Founded in 1824 The Macallan is a pioneer in Scottish whisky production, with a global reputation for its single malts. Founded by Alexander Reid, The Macallan draws its unique character from a confluence of influences. From the fertile Speyside region (historically called "Maghellan") to traditional methods and the natural resources of Scotland, Spain, and North America, each element contributes to the whisky's distinctive personality. The Macallan's unwavering commitment to quality is embodied in its "Six Pillars," a philosophy encompassing every aspect of production. From the "place" itself to the passionate people involved, each pillar reinforces the brand's dedication to excellence. Central to this philosophy is the "Mastery of Wood and Spirit." The distillery's reputation rests on the exceptional quality of its oak casks, meticulously sourced, crafted, and seasoned under the watchful eye of The Macallan's Master of Wood. Up to 80% of the final flavour profile is influenced by these casks, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the signature Macallan style. Another hallmark is the whisky's natural colour, derived solely from the wood during maturation. The distillery acknowledges the inherent variation in wood, with each cask imparting unique flavours and hues. Through expert cask management and selection, The Macallan ensures a consistent and beautiful colour spectrum across its bottlings, a key element of the brand's identity. The Macallan's dedication extends beyond Scotland. The distillery partners with Spanish cooperage companies, overseeing the entire process – from identifying oak trees in northern Spain to seasoning the casks for 18 months before their journey to Scotland. This meticulous approach, encompassing "tree to finished seasoned cask," underscores The Macallan's unwavering commitment to crafting an exceptional whisky experience. The Macallan Litha presents a unique proposition in the world of single malts. This whisky is crafted entirely from first-fill sherry casks sourced from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This meticulous selection embodies the harmonious coming together of Scottish and Spanish influences to create an exceptional spirit. The story of Litha begins amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Jerez. Here, grapes destined for sherry production are meticulously cultivated. These casks, crafted to The Macallan's exacting specifications, then embark on a journey to Scotland. Upon arrival, they encounter The Macallan's "fruity new make spirit," sparking a remarkable union that defines the character of the whisky. The name "Litha" draws inspiration from the Celtic summer solstice. This astronomical event signifies a pivotal moment, a burst of new life and a shift in the balance of nature. Similarly, The Macallan Litha celebrates the transformative power that arises when two distinct forces converge. The vibrant presentation box, designed by award-winning illustrator Sija Hong, further enhances the whisky's allure. Two bold colour palettes represent Scotland and Spain, united by the central image of a tree. This symbolic representation underscores the crucial role that cask maturation plays in creating The Macallan Litha, a whisky born from the harmonious fusion of two worlds. The unique character and complex flavours of The Macallan Litha is derived from the use of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks, the whisky mingling with the sherry seasoned oak. The gentle scent of vanilla and butterscotch unites with a spark of citrus over a bright canvas of tropical fruits, reminiscent of a summer’s day and the radiance of the sun’s energy. As the flavour develops, smooth vanilla ice cream topped with a berry compote dances on the palate, beautifully balanced with warming wood spice, chocolate, salted caramel and pecans, with a lingering hint of sweet oak.

This story is a celebration of David C. Stewart M.B.E.’s creativity and inventiveness, when he created The Balvenie Classic – and in doing so, pioneered wood finishing. It is also the story of the team who helped him, through patience and perseverance, to try something new, and create something exceptional. The original cask finish. Probably the finest highland malt whisky. Those were the words on the first ever bottle of The Balvenie Classic. This story is a celebration of David C. Stewart M.B.E.’s creativity and inventiveness, when he created The Balvenie Classic – and in doing so, pioneered wood finishing. Aromatic and lively, aromas of vanilla and spice evocative of dried clove and chai are layered on a base of earthly, malty undertones reminiscent of Balvenie’s own barley loft. On the palate there is a perfect complement of light oatmeal syrupiness and brittle toffee are followed by delicate hints of spice and a rich drying sensation from European oak.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown. Following on from the duo of Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao comes the second instalment in Macallan's limited annual series. 'Intense Arabica' and 'Smooth Arabica' are said to be influenced by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean. Both special malts exude flavours of sweet oak, tiramisu and dark chocolate and reportedly provide a delightful whisky and coffee pairing experience. The story goes that Chief Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner wanted to create an expression that would pair perfectly with an espresso, so he worked with a group of caffeinated experts including Ethiopian grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, Scottish roaster Lisa Lawson and acclaimed American barista Andrea Allen. “Exploring the world of coffee with our masters in the industry, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love for their art, was both an education and an inspiration,” says Bremner. “There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience.” Each whisky was aged in a combination of American and European oak casks but have different accents. As the name suggests, Smooth Arabica brings a creamy, silky character to Macallans malt, retaining the dark spice and heavy fruit we've come to expect. Also one for the collectors to complete the set. Drawing inspiration from a connection to the natural world, the distinctive packaging incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life. These are made partially from repurposed coffee bean husks, created by Italian paper mill, Favini. Very limited stocks.

Kirin Fuji Single Blended Masterpiece Japanese Whisky 700ml is a beautiful single blended whisky from the Fuji Gotemba distillery. They are one of Japan's most popular producers or grain whiskies. The natural environment around Mt. Fuji is blessed with lush forests, crystal clear water, and pure air. FUJI whiskies are delicately fruity and mellow, and have been nurtured over time in this environment, with its unique climate and terroir. Mt. Fuji Distillery is nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, 620 meters (2,035 feet) above sea level and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from its peak. Since this is a misty area, Mt. Fuji can only be seen about 1/3 of the year, despite being at such a close distance. The high humidity maintained by a year-round blanket of fog, a cool highland climate with a yearly average temperature of 13℃ (55℉), and air purified by the forests at the foot of the majestic mountain has been combining to form its climate and terroir around the distillery. This natural environment, the cool highland climate with moderate temperature changes and high humidity, is ideal for making whisky. Because of this climate and terroir, the whisk(e)y produced at Mt. Fuji Distillery is mellow, and delicately fruity on the palate. Water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. With excellent and abundant water being essential, we call its water “mother water,” meaning it is a blessing from Mother Earth. This excellent water source is one of the main reasons why Mt. Fuji Distillery was built at its location. The “mother water” is drawn from the aquifer that runs 100 meters (328 feet) deep underground, where snow and rain that falls on Mt. Fuji is filtered and polished for 50+ years to reach the aquifer. Master Blender Jota Tanaka is formerly of Four Roses Distillery, in fact the Barrels used at Fuji Gotemba are purchased from the same cooperage and the ex-bourbon barrels used for ageing some of the distilleries whiskies are from Four Roses as well. This single blended whisky has been produced using four different stills and includes both malt and grain all grown and produced at the distillery. The blend and includes whiskies up to 30 years old with an average age of over 15 years, there is also a small amount of peated whisky in the blend. The nose is heady with caramel, dark cherry, poached pears, honey and chocolate. The palate leads with sherry, stewed stone fruits and crisp rye spiciness lingering on the finish.

The Michter's "US 1" bottlings are so named to honour Michter’s heritage. The brand was established in 1753 as America’s first whiskey company. Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge.

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky embodies Kanosuke Distillery’s concept of "mellow land, mellow whisky. It was produced using all 3 of their pot stills, aged in several varieties of oak barrels, and blended together after 3 years of maturation. The Second Edition of the 2021 Kanosuke was distilled from unpeated malt in 2018, this release is largely matured in first fill re-charred ex-bourbon barrels for about 3 years. About 5,000 bottles have been released at a cask strength ABV of 57%. Citrus, Vanilla, Honey and Lemon Tea on the nose leading to a flavours of grapefruit with some cinnamon sweetness, sweet fresh fruits, vanilla and dark chocolate bitterness.

Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Mezcal Legendario Domingo was founded in 2012 by Julian Saenger. Born and raised in Mexico, Julian has always had tremendous love and respect for the art of mezcal production, often finding ways to delve into production, marketing, brand launches and general support of the category throughout Mexico. When he finally found the opportunity to create a brand of his own through partnership with the Velasco family, he chose to centre the brand design around a recurring feeling he experienced through his journey in mezcal: celebration. Through its various labels, designed in Papel Picado, Legendario Domingo highlights different mezcal producing regions of Mexico, demonstrating exemplary distillation tradition from each region and emphasizing the differences in terroir. The mezcals Legendario Domingo produces are Palenque and regional designates (similar to vineyard designates in wine), purposefully emphasizing each region by accenting the terroir and capturing the agave varietal character, aromas, flavours and mouthfeel that wild fermentation and artisanal production afford. This Mezcal is made from 100% Cultivated Maguey Espadín (Agave Angustifolia) harvested at 8-9 years old from San Luis del Rio, in the Oaxaca region by Maestro Mezcalero Familia Colon. The piña is cooked for 4-5 days in underground conical ovens ignited with Tepehuaje (Lead Tree) and sabino wood, both woods endemic to this region. Not a single tree is cut down, as all wood is gathered from fallen, dead trees. The roasted piña are then crushed by a Tahona mill, Chilean stone pulled by horse, method to crush the agave after cooking. Fermentation takes place in open underground wooden vats with fresh spring water for 10 days. No yeast is added, and instead indigenous yeast from the air ferments the agave juice. The mezcal is then double-distilled in a 300 litre Arabic Alembic pot still. The mezcal is then rested 30-45 days prior to being bottled. Each bottle is then filled, labelled and boxed by hand, completing the artisanal process from field to bottle. This Espadin has fresh citrus flavours with a hint of minerality, followed by a mild taste of smokiness and ripe Oaxacan fruits.

Don Julio Tequila is a revered and iconic brand that represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and dedication to the art of tequila production. Founded by Don Julio González in 1942, this Mexican tequila has become synonymous with exceptional quality and an unwavering commitment to tradition. Don Julio Tequila is crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, starting with the selection of the finest blue agave plants from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. These agaves, grown for an average of seven to ten years are handpicked at their peak ripeness ensuring the fullest expression of flavour. The heart of Don Julio Tequila lies in its production process, which combines time-honoured techniques with modern innovation. The agave piñas are slow-cooked in traditional masonry ovens, allowing the sugars to develop and create a rich and complex flavour profile. After the cooking process, the agave is crushed and the juice is extracted, fermented and carefully distilled to perfection. The result is a range of tequilas that exemplify the essence of their respective expressions. From the vibrant and crisp Blanco, with its notes of citrus and agave, to the aged and refined Añejo and Reposado, which showcase the influence of oak barrels with hints of vanilla and caramel, each expression offers a unique and memorable tasting experience. Don Julio Tequila is not just a brand; it is a symbol of Mexican heritage and craftsmanship. It is a tequila that has been celebrated and enjoyed by tequila connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world. The legend begins in 1942, when a young Don Julio González sees a once in a lifetime opportunity in tequila production. He didn't own much, but what he did possess was a dream and the singular devotion needed to bring it to life. After sharing his vision with a local businessman, he was granted a loan to start his first tequila distillery, La Primavera. Sitting 6500 feet above sea level in the highlands of Jalisco is where it all began. It's in this extreme climate, surrounded by rich volcanic soil, where the legendary distillery of La Primavera was founded and Don Julio Tequila was born. Since 1947, over three generations of the Jimador families have worked with Don Julio. Their devotion to Don Julio's process and methods is unmatched and their mastery in planting, farming and harvesting agave have been passed on for generations and can be traced back to Don Julio himself. In 2006, Don Julio, with his family, planted their final agave field. In honour of his devotion and craftsmanship, this agave harvest was carefully distilled, barrelled, and set aside for a special use. Now released in commemoration of the tenure of Don Julio Gonzalez’s at the distillery over the last 80 years. To preserve this tequila and the exquisite agave piñas behind it they implemented a Solera aging system. The Solera aging method combines and matures tequilas of different characteristics finished in unique casks, allowing the final agave harvest to remain at the heart of this rare Extra Añejo Tequila. Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Anejo has been rested in oak, previously used to age bourbon and finished in Madeira wine-seasoned casks. Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila is a truly exceptional and limited edition expression that showcases the artistry of tequila-making. With a nose of toasted oak, caramel and crisp agave, it immediately entices the senses. Hints of apricot, lemon and orange add a delightful fruity complexity to the aroma. On the palate, this tequila offers a taste experience that is both sophisticated and harmonious. The flavors of crisp fruit and light toasted oak come together beautifully, creating a well-balanced profile. The fruit-forward notes are complemented by the richness of caramelized agave and a touch of sweet honey. The result is a complex and layered flavour profile that is sure to captivate the palate. The finish is smooth and satisfying, with the light, sweet honeyed agave lingering on the tongue. It is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this extraordinary tequila. Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila is a true collector's item and is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. With its limited availability, it offers a unique and unforgettable drinking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honors the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Spiritual and deep, made at Yamazaki Distillery, the soul place of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Whisky is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than 35 countries. Between 2014 - 2017, the annual Yamazaki Limited Editions were some of the most sough after annual release from Japan. These whiskies were limited in numbers and contained some of the best Yamazki liquid. Once they realised there were shortages they took these released to the wayside, making room for other non-age statement whiskies such as Essence of Suntory Volumes 3 and 4 and the recent Yamazaki Cask Finish releases. Back in 2021 and now again in 2022 we have again the Yamazaki Limited Edition 2022. This release was matured in Mizunara wood, resulting in an aromatic and creamy expression delivering a fruity and lively tasting experience.