Here we have an extra-special Lagavulin, released as one of Diageo’s Special Releases for 2021. It was distilled back in 1994, and has spent twenty-six years maturing in a carefully-chosen blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
The most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies
Created from hand selected oak casks for perfect balance and flavour
Distilled on the remote island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland
Laphroaig Quarter Cask was released in 2004 to much esteem. Youthful compared to other offerings it’s a highly commendable malt which still has a bold, enticing flavour despite its young age. Oily and butter rich on the nose, toffee, nuts and hickory smoke come through measuredly. The palate gives a bold hit of sweetness with fiery chilli heat coming through quickly in pursuit, medicinal freshness, chewy cereals and even a hint of cola also follow.
This is the 12-year-old version of Macallan's Double Cask series, aged in Oloroso sherry seasoned American and European oak casks for a little longer than the Gold version and with a corresponding extra weight and depth of dried fruit and vanilla flavours.
Deliciously smooth, with rich dried fruits and sherry, balanced with woodsmoke and spice. Described by F Paul Pacult, the renowned international whisky writer, in his book Kindred Spirits as 'simply the best 12 Year Old single malt around'.
Macallan is known for ageing its whiskies in sherry casks and the Double Cask range, of which this 15 year old single malt is a part, explores what happens when whisky aged in two types of sherry-seasoned oak is combined. Matured in both European and American oak casks, this smooth single malt has notes of dried fruits, orange zest, melted chocolate, oak spice and honey.
Macallan is known for ageing its whiskies in sherry casks and the Double Cask range, of which this 15 year old single malt is a part, explores what happens when whisky aged in two types of sherry-seasoned oak is combined. Matured in both European and American oak casks, this smooth single malt has notes of dried fruits, orange zest, melted chocolate, oak spice and honey.
Colour
Light mahogany
ABV
43%
Nose
Dried fruits and ginger, with a hint of citrus, vanilla and cinnamon
Palate
Rich dried fruits with spice, clove, orange and wood smoke
Finish
Full and lingering with dried fruits and sweet toffee, ginger and a hint of wood smoke
The first line extension to the Maker's Mark range since the '50s, Maker's 46 is essentially the standard expression with added spice. This was not intended to compete with the core expression, instead it's a cousin to it, something different for those that like spicy bourbon. They add this extra dimension by inserting seared French oak staves into the barrels (with the stave profile "number 46" - thus the name). It's utterly stunning.
Maker’s Mark’s claim to fame is that they distill their bourbon to the lowest proof in the whole of the US. They believe their distillation process ensures their bourbon’s rich, powerful flavour and the addition of red winter wheat adds a necessary smoothness. Fruity and rich on the nose you can enjoy the heat of spiced honey and the zest of mixed peels. Rye, spice and barley malt come through alongside butterscotch and vanilla, rounded the drink off perfectly.
MINOR CASE STRAIGHT RYE WHISKY
is “what might have been” in a bottle; In 1871, M.C. Beam began his distilling career under the supervision of his Uncle Jack Beam. By 1883, he was a partner at his own operation, where he brought his son Guy — Steve and Paul Beam’s grandfather — into the business, reawakening the stills that were silenced by Prohibition.
Minor Case is an ode to what master distiller M.C. Beam’s rye whiskey would have tasted like had he not been stifled by Prohibition, aged in cream sherry casks for an unforgettable flavor.
Nose: Earthy notes and sweet sherry Palate: Hint of sweet butterscotch Finish: Smooth, with hints of dried fruits---
Nose: Mince pie and stem ginger. Touches of dusty oak and honey'd cereal.
Palate: A core of clove and soda bread, surrounded by cinnamon, cedar and blueberry muffin notes.
Finish: Cacao, raspberry and cinnamon.
The Nikka Coffey Malt is the result of a unique distillation process in Coffey stills, which are normally used for grain whisky production. This rare 100% malt bottling offers a surprisingly rich texture and wonderful depth of flavour.
Blended from a combination of Coffey Grain, lightly peated Miyagikyo Single Malt and a small proportion of Coffey Malt and Yoichi Single Malt, this highly versatile whisky will please new whisky drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
A complex yet approachable whisky, created to be enjoyed in a refreshing highball or mizuwari serve. Enjoy also in a cocktail, neat or on the rocks.
Nikka From The Barrel is an exceptional Japenese whisky which truly packs a punch. Power is truly the name of the game with Nikka From The Barrel. A balanced nose introduces floral flavours, fresh fruit, spice and also oak leading into a full-bodied punchy flavour on the palate. Winter spice, toffee and vanilla come alongside the bright fruity notes, creating a flavour which is welcoming, enticing and almost demands you take just one more sip.
Nikka's entry-level whisky from Miyagikyo distillery. Light in body, yet full of flavour, this is an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky. Elegantly fruity with sherry-cask character.
An exciting expression from Nomad, this whisky has been on a journey! Firstly, a selection of previously matured malt and grain whiskies were blended and matured in Scotland. Next up, the blend was shipped over to Jerez, home of legendary sherry producer Gonzalez Byass, where it was filled into two types of sherry cask – Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso. This Reserve expression is matured for a decade in total, it's a splendid sipper, and should be rather exciting indeed for fans of well-sherried whiskies.
Nomad is a unique whisky. A collaboration between sherry producer González Byass and Whyte & Mackay master blender Richard Paterson. A blended Scotch whisky aged for more than five years in sherry butts is shipped to Jerez for further year's ageing in PX casks.
A West Highland malt of real esteem, this 14 year old Oban is traditional in its flavour but this isn’t something to overlook. Rich and smoky on the nose, this Oban has a medicinal flavour about it, with notes of the sea, coast and seaweed all coming through together. Smooth sweetness is offered up by citrus-infused vanilla but it’s the medicinal notes which truly make this a memorable dram.
A heavily peated malt for a Speyside distillery, bottled at higher proof, Old Ballantruan is an unusually peated single malt from the Tomintoul distillery. d to create a real fudge-like taste which is extremely moreish.
A revitalised Fettercairn, focusing on the distillery's fruity character. Matured in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years, this is packed with tropical flavour without losing the distillery's weightiness and gentle gingery spice.
Peated to a heavyweight 40ppm, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley is a multi-vintage Cuvee crafted from casks hand-picked by head distiller Adam Hannett. This remarkable single malt, originally created by the legendary distiller Jim McEwan, represents a union between the classic floral elegance of Bruichladdich and heavy peat.
The 2020 relaunch of the best-selling whiskey in the Republic of Ireland, Power's Gold Label has a spicy potstill character and is aged between 5 and 6 years in Bourbon casks.
Named for the 14th tallest tree on the planet, Pipe Dream is our first Bourbon whiskey. Pipe Dream Bourbon is made from barrels aged between four and twelve years with a high corn mash bill. Smooth and complex, it is a true sipping whiskey.
Named after the world’s largest coastal Redwood, Lost Monarch whiskey has a name to live up to. An award winning bourbon-rye blend with an exceptional balance of sweetness and spice. The perfect choice for those who just can’t decide between rye or bourbon, we call it “the best of both worlds.”
Named for the 14th tallest tree on the planet, Pipe Dream is our first Bourbon whiskey. Pipe Dream Bourbon is made from barrels aged between four and twelve years with a high corn mash bill. Smooth and complex, it is a true sipping whiskey.
Rittenhouse Rye Whisky 100 proof is a hot and spicy offering which spends six years maturing before bottling. Vibrant cinnamon, black pepper and spicy rye are all prevalent in the nose and they lead into a medium body in which the higher proof is immediately apparent on the tongue. Rich notes of tobacco, cinnamon, clove and brown sugar blend together to create a highly spiced offering with just a touch of sweetness. Sip it slowly.
The Rossville Union 5 Year Old American Rye Whiskey is a meticulously crafted spirit that showcases the rich heritage and robust flavour profile typical of classic American rye whiskey. Distilled and aged in the heart of America's historic whiskey region, this expression offers both aficionados and casual drinkers a taste of authentic rye whiskey excellence. Made from a carefully selected blend of 51% rye and 49% other grains, ensuring a perfect balance that highlights the spicy and fruity characteristics inherent in rye grain. The whiskey is distilled in copper pot stills and aged for five years in new charred oak barrels, which contribute to its deep amber color, rich texture, and complex flavour profile.
Sazerac Straight Rye Whisky takes its name from the New Orleans coffee house which was known as the home of the Sazerac cocktail. Without this exceptional whisky, the cocktail would be nowhere near as great. Aromas of vanilla, anise, pepper and clove are released but the flavour is subtler, with candied spice and sweet citrus taking over.
The creation of master blender Alex Thomas, The Sexton Single Malt Irish whiskey is made from 100% Irish malted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills. After, the liquid is aged in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks imparting a rich and fruity character. It comes in a rather eye-catching hexagonal bottle, too.
Love Peanut Butter? Love whiskey? Try Sheep Dog!
Created by blending peanut butter with whiskey - yes, you heard that right!
Best served as an ice cold shot.
Made with real peanuts. Cocktail.
While Canadian whisky is often a showcase of different grains, Signal Hill focuses instead on casks. The distillery takes corn and malt spirit and ages them in three types of cask – ex-bourbon, ex-Canadian whisky and new oak. The three casks bring out different aspects of the whisky's character – vanilla and toffee notes, sweet grain and oaky spice respectively – creating a flavoursome and well-balanced whisky.
£35.95
Whiskey
Whisky is a distilled spirit obtained from the fermented mash of grains including barley, rye, corn and wheat. Unlike other spirits made from fermented grain, it is the unique maturation process in oak that sets it apart.