Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of East Lothian, the Glenkinchie distillery stands as a proud cornerstone of the renowned Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland distilleries. As a testament to its heritage and craftsmanship, Glenkinchie takes great pride in distilling the Edinburgh Malt, which has captivated whisky enthusiasts around the globe as both a standalone expression and an essential ingredient in the iconic Johnnie Walker whiskies. With a rich legacy steeped in tradition, Glenkinchie continues to uphold its esteemed reputation by producing a malt that embodies the spirit of Edinburgh. This distinguished whisky has become a beloved choice for connoisseurs and serves as a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Whether savoured on its own or integrated into the world-renowned Johnnie Walker blends, the Edinburgh Malt from Glenkinchie continues to delight discerning palates and leave an indelible mark on the whisky landscape. The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today. The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life. Dong Qiu's art seamlessly blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with a modern sensibility, fusing delicate lines and subtle shades reminiscent of classical ink paintings with bold, vibrant colours. This unique combination showcases her deep understanding of Chinese painting techniques while infusing a contemporary twist that sets her work apart. The Glenkinchie 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) is known as "The Floral Treasure," boasting thick whispers of rich smoke, bright herbs and juicy plums that leave an indelible finish. This special release was finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, which impart a unique character to the whisky. Aromatically, the whisky features thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke that pay homage to the ancient art of tattooing, evoking the imagery of clouds slowly dispersing in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, while smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each sip unfolds like a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history spanning more than 200 years, the Malt Master of Glenkinchie explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulsates with herbal flavors both ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amidst fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavors. The experience unfolds with sweet, juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then evolves into a progressively more herbal and smokier profile, leaving a lasting impression as a whisky of legends.

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Clynelish distillery embodies the essence of its name, an anglicized version of the Gaelic for "green pasture." This coastal whisky is a true reflection of its namesake, boasting sweet floral fragrances and verdant flavor notes that transport the senses to lush, picturesque landscapes. With a name that predates the distillery as we know it today, Clynelish has graced whisky bottles for two centuries, carrying with it a rich and storied history. As one of the esteemed Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker, Clynelish takes great pride in distilling the rich Highland malt that is cherished by whisky enthusiasts around the globe. Its significance extends beyond its standalone appeal, as it serves as a vital component of the renowned Johnnie Walker whiskies, contributing to their exceptional character and flavour profile. Clynelish stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition that define the Scotch whisky industry, offering a taste of the Scottish countryside and coastal essence in every sip. As a cornerstone of Johnnie Walker's legacy, Clynelish continues to craft spirits that capture the imagination and appreciation of whisky connoisseurs worldwide, embodying the spirit of the Highlands and the allure of the sea. The Special Releases collection is a highly-anticipated, limited annual assortment of exquisitely crafted, rare and valuable natural cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing selected Diageo distilleries each year, featuring a variety of ages and spirit profiles. In the 2023 collection, the esteemed Master Blender, Stuart Morrison, has personally curated the uniquely finished whiskies to be included in his first-ever Special Releases collection. This year's Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection celebrates cultural collaboration, presenting a range of single malt expressions inspired by countries from around the world. It pays tribute to the exchange of ideas, discovery, and inspiration of Scotch whisky and its makers as it expanded to new horizons and the contemporary significance it holds today. The Special Releases 'Spirited Xchange 2023' Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection was created in collaboration with eight illustrators. United by their passion for exploration and discovery, the illustrators pay homage to their individual cultures through the intricate and captivating designs that adorn the packaging. Each illustration is unique and dedicated to the beloved distilleries and the stories of the spirit, creating a compelling storytelling moment that places the expression at the heart of the experience, bringing the brand to life. Sanford Greene's distinctive illustration style boldly merges graffiti, hip-hop, jazz and comic book art, yielding vibrant and expressive illustrations that emphasize action scenes and cultural elements. Introducing the Clynelish 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2023) - a harmonious symphony of flavour that pays homage to the soulful richness of classic American jazz. Dubbed "The Jazz Crescendo," this special release captivates the senses with alluring dulcet tones that culminate in a crescendo of vanilla spice and smooth caramel. Exclusively matured in first-fill bourbon American Oak casks, this expression embodies the rhythmic beat of a sweetly honeyed bass, anchoring a richly composed melody that gradually calls to transcend scales. The honeyed flavors and smooth, waxy textures of Clynelish play the sweetest of melodies, inspired by the mesmerizing solo wildcat adorning the bottle. This inspiration led the Malt Master to craft a whisky that encapsulates the sweet and soulful richness of classic American jazz. Exuding rich caramel and vanilla spice notes, this expression opens with mellow aromas that evolve into a mineral and maritime theme, before embracing a sweeter and rounder profile. The golden melody is anchored by an earthy bass note, leading to a vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo. This crescendo reaches its smooth peak in the long, spicy finish, leaving a lasting impression reminiscent of a captivating hymn to jazz. The Clynelish 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Special Release 2023 invites whisky enthusiasts to savour the sweet and soulful essence of classic American jazz, encapsulated in every golden drop.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Lagavulin 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in and blended from a mix of refill and virgin oak casks; both American oak. The nose is delightfully clean and unadulterated…a classic Islay nose that exudes peat and smoke. It’s very earthy, yet complemented with hints of citrus, orange rind and vanilla. The palate cranks things up a gear, with the heavily peated malt bringing a smoky dryness to proceedings, yet maintaining superb balance and sweetness.

Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. The 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Hakushu 18 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honour of Suntory Whisky’s centenary. The Hakushu Distillery blenders work with peat, while naturally softening the palate using the exceptionally pure mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. The 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings. Champagne gold in colour with a herbaceous nose of basil, pine needle, green apple and pears. Flavours of ripe sweet ripe pear, mint and kiwi and a finish of green tea and subtle smoke

The consensus on the bloggersphere is that this is one gimmicky Ardbeg that actually works! You start with a hare-brained idea, you bring together three unique casks, two masters in their own right, and a whole lot of heat and smoke… what do you get? You get Ardbeg’s first ever barbecue-inspired whisky. Cooked up by renowned Master Distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden, alongside bona-fide god of the grill, Christian Stevenson (AKA DJ BBQ), fire has been the vital element in creating the malt. Toasting a selection of three casks; double charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and BBQ casks, this combined recipe comes together to bring a sweet, tangy, smoky flavour. Collectors will love the 1930s cartoon-style label which encapsulates ‘grilling meets distilling’ . Drinkers will appreciate the higher ABV - and the reasonable asking price when compared to several recent Ardbeg NAS bottlings. 50.9% ABV. Non-chill filtered. Notes from the producers... Nose: Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up. A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers lingers in the background. Palate: The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge. Finish: The massive, hot aftertaste lingers on and on, with more grilled artichoke, black olives and a sooty note that slowly simmers away.

The finest bourbon in the world comes from a single barrel. And it is never blended with whiskey from any other barrrel. That's the way Colonel Albert B. Blanton first bottled his private reserve Bourbon nearly a century ago. And that's the way Blanton's is bottled today. It's a costly, painstaking way to produce Bourbon. For a Bourbon's peak maturity varies from barrel to barrel. And only a master distiller can determine the exact moment the whiskey has extracted enough flavour from the wood. Thus he vigilantly monitors each barrel until it's aged to perfection and is deemed worthy of the Blanton label. Blanton's Bourbon, created by Albert Blanton, is a renowned brand known for its rich history and exceptional quality. Blanton's was the first to introduce the concept of single barrel bourbon, a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship. Hand-bottled and hand-labelled, each bottle showcases a horse and jockey stopper, reflecting Kentucky's equestrian heritage. Blanton's is celebrated for its exceptional taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla and spice. Distilled in Kentucky, it embodies the heartland of bourbon production. With its small-batch approach, each bottle offers a unique flavour profile, making it a coveted addition to any collection. Due to limited availability and high demand, finding Blanton's can be a challenge, further adding to its allure and desirability. Blanton's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Black Label 750ml is a rare and highly sought-after bourbon whiskey, exclusively produced for the Japanese export market. With a proof of 80, this bourbon offers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. The main difference with the black label is the use of an 8-year minimum aged barrel, compared to the standard 6 years. Additionally, it is made using Buffalo Trace's mash bill #2, which has a higher rye content. The nose on this bourbon is truly stunning. It opens with floral notes, accompanied by hints of cherry and apple, creating a delightful and inviting aroma. As you delve deeper, you'll discover the presence of caramel, vanilla and oak, adding complexity and depth to the overall olfactory experience. When it comes to taste, Blanton's Black Label is incredibly smooth and easy to drink. It glides across the tongue with little to no burn, allowing the flavors to shine. The initial fruity and sweet notes gradually give way to the oak undertones of the 8-year aged juice. The oak is pronounced but not overpowering, adding a delightful richness to the overall taste profile. With a medium finish, Blanton's Black Label doesn't linger excessively but leaves a pleasant and satisfying aftertaste. Whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this bourbon makes for a great sipper, allowing you to savour each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating such a exceptional spirit.

The Dalmore distillery was founded by Alexander Matheson in 1839, a merchant adventurer determined to create an exceptional single malt whisky. In 1867, descendants of Clan Mackenzie took control of the distillery. One of their first changes was to adorn every bottle of The Dalmore with the stag – a guarantee of peerless quality. The 12-point Royal Stag proudly adorns each bottle of The Dalmore, encapsulating the distillery’s regal legacy, dating back to 1263. The emblem was bestowed upon Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, after he saved the life of King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag. The idiosyncratic collection of stills at the distillery creates a unique new make spirit – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited for longer and more complex maturation. This allows the whisky makers to ensure each cask of spirit reaches its full potential. Richard Paterson, a pioneer in the art of cask curation, was the creative force behind The Dalmore for nearly five decades. He lit the way for current Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass who continues an unbroken chain of visionary whisky makers, always pushing boundaries to mature the spirit in the rarest and most exalted of casks. Hand selected casks, from the world's finest bodegas and wineries are expertly curated to create a sumptuous and layered whisky of legendary finesse. The Dalmore 25 Year Old was first introduced in 2013, following the distillery's tradition of being matured in an extensive selection of casks, The spirts for the Dalmore 25 was initially aged in American white oak, before being hand-divided into 25 year old Palomino Fino sherry butts and first-fill bourbon casks. After these two steps the whiskies are married in carefully selected bourbon barrels before before finished in Tawny Port pipes from Portugal. The nose is full of aromatic exotic fruits, citrus, vanilla pods, treacle toffee and fig cake. On the palate are flavours of Madagascan vanilla pods, thick treacle toffee and chocolate truffles with a finish of maple syrup, dark chocolate and spiced gingerbread.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Oban 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured first in refill and new American oak, then finished in Amontillado-seasoned casks. The nose has an appealing and enticing malty base, accompanied with hints of heather, petrichor, and the slight brininess of Amontillado. The palate is pleasantly dry, slightly spicy, again a little salty, and satisfying.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Clynelish 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks. The warm and welcome undertones of sherry set the base for the nose, which dovetails seamlessly with the signature Clynelish waxiness and apple skins. Caramel and vanilla custard round out the nose. The palate is sweet, surprisingly malty, and has a finish that is warming and lingers for an eternity. Wonderfully complex and complete.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.