Originating from Islay, Scotland's whisky capital, the Ardbeg Islay Single Malt 25YO Bottled 2022 NV is an epitome of refined craftsmanship. This exquisite spirit is distilled at the renowned Ardbeg Distillery, which is highly reputed for producing top-shelf peated Scotch whiskies. Made from malted barley sourced from Port Ellen, the whisky is matured for 25 years, absorbing the unique essence of the hand-selected American and European oak casks.

The amber liquid unveils a complex bouquet of tropical fruits, peat, and cedar notes, while the palate marries together flavours of smoky bacon, pineapple, and spices. Renowned for its long-lasting finish, the Ardbeg Islay Single Malt 25YO Bottled 2022 NV leaves a harmonious imprint of smoked caramel and aniseed. A representation of the land from which it hails, this unique single malt embodies Islay’s terrain, resulting in a vibrant, peaty character reflective of its iconic heritage.

This twelve-year-old Highland Single Malt was distilled in 2008 at the Blair Athol Distillery along the banks of the River Tummel. Drawn from a single, undersized 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel previously used by the Koval Distillery, it is a youthful pale golden colour with bright aromatics of red apple and pear as well as fine vanilla and warm baking spices. A generous, well-balanced highlander from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland dating back to 1798, this is a personal favourite and a fitting first bottling of the Stiùbhart Single Cask Selection. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.9% without chill filtration or added colouring.

Blair Athol is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, tracing its foundation back to 1798 when it was originally set up as the Aldour Distillery, in reference to its water source, the Allt Dour - or Burn of the Otter. Located on the outskirts of the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, Blair Athol, along with neighbouring Edradour are two of the final vestiges of Perthshire's long lost farm distilleries.

In addition to its proud heritage, Blair Athol is also one of the most visually striking distilleries with many of the original buildings as well as an impressive dunnage where the finest casks slumber patiently waiting to be bottled. Only two official bottlings have ever hit the market; the standard, heavily sherried 12 year old and a limited edition 23 which shows the longevity of Blair Athol's spirit.

A key component of the Bell's blend of whiskies, Blair Athol is praised for its fruit-driven style with subtle earthy - not smokey - peat influence courtesy of the ancient moorlands over which its water flows. A mellow malt; the quintessential old highland gentleman, Blair Athol has as much of a bright future as it does a storied past. It is only a matter of time before the reputation of this much loved distillery catches up with the ineffable quality of their whisky.

Experience the epitome of Scotch sophistication with the transcendent Bowmore Single Malt 50YO 46.9% 1969. This exceptional spirit hails from the storied cellars of the Bowmore Distillery, nestled on the captivating shores of Islay, Scotland. Predominantly matured in a single ex-Bourbon cask, this single-malt expression is the glittering result of superior craftsmanship and half a century of meticulous aging.

Upon nosing, one detects enthralling layers of tropical fruit, honeyed spice and a piquant sea-salt twist. The palate unfolds in an harmonious symphony of mellow peat smoke, dried fruits and oak tannin elegance, culminating in a finish that’s nothing short of an odyssey. As only 232 bottles were ever released, the Bowmore Single Malt 50YO 46.9% 1969 is a rare gem, an embodiment of the distillery's rich heritage and commitment to tradition. A truly indulgent dram for a discerning, appreciative connoisseur.

Indulge in the unparalleled depth of the Bowmore Single Malt Aston Martin ARC-52 52YO NV, a paragon of meticulous craftsmanship and superior quality. Originating from the Bowmore Distillery on Scotland's Isle of Islay, this luxury spirit is matured for an impressive 52 years. The journey begins in the distillery's iconic No.1 Vaults, the oldest scotch maturation warehouse in the world, yielding remarkable complexity and exquisite nuance.

Each bottle is crafted in collaboration with Aston Martin, reflecting the shared heritage and dedication to perfection. This legendary executor of unprecedented luxury and design lends an ostentatious flourish to the packaging. Aged in the finest oak casks, the Bowmore Single Malt Aston Martin ARC-52 52YO NV captures the salient essence of peat smoke, salt and seaweed infused with honey sweetness and delicate spice.

Experience a liquid history of artful precision, profound maturity and innate elegance with the Bowmore Single Malt Aston Martin ARC-52 52YO NV.

Discerning enthusiasts are invited to embark on a sensorial journey with Bowmore Single Malt Aston Martin Masters Selection - Edition 3 22YO NV. This single malt, a masterstroke from the renowned Bowmore distillery residing on the rugged Hebridean Isle of Islay, was meticulously matured for twenty-two years in a marriage of hand-selected Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels. Embodying a beautiful deep amber hue, the whisky delivers a mesmerising concerto of aromas – ripe figs, dark chocolate, and indulgent spices, accentuated by Bowmore's signature smoky maritime notes. Each palate captivates with oak-spiced smoke and dark chocolate, complemented by a delightful burst of tropical fruit and sea salt.

This bewitching alliance between Bowmore, Scotland's oldest distillery, and Aston Martin reflects an unfaltering commitment to traditional craftsmanship and luxury. The Bowmore Single Malt Aston Martin Masters Selection - Edition 3 22YO NV is an ardent celebration of legendary spirit and timeless elegance.

Every aficionado's top pick, the Bowmore Single Malt Limited 1989 Edition Straight from the Cask 16YO 1989 is a flawless encapsulation of Islay's inherent spirit. This remarkable Scottish whisky is an artefact of Bowmore's meticulous craftsmanship, exquisitely matured for a full 16 years in the distillery's finest hogshead casks. Relish in the resplendent flavours embodying the pure, spring water cascading through the ancient peat bogs, captured within Bowmore's historic vaults, the world's oldest Scotch maturation warehouse. Exhibiting an opulent golden hue, it emanates a rich, sensual aroma of candied orange, figs, and chicory. Feel the velvety waves of dark chocolate and sun-dried fruits, followed by a refined puff of peat smoke. The Bowmore Single Malt Limited 1989 Edition Straight from the Cask 16YO 1989 promises a sumptuously warming and lingering finish, a toast to the distillery's time-honoured traditions. Truly, an unparalleled dram warranting its revered status among whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Savour the decadent richness of Bowmore Single Malt Limited 1990 Edition Sherry Matured 16YO 1990, an exceptional Islay whisky that exudes artful sophistication. From Scotland’s oldest distillery, this limited 1990 edition captures Bowmore’s extraordinary skill in creating flavour-filled masterpieces through time-honoured maturation processes. Lavished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks for 16 years, it imparts a sumptuous symphony of dark chocolate, spice, and nutty pink grapefruit on the palate.

Reflecting the distillery's rugged maritime environs, it balances sea-salty tang with honeyed sweetness, and whispers of peat smoke. The distillery's pioneering spirit, applied to its single malts since 1779, is wholly evident in the Bowmore Single Malt Limited 1990 Edition Sherry Matured 16YO 1990. Produced in limited quantities, it bestows an unparalleled taste experience for seasoned whisky connoisseurs who appreciate the captivating allure of this iconic Islay brand.

A single cask Islay malt matured in undersized ex-Bourbon barrels previously used to mature Bourbon whiskey at the Koval Distillery, showcasing Caol Ila’s classic oily maritime qualities with aromas of sweet, earthy peat, sea breeze and iodine alongside pungent, warming spices evoking cinnamon, cumin, smoked pepper and cardamom. A finish laced with eucalyptus and dried mint makes for a restrained, finessed Islay with a long, dynamic finish. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.1% without colouring or filtration.

The second bottling from the Stewart Whisky Company in their Stiùbhart Single Cask selection, released in March 2021 at 13 years of age in a limited run of just 132 bottles.

The Caol Ila Highland Single Malt 175th Anniversary 24YO NV is a sophisticated testament to the time-honoured art of whisky-making from one of Islay's most renowned distilleries. Celebrating Caol Ila's 175th anniversary, this outstanding tipple masterfully showcases the distiller's craft. As a 'Non-Vintage' release, it uniquely blends selected malt whiskies from different years in an intricate harmony of flavours.

Staunchly upholding Caol Ila's ethos, every drop is distilled onsite in the enigmatic Islay, a Scottish region celebrated for its world-class distilleries and extraordinary peated whiskies. Lifetimes of knowledge have been judiciously applied to ensure the highest quality of malt, exact fermentation periods, precise distillation and meticulous maturation in oak. The result is a perfect dram, robust with distinctive smoky peat notes, offset by a tantalising array of sweet fruits and warming spices.

Acquiring the Caol Ila Highland Single Malt 175th Anniversary 24YO NV is an opportunity to take part in the illustrious history and tradition of the world's finest whisky craftsmanship.

Immerse yourself in the luxury of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989, boasting a heritage steeped in Scottish tradition. This fine malt is synonymous with the Dalwhinnie distillery, nestled within the ruggedness of Scotland's highest and coldest malt distillery. The charm of Speyside makes its presence known in the spirit's character, with tones reminiscent of heather honey, citrus fruits and a hint of wood smoke.

This single malt whisky is a testament to three decades of meticulous craftsmanship. Each bottle is the reflection of the tranquillity and purity of Speyside, matured in refill hogsheads and butts. The authenticity of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989 is indisputable - each limited-edition bottle a unique story portraying an era that dates back to 1989. An exemplar of perfected whisky craft, it's a bottled testament to Dalwhinnie's commitment to quality and sophistication.

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.

Whisky Bible (95)

Nose (23.5): Crunchy, crisp sugars capture the malt fresh and youthful as though in aspic.

Taste (24): Profoundly salivating. Like malt sets off fermentation, icing sugars sets off the barley-rich juiciness to the maximum level... and the mid-point? Hard to believe but here you hit malt max!

Finish (23.5): Not sure if it is possible to get better balance between oak and malt in a Highland whisky. Light mocha and liquorice. But a sub-strata of creamy Horlicks, too...

Balance (24): Principally has a firm glazed feel to this. But the intensity of the malt takes the breath away. Too beautiful.

A superb rendering of Glenmorangie's elegant Highland spirit in a gloriously whimsical, yet sophisticated presentation. The flowers adorning the case and label eloquently capture the profile of the whisky and give one of the great classics of world whisky the flair it deserves.

The Glenmorangie Pride 1978 1978 is an exquisite expression of single malt Scotch crafted by the iconic Glenmorangie Distillery. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the distillery is renowned for its unique whisky-making process where the spirit matures in American white oak casks before being part-finished in 27-year-old Premier Grand Cru claret casks. This specific maturation lends the Glenmorangie Pride 1978 1978 a flavor profile unlike any other, characterised by deep, enticing notes of cherry, mint chocolate, and honeycomb. Poured into a glass, its allure is undeniable; the whisky glows a rich mahogany and gives off a luscious bouquet of almond and mandarin. Offering unparalleled complexity and profound richness, the Glenmorangie Pride 1978 1978 captures the essence of its Highland birthplace, embodying the mastery and heritage of its esteemed producer. A true testament to the art of fine whisky production, each sip is a celebration of time-honoured tradition and unrivalled craftsmanship.

Renowned for producing elegant, exquisitely crafted single malt whiskies, Glenmorangie unveils its notable expression, the 'A Tale of Winter Marsala wine Cask Finish'. Distilled in the Highlands of Scotland, this limited-edition Highland Single Malt is matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred to select Marsala wine casks. This exquisite maturation imparts an array of intriguing flavours; from ripe fruits to rich spices, with a delightful hint of winter's chill.

With its profound complexity and warming depth of character, the 'A Tale of Winter Marsala Cask Finish' articulates the craftsmanship and dedication of Glenmorangie's Master Distillers. Embodied within each sip, one experiences a distinct narrative articulately woven into this enthralling dram. A true collector's piece, the Glenmorangie, Highland Single Malt A Tale of Winter Marsala wine Cask Finish, Highlands NV, delivers an unparalleled drinking experience, befitting of Glenmorangie's esteemed heritage. Indulge in this delightful winter's tale; a testament to the remarkable alchemy of time, wood, and spirit.