Part of Diageo's stable, Mortlach enjoys a cult status amongst whisky drinkers thanks to its thick, meaty texture. That unique spirit comes from a complex and unique distillation program, which sees the new make pass through a number of stills of varying shapes and sizes. In the end, it is said that Mortlach distill their spirit 2.81 times. The complex regime results in a thick, meaty spirit - one of Scotland's thickest - and has been prized by independent bottlers and drinkers since the vaunted 16-year-old Flora & Fauna release put it into the public psyche.

THE LAST DROP DISTILLERS Glenturret 44 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 45% ABV with 50ml Sample Bottle, The Highlands

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

JOHNNIE WALKER John Walker & Sons King George V Scotch Whisky 43% ABV Angel Chen Edition, Scotland

Lagavulin Special Release 2022 The Flames of the Phoenix 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 57.3% ABV, Islay For whisky aficionados and collectors, Diageos annual Special Release is unmissable. The 2022 edition is arguably the best yet, and this stellar cask-strength selection from Lagavulin is a definite highlight. This is an elemental Lagavulin crafted from virgin oak and their smokiest reserves, in which rich, peaty casks lead saltiness, spice and smoke on their eternal dance with deep sweetness. This year, the decision was made to make as smoky a Lagavulin as we could. The approach did change slightly during liquid development when the virgin oak casks were added as a top dressing, just to add a little spice to the character which complemented the smoke beautifully.- Diageo Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson/strong>

Talisker Special Release 2022 The Lustrous Creature of the Depths 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 55.1% ABV, Skye Each limited release from this storied distillery is greeted with barely-contained excitement from whisky aficionados, and this 2022 Special Release shows why. First-fill ex-bourbon casks give this Talisker 11 Year Old layers of flavour; a luminous spiced sweetness bathes notes of smoke and sea in its irresistible glow.

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.