Whisky Bible (95)

Nose (23.5): Crunchy, crisp sugars capture the malt fresh and youthful as though in aspic.

Taste (24): Profoundly salivating. Like malt sets off fermentation, icing sugars sets off the barley-rich juiciness to the maximum level... and the mid-point? Hard to believe but here you hit malt max!

Finish (23.5): Not sure if it is possible to get better balance between oak and malt in a Highland whisky. Light mocha and liquorice. But a sub-strata of creamy Horlicks, too...

Balance (24): Principally has a firm glazed feel to this. But the intensity of the malt takes the breath away. Too beautiful.

One of the hottest commodities on the cask market over the past year is assuredly The Glenrothes. Stablemate to Macallan and Highland Park and under the masterful guidance of Gordon Motion who took the reins in 2009, there are few Speysiders which have the reputation for longevity and excellence as The Glenrothes. After a rapturous reception to our recent offering of the 2011s and a follow up of 2012, we are pleased that we can offer a last butt of 2013 to our customers as well.

Glenrothes is best known as a sherry-aged Speysider and this cask shows why that reputation is so justified; taking the best elements of the wood and developing into a thoroughly impressive malt. Having spent the last decade in first fill butts and taking on some remarkable characteristics as well as impressive depth of colour, they are nothing short of blue chip casks in the early days of their trajectory.

Stored at Glenrothes distillery since distillation, this has not been regauged hence the cask being listed with OLA details but a sample drawn has indicated excellent colour extraction and a recent regauge of the 2011 casks we purchased registered RLA 262.5 which is par for the course on a 1st fill Sherry butt and we would expect this to be regauged in the coming weeks between 262 and 285 RLA or thereabouts with an ABV in the low to mid 60s, indicating excellent longevity.

Wine Enthusiast (100)

James Suckling (100)

Colour: Fine, polished brass.

Aroma: Delicate and grassy with a bright orchard fruit profile, reminiscent at first of Speyside but developing a unique persimmon complexity.

Taste: Exceptional purity rivalled by few if any others. A fine salinity balanced by bright satsuma citrus notes makes for a sweet, ethereal palate.

Finish: For such a light, balanced whisky the finish is exceptionally long and complex. The persimmon on the nose comes back for an encore, taking a final bow with notes of ginger, allspice and bay.

Whisky Advocate (93)

The Holyrood Distillery is the first malt distillery to open in Edinburgh in nearly 100 years and its founding comes amidst a truly exciting time for the whisky industry in Scotland. With an innovative and ambitious spirit sweeping the country buttressed by steadily growing global demand for the world’s most famous distillate, Scotch whisky has been reinvigorated by new start-ups and micro distillers placing the ancestral homeland of whisky back at the forefront of this global industry.

Founded by Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, it is in many ways remarkable that Holyrood is the first malt distillery for so long to make a home in Edinburgh (Glenkinchie is well out of town in Pencaitland and North British is single grain only). The city has a long and proud history of brewing and distilling (legal and otherwise) and the city’s natural underground water supply is known through history as “the Charmed Circle” for its purity and abundance.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference being that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

The Holyrood Distillery is the first malt distillery to open in Edinburgh in nearly 100 years and its founding comes amidst a truly exciting time for the whisky industry in Scotland. With an innovative and ambitious spirit sweeping the country buttressed by steadily growing global demand for the world’s most famous distillate, Scotch whisky has been reinvigorated by new start-ups and micro distillers placing the ancestral homeland of whisky back at the forefront of this global industry.

Founded by Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, it is in many ways remarkable that Holyrood is the first malt distillery for so long to make a home in Edinburgh (Glenkinchie is well out of town in Pencaitland and North British is single grain only). The city has a long and proud history of brewing and distilling (legal and otherwise) and the city’s natural underground water supply is known through history as “the Charmed Circle” for its purity and abundance.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference being that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference is that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Dive into the world of opulence with the Invergordon Highland Single Grain Fighting Fish 26YO 1988. As a product of the revered Invergordon Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, this single grain whisky exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship. Its exceptional age of 26 years reveals pronounced depth and character, showcasing the skills of the master distiller. Released under the Fighting Fish brand, the whisky hails from 1988, a noteworthy year noted for creating spirits with superlative balance and complexity.

The bespoke grain used is a guarantee of Invergordon's commitment to high-quality raw materials. Its lingering finish is a delightful mélange of complex flavours, with notes of apricot, vanilla, and nuts perfectly paired with a hint of spice. Synonymous with fine whisky experiences, the Invergordon Highland Single Grain Fighting Fish 26YO 1988 is a must-have for true whisky connoisseurs seeking to savour a masterpiece of the distiller's art.

Derived from the celebrated Laphroaig distillery, the Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Old Particular 16YO 2000 is a distinguished whisky with a rich heritage. This 16YO variant encapsulates the distinctive peaty punch associated with Islay whiskies, imbued with an extraordinary depth and complexity from 16 years of careful maturation. Crafted in 2000, it has been meticulously matured in specially selected refill hogshead casks housed in the dank, salt-kissed warehouses of Islay. The result is an explosive mix of misty peat, maritime influence and rich vanilla, bound together by oak. Its warm, lingering finish, abundant with sweet peat reek and gentle smoke, makes it an unforgettable experience. Produced with minimally filtered, natural cask strength, this whisky retains its original character, and is testament to Laphroaig's commitment to authenticity. Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Old Particular 16YO 2000's wonderful balance of power and finesse truly cements its position amongst Islay's finest.

The Laphroaig Islay Single Malt 16 YO 1987 is a masterpiece from the legendary Laphroaig Distillery located on Scotland's hallowed Islay region. A rare gem among Scotch whiskies, crafted by experienced distillers using time-honoured methods, pristinely distilled in 1987. This spirit boasts a luscious peaty flavour, tastefully balanced with exquisite undertones of sweet sherry and ethos of the Scottish coastline.

The meticulous process begins with finest Scottish barley, peat smoked on site for that unique Laphroaig character. After 16 years of maturation in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting single malt whisky demonstrates a complex marriage of sweet, spicy and smoky notes. The finish lingers exquisitely, leaving imprints of caramelised nuts, dried fruits, and a tangible seaweed tang.

Every sip of the Laphroaig Islay Single Malt 16 YO 1987 is an encounter with true excellence, an invitation to indulge in a velvety smooth journey through Scotland's most premium distillery. Secure your bottle today and experience the harmony of meticulous craftsmanship and nature's bounty.

Experience the pinnacle of fine winemaking with the Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV. This exquisite selection, painstakingly crafted, represents a timeless compilation from two distinguished Port harvests. Foremost, the 1870 peace vintage, imbued with an unparalleled depth and complexity, fuses elegantly with the vibrant and spirited 1970 blend. Skillfully matured in a centuries-old cellar in Portugal, the wines express rich encapsulations of the Douro Valley's quintessential terroir. Internationally acclaimed wine creator, The Last Drop, champions this doubly remarkable release. They excel in their hunt for exceptional spirits and wines, consistently pushing boundaries by unearthing and bottling the world's most extraordinary and rarest beverages. The Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV signifies their ode to the artistry of winemaking, offering a rare pact between the old and the new, seducing connoisseurs and collectors alike.

The Linkwood Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 19YO 1997 is nothing short of a formidable drams masterfully distilled in Scotland's prestigious Linkwood Distillery. Infused with the historical charm of the Linkwood excellence, this 19-year-old single malt is a testament to time-honoured distillation techniques used since the distillery's establishment in 1821.

Distilled in 1997, this whisky boasts complex flavours profile developed during its nurturing in seasoned oak casks in the tranquil highlands, delivering an unparalleled depth of character. Evident in its fine gold hue are delectable flavours of luxuriant fruits and delicate vanilla intertwined with subtle hints of warming spices and smoke. The prolonged maturation process culminates in a remarkably mellow and slightly sweet finish, echoing the pristine environ of its origin.

An undeniable expression of traditional distillation savoir-faire, the Linkwood Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 19YO 1997, indeed dignifies its single malt distinction, assuring a remarkable gastronomic experience for every discerning whisky aficionado.

We are pleased to have secured a number of 2021s in a year when many distillers are severely cutting their allocations of casks to the market and it is a particular coup's barrels specially selected for us; bourbon-sized barrels previously used for top-grade Oloroso sherry giving a smaller surface area than ex-sherry hogsheads, butts or puncheons. Therefore the whisky will develop relatively quickly, rewarding the years more profoundly than lower-quality, lower-cost refill barrels.

Indulge in the exquisite taste of Littlemill Lowland Single Malt Distillery Collection Bottled 2004 NV, a distinct Scotch from the time-honoured Littlemill Distillery. Nestled in the tranquil Lowlands of Scotland, Littlemill Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, is renowned for its adherence to the traditional method of Scotch whisky production.

This single malt, distilled and bottled in 2004, astounds the palate with its complex layering of flavours. Its creation is marked by meticulously controlled fermentation, distillation, and maturation process that honours Scotland's artistry of whisky making. Expect an enchanting fusion of rich, honeyed fruits, floral notes, and subtle spices with a hint of toasted oak.

The Littlemill Lowland Single Malt Distillery Collection Bottled 2004 NV stands alone in its category, highlighting the heritage of Littlemill and the mastery of their production. Despite the distillery's closure, this spirit distinctly exemplifies the timeless quality of Scotch whisky.

The peat is fine-grained, much more clearly highland peat than Islay or Coastal as it foregoes the iodine and TCP or boat oil, more reminiscent of an autumn bonfire somewhere in the distance. The sherry brings in the classic Macallan profile to work in perfect balance with that unique peat-inflected edge. A true masterpiece of the bottler's art. Just 690 crystal decanters filled at 47%.

As a discerning connoisseur, the Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's NV is a sensory treat to your palate. Exquisitely created by the prestige Nikka Whisky Distilling Company, this exquisite malt embraces the artisanal mastery inherent to Nikka's second distillery, Miyagikyo. Located amidst the serene setting of Sendai's picturesque north, the malt mirrors its verdant surroundings, featuring hints of fruity sweetness and spice merged with a soft smoke. Harvested in the early 2000's, this revered spirit is a snapshot of the distillery's unique evolution over the years. Distilled meticulously with copper pot stills, savouring Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's is a journey through Nikka's sophisticated whisky making process. Rich, complex, yet smoothly balanced, each sip of this fine spirit unveils layers which evocatively depict Miyagikyo's inherent character. As a revered addition to any collection, Miyagikyo Single Malt 2000's NV is the epitome of Nikka's bold innovation and enduring legacy.

The Mortlach Speyside Single Malt Sherry Finish 21YO Bottled 2020 1999 is a perfect representation of the renowned quality of the Mortlach distillery in Scotland. Richly matured for 21 years in American oak barrels and creatively finished in Oloroso sherry casks, this Scotch elicits a remarkable aroma and distinct flavour profile.

Noteworthy is the warmth of its sherry finish, a result of the maturation in traditional oak casks. The full-bodied spirit reveals tantalising hints of dark chocolate, dry fruits, and spicy undertones, resulting in an unforgettable palate. Taken in conjunction with a long, smooth finish, the Mortlach Speyside Single Malt Sherry Finish 21YO Bottled 2020 1999 speaks volumes about the distillery's commitment to incomparable quality and artisanal craftsmanship.

This fine whisky confirms Mortlach’s reputation for producing robust, complex spirits, a delight to both discerning connoisseurs and curious seekers of fine whisky globally.

Wine Advocate (89)

Wine Spectator (90)

Greg Sherwood MW (97-99)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV, an exquisite whisky hailing from the esteemed Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan. This award-winning distillery, founded by the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, is famed for adhering to traditional methods, ensuring each barrel yields an utterly unique taste profile. The Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV is a perfect embodiment of this pursuit of excellence.

Characterised by its bold, peaty flavour entwined with soft, well-aged tones of autumn fruits; this bespoke single malt is a true testament to the intricate art of Japanese whisky-making. Pleasing to both nose and palate, it seduces with a delightful mix of sweetness and spice, leaving a lingering trail of smoke. Expertly crafted to emulate the same level of sophistication as its predecessors, the Nikka 2000s Yoichi Single Malt NV is the perfect addition to any discerning connoisseur's collection.

Whisky Base (92)

Let me introduce you to the Pocas Porto Vintage 1999. A true gem from the renowned Douro Valley in Portugal. This spectacular port is a product of Portugal's exceptional winemaking tradition by the family-owned Pocas company, esteemed for its indulgent vintages since 1918.

The secret behind the Pocas Porto Vintage 1999 lies in its harmonious blend of several indigenous grape varieties, including the highly regarded Tourigo Nacional. Following cutting-edge vinification procedures, this wine is aged for two years in oak vats, resulting in a strikingly rich, yet elegant finish.

The Pocas Porto Vintage 1999 reflects its exceptional vintage through deep, intense blackberry hues and red fruit complexity on the nose. The palate is profoundly engaging; full-bodied, exhibiting outstanding tannins, harmoniously balanced with a lusciously sweet, lingering finish. It is a timeless choice for those who appreciate the refined character, depth, and complexity a vintage port offers. Savour the sensory journey provided by Pocas Porto Vintage 1999.

From the storied vineyards of Douro Valley emanates the exemplary Pocas Porto Vintage 2011. This exquisite port created by the renowned Coopers of Pocas offers a unique experience of flavour, invoking the passionate mastery that goes into its creation. The exquisite grapes, handpicked from the steep terraced vineyards, encapsulate the wonders of the Portuguese terrain.

Each bottle of Pocas Porto Vintage 2011 undoubtedly personifies the vast tradition of winemaking at Pocas, traced back to 1918. Distinctly, this 2011 vintage yields a concentrated blend with an undeniably rich nose. Its vivid ruby hue conceals a palate bursting with mature dark fruits, supplemented by hints of exuberant spices and elegant mineral undertones. Beautifully balanced, it carries an impressive, lingering finish.

Rated highly by global wine publications, Pocas Porto Vintage 2011 is a sensory exploration. Elevate any wine collection with this stunning vintage port - a testament to the unwavering dedication of Pocas Winery to expert craftsmanship and quality.

Crafted from the unique terroir of Portugal's Douro Valley, the Pocas Porto Vintage 2016 is the epitome of luxury and finesse. Created by the expert hands at Pocas, a family-owned winery with more than a century of history, this fortified wine embodies their dedication to embracing innovation without forsaking tradition. Vinified from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, the grapes are meticulously hand-picked ensuring only the finest are selected for this exquisitely rich port.

The Pocas Porto Vintage 2016 has an alluring, youthful violet hue, hinting at the complexity within. On the nose, it unfolds with an intoxicating bouquet of black fruits, violets and dark chocolate. The palate is sumptuously full-bodied and dense, with a silky texture balanced by firm, structured tannins. A wine that truly showcases the distinctive character of exceptional years. Indulge in the opulent Pocas Porto Vintage 2016, a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for decades to come.

A ravishing testament to enduring quality, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky hailing from the revered producing region of Islay, Scotland. Initiated in the now silent Port Ellen Distillery, which has a rich history dating back to 1825, this distilled brilliance presents a captivating symphony of texture and flavour. Fashioned with utmost precision and age-old rigor, it offers the exclusive experience of savouring a spirit born from traditional methods.

In its composition, you'll find wholesome barley notes infused with enticing wafts of peat smoke, with a gentle seaside twist. As it cascades down the palate, undertones of dried fruit, leather, and a subtle salty tang reveal themselves. A legendary, limited-edition creation, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 pays a beautiful homage to its roots while offering whisky enthusiasts an impeccable sipping experience. Their stock is limited, making this a valuable seek-out for any refined connoisseur.