James Suckling (100)

James Suckling (100)

Wine Advocate (97+)

Wine Advocate (100)

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 Enthusiast (96-100)

Behold the divine Tobermory-Ledaig, Single Malt Connoisseurs Choice - Cask Strength Refill Sherry Butt Cask No 285 20YO Bottled 2022, Islands 2001. Distilled by the revered Tobermory distillery in the remote Scottish Islands, this precious 2001 vintage spirit signifies the distillery's craftsmanship and dedication to tradition. The expression has been matured for 20 years in refill sherry butt, bestowing a sublime complexity and enticing richness. With each sip, you experience an astonishing depth of flavour. The malted barley gifts it a striking boldness, enhanced further by the cask's previous tenure aging sherry. It's a confluence of sublime fruity and peaty notes layered with nutty undertones. A limited release that captures the very soul of the Tobermory distillery in a bottle, this 2001 vintage is the perfect addition to a cognoscente's collection, promising an indulgent, intense and multi-dimensional tasting experience.

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.

Crafted by the renowned Torres winery, the Reserva del Mamut Brandy 1985 is a prestigious spirit that exudes sophistication. Renowned for exceptional finesse, this vintage brandy is a result of meticulous distillation from the Parellada grape variety grown exclusively in Spain's Penedès region. Possessing an exquisite dark mahogany hue, it arrests the senses with bold aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is engrossed by harmonious, complex, and velvety notes, loved globally for their extraordinary balance.

The Torres family, with notable persistence in producing quality wine and spirits since 1870, matured the Reserva del Mamut Brandy in American oak barrels, allowing it to hone its distinctive character over three long decades. Every sip of the Torres, Reserva del Mamut Brandy 1985, reveals the masterful craftsmanship and legacy of this revered family.

A measure of Torres, Reserva del Mamut Brandy 1985 in your snifter is more than a drink; it's a journey well-travelled across sensory delight and heritage.

Colour:  Amber colour, almost mahogany

Nose:  Very complex, combining wooden, vanilla, old Porto, dry fruits, nuts to floral notes (dry rose), but also spicy (clove and pepper), cigar wooden box

Palate:  Light and elegant structure, rich and wooden notes. It is perfectly well-balanced and the length is exceptional The Lafite Cognac, given its rarity and long ageing, shows a complexity, suppleness and exceptional aromatic persistence which make it ideal to enjoy as a digestive at the end of a meal.

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.

An opulent elixir hailing from the esteemed Uitvlugt Distillery in Guyana's Demerara County, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a connoisseur's delight. Born in the vestiges of a 17th-century Dutch plantation, this rum channels the spirit-rich lore of Uitvlugt into a divine drinking experience. Harvested from the finest sugar cane, and subjected to a rigorous fermentation and distillation process, it betrays a depth befitting its age. The climate of its birthplace confers a distinctive tropical richness, expertly harnessed in French oak barrels. It wears the autumn of 1997 proudly and takes its final bow in 2014 under the masterful hands of United Rum Merchants. Cocooned in silk and velvet notes, with whispers of fennel and coriander, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a testament to Uitvlugt Distillery's passion, patience, and prowess. A golden pour of this rum is a toast to time, tradition, and taste.

An opulent elixir hailing from the esteemed Uitvlugt Distillery in Guyana's Demerara County, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a connoisseur's delight. Born in the vestiges of a 17th-century Dutch plantation, this rum channels the spirit-rich lore of Uitvlugt into a divine drinking experience. Harvested from the finest sugar cane, and subjected to a rigorous fermentation and distillation process, it betrays a depth befitting its age. The climate of its birthplace confers a distinctive tropical richness, expertly harnessed in French oak barrels. It wears the autumn of 1997 proudly and takes its final bow in 2014 under the masterful hands of United Rum Merchants. Cocooned in silk and velvet notes, with whispers of fennel and coriander, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a testament to Uitvlugt Distillery's passion, patience, and prowess. A golden pour of this rum is a toast to time, tradition, and taste.

Produced by the renowned Vecchio Magazzino Doganale in the sun-drenched region of Calabria, southern Italy, the Jefferson Amaro Importante NV is a sophisticated ensemble of harmonious flavours. This artisanal bitter is cultivated from the fragrant local herbs, exceptional roots, and aromatic citrus peels which are left to macerate in high-quality spirit before being slowly refined in oak barrels. Vecchio Magazzino Doganale, famed for their traditional, yet innovative productions, ensures that every bottle is a testament to their impeccable craftsmanship.

As one indulges in a glass of Vecchio Magazzino Doganale Jefferson Amaro Importante NV, they experience an eloquent mingling of intense, yet balanced bitter-sweet profile, that conjures an extraordinary sensory journey graced with spicy notes. The lingering aftertaste pays tribute to the serene Mediterranean landscape. For connoisseurs seeking an undeniable Italian spirit, Vecchio Magazzino Doganale Jefferson Amaro Importante NV promises a rich, fulfilling experience.

Wine Advocate (87)

Wine Advocate (86)

Jancis Robinson (18.5)

Vinous (92)

Wine Advocate (93-95)

James Suckling (96)

James Suckling (96)