It's been over a decade since we've revisited the Balvenie range. From the 12 Year Old, right up to the venerable 30 year old expression, the house style emerges as one of the lightest and most delicate to be found from Speyside with almost no peat evident. 'Doublewood' gains its character from maturation in two woods, transferred from traditional x-Bourbon American oak to a Sherry oak casks for its final maturation. It's sometimes described as the classic, "essential" expression in Balvenie’s core range. From a 30ml sample, the nose is lifted with vanilla, dilute honey and dried fruits. The entry is featherweight, unfolding into a medium-weight dram with moderate flavours of dried fruit and a warm mouthfeel. An aftertaste of dried grass and drying oak sustains a little prickle. All up, this is uncomplicated and typical of the distillery style, but even at 12 years old, Doublewood still tastes surprisingly young. 40% Alc./Vol.

Product Information: For this range, malt master Kelsey McKechnie has made a small selection of our rarest casks, each of exceptional quality and unique individual flavour to bring together in a tun marriage. The Balvenie 25-year-old is blended from a combination of whiskies matured in traditional American oak and European Sherry oak casks. It has extraordinary depth, the perfect balance to create the most elegantly fruity whisky expression the Twenty-Five hints at the most sought-after Balvenie flavours – bold vanilla oak, crystallised ginger and sweet runny honey. The nose has a distinct honeyed sweetness with hints of brown sugar. Ripe fruits ranging from apple, pear to tropical aromas of mango and pineapple. Mint, anise and ginger accents. Seasoned oak in the background. Smooth and creamy on the palate. Baked apple notes, hints of tropical fruits. There is also a bit of liquorice and a pronounced flavour of baked cinnamon. A persistent fruit finish that lingers with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Super. Maker: William Grant’s vision for Balvenie, established in 1892, was to transform the abandoned shell of an 18th-century manor house into a thriving whisky production facility. Neighbouring his successful Glenfiddich distillery, Grant used second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn to set up Balvenie, establishing a unique character for his new venture. Today, Balvenie’s impressive craftsmanship continues to set it apart. The distillery operates with four wash stills and five spirit stills, which, though of similar dimensions as those at Glenfiddich, are taller. This height difference imparts a distinct style to Balvenie’s whisky, contributing to a richer and more nuanced profile compared to its neighbouring distillery. A standout feature of The Balvenie is its commitment to traditional methods. Unlike many modern distilleries, Balvenie still practices floor malting, a time-honoured technique that involves spreading barley on the floor to germinate. This traditional process is complemented by the use of an on-site kiln for malting and peating, with barley grown on the distillery’s own farm, Balvenie Mains. This dedication to maintaining traditional practices ensures that each bottle of Balvenie whisky carries a deep sense of heritage and authenticity. The Balvenie’s unique approach combines time-honoured techniques with innovative practices, such as the pioneering ‘finishing’ method introduced by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. This blend of tradition and innovation results in a range of whiskies that are both distinct and exceptional, reflecting the rich history and enduring legacy of The Balvenie Distillery. The Philosophy: The Balvenie distillery is a paragon of tradition and expertise, with a deep-rooted commitment to crafting exceptional whisky. This dedication is evident in every aspect of their production process, reflecting a blend of time-honoured practices and modern skill. Unique among Scottish Highlands distilleries, The Balvenie grows and malts a portion of its own barley. This tradition, carried forward by James Wiseman and his son Duncan, ensures that generations of knowledge contribute to the whisky's distinctive quality. The Wiseman family's involvement in barley farming spans decades, underpinning the distillery’s legacy. The art of cooperage is another cornerstone of The Balvenie's approach. Master cooper Ian McDonald, with 54 years at the distillery, exemplifies the craftsmanship required to repair and rebuild casks, a skill developed over years of experience, Ian shares, "I've been working with wood for so long that I know American Oak from European by feel." Also labour intensive is the malting floor, where malt men manually turn barley up to four times a day, and the precise use of peat in the kiln, add layers of complexity to the whisky. The distillery’s copper stills are instrumental in shaping its flavour. Dennis McBain's expertise in copper smithing, alongside his apprentice George Singer, ensures that the intricate design of the stills contributes to the signature honeyed notes of The Balvenie. Former Malt Master David C. Stewart, who dedicated 60 years to The Balvenie, revolutionised whisky production with his pioneering techniques, particularly around ‘cask finishes’. In 2023, Stewart passed the mantle to Kelsey McKechnie, recognising her exceptional talent and commitment. Stewart’s legacy continues through McKechnie, ensuring The Balvenie’s tradition of excellence endures. Nose - Runny Honey, Oaky Char, Candied Orange Peel Honeyed sweetness with hints of brown sugar and orange peel. Then ripe orchard fruit, apple, pear, and some tropical fruit aromas of mango and pineapple. Palate - Toasted Marshmallows, Fruit Terrine, Vanilla Oak The initial bold vanilla oak flavours slowly dissipate to reveal layers of toasted marshmallows, fresh fruit terrine and cinnamon-infused apple tart. Finish - Cinnamon Dusted Apple Tart, Apricots, Nutmeg The finish is long, with a lingering fruity sweetness, accompanied by cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg.

Product Information: Sherried, intense, and bottled at cask strength. Enjoy the rich and complex flavours of A'bunadh – First placed in the favourite whisky category at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2024. Meaning ‘the original’ in Gaelic, A’bunadh is made in homage to Aberlour’s founder, James Fleming. A’bunadh is a whisky hand-made from start to finish with each batch being created to ensure rich and complex profile. It is bottled at cask strength resulting in a robust and deeply intense, sherried whisky. Notes of ripe red apples, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dark bitter chocolate on the palate, exotic spices for a final flourish at the finish. A real centre piece for celebrations. Maker: At Aberlour, they believe in substance over style. Their whisky is born out of craft, passion, and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. The story is of community, locally sourced ingredients and families of craftsmen who have shaped Aberlour into who they are today. The whisky with its depth of flavour and character, speaks for itself. Rather than boasting about the distinctive qualities of his Aberlour single malt, our founder, James Fleming remained true to his family’s motto since the days of Robert the Bruce, ‘Let the deed show.’ The proof is in the drinking. This saying simply translates as, ‘actions speak louder than our words’. James Fleming let his whisky do the talking. It was his actions then, and the actions now of all craftsmen that have followed that define the character of Aberlour. Born in the Speyside village of Aberlour, A’bunadh is made with local spring water from the Ben Rinnes and barley, locally sourced from the fields near the Aberlour distillery. In Gaelic, A’bunadh means 'the original' because the distillery make every bottle as they would have done 100 years ago: in batches, with no chill-filtering. Let the deed show A'bunadh is as close as you can get to tasting a dram at original cask strength at the distillery; just as founder, James Fleming, would have done in 1879. Distillery: James Fleming founded Aberlour Distillery 1879, choosing a location that not only provided a sure supply of pure spring water that flowed over the pink granite of Ben Rinnes, but also a place rooted in ancient times and noted for its magical relationship with water. Steeped in centuries of legend and surrounded by the dramatic Highland scenery of Ben Rinnes, the village of Aberlour lies at the very heart of Speyside, where the Lour burn joins the River Spey. The exceptionally pure, soft spring water used for making Aberlour whisky is drawn from nearby natural springs. In this special place, the resources of nature and the founder’s passion for making the best single malt combine to make the generously multi-layered whiskies of Aberlour. The expert crafting of spirit and cask has created a range of superlative single malt whiskies with layers of complexity and a velvety richness Tasting: Nose - Cherry, Cinnamon, Orange Zest Aromas of Spiced orange, dark bitter chocolate on the palate harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso Sherry. Palate - Dried Fruits, Sherry Soaked Oak, Dark Chocolate Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with Sherry and Oak. Full bodied and creamy. Finish - Red Fruit, Bitter Sweet Chocolate, Oak Spice Long and luscious. The sweetness of the red fruit lingers and is eventually replaced by a bitter sweet chocolate, spice and oak. A little water opens up the whisky and reveals more of the fruitier side of the profile, but at the cost of that rich, chewy mouth feel.

Product Information: GlenAllachies very first bottling of The GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength happened by chance. In 2017, whilst reviewing parcels of stock from 2007 and 2008, their Master Distiller Billy Walker was so delighted by the balance and depth of the samples that he immediately decided to add a younger expression to the core range. Their fourth batch was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2021, so the bar has been set high as they introduce their tenth release. The GlenAllachie Cask Strength Batch 10 is bottled at 58.6%, non chill filtered and natural colour. Master Distiller Billy Walker was responsible for the production of this unique malt. It is a combination of several cask types including ex-sherry Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso, red wine casks and American virgin oak barrels with medium toasting. Makers: In 1967 The GlenAllachie was the fourth distillery designed by William Delmé-Evans and built by Mackinlay McPherson (the distilling arm of Scottish and Newcastle Ltd). It was designed to be almost entirely gravity-fed to run on reduced energy. In 1968, the distillery began its first production run. Fast forward to 2017, Scotch whisky industry legend Billy Walker came together with his business partners Trisha Savage and Graham Stevenson to acquire the distillery from Chivas Brothers, bringing with them extensive industry expertise. Just nine months after taking ownership of The GlenAllachie, they launched their first core range single malts. Having previously been used to create premium blends, this marked the first-ever range of single malts to be released by the Speyside distillery. In 2021 their Master Distiller, Billy Walker, was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame: a permanent tribute to individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the world of whisky. In the same year, their 10-year-old Cask Strength won the fiercely contested World’s Best Single Malt title at the World Whiskies Awards. On sustainability, GlenAllachie was awarded an SIETF grant, backed by the Scottish Government, for a significant decarbonisation project that will involve the installation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology that will half energy demand. To power the MVR, we have installed 134 solar panels in a neighbouring field. As for the new look. Having grown exponentially since its launch, The GlenAllachie brand was ready for a new visual identity that represents its evolution since 2018. Despite the rejuvenated exterior – said to be “a better reflection of the quality of the whisky” – the award-winning liquid inside the bottle remains unchanged. Distillery: The result of seamlessly coordinated collaboration is a range of carefully crafted and cask-perfected Scotch whiskies, each personally approved by Billy. With a quietly confident team of passionate whisky enthusiasts behind GlenAllachie, you can be sure the whisky is in good hands. A quality of quantity approach, GlenAllachie have the capacity to produce four million litres of alcohol per annum (LOA), but have made the decision to reduce their output to one million LOA in order to place the emphasis solely on spirit quality. By slowing down production, they now have the luxury of time, allowing for a lengthy fermentation period of 160 hours, which is around triple the industry average. This move has enabled them to create a more complex, flavourful distillate. In terms of wood management, GlenAllachie have a deep appreciation for the flavour contribution superior casks can offer. By allowing the spirit to interact with multiple wood types across its maturation journey is essential. Every cask quietly aging in the on-site warehouses and meticulously monitored by Billy Walker and his expert team throughout this process, ensuring the whisky is bottled at its optimum. In addition to this, being independent offers GlenAllachie limitless scope for intricate and creative wood experimentation. Their hard-earned network of connections with niche producers has opened doors for them to acquire an unrivalled inventory of not only the rarest casks but also those of the highest quality from around the world. No corners can be cut in the pursuit of excellence. Billy Walker Master Distiller proclaims “We don't pursue absolute consistency; we pursue absolute perfection. If it's a little better than the previous batch, that's what we're aiming for. If the colour is marginally different, that's because it's natural." In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts. Nose - Orange Peel, Poached Orchard Fruits, Cinnamon Waves of honeycomb, orange zest and treacle, with fig syrup, mocha and poached orchard fruits, followed by cinnamon and butterscotch. Palate - Treacle, Mocha Coffee, Plum Lashings of dark chocolate, honeycomb and caramelised demerara sugar, followed by notes of treacle, mocha and ginger, with plum and toffee. Finish - Oak, Spice, muscavado Sugar Medium to long. The oak spices linger with cloves and anise, hints of cherry and muscovado sugar.

Product Information: The Dalmore King Alexander III is the world’s first single malt to be crafted using an assemblage of six different cask finishes. This masterpiece showcases The Dalmore's philosophy of multi-cask maturation, bringing together Bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks, Madeira casks, Marsala casks, Port pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques—all expertly married in a Sherry butt. The result is a whisky that delivers a rich and enticing flavour profile with remarkable depth and complexity. Master Distiller Richard Paterson describes this pioneering whisky as "a fitting reward for those with the courage to stand apart and make a difference." Aromas of red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit lead to a palate of citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel, and crushed almonds. The finish is endless, revealing dustings of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger spice—a true testament to The Dalmore’s remarkable legacy. This whisky commemorates King Alexander III of Scotland, who reigned from 1249 to 1286. His rule is remembered as a golden era of prosperity and territorial expansion, thanks to his diplomatic acumen and courageous leadership, including his pivotal role in fostering peace with England during a time of frequent conflict. Maker: The Dalmore’s history is steeped in royal legacy, symbolized by the 12-point Royal Stag that adorns each bottle. This emblem was bestowed upon Colin of Kintail, chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, by King Alexander III of Scotland after he saved the monarch from a charging stag in 1263. The Dalmore distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, with the Mackenzie clan taking control in 1867, further cementing the brand's connection to royalty and quality. The distillery’s unique collection of stills produces a robust and fruity new make spirit, ideal for long, complex maturation. Richard Paterson, a pioneer in cask curation, guided The Dalmore for nearly five decades, setting the stage for its global acclaim. Today, Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass continues this tradition, blending innovation with time-honoured techniques to craft exceptional whiskies. Gregg Glass, awarded Master Distiller of the Year 2023 at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards, works closely with Richard Paterson OBE, pushing the boundaries of whisky-making while preserving The Dalmore’s timeless legacy. Philosophy: For nearly two centuries, The Dalmore has been guided by visionary whisky makers, forging exclusive relationships with the world’s finest bodegas and wineries to secure the best casks. Under their expert care, time, cask, and artistry work together to shape the spirit into an unparalleled whisky. The Dalmore's relentless focus on realising the full potential of its single malt ensures each bottle is a masterpiece, reflecting the distillery’s commitment to excellence. Nose - Red Berry, Subtle Passion fruit, Vanilla Pod Malty and fruity, unmistakably Dalmore. Seville orange zest, rose, malty cereal, barley and chocolate. Creamy vanilla fudge, and tropical vinous notes trail. Palate - Citrus Zest, Crème Caramel, Crushed Almonds Round feel. Winter berries, spice, zesty orange liqueur notes, amaretto sweet nuttiness. Finish - Cinnamon, nutmeg, Ginger Beautiful spicy impression in the finish. Peppery with judged oak followed by subtle claret notes.

Product Information: Part of Dalmore's Principal Collection, the 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select is an elegant Highland Single Malt, showcasing a unique Sherry finish that balances the nutty notes of Oloroso with the sweet influence of rich Pedro Ximénez. This expression offers twice the Sherry influence compared to Dalmore's standard 12-year-old, bottled at a higher strength to deliver a richer profile of sweet fruit and luxurious spice. Awarded 96 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2020, this whisky is described by Master Distiller Richard Paterson as “elegance personified, displaying a multitude of spectacular flavours—a truly decadent masterpiece.” The spirit begins its maturation journey in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, where it develops the hallmark Dalmore house style of chocolate, orange, and spice. It is then fully finished in specially crafted Sherry casks, blended from aged Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez, designed exclusively for The Dalmore. The result is a stunning single malt, rich with sweet fruit, warming spice, and the unmistakable elegance of Dalmore. Maker: The Dalmore’s regal heritage dates back to 1263, symbolized by the iconic 12-point Royal Stag that adorns each bottle. This emblem was a gift to Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, after he saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag. In 1839, Alexander Matheson founded The Dalmore distillery, with a vision to create an exceptional single malt. In 1867, Clan Mackenzie descendants took ownership, marking the beginning of the distillery's rise to prominence and adopting the Royal Stag as a guarantee of quality. The distillery's unique collection of stills produces a robust and fruity new make spirit, perfect for long and complex maturation. For nearly five decades, Richard Paterson has pioneered cask curation at The Dalmore. Now, Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, awarded Master Distiller of the Year 2023, continues this tradition of excellence, blending time-honoured methods with modern innovation. Philosophy: For nearly 200 years, The Dalmore has been guided by an unbroken lineage of visionary whisky makers. Through long-standing partnerships with the world's finest bodegas and wineries, the distillery secures access to the best casks available. Under the watchful eye of Dalmore’s whisky makers, each cask is meticulously curated to unlock the full potential of their single malt. The result is a whisky that blends time, craftsmanship, and artistry into a masterpiece—unparalleled in its complexity and refinement. Nose - Caramelised Orange, Ginger, Honey Quite the sherry influence. Raisins and dried plums. Cherries and loads of dark chocolate. Toffee too and coffee beans. Then it becomes slightly fresher, because of the addition of oranges. Palate - Dark Chocolate, Crushed Almonds, Cinnamon Honey and oranges. Black cherries and a lovely layer of dark chocolate, which is followed by some spices such as a touch of black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. A pinch of ginger too. Finish - Sweet Mangos, Panna Cotta, Lemon Sponge Sweet Mangoes, creamy Panna Cotta, accented by orange peel, and lemon sponge cake. Hints of cacao and coffee beans linger in the finish.

In 1950, Chivas Brothers began the search for a secure supply of exceptional malt whisky. Strathisla Distillery in Keith, the oldest and most beautiful distillery in the Highlands, was the obvious choice. From that day to this, the world-famous Strathisla Single Malt Scotch whisky became the foundation of the Chivas blend. The international reputation of Chivas Regal has been built upon this distillery and the skill of successive generations of Master Blenders. Legally, a blended Scotch whisky must contain both single malt Scotch whiskies and single grain Scotch whiskies. Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year old whiskies are blended using a special process called triple blending. First of all, the selected single malts are blended together. The second stage sees the selected single grains blended together, and then thirdly, the vatted malts and the vatted grains are brought together. These spirits are each married in selected oak casks for an extended period of maturation in order to produce an exceptionally smooth, rich whisky. 'The smooth taste of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old reflects the traditional style of blended Scotch whiskies with a powerful array of rich, fruity aromas, and a defined smokiness that develops into a long and memorable finish.' So says Colin Scott , Master Blender of Chivas. Colin hand-picks each whisky designated for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old from the distilleries most precious stock - including certain whiskies that are now exceedingly rare. Winner of three major awards, each bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old bears its own unique serial number, sourcing it back to the one particular triple blending. And because only selected casks are matured to such a great age, the quantity of Chivas 18 Year Old produced every year is always strictly limited. Tasting notes: Brassy gold appearance. Bubblegum / marshmallow opening is a little bourbonesque. Second pass reveals vanilla and biscuity malt with a judicious slather of peat. The palate combines a silky mouthfeel with solid concentration - nothing like the comparatively beige 12 Year Old - delicate spices, biscuity, honeyed grains with hints of dried fruits. The finish is crisp with a lingering confectionary note. 40% Alc./Vol.

Talisker is one of Scotland's remotest distilleries which produces a dram with trademark smoothness. Their 10 year old has a powerful peat and sea-salt nose; smoky sweetness with malt flavours and developing warmth with a huge, peppery finish. One of the six classic malts of Scotland, this Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a slight dash of water.

Product Description: Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a bold yet refined expression, peated to 108.2 PPM and distilled from 100% Scottish barley. It shares its heritage with the 15.1, but what sets the 15.2 apart is its unique maturation process. The whisky begins its journey in a combination of second-fill bourbon and red wine casks, then undergoes a remarkable finish in first-fill French ex-cognac casks. This trifecta of oak adds complexity and elegance, resulting in a whisky that is both powerful and graceful. The 15.2 demonstrates the finesse that oak imparts on whisky, with smooth notes of nutmeg, toasted oak, and caramel rounding out the palate. The delicate floral character of Octomore emerges beautifully, while the dry peat smoke and mineral qualities give the whisky its signature intensity. The result is a dram that offers layers of intrigue, with a balance of rich flavours and the elegance of well-aged oak. A must-try for connoisseurs seeking a complex and intriguing expression of the Octomore series. Maker: Bruichladdich Distillery is a pioneer in the whisky industry, known for its commitment to challenging traditional whisky-making conventions and producing exceptional single malts. Since its reopening in 2001, Bruichladdich has become renowned for its focus on terroir, provenance, and the artistry of crafting whisky. The distillery's philosophy is rooted in the belief that the best whisky begins with the best ingredients, and for Bruichladdich, that means using 100% Scottish-grown barley. Bruichladdich’s approach is defined by minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the barley and the influence of the land to shine through in every dram. The distillery’s meticulous methods include slow fermentation, trickle distillation, and maturation in a carefully chosen suite of casks that contribute to the unique flavour profiles of each whisky. Bruichladdich's dedication to quality and innovation continues to set the standard for whisky-making, with each bottle reflecting the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and the unique terroirs of Islay and beyond. Philosophy: At Bruichladdich, the philosophy is to challenge the norms of the whisky industry and to produce thought-provoking spirits that celebrate the connection between land, people, and whisky. The distillery is driven by the belief that whisky should reflect its terroir, and that every bottle should tell the story of its origins. Bruichladdich is committed to sustainability, provenance, and the understanding of how the agricultural ecosystem influences the flavour of whisky. Bruichladdich’s approach to production is rooted in traditional practices, but with a modern and progressive mindset. The distillery embraces minimal intervention, allowing the whisky to evolve naturally and express its full potential. By focusing on the importance of barley, the influence of oak, and the complexity of cask maturation, Bruichladdich creates whiskies that are bold, complex, and reflective of the land from which they come. Whether crafting peated or unpeated expressions, Bruichladdich’s mission is to produce whiskies that are both innovative and true to their origins, pushing the boundaries of flavour while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Tasting Notes: NOSE Peat Smoke, Nutmeg, Caramel An inviting nose with rich peat smoke at its core, complemented by warm, spicy nutmeg, toasted oak, and a subtle sweetness of caramel. The complexity deepens with hints of floral notes as the whisky opens up. PALATE Smooth Oak, Floral Notes, Dry Peat Smoke The palate is a beautiful balance of smooth oak, nutty caramel, and the delicate floral character that is signature to Octomore. The dry peat smoke is present, but it is refined, supporting the complex layers of flavour without overwhelming the senses. FINISH Elegant, Mineral, Lingering Smoke The finish is long and elegant, with a mineral quality that gives way to lingering peat smoke and a soft oak presence, leaving a lasting impression of balance and finesse.