Gilbert & Gaillard (99)

Indulge your senses with the sublime Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 24YO 1990. Originating from the small market town of Oldmeldrum, Scotland, this single-malt scotch whisky is a product of centuries-old expertise by the Glen Garioch distillery - Scotland's most Easterly distillery. This 1990 vintage boasts an impressive age statement of 24 years; its maturation in oak casks lending it deep complexities and a rich, smooth character. Known for its taste profile that wonderfully balances sweet and spicy, it exudes notes of dark chocolate, winter spices, and dried fruit zest. The Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Fighting Fish 24YO 1990 is a sophisticated sip, reflecting the tradition and craftsmanship of Scotland's whisky making heritage. A splendid addition to any discerning whisky aficionado's collection, and a bewitching gift for the devotees of single malt.

Glen Ord Highland Single Malt Rare Malts Selection 23YO 1974, hailing from the Ord Distillery, is an illustrious addition to any liquor collection. A revered and historic distillery, the Ord Distillery nestles in the Northern Highlands of Scotland and is celebrated for its top-grade Scotch whiskies. This antique dram is a testament to the distillery's dedication and prowess, distilled meticulously in 1974 and bottled after 23 years of patient maturation. Resultant is a spirit that carries the mystique of its time and space, transcribed into an extraordinary tapestry of flavours. The whisky emanates a luscious yet delicate balance of fruity sweetness and lingering spiciness, underpinned by an air of smoky peatiness. It offers a full and substantial palate, redolent with honey, malt and oak, ending in an elegantly long finish. Savour a sip of Glen Ord Highland Single Malt Rare Malts Selection 23YO 1974 to cherish a moment of timeless conviviality rolled in every drop.

Often hailed as the epitome of fine Scotch, the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Single Malt Fighting Fish 21YO 1992, comes steeped in heritage. A sublime offering from Glen Scotia distillery, one of the last three standing in Campbeltown, a historic whisky producing region of Scotland. This single malt honours the year of 1992, maturing for twenty-one long years, thus offering a rich depth of character and intricacy.

Presenting a captivating blend of sweet fruits and soft spices, it spoils the palate with distinct notes of vanilla, orange, caramel, and touches of peat smoke. The long, warm finish hints at the whisky's distinctive Campbeltown character. Housed in an ornate bottle, the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Single Malt Fighting Fish 21YO 1992 is a collector's delight, encapsulating the master craftsmanship of Glen Scotia. A supreme liquor for spirit-fanatics, it paints a vivid picture of intense flavour fusion and time-honoured whisky making traditions.

Whisky Base (93)

Colour: Full, rich dark gold.

Nose: Full, complex aromas with dried berries and sherry-infused malty tones

Palate: Sweetness akin to a fine, aged cognac with incredible oloroso depth and freshness. Fruit, nuts, marzipan and Christmas cake warming spice.

Finish: A whisky you never want to end and it almost feels as if it won't, the finish goes on forever with spice, decadent dark cocoa and forest floor. A final flourish of spiced demerara rum leaves you longing for more.

Colour: Autumnal, red gold.

Nose: Fresh sweetness with fruity Turkish delight with a power akin to the first whiff from a freshly opened bag of Java coffee beans.

Palate: An undeniably decadent sweetness on the palate with salted caramel, dark cocoa and Oloroso-soaked raisins. Sherry comes through with excellent power, bringing with it Sherry and spicy demerara notes.

Finish: Lingering and persistent with alternating layers of sweetness and dry roastiness and peppery spice. Extremely complex and enthralling.

Colour: Amber with dark-gold highlights.

Nose: Complex yet refined with tempting aromas of marmalade, nuts, freshly ground coffee and chocolate.

Flavour: Full-bodied and robust with some oaky tannins courtesy of its exceptional age in sherry barrels.

Finish: Powerful but never overbearing with exceptional balance. Intense and long in the mouth with beautiful finesse and freshness.

Glenfiddich Speyside Single Malt 1977 Rare Collection Cask 22742 1977 is the epitome of fine Scottish whisky craft. Distilled and matured entirely at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, it presents as a timeless classic from Speyside, the heart of Scotch whisky country. The Glenfiddich Distillery, renowned for its passion for perfection, has carefully nurtured this whisky for over four decades in a single Sherry Butt cask. Its unique character narrates a story of seasoned oak, interwoven with rich dark fruits, whilst hints of brown sugar and warm spices deliver a grand finish. The exceptional quality of Glenfiddich Speyside Single Malt 1977 Rare Collection Cask 22742 1977 rests on its exceptional provenance and meticulous maturation, harmonising an exceptionally smooth and layered taste profile. This single malt whisky, distilled in 1977, is a testament to Glenfiddich's unwavering dedication to producing luxury single malt Scotch.

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.

A superb rendering of Glenmorangie's elegant Highland spirit in a gloriously whimsical, yet sophisticated presentation. The flowers adorning the case and label eloquently capture the profile of the whisky and give one of the great classics of world whisky the flair it deserves.

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.

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.

Discover the exquisite Lheraud Charles X NV, a veritable celebration of winemaking artistry. Nestled in the heart of France's famed Grande Champagne region, Maison Lheraud, a family-run distillery for generations, produces this divine elixir. This cognac comes from Ugni Blanc grapes, quintessential to distilling the highest quality brandy, ripened to perfection under the warm Grande Champagne sun.

Double distilled in traditional alambic charentais copper pots, it matures in French oak barrels, absorbing a beautifully balanced range of flavours. Testing reveals rich fruit, traces of citrus, and delicate floral notes, accompanied by a hint of spice and underlying woodiness. The meticulously crafted balance yields a silky, full-bodied cognac, reflecting the expertise of Maison Lheraud.

Lheraud Charles X NV is truly an expression of the Lheraud family's dedication to tradition and unyielding pursuit of quality. This cognac is a must-try for those seeking an authentic, timeless taste experience.

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.