Lochlea Orchard & Oak

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Lochlea - Lowlands

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Virgin American Oak and Ex-Calvados Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2025, the distillery launched a new range called Single Estate, and Orchard & Oak is one of the three expressions in this range. It’s part of the Core Range, so it’s set to be around for quite some time. That said, the range is called Single Estate because they claim that everything is done on-site. Indeed, the barley is grown in their fields, bottling is carried out on site, and fermentation, distillation and maturation all take place on site, which is excellent. Except that the malting isn’t done on site, which means it isn’t a true Single Farm Estate. And don’t confuse Single Farm Estate with Single Cask. Just because it’s a ‘Single Farm Estate’ (which isn’t the case here) doesn’t mean it’s a ‘Single Cask’. A ‘Single Farm Estate’ can be the result of blending several casks. All these considerations aside, it’s always interesting to taste this sort of thing, it inevitably has a strong identity. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

You immediately recognise the finesse and sweetness of the Calvados, with notes of fresh green apple and syrup or treacle, followed by woody vanilla and honeyed caramel. Slightly more discreet cereal and herbaceous notes, though clearly present, reeds, tall grasses and freshly cut hay. Juicy pears and Chasselas grapes. It’s also floral. Porridge. On the palate, it’s somewhat light, vanilla, honey, elderflower, but there are a few spices too, the apples are cooked in butter. Nutmeg and cinnamon. The finish is more than decent, and even pleasant, with a generous zest of lemon, still full of orchard fruits, a mint leaf, minced almonds, a pinch of salt and earth. 

 

In Short, 

The Calvados casks add a little something extra in terms of flavour, and also in terms of viscosity, it’s a bit oilier. This complements the distillery’s profile very well, enhancing its rustic, countryside character. Whilst remaining elegant. For me, it’s a success, and the price isn’t that high. Perhaps it’s worth buying. It would be better if the age were stated, though. 

Score : 85 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Melusina - L'Ultimo Sguardo

Kilkerran 16 yo 2026

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glengyle - Campbeltown

100% Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated from 12 to 15 ppm 

 

 

 

After a few years, I’m back to taste the Kilkerran 16-year-old, of which a new batch has been released every year since 2020. This is therefore the 7th batch, and it is the first to be matured entirely in Oloroso sherry casks. All the other releases were dominated by bourbon, although it is true that the previous one, from 2025, already had a significant amount of sherry. So this is something new, and it’s interesting. However, we do not know how many bottles were produced.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is initially intense and sulphurous, but gradually rounds out as it breathes. A light woody smokiness, toasted bark, roasted peanuts. Raisins, figs, a variety of red berries, particularly redcurrants and blueberries, and prunes. Quite spicy on the palate, bread cake, candied chestnuts, dried bananas, candied Reine-Claude plums, nutmeg and cloves. Thick caramel, spruce honey, a touch of charcoal. A long finish, quite powerful but not overly so, coffee and dark tobacco, dark chocolate, brownie sprinkled with walnuts. Cooked mushrooms, ferns.

 

In Short, 

Perhaps the bottle had only just been opened, which is why the sherry was a bit too strong for my taste. But after a few weeks or months once it’s been opened, I suppose it’ll be better. Overall, I thought it was good, but it suffers from the same flaw as other Kilkerran 16-year-olds I’ve tasted: a lack of character that isn’t made up for by subtlety. In a nutshell, it’s too old to be powerful, but not yet old enough to be very complex. The sherry adds a touch of originality, but it doesn’t change the essence of the whisky. Consequently, it’s a good bottling, but nothing exceptional, and I’m not sure I’d recommend buying it. Others have enjoyed it more than I have, we’ll have to see how it develops after a few weeks of being open. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              Sun Vessel - Sacred Nobility

Teeling 1983 Vintage Reserve Collection 33 yo

 

 

 

42,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Ireland

2 Ex-Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Teeling Whiskey Company 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Upon its release, this whisky was billed as “the oldest bottling of Irish Single Malt recently released”, and it is precisely its age that poses a problem. Where does it come from? It cannot be a Teeling, as their distillery only began operating in 2015, but it cannot be a Cooley either, as that distillery only started production in 1989. In 1983, there were only two active distilleries in Ireland, and only one of them produced Single Malt. That’s Old Bushmills. So this is an independent bottling, even though that isn’t stated anywhere. Only 275 bottles were released for sale, but I reckon the Teeling family kept a few bottles for themselves, and I can’t blame them. The very simple maturation process promises a very pure spirit. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose offers a very varied and complex bouquet, intense and brimming with a variety of fruits, juicy pears, baked apples, exotic fruits such as papaya and even mango, buttered toast, floral notes, and a medley of citrus fruits including mandarins, lime, grapefruit, persimmon. Sweet notes are reminiscent of cane sugar, very pure vanilla and a few grains of cereal, but these are subtle and very well balanced. On the palate, it is smoother, even waxy, yet very well crafted, the vanilla blends with honey and mirabelle plums, light caramel, mashed bananas, perhaps a hint of coconut and apricot. The spices are almost undetectable. The finish is very long, very oily, and powerful despite the low alcohol content. Wood shavings, sweet cider, very ripe yellow plums, a trace of liquorice. Varnished wooden floor, blond tobacco. 

 

In Short, 

Thanks to an astonishing turn of events, I was able to taste it twice, and I’d like to thank the person who made it possible for me to be granted this great favour (Hi Steve!). It’s the oldest Irish whiskey I’ve ever tasted, and also the best, without a shadow of a doubt. What makes this nectar so special is, first and foremost, its maturation in Bourbon casks, which allows the spirit to reach its full potential. The other aged Irish whiskies I’ve tasted have been matured in Sherry, Port and even Burgundy wine casks. I’m all for experimentation, that’s part of what makes whiskey so wonderful. But nothing beats a very good Bourbon cask. And finally, despite its age, despite the triple distillation, and despite the low alcohol content, the spirit remains surprisingly expressive, deep and complex. Some old whiskies or whiskeys lose their intensity with age, but that is certainly not the case here. This makes it an excellent product that is an absolute must-try for anyone interested in Irish whiskey, a thoroughly respectable ‘Holy Grail’. Unfortunately, the price far exceeds the median French salary, and even my own salary. If samples could be sold, it would sell much better.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                  Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Fraser - All Flowers in Town Bends Towards the Sun

Caol Ila 2008 The Young Rebels Collection N.3 8 yo

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Young Rebels Collection is a small range comprising 10 bottlings released between 2015 and 2019 – two expressions per year – aged between 5 and 9 years, with a relatively straightforward maturation process. A fine initiative from Hidden Spirits, an Italian bottler founded in 2013. Caol Ila is one of the distilleries most prominently featured in this small range, as it appears twice. Here, No. 3 is a straightforward 8-year-old expression. I believe it has been matured in a Bourbon cask, whilst this is not specified anywhere, given its organic profile, it seems obvious. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Thick smoke, full ashtray. Behind this lies a mineral, crystalline peat, saturated with iodine. Chiselled vanilla, juicy lemon, sea breeze and seaweed. Plum jam, spread with butter, meringue. A few drops of petrol, kerosene, puddle of engine oil. Creamy honey, flint, courgette flowers. On the palate, it’s viscous, the fruit blends with the peat, prickly pears, not-too-ripe bananas, damp earth in the background, charcoal. The spices aren’t overly intense, cloves, pepper. White chocolate cream. Powerful finish, dark tobacco, manganese, fuel oil. Muddy ashes. Light striker.

 

In Short, 

Caol Ila is really good even when young, here we have a lovely personality, plenty of character and a certain complexity. It’s exactly the sort of whisky I never tire of, if I’d had this bottle, I think I’d have finished it very quickly, in a month or two. I do regret that this sort of young but well-made bottling is becoming a bit of a rarity, except for Ben Nevis. It’s completely sold out now, but you can still find it at auction. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Blues Pills - High Class Woman

Caol Ila 2007 Hidden Spirits Highproof Version 14 yo

 

 

 

53,7°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

2d Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm 

 

 

 

Among the releases from Hidden Spirits, there are two Caol Ila whiskies distilled in 2007 and of the same age, but the other has been bottled exclusively for The Whisky Roundabout, an Italian retail website. This one has simply been matured in a second-fill bourbon cask, which promises a pure distillate, and only 115 bottles were produced. A rarity, then, to be savoured with care. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A greyish but fairly fine peat, with a vibrant iodine note, blending with liquid honey, carved limestone and dried seaweed. The peat becomes spongy, accompanied by waffles with maple syrup, a buttered baguette and a generous pinch of salt. A hint of mango, a touch of lemon zest. And, of course, a rather rich smokiness. Lard. Pleasant, full-bodied palate, creamy vanilla, soya milk, soft fruits, pears and mirabelle plums. Then the spices, grey pepper, cumin, grow increasingly pronounced. A powerful, long, full-bodied finish, charcoal ground to a powder, bread soaked in milk, an ounce of earth. Very slight bitterness. Cola nuts.

 

In Short, 

It’s a very pleasant Caol Ila, but it lacks a bit of fullness. It has everything you’d expect from this distillery, but without any particular originality or complexity. Let’s not complain, though, it’s really enjoyable to drink, and it’s not overly expensive given its age. But I’m used to better from Hidden Spirits. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Death in Vegas - Scorpio Rising

Ben Nevis 2014 100 Proof Edition #63 10 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts and 2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

So, as I was saying, of the eight Ben Nevis whiskies in the 100 Proof lineup, only two are neither heavily peated nor aged in first-fill sherry casks. This one is one of those two, while it’s matured exclusively in sherry casks, not all of them are first-fill. Aged 10 years, with no added colorings or chill filtration, we can expect a bit of character from one of the best distilleries in the Highlands. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Definitely more sherry, along with apricot, yellow peach, mirabelle and Reine-Claude plums, a drop of honey, a wisp of smoky charcoal, dark tobacco, varnished wood. Liquid egg yolk. Crushed red berries. A whiff of iodine. On the palate, it’s not bad, oaky, slightly lemony, almonds, vanilla milk, but the spices come through quite quickly, cumin and black pepper. Macerated grapes, Chinese soya-banana cake. A fairly long finish, though not particularly powerful, chocolate brownie, hazelnuts, liquorice, a slight bitterness, earth and ferns. Fig biscuits.

 

In Short, 

I’m not sure what to say, but I found this one rather flat. The nose lacks depth and complexity, the palate is decent but nothing special, even the finish is less powerful than usual. Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve tasted it alongside other products from the same range that didn’t make the same impression. It’s not bad, of course, but it doesn’t have the same character as previous releases. It’s an impression I’ll have the chance to confirm, as I’ve still got some left. In the meantime, I’d advise sticking to the other releases instead. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             New Constellations - Hot Blooded

Ben Nevis 2015 100 Proof Edition #80 10 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Oloroso Sherry Butts Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

For now, there are eight Ben Nevis in the 100 Proof range, launched in January 2024 by Signatory Vintage. Three are labelled ‘Heavily Peated’, and three have been matured exclusively in first-fill sherry casks, making them more or less ‘sherry bombs’. Only two are fairly well-balanced, No. 63, which I’ll be discussing shortly, and this one, which was just finished in Oloroso sherry butts, after an initial maturation that was surely in bourbon casks. That’s why I find it interesting, one can hope that it captures the essence of Ben Nevis in all its complexity, completely unaltered by sherry or peat. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A creamy nose with hints of blood oranges and citrus, mashed banana, wax-coated wood, mountain honey, meringue, a touch of iodine, perhaps a drop of exotic fruit, papaya, pineapple. Very light acidity. On the palate, it is quite smooth, buttery and oily, but quite strong spices emerge, black pepper, cumin, a trace of molasses, egg yolk. The finish is quite long, powerful, wood charcoal, liquorice, a slight bitterness, terracotta. A zest of lemon. We find a little bit of peat.

 

In Short, 

Yes, I recognised the original Ben Nevis character in it, that fuzzy, funky quality which, in my opinion, has been somewhat lacking in the other bottlings in the same range. Unfortunately, a few minor flaws on the palate – too much spice, suggesting over-active casks – prevent me from giving it a higher score. But apart from that, it’s a very successful whisky that will delight fans of the distillery. I’d recommend buying it, especially as the price is ridiculously low. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                      Body Electrik! - Spaghettification

Linkwood 2012 100 Proof Edition #68 12 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st and 2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the fourth Linkwood to be released as part of the 100 Proof range launched in January 2024, and a fifth followed shortly afterwards. Suffice to say, this is a distillery that often has surplus stock to sell off. As is often the case in this collection, the whisky is matured in sherry butts, but in this instance there are refill casks, so the sherry influence shouldn’t be too strong. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Lovely spring freshness, orchard fruits, crisp apples, Comice pears, fresh lemon, white grapes, grass after the rain. Behind, twisted leather and soft caramel, the crust of well-baked bread, a few dried fruits, raisins, apricots. Mint and chlorophyll. Varnished wood. On the palate, it’s almost immediately very spicy, with intense pepper, green chilli, wood and green tea, not-quite-ripe Reine-Claude plums. A powerful, long finish, with bursts of violence, floor wax, charcoal croutons, slight bitterness, hazelnuts, liquorice. It does burn a little, though.

 

In Short, 

The nose isn’t bad at all, in fact, it’s quite pleasant and well-structured. The finish is, of course, powerful and fairly long. However, the palate doesn’t quite live up to expectations, it reveals overly active casks that make the whisky too spicy. Let’s just say you need to drink it quickly. That’s why I’m reluctant to recommend buying it, despite the low price. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                   Jonathan Bree - You're so Cool

Ardmore 1985 Whiskyland Chapter Thirty-Six 41 yo

 

 

 

45,3°

Distillery : The Ardmore - Highlands

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

At the end of last year, as part of the same range, a 40-year-old Ardmore was released. It was ‘Chapter Twenty-Five’, a blend of two Refill Hogsheads released especially to celebrate the birthday of Angus MacRaild, one of the founders of Decadent Drinks. That’s why there was a birthday cake depicted on the label. But in fact, there was a third Refill Hogshead cask, Angus had simply decided to keep it for later. That ‘later’ has now arrived, and here it is. Distilled in the same year as the two sister casks bottled for the anniversary, it is now 41 years old. Only 102 bottles are being released, perhaps the team decided to keep a few for themselves, which I certainly wouldn’t hold against them. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very subtle peat that builds slowly, kerosene, sticky honey, varnished wood, exotic fruits, mango, maracuja, pineapple, candied banana, a hint of wax and juicy apples. Very subtle vanilla, a touch of lemon zest, a pinch of salt. On the palate, it’s perfect, the peat is slightly mineral, with a chiselled limestone quality, but overall it’s very smooth, oily yellow plums and elegant oak, the vanilla is a little more pronounced. An incredibly powerful finish given the low alcohol content, hail, pepper and cloves, marzipan, fig cake. A touch of herbaceousness. 

 

In Short, 

It was truly exquisite, very subtle and impressive, it’s hard to write a review that does justice to this nectar. Although I did find the peat quite pronounced, a lovely power on the finish and some absolutely fabulous notes of wax. Great elegance, superb balance, a bit old-school but also very modern. Without a doubt one of the best Ardmores available on the market. Of course, the price puts a damper on some people’s ambitions, but it’s not that expensive for what it is. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                               Tina Arena - True Faith

Auchentoshan 1998 Asta Morris Heritage 24 yo

 

 

 

54°

Distillery : Auchentoshan - Lowlands

Ex-Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Asta Morris 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Let’s take a quick trip to Belgium, as that is where Asta Morris was founded in 2009, under the guidance of Bert Bruyneel, a whisky enthusiast. They release only a few bottlings a year, but they are of great quality. Here is an Auchentoshan of a respectable age, matured in a simple Bourbon cask, the ideal choice for exploring new horizons. 164 bottles were available for sale.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Immediately, a wonderful burst of fruit, further enhanced if you add a drop or two of water, mirabelle plum tart, very ripe yellow plums, bananas, juicy white grapes, Comice pears, Granny Smith apples. Alongside this, a good dose of melted butter, a hint of warm wax, cane sugar, untreated wood, caramelised pralines, a generous dash of vanilla, candied lemon. On the palate, the vanilla becomes more pronounced, it’s slightly less complex, but I detect a touch of exoticism, shortbread biscuits, candied chestnuts, almonds. The finish is long and powerful, which is surprising after such sweetness, very juicy, leavened bread, runny honey, a pinch of mandarin. The spices are very subtle overall, including nutmeg.  

 

In Short, 

I’m by no means an expert on this distillery, but it strikes me that this is a very successful and rather original whisky. It lacks the characteristics I’ve heard mentioned, the famous ‘chewing gum’ note, and the smooth, delicate character that comes from triple distillation. Instead, it has a lovely character, with plenty of fruit and richness, whilst remaining very well-balanced and approachable. A summer whisky that needs a few drops of water to really come into its own. You can still find it here and there, but at a price that’s hard to swallow. Perhaps scouring the auctions is still the best option. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    Lizzy MacAlpine - The Light in the Painting

Ardbeg Lord of The Isles 25 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range

Single Malt 

Launched on 2001

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Let’s take a brief look back at the history here. When Glenmorangie PLC bought Ardbeg in 1997, the distillery was on its last legs. And yet it had incredible potential. The first expression they released was the now legendary 17-year-old, which was magnificent but had a low alcohol content (40% ABV). Then came the Ardbeg Ten in 2000, which is still available today and is one of the finest Core Range expressions in the history of whisky. And the third expression is this one: the Lord of the Isles, launched in 2001. It is 25 years old, so distilled in 1976, and, as I’ve read, it also includes casks dating from 1974 and 1975. 85% of the casks are Bourbon casks, 15% are Sherry casks. It remained in production until 2007, when it was discontinued. That said, the one I tasted was apparently bottled in 2008, according to the waiter, who knows his stuff very well. I couldn’t check the date on the bottle, it was too dark. In any case, it is certainly one of this distillery’s most sought-after bottlings. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Immediately, a wall of enticing, rounded and velvety smoke. But what’s interesting is what lies behind it, it's creamy, vanilla, goat’s milk, lilac, mashed banana. If you dig a little deeper, you find all the distillery’s hallmarks, it’s very complex, with a very subtle minerality, limestone and quartz, measured hints of iodine, seaweed and gravel, soot and rocks, fly ash, petrichor. Light lemon and caramel in very small quantities. On the palate, vanilla éclair, egg yolk, egg custard, with a good layer of peat in the background. Spices derived from the wood, cinnamon, coriander, cloves. Bittersweet cream, mandarin peel, and a zest of candied citrus. A very long finish, which seems to lift the ground, ashy, earthy, charcoal-like. A few herbaceous notes, melted butter, warm wax, Belle Hélène pear, flint, tinder, hot ashes. 

 

In Short, 

It truly lives up to its reputation, highly complex, with incredible balance, intense yet not at all aggressive. The alcohol is, moreover, beautifully integrated. Undoubtedly the distillery’s finest expression in the Core Range. If you’re a fan of the distillery, you simply must have tasted it at least once. However, owning a bottle is reserved for the very wealthiest amongst us, given the price of this gem. There’s no point in dreaming about it. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                   And Also The Trees - Slow Pulse Boy

Ledaig 2009 The Whisky Agency An Independent Bottling 16 yo

 

 

 

52,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Whisky Agency

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm 

 

 

 

Founded in 2008, the German company The Whisky Agency is one whose high standards are well established. Here is a 16-year-old Ledaig, matured in a single hogshead that had previously contained bourbon, yielding a mere 295 bottles. No additives, no chill filtration, and bottled at cask strength, these are the company’s standards. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A lovely balance between a sharp minerality and a mellow bourbon, vanilla and caramelised honey, underpinned by a wild, barely restrained peatiness. It’s almost indulgent, vanilla éclair, a hint of lemon, kelp and dried seaweed. Chalk and blond tobacco. The palate is very vanilla-driven, a touch of clove, lychees, a gentle sweetness, orgeat, subdued spices. A very long finish, tamed power, candied lemon, prickly pear, white peach. Towards the end, it’s almost acrid, burnt wood, lumps of lignite, dark pipe tobacco. 

 

In Short, 

For me, this is a classic Ledaig, exactly as it should be, with a lovely balance between the elegance of the cask and the bold character of the spirit. I really love this distillery because it offers such contrasts. That said, this is a fine effort, but nothing exceptionally stunning or original either. It’s very well made, exactly what you’d expect, but nothing more. The price strikes me as slightly high, but any fan of this style will find it to their liking. 

Score : 89   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Valerie June - Smokestack

Hazelburn 2018 Oloroso Cask Matured 7 yo

 

 

 

47,9°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Fresh Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The first Hazelburn Oloroso Cask Matured was released in 2017, and had been aged for 13 years. Subsequent releases were aged for roughly the same number of years, and the 7th Batch, released at the end of November 2023, was even 15 years old. We then had to wait a year and a half – it seemed as though the series had come to an end – before the 8th Batch arrived, but it was only 8 years old. This one, the latest release, is even younger, at just 7 years old. It was released in July, with 9,000 bottles spreading across the market. The recipe remains the same, Oloroso sherry casks, mainly first-fill, and triple distillation, but with a much shorter maturation period. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Caramel cake, chocolate fondant. Molasses, toffee, dates, redcurrants, prunes, Muscat grapes, bark macerated in wine, cherries in brandy, spongy leather, acacia honey, hazelnuts, brown sugar. Very fruity on the palate, raspberry, pomegranate, blueberries, quite oily, a hint of tobacco, pepper and clove. A fairly long finish, fig and raisins, earth and a slightly overpowering note of nutmeg, coffee grounds. The oak is very prominent, with a touch of bitterness. Peach stone, pipe tobacco. Very slight salinity.

 

In Short, 

The whisky’s youth isn’t particularly noticeable, but the sherry is intense. This gives it a lovely nose and a very pleasant palate, and the finish is good, but the whisky was on the verge of becoming too oaky. Perhaps that’s why it was bottled so young? Unless it was due to a shortage of stock, which would be the most reasonable explanation. In any case, there is complexity, but I’m not entirely satisfied with this one, there are some flaws. What’s more, the price is high for a 7-year-old, but then again, it’s a Springbank, so everyone buys it regardless of the price. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    VHU - Estrella de la Mañana

Glen Ord 2012 100 Proof Edition #46 12 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Glen Ord - Highlands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one was released over a year ago, but I only managed to get hold of a sample recently. Perhaps that was a mistake, as I know just how unfairly overlooked this distillery is, and the rare 100 Proof bottlings aged in bourbon casks are often interesting. All the more so as this one is 12 years old, which is not that bad.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A lovely lemony freshness, with a slight acidity. Subtle bursts of iodine, skilfully distilled. Brioche, lamb’s lettuce salad, a drizzle of creamy vanilla. Oily grains, lime blossom honey, a whisper of chlorophyll. Fairly subtle floral notes. The oily character is repeated on the palate, but the influence of the wood is also evident, bark, splinters, a few very ripe plums, fairly robust spices, herbaceous touches. It is quite mellow. Candied lemon on the finish, quite long, almost pastry-like, liquorice and cola, hazelnuts, macerated apples. The oaky notes linger nonetheless. Crushed pepper.

 

In Short, 

As expected, it’s a lovely, fruity whisky, smooth and oily, with a welcome hint of grain. Fans of this style would do well to give it a try. All the more so as the price is very reasonable, just like the rest of the range.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Marissa Nadler - Drive

Ben Nevis 2019 100 Proof Edition #75 7 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

There are no fewer than eight Ben Nevis bottlings in the 100 Proof range, launched in early 2024, and this is only the fourth one I’ve tried. This one has a distinctive feature found only on 100 Proof #1 and #17: it is heavily peated. The peat isn’t all that heavy, I’d estimate it at around 30 ppm, but for a Highland whisky, that’s already impressive. However, like many 100 Proof bottlings, and all the Ben Nevis whiskies in this range, it’s matured in sherry casks, in this case second-fill Oloroso sherry butts. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Lovely forestry and fruity fragrances, dates, figs, berries, ferns, but the peat quickly takes over and dominates everything. It is thick, grassy, with a hint of earth, wet dog. It then balances out, forest glade and bark, it becomes rocky, but rather vegetal overall. A zest of lemon. The palate is quite oily, walnut oil, it’s mellow, sweet, treacle, runny honey, beaten eggs, a wooden touch, subtle spices, white pepper. The finish develops slowly, eventually becoming powerful. Bark, vines, hot chestnuts, cork oak, traces of charcoal and liquorice, warm caramel.

 

In Short, 

This is certainly the first time I’ve found the peat to be too strong, to the point where it masks the rest of the profile somewhat. But that’s the case here, it results in a Ben Nevis full of character, but one that lacks complexity, particularly on the nose. That said, the finish is really well executed, and it’s pleasant on the palate, so I’m giving it a good mark. The price is very low, as is always the case with this range. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                 To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                   Katia Pojidaeva - Inherited Scars

Octomore 2012 Single Cask 2nd Fill Monbazillac Cask 11 yo

 

 

 

60,4°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

2d Fill Monbazillac Cask

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 156 ppm

 

 

 

Since last year, a series of Octomore Single Cask releases has been flooding the markets, and each one is reserved for a specific country. Germany has already had two, whilst France has yet to receive any. There are releases for Japan, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, one for Global Travel Retail, and one for the distillery’s Visitor Centre on Islay. This one appears to be the very first to be released, launched in Germany in April 2025. It has been matured for 11 years in a second-fill Monbazillac cask, a sweet white wine from the south of France. 294 bottles are being released. I don’t usually label Octomore releases as ‘Cask Strength’ anymore, as the distillery’s Brand Ambassador told me that Octomore whiskies are always slightly diluted. But this one does indeed appear to be Cask Strength – all the websites specify this – and such a high alcohol content after 11 years is truly remarkable. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The wine influence is intense, candied white grapes, pineapple, cinnamon, caramelised apricots, Frécinette bananas, treacle. The peat is subtle for an Octomore, smoke rich in iodine and limestone, perfectly balanced. After a while, it becomes rich and pastry-like, yet still iodine-tinged, egg custard and royal jelly. Intense woodiness, as if torched. Warm wax, semi-salted butter, crème brûlée. Very light acidity, lemon Turkish delight. Then intense maritime notes, the tide, kelp, sea foam, fish scales. On the palate, it is pulpy, viscous, very mirabelle plums, very egg yolk, an abundance of spices, soaking syrup, vanilla extract, almonds and lychees, a hint of clove, aged pipe tobacco. An incredibly smooth and long finish, creamy and sandy, mountain honey, macerated dates, fresh figs, pressed apples. Drop of charcoal, brown sugar. Chinese nougat, hot sweetcorn, churned butter.

 

In Short, 

I’m putting this straight onto my list of favourite Octomores, after the 04.2, the 08.3 and the 10-year-old Third Edition, but before the Friends of Bruichladdich (a quick thought for Derek Mather 😢). So, with this one, here are my top five favourite Octomores! This one’s palate is just a tiny bit below the top three, which are sublime. But it’s an exceptional Octomore, with a nose that’s constantly changing, shifting between the sweet, fruity influence of the cask, intense peat and maritime notes. The finish is magnificent too, the alcohol is incredibly well integrated, and it unfolds through multiple layers, it’s very long. The price, on the other hand, isn’t magnificent at all, especially now that it’s sold out almost everywhere. It’s far too much. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Sleep Dealer - A Storm Was Gathering

Springbank 12 yo Cask Strength Batch 24

 

 

 

54,1°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

60% Bourbon and 40% Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

It was only three years ago, and already five batches have come and gone. Since the distillery resumed releasing two batches a year, time has flown by. Where will it all end? This one is a blend of 60% Bourbon casks and 40% Sherry casks. This will ensure a good balance between the two, as the Sherry is more expressive than the Bourbon. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

I find the smokiness quite pronounced, yet at the same time it’s unctuous, figs and Reine-Claude plum jam, a few raspberries, floor wax, heather honey. But there are also some charcoal and soot, albeit in small quantities. Underlying this are sweet, indulgent notes, pastry cream, vanilla macarons, a pinch of icing sugar. On the palate, it’s less complex but very good, almonds, lychees, candied pear, white grapes, and well-balanced spices. The finish is long, mellow and just the right amount of powerful, resin, dates, cola, dried apricots, a very slight woody bitterness, hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

I was surprised to find a more pronounced peatiness than usual, along with some coal notes, but that might be because I’d had a Bowmore just before, even though I’d rinsed my glass. I’ll have to try it again sometime to be sure of what I tasted. In any case, it’s absolutely delicious, very smooth right from the nose, delicate on the palate and with a very long finish, without being quite explosive. It’s a really fine piece of work, making you wonder how they do it. As for the price, however, it’s well above what one might have hoped for, but that’s not their fault. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Gurriers - Top of the Bill

Laphroaig 11 yo Living Souls

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Living Souls 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

As I’ve really enjoyed it so far, I’m continuing to explore the Living Souls range, and I must say I’m delighted every time. Here we have a relatively young Laphroaig, matured in a blend of refill bourbon casks that bring out the best in the spirit. I’d have liked to know how many bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A bewitching smokiness and a few mineral hints, which barely mask the white grape pulp, liquid honey, lumps of charcoal, gravel, a subtle medicinal note. Candied banana, vanilla icing, heavy peat, a pinch of icing sugar. Ointment. On the palate too, the fruit is more pronounced, it’s sweet, buttered toast, lychees, almond paste, then the spices emerge, quite strongly, cumin, clove, black pepper. Quite oily overall. A very long finish, but not overly aggressive, royal jelly, puddles of petrol, prickly pears, dried tobacco, rustic wood, the peat resurfacing, liquorice, an ounce of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

This is the classic Laphroaig profile, with just the right amount of minerality, coastal character, medicinal and oily notes. But above all, there’s plenty of fruit, and the balance is beautifully maintained. Everything works very well together, and the price is really good value. If I were you, I’d hurry up and buy it. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    Dead Serpent - Destruction

Laphroaig 2013 The Single Malts of Scotland 9 yo c. 190

 

 

 

61,4°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers often release Laphroaigs of this sort, where the distillate is showcased in all its youthful vigour. This whisky is just 9 years and 11 days old and was drawn from a single hogshead that has allowed it to flourish. 332 bottles have seen the light of day. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Vanilla cream, traces of chalk, ointment and powdered almonds. Grey smoke from dust, floor wax, toasted cereals, goose fat, hints of petrol, methylated spirits. Medicinal notes in the background. On the palate, it’s a little simple but pleasant, juicy pears, cloves, white fruits, more vanilla, then cumin, horseradish. The finish is slightly better, and even long, deep, oily, coconut extract, chocolatey charcoal, dried bananas, velvety figs. Exotic wood and heather honey.

 

In Short, 

This one hasn’t quite managed to avoid a few flaws. On the nose, it’s unbalanced, with too much creamy vanilla, and the alcohol is very noticeable. On the palate, it’s a bit light, but pleasant. Fortunately, the finish saves the day somewhat, as it’s very good. Overall, I’d say it has a friendly profile with character despite its flaws, but one expects better from a product in this range. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend buying it, there are plenty of better-made Laphroaigs, and often cheaper too. 

Score : 87 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                Bonnie Tyler - It's a Heartache