Vinous (96)

Indulge in the exquisite craftsmanship of Bertagna Clos-Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2015. This unrivalled synergy of terroir, expertise, and tradition is hailing from the renowned Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. As the fifth generation wine producer, the Bertagna family brings the meticulous dedication, producing a Grand Cru with an arresting, yet delicate complexity.

The Burgundian secret to this enchanting wine lies in fermentation in wooden barrels lending it an unparalleled structure. Aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, it radiates a ruby red hue emanating aromas of wild berries and spices.

On the palate, Bertagna Clos-Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2015 offers an impressive depth of flavor with a harmoniously balanced acidity. It unfolds the dark fruit notes effortlessly melded with velvety tannins, guiding towards an enduring, elegant finish. This bottle captures the essence of Burgundian finesse while pushing the boundaries of Pinot Noir expression. Embrace the indulgent journey of tasting this gem from Bertagna's stellar portfolio.

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.

Vinous (93-95)

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.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)

Vinous (91-94)

Vinous (87-89)

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.

Vinous (93-95)

Wine Advocate (94-96)

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Vinous (90-92)

Whisky Base (92)

Vinous (91)

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.