Classic Speyside Distillery, Balvenie have blended some of their rarest reserve whiskies and aged them for 21 long years. In the final few months of the ageing process, the whisky is transferred to port casks, or pipes, to impart a luscious, creamy and silken character. The whisky is tasted regularly by the Balvenie Malt Master to impart just the perfect amount of flavour to further enhance those honey and spice notes that give way to a long, gentle and nutty finish.

The 12 year old expression is a fine example of how the distinctively crisp, citrus character of Aberlours raw spirit is deftly softened by double cask maturation. Traditional oak and seasoned Sherry butts are both used to great effect as the mellowed spirits within are combined to deliver a subtly balanced flavour.

First founded in 1824, the Glenlivet is the definitive Speyside distillery, renowned for its smooth and fruity single malts. Meticulous ageing in new French oak casks lends this 15-year-old masterpiece an elegant palate of vanilla and winter spices.

Co-created by one of Scotland’s most awarded Master Distillers, Jim McEwan, together with Cape Byron Distillery Co-founder and distiller Eddie Brook are two new Australian takes on a classic Scottish single malt. Many readers will already know of Jim McEwan who has more than fifty years of experience in the whisky business, having worked at Bowmore for 38 years, before overseeing the rebirth of Bruichladdich and most recently helping to get new Islay distillery, Ardnahoe, off the ground. Two editions are on offer: A Chardonnay barrelled limited edition, and this, the Cape Byron 'Original', aged in Scotland's traditional vessel of choice: American oak x-Bourbon casks. Says Brook, “They go together like a match made in heaven. [The whisky is] not overly dominated by the oak, it’s letting the spirit sing, and we’re seeing this marriage.” What partly accounts for the distinctive style is that the pair have resisted the temptation to use smaller barrels to ‘accelerate’ the ageing process. It's the opposite approach of most Australian distillers. “...We’ve got this climate that gives us faster maturation. Now that’s great, but it can also get too much, you can get too much tannin and then over-oaking in your whisky, ” Brook explains. "To avoid this, we only mature in full format barrels, between 200 to 300 litres in size". Specially designed warehousing facilities further offset Byron’s temperature extremes. According to McEwan, another factor is the distillery's proximity to the coast. “Walk down the barrel room... you’re getting that marine character and influence coming through" he says. "That moisture is falling on the oak staves, and slowly but surely, there’ll be a residue of salt and eventually as the whisky moves in and out, as the temperature increases, the alcohol will expand and it will touch the salt, and pull it back, and that brings a unique marine freshness to the spirit – quite different from anything else...” No surprise that McEwan reckons fans of Bruichladdich might taste some similarities in the Cape Byron spirit. “They’re not dissimilar. There’s no peat, [Eddie’s] using American oak, I used a lot of American oak Bourbon casks as well. I’ve used wine casks – and you’ve got all the wine casks there. There’s a similarity there between what I was doing in Islay and what Eddie’s doing here." As for the taste? Can't say there are many like this - either here or abroad - but you can appreciate why McEwen draws comparisons with Bruichladdich. Cape Byron's Original is a creamy, near voluptuous malt that defies its age. Peaches and cream come through with sweet barley and shortbread on the nose. The co-mingling of dried mango and juicy malt with the Bourbon vanilla aspects is nicely done, and there's a spicy edge adding vibrancy. At the finish, more peaches and cream, dried mango and a little grilled pineapple, pepper and coastal freshness develop. It's a whisky less about overt complexity, all about generous mouthfeel and precocious flavour. No doubt that equation will change over time. Right now, the creative forces behind the project have guaranteed one of the more compelling Aussie releases in recent years. Matured for three years in 200 litre ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks. 47% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 001 tasted. Notes from the producers... The colour of a Byron Bay sunset. The palate offers soft vanilla, creme brulee and biscotti characters, layered over distinct notes of pear, coconut and buttery macadamia.

The distillery is located in the glen of the Kinchie Burn where it derives its name. Glenkinchie is a sweeter style of scotch that is supported by a delightful creamy texture on the palate.

Complex, with distinctive butterscotch, sherried fruit and peat smoke aromas. Big, full-flavoured, with excellent balance, develops slowly, full of sherry sweet malty tones, and a touch peat smoke. The finish is long lasting and smooth, with a hint of spice and sherry sweetness. Overall combines the smoothness of our younger whiskies with the greater depth of our older expressions.

Hibiki®, meaning “resonance”, embodies the soul of Japanese craftsmanship. Its harmonious blend resounds with calm complexity and “Wa” or “oneness.” Seductive, blossoming and enigmatic, Hibiki celebrates the unrivaled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and the sense of luxury of the House. Hibiki® Japanese Harmony is the perfect introduction to Japanese whisky. Pure and noble, it offers a transparency of taste that allows for all of this whisky’s complexities to be revealed simultaneously. Delicately balanced, smooth and subtly sweet, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend of more than 10 malts and three grain whiskies, up to approximately 20 years old, that create an enveloping harmony of flavours and aromas.

818 Tequila is a brand that prides itself on working closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to deliver the smoothest most natural and best-tasting tequila possible. With a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, 818 Tequila ensures that every bottle embodies the essence of craftsmanship and authenticity. The ethos of 818 Tequila goes beyond just creating exceptional spirits. The brand recognizes the importance of sustainability and transparency throughout its supply chain. Taking inspiration from the area code 818, which represents their home, they also acknowledge that the earth is home to all of us. With this in mind, 818 Tequila places great emphasis on sourcing their agaves responsibly and ensuring the production process is environmentally friendly. The journey of 818 Tequila begins with the skilled jimadores, local agave farmers from the Tequila region. These experts identify the optimal conditions for growing agaves in the Los Valles region, patiently waiting for at least 7 years until the agaves reach peak maturity. Once harvested, the agaves undergo a slow cooking process that lasts for over 30 hours. Large stone Tahonas, weighing 800 kilograms each, are then utilized to crush the cooked agaves. This age-old technique allows for the extraction and collection of the juice, preserving the authenticity and tradition of tequila production. The extracted juice, known as "mosto," then goes through a natural fermentation process. Unique wood and stainless steel tanks are utilized, and the fermentation is enriched by using leftover agave fibers from the tahonas. Native yeast is added to enhance the aromatic expression, resulting in a deeper and more nuanced flavor profile. The tequila is distilled in hand-built copper alembic pot stills of the highest quality. It undergoes a double distillation process, carefully monitoring the alcohol volume to achieve the desired smoothness that 818 Tequila is known for. To further enhance the character of the tequila, it is aged in superior oak barrels. The Reposado and Añejo expressions are aged in both American and French oak, allowing for a harmonious fusion of flavors. Expert blending techniques ensure that each bottle of 818 Tequila embodies the iconic taste that the brand is celebrated for - smooth, versatile and sippable. 818 Tequila Añejo 700ml is a testament to the artistry and dedication of the brand. Aged for over 1 year in oak barrels, this añejo expression offers a truly exceptional tasting experience. On the palate, 818 Tequila Añejo delights with flavours of vanilla, sweet agave and crisp herbal notes. This combination creates a harmonious and balanced taste profile that showcases the craftsmanship of 818 Tequila. The light amber colour of this añejo tequila, with shiny golden reflections and bronze hues, captivates the eye. Its full body adds depth and richness to the overall drinking experience, enhancing the enjoyment of each sip. The aroma of 818 Tequila Añejo is a delightful blend of caramel, toasted nuts, orange peel, chocolate and toffee. These aromatic notes create a sensory journey that prepares the senses for the flavors to come. The finish of this añejo tequila is very long, silk-like and rich. It leaves a full-bodied impression on the palate, with a lingering richness that adds to the overall experience. The notes of caramel, toasted nuts and toffee add depth and complexity, creating a truly satisfying conclusion. What makes 818 Tequila Añejo special is its aging process of over 1 year in oak barrels. This extended resting period allows the tequila to develop its distinct character, enhancing the flavors and creating a smooth and refined drinking experience.

Dalmore, located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the Scottish Highlands has been making single malt whiskies since 1839 and the bottles still bear the stag crest of the Clan Mackenzie. Their Cigar Malt Reserve is a wonderful blend of three different oak types of 10-15 year old whiskies. White American oak, 30 year old Matusalem Olorosso Sherry casks and Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. The final blend has an enveloping aroma and flavour of the finest hand-made cigars; rich and smoky and extremely long lasting.

Hibiki, meaning resonance in Japanese, speaks to the soul and emotions of the most discerning whisky lover. Hibiki Harmony has a rich aroma and has a harmonious flavour.