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...

Established in 1826 by James Allardice the Glendronach distillery was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is borne of the landscape and natural ingredients that surround, from the soft Highland water drawn from the underwater springs in the Balnoon hills to the Scottish malted barley sourced from our trusted partners. The hallmark of the distillery is the marriage of robust Highland spirit with the finest Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucia in Spain. This exquisite duality brings exceptional depth, complexity, and character to their whiskies. Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, the ‘Parliament’ continues the great Glendronach tradition of offering fruit-laden intensity in its single malts. This rich expression has been named ‘Parliament’ after the colony, or ‘parliament’, of rooks that have been nesting in the trees that overlook the Glendronach distillery for almost 200 years. In the glass, this single malt is a deep amber colour with a cherry wood sheen. A delicate mix of ripe autumnal fruits on the nose - notably blackberries and red plums. Rich Oloroso sherry and candied orange segments. Spiced oatmeal biscuits and toasted oak fragrances bring excellent weight and balance. Resolute flavours of fine Oloroso sherry and bitter chocolate sauce, which has been spread liberally over homemade plum pudding. This is all infused with fabulous spicy notes - cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Full bodied with smooth tannins.

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.

The culmination of a life-time's experience of Glenmorangie's whisky creators, Signet is a fusion of some of the oldest and rarest whiskies from the Glenmorangie archives aged in designer casks. Incredibly smooth, Signet tantalises with sizzling spices, before the voluptuous texture of rich chocolate and dark intense aromatic coffee create a veritable velvet explosion of taste. With its iconic, powerful bottle and a statuesque gift box, the stunning packaging visually reflects the beauty of this ultra-stylish and luxurious single malt whisky. With rave reviews by whisky connoisseurs and epicureans alike, this is very limited edition and won't be around for long.

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.

This rare version of Miyagikyo single malt is part of the "Nikka Discovery" series: an inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka. Focusing on the distinctive aromas generated by yeast selected from Nikka's vast "culture collection", this expression is partly made from a batch which offers fruity aromas of peach and apricot. Please discover an exquisite combination of these fresh aromas and Miyagikyo's original comforting, elegant style.

This rare version of Yoichi single malt is part of the "Nikka Discovery" series: an inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka. Focusing on the distinctive aromas generated by yeast selected from Nikka's vast "culture collection", this expression is partly made from a batch which has an estery aroma somewhat reminiscent of "ginjyo sake". Please discover a well-crafted balance between the unique aroma and Yoichi's original smoky and peaty style.

Ten years marks a significant period in the development of Old Kempton Distillery. Along with Lyn Lark, James Reid and Amelia Hope, we started what was going to be a small craft distillery. Over time, the distillery attracted a few passionate friends who shared our vision. They were welcomed into our family bringing expertise and enthusiasm guiding OKD to what it is today. We are also fortunate to have a wonderful support team to facilitate OKD’s commitment to becoming a true artisan distillery. On behalf of OKD, I thank you for your support and making the future look bright. We look forward to welcoming you to the distillery and being able to share more of our amazing Tasmanian spirits. Cheers for now, Bill Lark – Co Founder OKD Tasting Notes by Rob Tyson, Head Distiller. Aroma: A rich and ever developing aroma with dried fruits (raisins and sultanas), tinned pears, coffee with dark chocolate, orange peel, rich malt, and toasted almonds. Palate: Rich oil, and creamy across the palate with a good balance of both sweet and dry elements (ANZAC biscuits, Seville orange, and oak). Finish: Great mouthfeel with good spread and balance (Gingernut biscuit with spice and toffee). This release marries together spirit distilled at both our original site at Redlands Estate and at our new home at Dysart House, Kempton. Whist our location has changed, the delicate fruit and malt driven spirit that we produce has been consistent across our sites and is central to the style of whisky we produce.

The Talisker distillery is one of the most remote in the world, perched on the rugged western shores of the Isle of Skye, at the head of Loch Harport, in the small village community of Carbost. The distillery was originally founded back in 1830 – and not everyone in the local community was happy about it. The then parish minister felt the development of the distillery was 'one of the greatest curses that could befall (Carbost) or any other place'. More than a hundred and fifty years later, and Talisker is universally regarded as a jewel in the heart of Skye. The distinctive Talisker style recommends itself to seafood such as smoked salmon, kipper fillets, grilled smoked mackerel and oysters. Time has rounded but not tamed the powerful taste of this Malt Classic. Tasting note: It's been almost a decade since we revisited this maritime beauty, and at the very least, it's an age statement bottling that's held its ground - arguably even improved. Deep gold with water-like edges and solid legs. Opening aroma suggests dark chocolate and vanilla combined with a keynote of dried kelp. Air contact adds to the diversity introducing semi-ripe apple, pickled ginger, sea breeze and pepper. A creamy yet peppery profile that includes kelp, vanilla and a mildly oily texture. Finish ups the spice closing tongue tingling, fresh, citrus lozenge-like, mildly salty. Hints of pickled ginger, Fishermans Friend and drying oak in the aftertaste; some late sweetness returns in the fade. Complex, assured and immensely satisfying. 45.8% Alc./Vol.

Distilled in 2016 using 100% Islay barley, harvested in 2015 and peated to a whopping 129.3ppm, 13.3 offers a slight shift on the usual approach which is typically Bourbon only, this time being aged in a combination of first-fill ex-American whiskey casks and second-fill European oak casks from Rivesaltes, France, and Ribero del Duero, Spain. The total maturation was five years. 61.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.