"One for no age statement naysayers... Eloquent & beautiful." - whiskyadvocate.com Back in 2015, Nikka announced they were discontinuing their age statement and No Age Statement (NAS) releases for the Yoichi and Miyagikyo labels and consolidating them into two new bottlings. These whiskies have now arrived in Australia. Two NAS versions that differ slightly to the previous versions now represent the entire portfolio. It was yet another move that triggered a buying rush. Reports have it that Tokyo is now pretty much out of age statement Japanese whiskies, unless you visit bars or auction houses. Nikka's reasons for the radical new strategy are now familiar. They simply have no old stocks to sell. Decades ago, both local and world demand for Japanese malts was low, so few barrels were being laid down for extended periods. Stefan Van Eycken, writing for www.nonjatta.com explains "...there were years, at both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distillery, when the barrels laid down for maturation could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The ‘stock shortage’ is not an excuse or a PR stunt – it’s very real. Sources within Nikka have said that it is ‘likely’ that age-statement single malts will be brought back in 5 or 6 years’ time. No official statement to that effect has been made for the simple reason that doing so – in Japan – would be interpreted as a promise (which could come back to haunt them in 6 years’ time)." The dropping of age statements doesn't always translate into a drop in quality. Early reviews for both releases have been very positive. Evidently, Chief blender Tadashi Sakuma has risen to the challenge of creating a great assemblage from a restricted inventory.

The Singleton Of Glen Ord Special Release 2022 The Enchantress of the Ruby Solstice 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 54.2% ABV, The Highlands This stellar 2022 Special Release from Singleton shows just how special whisky can be when double matured in the finest wine-seasoned casks. The result is mesmerising malt, in which beguiling, subtle wine-fruit notes entwine seductively with the layered, smooth, and rich distillery character.

A sweeter style of Scotch, Glenkinchie is bright gold in colour and very approachable. The nose carries aromas of vanilla, citrus and wild flowery and is reflected on the palate and supported by a surprisingly creamy texture.

The process of Scotland's slowest distillation can be tasted in every dram of this Cask Strength Single Malt by Glengoyne. Hand-crafted from inception to glass, this single malt also shows the dramatic effect of warm air drying of the barley rather that using peat smoke. Bottled at the higher ABV of 58.7%, the balance between the subtle flavours imparted from the slow distillation and the power of the un-chillfiltered single malt imparts flavours of digestive biscuits, ripe bananas and a hint of pepper. Robust and full-bodied, this is a whisky of the utmost strength that should be enjoyed with some pure distilled water to your taste.

Don't be fooled by the nose into thinking this is a delicate and gentle Highlander, Glenfarclas is a brute at close quarters! Layers of flavour just keep coming and it is a true pleasure to savour.

Glenfiddich Project XX in the second release in the experimental series and was created when 20 of the industrys most exceptional minds came together to create this truly unique, pioneering expression. Warm summer fruit aromas with sweet candyfloss and liquorice notes. Experiment with a flake of sea salt on the side to heighten the taste.

Released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lagavulin distillery by John Johnston in 1816, this eight-year-old is big and smoky, with sweet spice that becomes apparent with a drop of water. Inspired by the visit of Alfred Barnard to the distillery in the 1880's when he tried an 'exceptionally fine' eight-year-old from the distillery, this is a fitting tribute for the milestone.

The Kilchoman Sanaig Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky presents soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla on the nose along with toffee, peat smoke and a lingering sweetness on the palate. The finish is a lovely balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.

The Glen Moray 18 year old is a beautiful addition to the Glen Moray Heritage range. Only the very finest American oak barrels have been selected to emphasise the incredibly smooth character and taste of Glen Moray 18 year Single Malt. An intense whisky with a perfect structure, the soft flavours of sweet vanilla balanced with oak from the casks.

Pour yourself a dram of the fantastic Benromach 15 Years Old! Golden amber in colour thanks to the long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas with vanilla pod, zesty orange and spicy ginger complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. Rich fruit cake with stewed plum, red apple skin and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit.