Broadly speaking, Speyside whiskies can be classified as falling into one of two camps. At one end of the spectrum there are the light, grassy, 'lunchtime whiskies' (please note that TWE advocates responsible drinking!) such as Glenlivet; at the other end lie the rich, sweet, sherried qualities of Glenrothes and Macallan. Read More »
A 2001 vintage Aberlour that has been exclusively matured in casks made from Quercus Alba - American White Oak. This steps away from the distillery's usual sherried style, emphasising coconut and vanilla from the cask and fruit from the spirit.
The Flora and Fauna release of 10 year old Auchroisk. Until the 2010 release of a 20 year-old, this was the only generally available distillery bottling from this young distillery.
Dark, sherried 15yo malt from one of the best distilleries in Speyside. As always, Glenfarclas remains one of the best value malts on the market, especially compared to Macallan. Top-quality, consistently great whisky.
An distillery-bottled 15yo Tormore at 46%, originally released some time around the end of the 1990s when the distillery was still owned by Allied Domecq. This bottling has become rarer and rarer since being replaced by the official 12yo in 2004.
A peated Speyside that turns out to be a sweetheart underneath, this 12yo Ardmore 1994 is an easy-drinking malt, and more mellow than hardcore peatheads might expect. See our tasting notes for more info.
A full 60% abv, yet the sweet, rich, spicy distillery character is still very much in evidence. A very small drop of water is recommended to open the flavours.
A 15 year-old expression of Singleton of Dufftown, Diageo's easy-drinking Speysider. This is a mix of European and American oak casks, producing a smooth, sweet, approachable style and a spicy, drying finish.
A set of three 20cl bottles comprising Speysider Cragganmore 12yo, powerfully peaty Lagavulin 16yo & the smoky, peppery Talisker 10yo from the Isle of Skye. Perfect for winter hipflasks.
A medium-bodied Glen Spey 1995 bottled for G&M's Connoisseurs Choice range. Glen Spey's pleasant, grassy single malt is rather rare as most of it goes into J & B.
A very interesting dram, the only Speysider to be triple-distilled like a Lowland malt or Irish whiskey, but with a lot more body and character than either of those styles. Impressive stuff.
A recent release from long-time TWE favourite Aberlour, this 16 year-old has been double-matured in traditional oak and sherry casks. Deep and complex, with lip-smacking spices - not as sherry-sweet as the 18yo. World Whiskies Awards 2012 - Best Speyside 13 to 20 years IWSC 2012 - Gold Medal - Whisky - Scotch
An Un-Chillfiltered bottling of Glen Elgin from Signatory. Distilled on 20th October 1995, matured for 17 years in a pair of Hogsheads and bottled a few days after its birthday on 23rd October 2012.
The only generally available distillery bottling from Inchgower, usually a key part of the Bell's blend. It's also not one that independents see much of, so this is one of your only chances to try the output from this quietly elegant distillery.
' Rounded yet delicate. Apples again, tingly spiciness. Fills and perfumes the mouth. Delicious...A classic example of a relatively light and fragrant whisky that has real complexity and a gorgeous feel. 8/10' Dave Broom, Whisky Magazine, Nov 2002
A special edition Glendronach, matured initially in re-charred puncheons before finishing in a small batch of American virgin oak casks, which have imparted abundant toasty oak, coconut and tropical fruit aromas and flavours to the final blend.
A 1st fill sherry butt matured, single cask Glenlivet from Signatory, bottled as part of their Un-Chillfiltered Collection. Distilled on May 13th 1996, matured for 16 years and bottled on January 16th 2013.