The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in virgin Tawny port and red muscat-seasoned casks. For the whisky that arguably has the most exotic cask make-up in this line-up, not to mention its famed meaty spirit, the nose on this is relatively quiet. It takes a bit of digging to find hints of red forest fruits (currants and raspberries) and perhaps some jelly confectionery notes.

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.

By mellowing just that little bit longer in old Sherry casks, Highland Park is a unique and smooth Scotch. Rich toffee sweetness is the backbone to this floral, smokey delight.

Classic Speyside Distillery, Balvenie have blended some of their rarest reserve whiskies and aged them for 21 long years. In the final few months of the ageing process, the whisky is transferred to port casks, or pipes, to impart a luscious, creamy and silken character. The whisky is tasted regularly by the Balvenie Malt Master to impart just the perfect amount of flavour to further enhance those honey and spice notes that give way to a long, gentle and nutty finish.

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. Bottled at 48%, the Parliament is non chill filtered and of natural colour.

NOSE : Intense berry fruits merge with creamy vanilla and rich caramel with hints of freshly-baked gingerbread. TASTE : Beautifully balanced and full of character. Blackcurrant and liquorice dominate in the first instance, then chewy caramel toffee and chilli-infused chocolate come to the fore. FINISH : Rich and satisfying. Dark chocolate and caramelized raisins linger on the tongue long after the last sip is taken.

Retaining the elegant warmth of Miyagikyo malt, peat brings out a mellow sweetness and more solid body. Nikka says it has the sweetness of raisins and dry cherries, and a light yet firm peatiness.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the serious Whisky drinker in mind.At 48% ABV and Gift Boxed a perfect edition for Christmas. A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies, The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting Notes:Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffee; oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, ginger; Finished with a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavour. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding! The barrel age brings out different levels of spice and tertiary characteristics. The nose is abundant with a deep floral woody scent and elegant oak.