Ardbeg's latest annual offering comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The purifier is also responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. A spokesperson for the brand describes the flavour profile as, "Defined by a distinctive pungent earthiness, aromatic clouds of dark chocolate, a billow of aniseed and cinnamon, and a lingering tang of sharp peppermint." Dramface.com add "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." We've just received our allocation. The whisky's unusual conception is brought to life with accompanying graphics created by celebrated comic artist and illustrator, Dilraj Mann. The nose is slightly reticent while the flavour profile leans towards smokey dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper followed by a dried herbal quality. The aftertaste is ashy, drying, medium long and vaguely fruity in a mezcal kind of way. Like last year's Ardbeg Day release (Ardcore), Heavy Vapours is not quite as intense or complex as anticipated, although it does taste slightly more mature and feels like the texture is amplified, particularly at the finish where cured meats and a salt'n'pepper tang recall middle-weight Caol Ilas. In a word, more elegant than "extreme". 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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.

Octomore seems to be getting a second wind of popularity - not that it was ever unpopular. Added to that is a sense of scarcity with allocations becoming smaller every year. 12.2 is no exception. The .2s in the series are known to showcase the impact of different wine barrels on the heavily peated Islay whisky. Distilled in the winter of 2015 from 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley, 12.2 weighs in at 129.7ppm and was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, followed by 18 months in rare first-fill Sauternes casks. Knowing how well 'sweet & peat' can work, it's destined to be one of the more desirable editions to date. Bottled at cask strength, expect something sweet-ish with a salty edge, lots of earthy peat, sweet bonfire smoke plus hints of maritime complexity. 57.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks .

This 18 year old release has been created using a handpicked selection of first fill and refill ex-bourbon American white oak casks and then finished in responsibly sourced 100% Scottish oak casks. As our new make spirit evolves in this unique cask duo, it creates balance and brings a beautiful richness and depth to our tropical distillery house character. COLOUR: Golden amber.TASTE: Sugared almonds, baking spices, passion fruit and guava tropical fruits.FINISH: Exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices with soft hints of berry fruits flow through to cacao and natural vanilla finish.

The Balvenie create a unique range of single malt Scotch whiskies hand-crafted in Speyside using centuries-old skills passed down through generations. The Balvenie's' process is a combination of expertise, skill and ambition which is the same now as it has been through generations. Balvenie's use of 5 key crafts is key to maintaining their high standards. Home grown barley, craft of the cooperage of the barrels, the malting floor where the grain is prepared, the copper stills that create the base spirit and the malt master who oversees the refining of the end product. The Balvenie French Oak is a vibrant single malt finished in casks previously held wine from the French Charentes vineyards. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from unfermented grape juice, to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. Sixteen years of maturation in American Oak casks brings an abundance of vanilla spice and warm honey notes. The finishing in Pineau casks brings energizing grapefruit, geranium, glazed fruit and ginger. This is the first of The Balvenie finishes to explore French Oak. Pineau is akin to cognac in terms of production and flavour, allowing us to capitalise on the rise of this flavour profile and its premium credentials. The Balvenie USA brand ambassador Lorne Cousin suggested Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE explore these casks after a trip to the region with his family where he fondly remembers sipping an aperitif. Beautifully balanced light floral notes from lotus and geranium flowers dance between hints of fresh meadow grass and pealed apple skin. On the palate there is an energising zing from tangy lemon rind and grapefruit meet the delicate subtle sweetness of glazed fruits and spice from root ginger, with a refreshingly concise finish.

Crafted in the heart of Speyside and contains five of the most precious signature single malts, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Whisky from the House of Chivas Regal. It pays homage to five generations of Master Blenders in what is an exceptional luxury whisky with complex flavours, a glorious golden hue and a commanding, rich aroma.

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.

Inspired by Signature Range, The Spice Tree brings older components and a significant portion of sherry-cask aged malt whisky back to life. It is a spicy, rich and elegant whisky with a depth of flavour and complexity.

The first-ever master blend of whiskies from six famous coastal single malt distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower and Talisker. A gloriously pleasing and affirming whisky that captures the character of coastal malts perfectly

Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices.