Bunnahabhain 2018 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 6 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Heavily Peated 

 

 

 

This heavily peated Bunnahabhain is a welcome addition to the new Small Batch collection launched last year by Elixir Distillers. Matured in five refill hogsheads, it has the vigour and spirit of youth, but at the same time is not overly powerful as the alcohol content remains relatively low. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose seems perfect to me, lace-like limestone and freshly refined Guérande salt, sea breeze, seaweed, kelp, shellfish, all with a beautifully measured peatiness. Oysters and sweet white wine, yellow plums, lime, crystallised vanilla, a slight medicinal touch, ether. On the palate, it is somewhat oily, lemon, sea salt and ash, some spices, cloves and black pepper. Liquid honey. The finish is quite long, pleasant, mineral, salty, medicinal, chalky, nougat, coffee, light wood, wood-fired chestnuts.  

 

In Short, 

Considering its young age, this is a very pleasant surprise. The nose is particularly well crafted, with coastal and medicinal notes, very present peat that is not too strong, and well-balanced mineral notes. On the palate, however, it is less interesting, but still good. The finish is long and powerful just as it should be. My only regret is that with a few more years and cask strength, it would have made an excellent whisky, undoubtedly one of the best peated Bunnahabhains. That said, the profile is unique, with very intense peat and coastal notes, but not too high an alcohol content. The price is really very low, so it's hard to resist buying it. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Endive - 10,000 Dead Roses

A Speyside Distillery 2009 The Single Malts of Scotland 15 yo

 

 

 

57,5°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This 15-year-old, which yielded 657 bottles, may actually be a Macallan. The employee who served me the glass informed me of this. And it fits the profile, ageing in an Oloroso Sherry Butt, name undisclosed, as with all independently bottled Macallans. However, the engraving on the label depicts another distillery, known as Speyside Distillery, which was operational between 1990 and 2025. More precisely, it closed on 1 May 2025, and the cask in question was opened on 28 April of the same year, which is a curious coincidence. It is impossible to decide between the two hypotheses, but in any case it is definitely a Sherry, aged 15 years, 5 months and 26 days, ready to be enjoyed.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Squares of dark chocolate and fudge that melt in your mouth. Orange marmalade, dried apricots, red fruit coulis, blueberry tart. Dates, figs, sultanas, pecans. A generous pinch of cinnamon, noble and elegant woodiness, cherries in brandy, dark tobacco leaves, cigar box. On the palate, it is velvety, woody, onctuous, blood orange pulp, dried fruit, varied and powerful spices, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg. Prickly pear and wild strawberry, forest honey, molasses, cocoa powder. Long and powerful finish, coffee beans, wood wax, roasted nuts, subtle cereal notes, dry earth, barley sugar. 

 

In Short, 

It's a hell of a sherry, very intense, voluptuous and deep, which fits Macallan's profile. That said, it's still very woody, and the fruit is really very fermented. But there's no sulphur or other flaws. If it's confirmed that it's a Macallan, then it's a very good deal, because the price is really low. So low that I doubt it is actually a Macallan. It's up to you to decide, but there isn't much left, so you'll have to be quick. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Donna Hourigan & The Lucky Lips Band - Crash & Burn

Miltonduff 2007 The Single Malts of Scotland 17 yo

 

 

 

59,6°

Distillery : Miltonduff - Speyside

Refill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Among the recent additions to this prestigious collection, this Miltonduff is appealing due to its advanced age, 17 years, five months and 1 days, and its maturation, which could give it a fruity flavour without being overpowering. We have 625 bottles available. The high alcohol content suggests that this is a cask strength whisky, although this is not always the case with Elixir Distillers.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is a little light, citrus notes with floral touches, thick caramel, pine honey, vanilla, spring breeze in the heart of the forest, walnuts and hazelnuts, dates and almonds, melted butter, barley sugar, nougat. On the palate, it is oily, rather like olive oil, with dried fruit, dates, raisins, apricots. Woody notes, prominent spices, and a slice of lemon. The finish is quite long but not particularly powerful, crushed nuts, shortbread biscuits, tanned leather, slightly burnt caramel. A hint of bitterness at the very end. 

 

In Short, 

It lacks expressiveness for my taste, the nose is too light, and the finish lacks power. The casks must have been refilled once too often. It's good, but not intense enough, not deep enough. It's rare for this brand to leave me unsatisfied, but in this case it has. I should taste it again, though, as I may have missed something. That said, the price is generous, so enthusiasts can always give it a try, you never know. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Coals - RAVE03'

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland 11 yo c. 210

 

 

 

65,2°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has made a big splash this year with a series of six Laphroaig whiskies, all distilled in 2014 and released at the same time, all aged for 11 years, and all but one matured in the same type of cask, a Refill Hogshead. One was selected by La Maison du Whisky and is reserved for the French market. I wrote about it here. Another is reserved for the German market, and yet another for the New Zealand market. This one is reserved for everyone, and it has the distinction of having a very high alcohol content. 326 bottles have been released into the wild, and some are still available at the time of writing.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and very chalky nose, thick satiny vanilla smoke, almost suffocating, then perfect balance, orange zest, juicy pears, almond paste. Some maritime notes, the tide, whelks and other shellfish. Generous dose of iodine, medicinal touch, bandages and betadine. Very smooth on the palate at first, vanilla with a little oyster juice, liquid honey, fairly strong pepper. Fairly long and very powerful finish, cumin and cola, large pieces of charcoal, sticky caramel, varnished wood, hot chestnuts, dried bananas. 

 

In Short, 

It is truly a masterpiece of its kind. It has the power and everything that characterises the distillery, and at the same time a beautiful harmony, a wonderful balance at times. The nose is not perfect, but on the palate and in the finish, it is excellent. The alcohol is fairly well integrated, there are no real flaws. What's more, the price is very reasonable, it's a real bargain. What more could you ask for?

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Winona Riders - Dopamina

Blair Athol 2016 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks Collection Foundations 8 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is undoubtedly the last representative of the Reserve Casks sub-range launched in 2019, which totals nearly 60 bottlings. It is a blend of two Sherry Butts, which has been aged for 8 years. 1,600 bottles have been filled and are available exclusively on the French market, as La Maison du Whisky has selected it to be part of the Collection Foundations. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Onctuous sherry, dried bananas, heavy caramel, cherries in brandy, waxed parquet flooring, old beams, pudding studded with raisins, hazelnut cream, honeyed notes. Forest character, with blueberries and wild berries, slightly candied. On the palate, fermented fruit, black pepper, cooked figs, dark chocolate, wax polish, old apple and cinnamon. Fairly long finish, cola, a few cereal stalks, almond paste, candied cherries, angelica, a touch of liquorice and dark tobacco. Nutmeg. Fine earth. 

 

In Short, 

It's really well made. Sherry has something enchanting and bewitching about it, which makes this one very pleasant. Given its age, it lacks a little body and length on the palate, but it has beautiful fruity intensity, character and indulgence. What's more, the price was quite reasonable, but now it's no longer really available. Fortunately, I've got mine. 

Score : 87  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sion - Just You and Me

Caol Ila 2013 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 12 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Refill Rum Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm 

 

 

 

Among the first batch of the Small Batch sub-range is this Caol Ila, which has spent 12 years in four refill rum barrels. To be honest, I'm not a fan of rum barrel ageing, but these are refill ones, and I trust the team at Elixir Distillers. What's more, it has been selected by La Maison du Whisky for an exclusive sale in France. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Thick smoke, but as if frozen in icing sugar, roasted pineapple, lime slices, almond paste, juicy white grapes, persimmons, mirabelle plums. Honey and varnished wood, traces of tar, iodine and limestone, coarse sea salt and oysters. Beautiful fullness. On the palate, candied vanilla, treacle, brown sugar, rose Turkish delight, slightly subdued spices, grey pepper, fragments of dried peat, a touch of exotic fruit. A suitably long finish, full of salt and soot, green seaweed, salted butter caramel, blond tobacco, crushed hazelnuts, the warmth of a grog.

 

In Short, 

I must say that the tropical notes of rum blend very well with the distillery's maritime profile. It is full of exotic fruits, cane sugar, barley sugar, and peat emerges at times from behind. The smoke is like a veil that must be overcome to experience all the flavours. Unfortunately, the price is a little high, but it is still very enjoyable.   

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ebon Veil - The House on Gallows Hill

Macduff 2011 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 12 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Macduff - Highlands

Refill Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

For a launch worthy of the new Small Batch sub-range, which replaces Reserve Casks, the gentlemen at Elixir Distillers had a few surprises up their sleeves. This Macduff, for example, was bottled in 2024, but only went on sale in October 2025. It is a blend of four refill sherry butts, which gives it a slightly fruity flavour. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Attractive woody character on the nose, with hints of hazelnuts and chestnut cream. But it is also airy, with fruity and farmyard notes. Cut hay, raisins, apricots, chocolate fondant, caramelised orange peel. On the palate, creamy honey, peach purée, light caramel, a few blueberries. Mild spices, almond paste, cinnamon and nutmeg. Fairly long, robust finish, fig biscuits, Muscat grapes, freshly ground black pepper, oak bark. A coffee bean in retro-olfaction. Dried grass.

 

In Short, 

This is a distillery that always has its own character and personality. Here, I appreciated how the distillate is enhanced by the Refill Butts, whose influence is subtle. It makes for a very nice daily dram, albeit at a fairly high price. I suggest waiting for a promotion. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Princess Chelsea - Time

Linkwood 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 11 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

Refill Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

To launch this new sub-range called Small Batch, which is simply a new name for the defunct Reserve Casks, you need some interesting products. Such as this nonetheless 11-year-old Linkwood, a blend of four refill hogsheads, which could only allow the distillate to flourish. No indication of the number of bottles produced.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

It is fresh and herbaceous, reeds and dandelion, but very quickly becomes mellow and thick fudge, ripe fruit, slices of white peaches overflowing with juice, nectarines, various citrus fruits, kumquats, slightly wilted petals, wood splinters. On the palate, it is creamy, even honeyed, grapes, pears, apricots, some cereals, muesli, restrained spices. The finish is reasonably long, full of crunchy biscuits, dried fruit, young beams, candied vanilla, cake batter, milk chocolate, well-opened figs. 

 

In Short, 

It's very fruity, but not quite as overwhelmingly so as is sometimes the case with this distillery. As a solace, there are woody notes, cereals, some vegetal notes, it's very varied and balanced. A very fine bottling, and what's more, the price is really low, making it hard to resist buying. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Jockstrap - Concrete Over Water

Elements of Islay Campfire Feis Ile 2025

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

PX and Oloroso Sherry Butts, 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, Charred and Toasted New Oak Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 39 ppm

 

 

 

Since 2023, Elements of Islay has been producing a series called the Fire Trilogy, starting with Beach Bonfire in 2023, followed by Fireside the following year, and finally Campfire in 2025, released in time for Feis Ile. For the first two, there was a cask strength version and a reduced version, but for this one, there seems to be only the reduced version. Three distilleries are involved, from the north and south coasts of Islay. I'm betting on Caol Ila, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain. But I can't say for sure. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Quite intense and complex sherry, various red fruits, grilled meat with caramel sauce, melting chocolate, raspberry coulis, cranberry jam, chimney soot, very solid peat, charcoal, small fried mushrooms. On the palate, a certain creaminess, melting marshmallow, blackberry purée, wild strawberries, thick layer of peat and lively but not overly strong spices, ginger, cloves, nutmeg. Apple and cinnamon crumble. Long, fairly powerful finish, liquorice, wet wood, roasted hazelnuts, merguez sausage.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, not bad at all, and even complex and intense. It's a good blend of peat and sherry that will please any fan of this profile. The only concern is that it's as expensive as Uigeadail, which is still better. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Madam - To The Moon

Elements of Islay Sherry Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay 

1st Fill, Refill Sherry Butts and Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

The third member of the Core Range at Elements of Islay is this Sherry Cask. It has been aged entirely in a variety of sherry casks and is a blend from two distilleries, one located on the south coast (rumoured to be Laphroaig) and the other on the north coast (certainly Caol Ila). To be more precise, it is said to be 65% Caol Ila and the rest Laphroaig.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry, coastal and airy, even mineral, with just the right amount of peat coated in caramel and encrusted with charcoal, soot and fuel oil. Dark chocolate, brown tobacco, cigar ash. Apple compote, candied ginger, mint leaves. A hint of sea spray, limestone and seaweed. On the palate, it is unctuous, blood oranges, maple syrup, dried apricots and candied fruit, dates, quinces, burnt caramel, soft toffee, cloves and nutmeg. Lemon cake. Autumn leaves. The finish is quite long and powerful, biscuits dipped in tea, brown sugar, cinnamon, saffron, crème brûlée, cocoa powder. Roots, spread with molasses, and a very slight medicinal touch. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry is not too overpowering, you can feel the character of Islay, the maritime notes and a solid peat, although not very strong. That said, there is quite a lot of fruit, the nose is a little shy at first, then the palate is very rich, and the finish is enchanting. This makes for a beautiful bottling, complex and measured, seductive and easy to drink. Worth trying for fans of peat and sherry, but Uigeadail is the same price.  

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tolstoys - Mad

Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, when the Elements of Islay range was revamped, this stuff appeared. I imagine it more or less replaces Peat Full Proof, which disappeared at the same time. You might think it's the same as Cask Edit, with a higher alcohol content, but that's not the case. Cask Edit is a blend of Bourbon and Sherry Casks, while Bourbon Cask has been matured entirely in Bourbon Casks of various types. As with Cask Edit, rumour has it that the two distilleries involved are Caol Ila (65% of the product) and Laphroaig (35% of the product). It is written on the box that there is one distillery from the south coast of Islay and another from the north, or several others. Some say that a third distillery is involved, but nothing is certain.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, airy and coastal Bourbon, with sea spray and tide, seaweed and kelp, mineral notes, a good hint of coarse salt and iodine. Behind that, vanilla honey, caramel and lemon, cake icing, brioche. Thick peat, of course, soot and tar, fuel oil and diesel. On the palate, it is smoother, slightly oily, green apples and citrus fruits, herbaceous peat, bandages, lively spices, cloves, cumin and black pepper. The finish is quite long and robust, shortbread biscuits, pebbles, sand, mud, rustic wood and salty peat. A mint leaf. 

 

In Short, 

To be honest, it's very similar to the Cask Edit, which I tasted just before. It's just more intense on the finish, and more marked by the Bourbon casks. I don't see what's really better than Cask Edit, except for the finish. On the contrary, the absence of sherry casks means there is less complexity and balance. The price is reasonable, even low, but I'm not thrilled with the product, so I don't know if I would recommend buying it. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ophelia Malory - Misunderstood

Elements of Islay Cask Edit

 

 

 

46°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

Refill Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, the Elements of Islay range changed. No more Single Malts, which is a shame, as these little bottles with code names had a certain charm. And the Core Range is changing its name, and probably its recipe too. The Entry Level becomes Cask Edit, that's probably less scary than Peat, which was the old name. Rumour has it that this Blended Malt is a blend of Caol Ila and Laphroaig, which wouldn't surprise me at all. It's reduced, which makes it more drinkable, and there's no chill filtration or colouring. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fairly dry smoke, earthy, white lime, sea spray, tide, foam, seaweed. But it is very lemony, with a good pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla. Mineral notes, pencil lead, a touch of soot. A drop of caramel and chocolate, piles of still-smoky ashes. On the palate, it is a bit sweeter, grape pulp, green apple, honey and resin. Spices are present but not too strong, black pepper, cumin. Fairly long finish, relatively calm, chimney fire, braised bacon, perhaps a medicinal touch, peppermint. 

 

In Short, 

Of course, it's just a small blend with a reasonable alcohol content, but it's nice. It's exactly what you'd expect, no more, no less: a good dose of peat and character, without complexity or excessive strength. The kind of thing that goes down quickly and easily. The price is often quite low, offering good value for money. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Mars Red Sky - Strong Reflection

An Islay Distillery 19 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Witches Series First Witch

 

 

 

51,7°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Seventeen bottlings have already been released, from 17 different distilleries, to illustrate the first 17 characters in the tragedy of Macbeth. That leaves 25 out of the 42 planned. And among the expressions in Act I, I hadn't had the opportunity to taste this 19-year-old from the island of Islay, which is in fact an Ardbeg. Ageing in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts should give it a fruity flavour. 1,800 bottles have flooded the shops.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Immediately, the typical Ardbeg heavy smoke, thick and charred, but also slightly sweet. Sharpening leather, fig cream, raisins, blood oranges, dark tobacco, and all kinds of candied fruit. Behind this, a touch of iodine and seaweed. On the palate, it is very intense, with oranges mingling with smoked bacon, blackberry jam sprinkled with cinnamon, dark chocolate, mocha, characterful spices. The finish is endless, powerful, chestnut cream, delicately bitter chocolate, damp black earth.

 

In Short, 

This is a truly memorable, even exceptional Ardbeg. The sherry is perfectly balanced and the peat is very intense without being overpowering. It's just perfect. Ardbeg has always been successful with its sherry cask maturation, and this one is no exception. That said, Ruben claims that it is a two-year finish, not a full maturation, but he is the only one to say so. In any case, it's a killer, sold at a completely crazy price.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           New Model Army - Vagabonds

Glentauchers 27 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Thanes Series Lennox

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Glentauchers - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The exploration continues within the Macbeth Collection, a bold project launched by Rare Livingstone and Elixir Distillers, which consists of releasing an original whisky for each character in Shakespeare's masterpiece. So far, 17 expressions have been released, out of a planned total of 42. Here, a 27-year-old Glentauchers illustrates the character of Lennox. It has been aged in refill bourbon barrels and has yielded 300 bottles. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nose full of creamy vanilla and orchard fruits. Golden Smith apples, Williams pears, peaches of all colours, nectarines, yellow plums, bananas. Some citrus fruits too, floral fragrances, varnished wood, beeswax. Cut hay, damp grass. On the palate, it is smooth and even fruitier, if possible, pineapple, papaya, mirabelle plums, coconut, crème brûlée, caramel and cereals mixed with honey. Dancing spices. The finish is elegantly woody, satiny, slightly smoky berries, dried fruit, walnuts and hazelnuts, candied ginger.

 

In Short, 

It's quite rare to find a Glentauchers of this age, and one aged in Bourbon Barrels at that. It has a lovely character typical of Speyside, with rich, pulpy fruit, sometimes candied, and beautiful floral fragrances. I would have liked a few mineral notes in addition, but it is already very good as it is. The price is of course too high for this humble servant, but it is well worth a few sacrifices. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Boo Radleys - From the Bench at Belvidere

Highland Park 18 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Thanes Series Young Siward

 

 

 

50,8°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Still part of the Macbeth collection, whose somewhat crazy ambition is to offer a specific bottling for each character in the famous tragedy, this Highland Park illustrates the character of the young Siward. However, the whisky is not young, it is 18 years old, which is not bad, and has been aged in Refill Hogsheads, which will allow the distillate to reach its full potential. 650 bottles have been released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Light heather on rocky ground, bushes, dry earth, and honey. Of course, there is a subtle hint of peat, but above all a mellow vanilla, with ripe plums, banana, and a generous zest of lemon. Iodine adds depth, traces of saltiness. On the palate, the honey is thicker, accompanied by fruit and nuts, dried herbs, malted cereals, candied ginger and a touch of aniseed, or peppermint. Long and powerful finish, melt-in-the-mouth biscuits filled with honey, limestone and peat, cut hay, various spices. 

 

In Short, 

A very typical Highland Park, but gentler than usual, with lots of fruit and honey, subtle peat and mild mineral notes. It's always very pleasant to drink, this is a distillery I'm very fond of. Apart from its exuberant fruitiness, there's nothing particularly special about this one. It's a shame the price is so high, otherwise I might have bought a bottle. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Lunariae - The Doll's Dream

Benrinnes 12 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Household Series Soldier

 

 

 

53,5°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

2d Fill Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

More news about this crazy venture undertaken by Livingston and Elixir Distillers, which is to release an original bottling for each character in the tragedy of Macbeth. Here we have a 12-year-old Benrinnes, matured in Refill Sherry Butts, which yielded a total of 2,400 bottles.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is very creamy and mellow, with egg custard, pastry cream, raisins, runny caramel, dates, beeswax, melted butter, mandarin orange, and a few subtle red berries. Overall, beautiful balance. On the palate, it offers melt-in-the-mouth toffee, apple compote, ripe mirabelle plums, soy sauce and, once again, a hint of red berries. The spices are subtle but add complexity, with cinnamon, rosemary and pepper. The finish is woody, long and quite powerful, caramel, treacle, milk chocolate, dried meat, redcurrants. A few cereals. 

 

In Short, 

It's a lovely little bottling, with sherry enhancing the character and identity of the distillery, and the fairly high alcohol content adding power. Typical of Benrinnes, it has a rounded, mellow flavour. The price seems fair to me, and fans of this profile should take an interest. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Bjorn Winther - The Ghost

Port Askaig 2008 Collection Itinéraires 16 yo

 

 

 

54,2°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Port Askaig range was launched by Elixir Distillers, then known as Speciality Drinks, in 2009. The aim was to pay tribute to Islay whisky, and more specifically to Caol Ila, as most Port Askaig whiskies actually come from this distillery. I'm not entirely sure if this is the case here, but the profile matches, and La Maison du Whisky website is quite explicit on this point. This bottling was selected to be part of the Collection Itinéraires launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025. 280 bottles were put on sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

There are fruits in there, pear, quince, and even almond, but there is also everything that makes Islay what it is: fuel oil, diesel and coal, sea foam, coarse sea salt and sea spray, grassy peat, mineral notes, chalk, quartz, limestone, powerful and captivating smoke. There is also a good dose of lemon and vanilla. On the palate, it's more like clafoutis, fruit cooked with eggs, a thick layer of peat and dry herbs, a slight medicinal touch, powerful spices, pepper and cumin. Long and violent finish, digging deep into the earth, shortbread biscuits, candied fruit, seaweed and kelp, cold ashes, thyme and rosemary. 

 

In Short, 

For me, it's a classic Islay, certainly a Caol Ila, with everything you need to enjoy it, and some pleasant fruity notes. Perhaps there were a few staves from a sherry cask in the Refill Hogshead. That said, it's also possible that it's a Lagavulin, I could be wrong. In any case, if you like this profile, you'll have a good time tasting this stuff. Only the price is a little off-putting. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sun Descends Alone - Once

Laphroaig 2015 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 10 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has discontinued its Reserve Casks sub-range, replacing it with this new series, Small Batch. Among the first releases, this Laphroaig immediately caught the public's attention. Although reduced to 48% ABV, it is nevertheless the result of a blend of three refill hogsheads, and ten years is a respectable age.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft nose, almost fluffy, cotton, cotton candy, coconut, light and seductive smoke. Shortcrust pastry with a dash of vanilla, clouds of citrus, but gradually the peat rises. It becomes dirtier, with balsamic rock, gypsum, sea spray and ether. But the balance is maintained, nougat, brown sugar, the smoke becomes grimy, carrying nuggets of coal and soot. Chocolate lace, marzipan. On the palate, barley sugar, icing sugar, more coconut, vanilla ice cream, rose Turkish delight, lilac, cat's tongue biscuits, light mineral notes, then fairly strong spices, cumin and cloves. A fairly long finish with good body, tobacco, liquorice, fresh fig, a hint of aniseed, shortbread biscuits and hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

The Laphroaig profile is very recognisable, yet at the same time it is smooth and subtle. The iodine notes and medicinal touch are definitely there, but they are balanced with white fruits and a pleasant sweetness. It is a rather old-school Laphroaig, nothing like the full-bodied, aggressive Laphroaigs that are sometimes found today. I find it simply excellent. For me, it's the perfect daily dram, perhaps even a little too good for that. What's more, the price is very reasonable, so you should snap it up. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Pirx - Silence in Two

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Collection Itinéraires 11 yo

 

 

 

57,5°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

There are four 11-year-old Laphroaigs distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 by Elixir Distillers, so it is important not to confuse them. Two are produced in tribute to whisky retail websites, Whisky Galore and Fassstark.de, one is available for general sale, and this one is reserved for the French market through the Collection Itinéraires, created by La Maison du Whisky for the Whisky Live Paris 2025. Only 359 bottles are available for sale, after 11 years and 2 months of ageing. Maturation in Refill Hogshead casks guarantees a pure distillate.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Fuel oil and iodine, limestone and chalk, medicinal notes, earthy and muddy peat, but not too strong, reeds, chives, peppermint. A generous zest of lemon, a few mirabelle plums and a floral note, crystalline vanilla, jasmine and rose Turkish delight. Tobacco leaves, coffee beans. On the palate, it is supple, lychee juice, slivered almonds, on thick peat, modelling clay, coarse salt, soot, ashes and pungent spices, cloves, cumin, black pepper. The finish is long, dirty, explosive, tarry, full of coal, rocks and salt, but also oily, shortbread biscuits, grapefruit, dark chocolate and liquorice, sleet, pebbles. 

 

In Short, 

A truly representative Laphroaig, it has everything we love about this distillery, but with a certain finesse that softens its aggressiveness and makes it more subtle. Anyone who likes this profile will be delighted, but it's nothing brilliant either, as it's not particularly expressive on the palate. The nose and finish, on the other hand, are perfect. The price is reasonable, and now I wonder why I didn't buy it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Blackwater Holylight - Heavy, Why?

An Islay Distillery 1991 The Single Malts of Scotland A Marriage of Casks 30 yo

 

 

 

47,5°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay 

2 American Oak Refill Bourbon Barrels and 1 Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

It is with this A Marriage of Casks range that Elixir Distillers regularly brings us gems, such as this one, a blend of three casks from a secret distillery, which resulted in 1,241 bottles. The demonstrator whispered to me that the distillery of origin was Laphroaig, but I have read here and there that it was actually Lagavulin, so I don't know what to believe. In any case, one piece of information that seems certain is that the distillery in question was founded in the early 19th century, which leaves only three possible candidates on Islay.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Superbly calibrated peat with a delicate medicinal note, salt crystals, limestone and quartz accompany velvety, sometimes candied fruits such as greengages and mirabelle plums, or dried fruits such as dates, figs and bananas. A mellow woodiness is added to this, with a few tropical fruits in the background, sea breeze and sea spray. On the palate, it is dense and syrupy, with a generous dash of peat, dried pineapple, passion fruit, a hint of citrus zest and dust, a drop of fuel oil and tar. The finish is very long, with woody nuances taking centre stage, along with melting caramel, semi-salted butter, captivating smoke, charcoal pearls, dried herbs and old parchment.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent product, where age brings subtlety and depth without detracting from the vigour of the distillate. The sherry is discreet and gives strength to the fruit without imposing itself. To be honest, everything is perfect in this beautiful blend that leaves you dreaming. In my opinion, it's a Laphroaig – I don't see why the demonstrator would lie, after all – and the medicinal notes seem to me to correspond to this distillery that I adore. Unfortunately, the price is beyond my means, but I recognise that it is in line with market demands.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           VonLiebknecht - Licht