Jancis Robinson (17.5)

A stablemate of classic Islay distillery Bunnahabhainn and the iconic Tobermory Distillery on Mull, Deanston is a hidden gem of a Highland Malt. Founded on the banks of the River Teith in 1795 as a cotton mill, the beautiful stone building was converted to its present purpose in 1965. Drawing water from the river which also powers its own hydro-energy facility, it has the distinction of being the only energy self-sufficient distillery in Scotland.

The spirit produced here is a classically fine, balanced Highland Malt with a bit of punchiness to its profile that does well ageing relatively unhindered in ex-Bourbon wood as is the case here. The distillery’s production of bottled single malt is small with 85% of the output going into blends. That gives holders of Deanston casks a point of relative rarity that very little of this delicious spirit is bottled as single malt, and even rarer, bottled at an advanced age. As such this will greatly reward patience.

Tasting Note
Fresh and bright with excellent potential given the performance over 9 years of maturation in a single refill hogshead, it was regauged just this year close to 60% ABV, this is well suited to a very long term hold, while Deanston's profile rises as it has done for the past decade. Look for classic apple, pear and stone fruit aromatics alongside crisp barley and cereal notes as it shows a remarkably youthful nose. This is ageing slow indeed with a lot left to give in the years (and decades) ahead.

Wine Advocate (95)

Wine Advocate (96)

Vinous (92)

Vinous (90)

Vinous (93)

Vinous (90)

Vinous (93)

Vinous (96)

Christian Eedes (97)

Christian Eedes (98)

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance.

Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir.

The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance.

Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest.

Discover the exquisite Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2021, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship from the renowned Thorne & Daughters estate in Napa Valley. Crafted using hand-harvested grapes from sustainably managed vineyards, this vintage embodies a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. The estate’s commitment to organic farming practices ensures the highest quality fruit, which undergoes gentle fermentation in French oak barrels to enhance its complexity. On the palate, Snakes & Ladders 2021 presents layers of dark cherry, plum, and subtle spice, culminating in a long, elegant finish with refined tannins. The terroir of Napa Valley imparts a distinct minerality, while the careful aging process accentuates its rich bouquet and vibrant acidity. Perfectly suited for discerning palates, this wine exemplifies Thorne & Daughters’ dedication to excellence and their passion for producing distinguished fine wines. Elevate your collection with the timeless allure of Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2021.

Vinous (91)

Vinous (92)

In celebration of its illustrious 125-year legacy, Tomatin Distillery of the Scottish Highlands presents the exceptional Tomatin Highland Single Malt 125th Anniversary 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead Cask No 30040 50YO Bottled 2022 1971. Embodied in rich hues, this singular 50-year-old single malt has lain undisturbed since 1971, nurtured in a hand-selected first-fill oloroso sherry hogshead.

Hailing from the heartland of Scotch whisky, this Tomatin offering carries the characteristically smooth and fruit-rich profile the distillery is renowned for, refined by a half-century oak influence. The sherry cask maturation has further endowed it with distinctive notes of dried fruits, spice and a hint of dark chocolate in the finish.

With an unrivalled legacy in producing exceptional single malts, this 125th anniversary commemorative release confirms Tomatin's dedication to quality distilled from its pristine Highland surroundings, offering aficonados an unparalleled whisky experience.

Based in the small village of Ballindaloch on the banks of the River Spey, situated a stones throw from Glenfarclas, Tomintoul is a modern classic. Known popularly as "the gentle dram with a peaty tang" it breaks with fellow Speysiders by introducing a hint of peat smoke to their distillery's flavour profile.

Less heavily peated than the likes of Ardmore, Tomintoul has begun to gradually build up its reputation around the world and though it can still be considered an insider's secret, a number of independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory and Douglas Laing have raised the distillery's profile among the cognoscenti and an increased and much improved distillery-bottled range have paved the way for a very bright future for the brand indeed.

Indulge in the rich, distinct taste of Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021. Distinctively sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Tullibardine expertly tends to its whisky. The handpicked grain, pure Highland spring water, and the masterful ageing in first fill barrels create an unmatched single malt scotch.

This 2021 vintage is a marvel, showcasing the superior craftsmanship of Tullibardine Distillery. Matured in cask number 54, the first fill barrel lends an intenseness to the flavour profile. A rich concerto of chocolate, honey, and citrus undertones surface, with a fine hint of oak. Savour each sip; the finishing is long, warm, and velvety.

Commanding reverence amongst whisky aficionados, the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021 embellishes every occasion with an air of sophistication.