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 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.

Built on the site of an older illicit distillery Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown which is the epicentre on Speyside. Mortlach is again making its mark as a single malt with last years Diageo Special Release bottling selling out in record time. Distilled in 1999 and matured in ex Pedro Ximenez Sherry & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks for no less than 21 years. Bottled at 56.9% abv and non-chill filtered. NOSE Rounded with dried dark fruits and rich sherry like notes, citrus peels, pancakes and salted butter, meaty with light savoury notes. PALATE Smooth and silky texture, dried fruits, savoury with chilli spice and dark fruits. FINISH Fruity and savoury notes, drying and rich.

A limited-edition 30-year-old single malt from Mortlach, Midnight malt was initially matured in a combination of refill American oak and European oak casks, before being finished in Bordeaux wine, Calvados and Guatemalan rum casks, then married and further matured in custom quarter casks. A release of just 350 limited bottles. NOSE A mellow nose with some initial prickle. This settles in time to reveal a savoury and faintly herbal top note, suggesting pork crackling sprinkled with dry sage. PALATE A richly winey, apple fruity and mouth-watering start delights the palate, backed by a long spicy intensity with a delicious black pepper note that really persists. FINISH Long, sweet and deep-flavoured, with a light peppery spiciness. With water, still sweet and softer, with the spicy heat joined by a suggestion of mint chocolate in the lingering aftertaste.

JOHNNIE WALKER Masters of Flavour 48 Year Old 41.8% ABV, Scotland The third and final release of Johnnie Walkers The Masters Series, the 48 Year Old Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour is a best of both worlds Whisky combining sweetness and smokiness. This is Dr Jim Beveridge OBEs valedictory Whisky. Suffice it to say, he retires at the top.

The Last Drop Blended Scotch Whisky Distilled 1971 46.7% ABV + 50ml Sample Bottle, Scotland NV Their Blended Scotch Whisky Distilled 1971 shows harmonious complexity. In Scotland in 1971, some 40 different distilleries of malt and grain whiskies were busy crafting the spirits that would eventually become part of this truly exceptional blend. Yet one drop isnt enough to unveil all the rich flavours developed during its long, multi-faceted maturation. It also comes with 50ml sample bottles as a bonus gift.