Whiskies

A favourite expression in the Dalmore stable, this 15-year-old is elegant and smooth, with lipsmacking texture and the flawless balance one would expect from blending maestro Richard Paterson.

Cardhu's entry in the Diageo Special Releases range looks at a type of wood the producer's rarely use – new oak. This was matured in new oak as well as refill and ex-bourbon American-oak casks for 11 years, layering spicy notes on top of the classic honey and fresh fruit Cardhu character.

Formerly known as Platinum Label, this is a rich and refined blend of whiskies matured for at least 18 years that slips perfectly into the range just behind the iconic Blue Label.

A new presentation of Loch Lomond 18 Year Old single malt, released in summer 2020. Matured in American-oak casks, this 18-year-old whisky from Loch Lomond is full-bodied and rounded with notes of toast, cigar box, apple, gooseberry and light smoke.

Laphroaig Lore is a 2016 addition to the distillery's range. Made up of whiskies aged in a combination of quarter casks, sherry casks and reused peated casks. This is rich and classically peaty with a spicy chili bite and a long, sweet aftertaste.

The brothers of the Night’s Watch take an oath and pledge their lives to protect the Seven Kingdoms and guard them from the terrors that lie beyond the ancient barrier of ice, The Wall, from their base at Castle Black. There lies a frozen wasteland which, legend has it, is inhabited by giants, wildlings and the Night King and his army of White Walkers who bring with them the long night. Just like Castle Black, Oban Distillery sits at the foot of a steep cliff that overlooks the bay, the frontier between the West Highlands and the Islands of Scotland. The richness of the whisky is balanced with a woody, spicy dryness that would keep even the Night’s Watch warm in winter. On the nose this Oban has aromas of hay and tangy savoury aromas, but calms into cocoa and Morello cherries. On the palate there are instant flavours of dark berry pie and liquorice. Toasted oak joins the fray, and citrus and cloves add a lighter touch. The finish brings back those cherries and dark fruits, alongside a hint of savoury.

Beautifully rich and spicy, this sour-mash whiskey from Michter's has an abundance of cinnamon, butter and nutty notes, along with a hint of black pepper to freshen things up. Delicious.

A great, but sadly neglected, Highlander, Blair Athol is one of the gems of the Flora & Fauna range. This expression has always tended towards the chunky, sherried style, with spices and oak adding complexity to rich maltiness.

A fine drop of Ardbeg bottled at cask strength. A marriage of Ardbeg from bourbon barrels and sherry butts which gives a sweet and smoky finish to this malt. Uigeadail is the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows. An absolutely stunning whisky, and following the demise of Airigh nam Beist, this probably represents the best value in the core range.

An elegant nose, faintly sweet, scented with apple and wood. Glenfiddich 18yo is a robust and full-bodied single malt whisky, yet remains remarkably soft, rounded and long lasting.