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.

The Holyrood Distillery is the first malt distillery to open in Edinburgh in nearly 100 years and its founding comes amidst a truly exciting time for the whisky industry in Scotland. With an innovative and ambitious spirit sweeping the country buttressed by steadily growing global demand for the world’s most famous distillate, Scotch whisky has been reinvigorated by new start-ups and micro distillers placing the ancestral homeland of whisky back at the forefront of this global industry.

Founded by Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, it is in many ways remarkable that Holyrood is the first malt distillery for so long to make a home in Edinburgh (Glenkinchie is well out of town in Pencaitland and North British is single grain only). The city has a long and proud history of brewing and distilling (legal and otherwise) and the city’s natural underground water supply is known through history as “the Charmed Circle” for its purity and abundance.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference being that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

The Holyrood Distillery is the first malt distillery to open in Edinburgh in nearly 100 years and its founding comes amidst a truly exciting time for the whisky industry in Scotland. With an innovative and ambitious spirit sweeping the country buttressed by steadily growing global demand for the world’s most famous distillate, Scotch whisky has been reinvigorated by new start-ups and micro distillers placing the ancestral homeland of whisky back at the forefront of this global industry.

Founded by Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, it is in many ways remarkable that Holyrood is the first malt distillery for so long to make a home in Edinburgh (Glenkinchie is well out of town in Pencaitland and North British is single grain only). The city has a long and proud history of brewing and distilling (legal and otherwise) and the city’s natural underground water supply is known through history as “the Charmed Circle” for its purity and abundance.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference being that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference is that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Experience an unparalleled delight with the Ladyburn Lowland Single Malt Private Cask Collection 40YO 1974 1974. Handcrafted at Ladyburn, the marvel of Scotland's Lowland region, this exquisite single malt whisky exemplifies a rich heritage of superior distilling. Matured for 40 long years in private casks, its allure lies in the harmonious blend of its natural, untouched flavours with the display of exceptional craftsmanship. Each sip invigorates with a bouquet of fruit, oak and hints of smoke- a testament to its uniquely aged allure. Encapsulating the spirit of a bygone era, this rare collection, bottled in 1974, narrates a story of time, patience and passion. Indulge in a journey of transcendent flavour profile with the Ladyburn Lowland Single Malt Private Cask Collection 40YO 1974 1974, a whisky that delivers an unforgettable sensory experience for the discerning patron. A piquant symphony, each bottle savours the legacy of a truly stellar distillery.

Renowned for its full-bodied and robust character, the Lagavulin Islay Single Malt 16YO NV is an emblem of Islay’s unique distillation heritage. This single malt whisky is created on the island of Islay, Scotland; an area celebrated for its peat-rich soil, which influences a distinct smokey, iodine-laced flavour profile. Matured in oak casks for 16 years, this spirit is a testament to Lagavulin's excellence in traditional whisky-making techniques. This Bottling hosts a deep, amber gold colour, brooding with the unparalleled aroma of dry peat smoke, with a trace of maritime notes and rich, smooth malt. On the palate, it offers a balance of dried fruit sweetness harmoniously intertwining with a smoky-dryness, ending in a long, glorious finish. The Lagavulin Islay Single Malt 16YO NV is truly more than just a whisky – it's an indulgence, a privilege, a rich tapestry of peat, oak and subtle sweetness.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

Immerse yourself in the refined world of exquisite spirits with the Lowland Single Malt Kirkcowan Distilled at Bladnoch Bourbon Barrel Cask No. 602 Full Cask 2019. This enchanting offering, meticulously crafted in the age-old tradition of Scottish whisky making, exudes unparalleled sophistication. The Bladnoch Distillery, with its profound legacy in the Lowlands dating back to 1817, masterfully matriculates each malt in a carefully selected bourbon barrel. The Kirkcowan, christened after the enchanting village in South West Scotland, encapsulates the soul of its namesake in each drop. The spirit matures in cask no. 602, imbibing depth of character and distinctive flavours encapsulating a universal narrative of timeless dedication to craftsmanship. Engage your senses with the symphony of flavours. Balanced oak notes, vanilla nuances and a subtly sweet finish paint a rewarding palate guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning whisky connoisseurs. Explore the luxury of Lowland Single Malt Kirkcowan Distilled at Bladnoch Bourbon Barrel Cask No. 602 Full Cask 2019 today.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

Whisky Base (92)

Experience a rare treasure with the exquisite Oban Highland Single Malt Natural Cask Strength 32YO Bottled 2002 1969. Originating from the renowned Western Highlands of Scotland, this superior single malt is crafted by the skilled distillers at Oban, a prestigious distillery with a legacy dating back to 1794. The whisky, matured for a lengthy 32-year spell in carefully selected oak casks, was bottled in 2002, encapsulating the spirit of its prime vintage, 1969. This dram intrigues with a remarkable symphony of flavours, dominated by notes of spice-laden dried fruits, sherry, and toasted oak, underpinned by a gentle hint of coastal air. The Oban Highland Single Malt Natural Cask Strength 32YO Bottled 2002 1969 whisky, presented in its pure, undiluted form, offers a rich, full-bodied profile that even the most discerning whisky lovers will relish. An absolute delight for those seeking a classic, old-school malt experience.

Experience the impeccable charm of the Oban Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish Special Release 10YO Bottle 2022 NV. A highly limited release from the esteemed Oban distillery, nestled within the West Highland region of Scotland, this single malt scotch is an epitome of fine craftsmanship and dedication. Each bottle showcases a decade of ageing in oak casks with a further enhancement from a sherry cask finish, giving it an unparalleled depth of flavours. Seek the subtleties of dry fruits and vanilla mingling with spicy undertones and an exquisite sherry sweetness. This 2022 NV release is a testament to Oban's prowess in whisky-making, which has been honed since 1794. Discover the smooth lingering finish enriched by the coastal air. Perfect for the discerning palate, the Oban Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish Special Release 10YO Bottle 2022 NV is indeed a jewel in the world of fine spirits.

The Rosebank Single Malt Release 2 31YO Bottled 2022 NV is a luxurious spirit boasting rich heritage from the legendary Lowlands of Scotland. Distilled meticulously in 1990 and bottled in 2022, this 31-year-old single malt encapsulates centuries-old artisan traditions for a nuanced tasting journey. Rosebank, a revered distillery that re-emerged in 2017, effortlessly maintains an unswerving dedication to quality.

Release 2 is an experience of heightened complexity and sophistication, with floral notes harmonising beautifully with an undertone of creamy vanilla and delicate fruits. Casks of American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels from Europe complement each other, imbuing the maturing single malt with a unique confluence of flavours. The finish is notably long and warming.

Donning a sensuous pale gold hue, Rosebank Single Malt Release 2 31YO Bottled 2022 NV is an impeccable testament to expert craftsmanship and Scottish whisky heritage - an absolute tour-de-force for every discerning collector and connoisseur.

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.

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.

The indulgence of a sophisticated palate beckons with the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021. This captivating spirit roots deep into Scotland's highlands, at the distinguished Tullibardine Distillery. Known for their craftsmanship and traditional methods, Tullibardine carefully distills their malts in copper pot stills, ensuring an unmatched purity. The 2021 cask emphasises a meticulous process of ageing in a first-fill barrel, giving it a rich, luxurious character. An artistic choreography of vanilla, honey, and enticing oak symphony delights the senses. The palette showcases a beautiful persistence, with layers of spice, orchard fruits and a hint of cocoa.
Defined by its deep golden hue and abundant complexity, Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021 indeed reflects the mastery of Scottish whisky-making.