Scottish Spirits

Producer Description 

Presented in a ceramic decanter, this expression was crafted by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion using American and European first-fill sherry seasoned casks with the addition of a few refill casks.

Seasoned European oak casks to deliver warm, spicy notes and sherry seasoned American oak casks to provide a balance of sweet vanilla. Expertly adding just a few refill casks to soften and smooth the flavours. 

Producer Description 

Machir Bay, our signature peated single malt, is a vatting of Kilchoman matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. Named after Islay’s most spectacular beach, the high proportion of bourbon barrels create a distinct balance of classic Islay character and fresh floral complexity.

Lemon zest, vanilla and distinct coastal influence give way to floral intensity, juicy peaches, pears, and wafts of rich spices.

Bursts of tropical fruit and dried sultanas, warming smoke and waves of honey, malt, butterscotch and rich sweetness.

Sherry-soaked fruit, cracked black pepper and sea salt. Long-lasting with layers of citrus sweetness and maritime peat smoke.

Almost two kilometres of beautiful sandy beach welcome you onto Machir Bay. With a combination of rough turbulent seas and stunningly beautiful sunsets, the Machir Bay release embodies the bay after which it is named.

“The dramatic coastal landscape of Machir Bay is reflected in the rugged complexity of this award winning single malt, the flagship of the Kilchoman range.”
signature ANTHONY WILLS, KILCHOMAN FOUNDER

Producer Description 

Situated within the picturesque Spey valley, Rothes is home to five distilleries all tucked along the tiny main street - unbeknown to passing visitors. Amongst these is Glenrothes hidden in a small glen on the outskirts of the village. 

Today Glenrothes single malt is used as the heart of Cutty Sark blended whisky. Approaching the distillery your eyes are drawn to the right where the village graveyard stretches up the hill. As whisky matures it evaporates, this is known as 'the angels share.' Feeding off the evaporated whisky is a black sooty fungus, which gives an eerie atmosphere to the place. The blackened grave stones under the shadows of tall trees surrounded by distillery buildings.

Tasting Notes: Toasted malt with fruit aromas, hints of green apples and fresh coconut. A subtle salty sea air is also present. Sweet with floral and fruit flavours, banana, and lemonade with a slight walnut edge.

Producer Description 

The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve starts its journey in the finest American white oak ex-bourbon casks. The precious liquid is then split equally with half of the whisky remaining in the American white oak and the remainder transferred to aged Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham’s vineyard in Portugal. They are then married back together to harmonize the flavors before bottling. Purposefully retained at 46.5% ABV to complement the enticing warm flavors of the Port and the classic taste of The Dalmore creating a whisky which is indulgent, smooth and complex.

Aromas of sweet red berries, Seville oranges, plummy fruits and sticky toffee pudding. Nectarines, creamy caramel, roasted chestnuts and Java coffee on the palate. Finishing notes of rich plums, sultanas, Sanguinello blood oranges and macerated cherries.

Producer Description 

Created in partnership with Nick Offerman, Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a woody and peaty, fruity and spicy offering. The woody, peaty notes lead from the front, gently tingling the tongue in a cha-cha before fading to reveal a veritable waltz of sweet berry and orchard fruit notes. Aged in a mix of refilled and rejuvenated American Oak barrels, this whisky demands to be served in a traditional whisky glass, neat or with a little water.

Carrying on a 200-year-old tradition of distilling excellence, the Lagavulin distillery is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay. Founded in 1816 by farmer John Johnston and later led by Peter Mackie in 1890, the name Lagavulin was to become the last word on the delicacy of Islay malts. Miles and miles of peat bog in the west of the island provide the raw material which imbues the barley with their iconic smoky flavor, and the rich peaty water from the tranquil Lochan Sholum in the hills above the distillery makes the flavors so unique. It takes time, but patience is their finest virtue and rushing good whisky is just not how they take care of things in Islay. 

Producer Description 

A sextuple-wood bottling from Dalmore. This auspiciously-named single malt Scotch whisky was matured in wine, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, Kentucky bourbon and Port casks. King Alexander III is a rich, fruity Highland single malt. 

Aromas of red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit. Citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel and crushed almonds on the palate. Finishing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Producer Description 

The first Caol Ila 35 year old in this series is the oldest Caol Ila ever bottled from the original distillers. Combining whisky from refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts in a well-balanced and mature expression that shows a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age. Just 3,276 bottles. 

Producer Description 

Introducing Ardbeg Heavy Vapours 2023 Committee Release Single Malt Scotch, a limited edition expression that pushes the boundaries of peat intensity and flavor exploration. Crafted exclusively for the esteemed Ardbeg Committee, this whisky is a testament to the daring spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence that defines the Ardbeg Distillery.

From the moment the bottle is uncorked, the room fills with an intense and captivating aroma that transports you to the rugged shores of Islay. Ardbeg Heavy Vapours immediately captivates the senses with a mesmerizing fusion of peat smoke, brine, and earthy undertones. This whisky is a true embodiment of Islay's rich and robust whisky heritage.

With each sip, you embark on a journey of extraordinary flavors. The palate is embraced by an avalanche of peat smoke, enveloping the taste buds with a distinctive, powerful, and unmistakable smokiness. As the smoke subsides, a remarkable complexity unfolds, revealing layers of maritime influences, charred oak, and hints of black pepper and citrus zest. The whisky's full-bodied and velvety texture leaves a lasting impression, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours 2023 Committee Release Single Malt Scotch is a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship and time-honored traditions of the Ardbeg Distillery. Every aspect of its production, from the malting of the barley to the meticulous aging in oak casks, is carried out with unwavering precision and dedication.

Produce Description 

Duncan Taylor was originally based out of Glasgow where they were merchants and brokers of Scotch whisky casks. They have been laying down casks from distilleries all over Scotland for decades and now have one of the largest privately-held collections of rare and vintage Scotch Whisky.

Islay is a great place to make whisky if you were living in the 1800s. Remote but great water and barley. In 1815 Laphroaig was founded by brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston. Donald tragically died in 1847 after falling into a vat of hot pot ale at the distillery. It became famous in the early 1900s as it became released as a single malt. It has always been known to produce a heavily peated style.

TASTE
It is extremely rare to find Laphroaig in independent bottlers and what a great whisky this must be if from Duncan Taylor! 

Producer Description 

This is the 12 year old, Sherry cask finished expression from Glenmorangie, dubbed The Lasanta. It first matures in bourbon casks before being moved over to Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks for a finishing period. Plenty rich and creamy with dark chocolate, dried fruit and fresh honey. 

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Aged in Bourbon casks for 10 years, then "extra matured? for two years in Oloroso Sherry casks. The result is luxe and rich, a fine after-dinner sipper. Allow a little time for the aroma to emerge, and a splash of water for maximum flavor. The reward is a thick caramel aroma and flavor, with mouthwatering spicy notes of clove, cassia bark and a hint of orange peel. 

Producer Description 

Taste the character and craft in every drop of Cragganmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Made with malted barley, the combination of sweet floral fragrances and vanilla proceeds into the strong taste of sandalwood and sweet wood smoke for a long, malt-driven finish.

Cragganmore Scotch can count barley and Scotland’s fastest flowing river as two of its natural influences in the creation of its definitive and award-winning medium weight malt. Serve on the rocks in a tumbler or tulip glass to concentrate its flavor. Includes one 80 proof 750 mL bottle of Cragganmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Cragganmore takes its name from the mountain in whose shadow the distillery sits.

This is a whisky with many high peaks and hidden valleys of flavor. Founded by Speyside legend Big John Smith, Cragganmore was created using a pioneering flat-top pot still design to create the sweetest, most complex of malt whiskies. 

Expesrt Review

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | The succulent aroma develops with aeration in the sweet forms of barley, cream, light caramel, and a trace of tropical fruit. Palate entry is round, borderline plump, breakfast-cereal sweet, and honeyed; at midpalate, there's a slightly oily peat smoke. Sweetly concludes with the focus on the malt. Best Buy. Range: 90-95.

Producer Description 

Master Blender Brian Kinsman skilfully blends around 25 of the finest single malt and grain Scotch whiskies to make Grant’s Family Reserve. The basis for the blend is our widely acclaimed Girvan grain whisky. Vacuum distilled at a lower temperature to make it a lighter and more delicate spirit, it is then aged in oak to give it a deeper, sweeter, soft fruit flavour, creating the perfect foundation.