass. The palate is off dry with a rich, dark chocolate entry becoming heavier and fudge-like with orange chocolate, sweet cereal and the peat continually reinventing itself - at once dry and sooty, then tarry and finally kippery on the finish. Excellent balance at cask strength. Boiled lolly and spice aftertaste with a subtle spearmint fade. Latest batch tasted October 2010.

A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. Despite being the largest distillery on Islay (in terms of production anyway), nearly all of Caol Ila's output ends up in blends, so much so that until 2002 when the 12-year-old was released, independent bottlings were the only recourse for malt hunters. The distillery's gently fruity-smoky style sets it apart and comes down to the production process: "...although it receives the same spec of malt as sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila’s distillation regime – longer fermentation, higher cut point, taller stills, helps to reduce the heavy phenols." Tasting note: Pale straw colour with a subtle green blush. Aromas of soft, sweet peat - smoked trout, a hint of lanolin and some baked citrus. Rounded, pure and impeccably clean from start to finish, the palate offers semi-sweet smoky-fruity-oily flavours counterpointed by super fine tannins. Perfect balance. Finishes long with salt, smoked fish and light lanolin through the fade. A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. 43%Alc./Vol.

Tasting note: One of the highlights in the new-look range, this harkens back to some of the earliest Arrans which were mostly matured in Sherry casks. Ginger snaps, cinnamon and fruit'n'nut dark chocolate aromas follow with a lovely dried fruit aspect (figs, dates, apricots). Bold but balanced; drier in the mouth than the nose suggests with fresh dried fruit flavours, leaning towards apricots. Pepper, cinnamon and ginger bread spice up the medium long finish. A flavoursome 'contemporary' sherried style that's different to traditionalists like Glendronach or Macallan. 55.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

One of the most respected and admired whisky distillers in the world, Macallan remains one of the kings in the single malt world. The Macallan Fine Oak 12 Year Old builds on this storied reputation. Triple cask matured in an unique, complex combination of exceptional oak casks; European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon. This triple cask combination delivers an extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex single malt, matured at the Macallan distillery for a minimum of twelve years. A gorgeous rich straw colour with a complex nose, with hints of fruit and vanilla, the Macallan Fine Oak 12 Year Old is sure to please any whisky lover. On the palate, one can taste fruit, oak and spice with a medium mouth feel. The finish lingers, with dried fruit, oak and spice to round out the experience. The Macallan Six Pillars

Dalwhinnie is the highest of all the distillers in Scotland and place so to take advantage of the cleanest springwater possible. Dalwhinnie has a smokey, floral aroma and a delicate palate of heather and honed malt. A serious Whisky, yet approachable to the beginners.

Deep, golden mahogany in colour, Dalmore has a fantastic nose of orange, marmalade and aromatic spice. Elegant and rich on the palate with concentrated citrus, oloroso Sherry with hints of sweet vanilla pod. An amazing and lingering finish.

By using new French oak casks to finish this scotch, a fantastic vanilla and spice character is leeched into the whisky. This compliments the sweet malt and floral characters perfectly.

Dalmore, located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the Scottish Highlands has been making single malt whiskies since 1839 and the bottles still bear the stag crest of the Clan Mackenzie. Their Cigar Malt Reserve is a wonderful blend of three different oak types of 10-15 year old whiskies. White American oak, 30 year old Matusalem Olorosso Sherry casks and Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. The final blend has an enveloping aroma and flavour of the finest hand-made cigars; rich and smoky and extremely long lasting.

Balvenie Caribbean Cask was created by The Balvenie Malt Master, David Stewart, who celebrated an incredible 50th anniversary at the distillery in 2012. This single malt has had a 14-year maturation period in traditional oak whisky casks, before being transferred to casks that previously held Caribbean rum to finish aging.