Lindores Abbey is the officially recognised site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky. It was back in 1494 that King James IV commissioned Brother John Cor at Lindores Abbey to make aqua vitae with eight bolls of malt. For more than 100 years, the preservation of the ruined abbey has fallen to Drew McKenzie-Smith and his family. Several years ago he learned of the abbey’s significance to the industry after visiting a website called Connoisseur Scotland . Further inspiration came when he was shown a copy of the late Michael Jackson’s book, ' Scotland and Its Whiskies .' In it, Jackson wrote of Lindores, “For the whisky lover it is a pilgrimage”. Following fifteen years of careful planning, construction work began on a new distillery that would not only capitalise on this whisky connection but also provide the means with which to preserve the abbey for future generations. In 2017, after five centuries of silence, the stills at Lindores Abbey began flowing again. There are actually two releases now in Australia: Lindores MCDXCIV and the MCDXCIV Commemorative First Release. They're essentially the same liquid, distinguished by a subtle notation on the label. Both come aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and STR red wine barriques from Burgundy. Both are three and a half year old Lowlanders. You might expect Lindores to be on the lighter side, however it's more like a young Speysider, nicely balanced and not shy on flavour. There's even a nod to Linkwood on the nose where the aromas show surprising weight; Cream tea biscuits, pear drops, light beeswax, cocoa and citrus are echoed with impressive purity, depth and texture of the palate. A fine astringency checks the length, but it's auspicious as far as inaugural releases go - all that's needed is more time to add further layers of complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

Featuring ginger cake, orange fondant, caramelised pear and brandy snaps on the nose with fresh ground coffee, chocolate ganache and cinnamon apple on the palate. Initially matured in American white oak, this limited 21 Year Old edition 2015 release is transferred into first-fill Matusalem oloroso sherry butts. The Dalmore whisky spends a decade in these exceptional casks for an outstanding finish with Oxford marmalade, macerate cherries and soft liquorice.

Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch is a blend of entirely Single Malts and has aromas of smoky vanilla oak, pepper, fresh cut grass and sandalwood on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with a delicate earthiness are balanced through to a lingering malty aftertaste. Sophisticated and full of finesse. Great to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

The oldest expression in our peated range and a rare opportunity to experience a peated Speyside single malt dating back to the 1980s. Crafted from densely peated malted barley, BenRiach Authenticus aged 30 years is a more intense Speyside malt which carries a delightful balance of WILD HONEY and PEAT on the nose. The combination of the SOFT, CREAMY VANILLA, SUMMER FRUITS and SLIGHT HINT OF COCOA coax the palate, while the INFUSED SWEET PEAT builds gradually to complete the unique character.

This superb richly sherried single malt is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. Non chill filtered, natural colour and bottled at 43%, The GlenDronach 12 Year Old original is a sweet, creamy dram.

Bold with plenty of backbone as this monster unfolds its fiery fangs on your palate. & not for the feint hearted. Take a generous mouthful . Hold it long in your mouth allow the thick tar peat smoke and creamy liquorice to penetrate every part of your tongue. A rugged fusion of sea spray, bonfire smoke, damp earth and spicy cinnamon immediately arouses the senses. Powerful aromas of peat moss and wet grass before notes of crushed pear apple and freshly baked bread provide the prefect finish

Following the success of Grand Cru, Grande Couronne is the next releasein the Grand Series. Grande Couronne is the epitome of true opulence,uncorked at only the most majestic and meaningful of gatherings.After 26 years at the Glenfiddich Distillery, it is refined andelegant. But its crowning glory awaits. An extended finish inrare French Cognac casks adds extra lavish layers of sweettoasted oak and velvety aromas of café crème, brown sugarand soft spice.TASTING NOTES:Deep, velvety smooth and indulgently sweet. Café crème with soft brown sugar and a hint of spice.SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve neat in a balloon glass and a few drops of water to open up the flavour.

JOHNNIE WALKER Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas Scotch Whisky 43.8% ABV, Scotland

“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.