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.

Cardhu Special Release 2022 The Hidden Paradise of Black Rock 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 58% ABV, Speyside Another stellar selection from Diageos 2022 Special Release, this Cardhu 16 Year Old has been finished in Jamaican rum casks for an innovative expression from this classic distillery. Light on its feet, lush and sweet while also lively and fresh, with a surprisingly spicy, peppery finish, making this an especially exotic apéritif malt.

Clynelish Special Release 2022 The Wildcats Golden Gaze 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 58.5% ABV, The Highlands For this stunning 2022 Special Release the Master Blenders at Clynelish have finished their classic Highland malt in the finest Pedro Ximinez and Oloroso barrels. The utterly delicious result is bright sweet fruitiness combined with intense oakiness creating a Clynelish of radiant sweet-spicy intensity.

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.