Wine Advocate (98)

Presenting the exquisite Baron Otard XO Gold, a sophisticated cognac that whispers tales of craftsmanship from the heart of France. The House of Baron Otard, established in 1795 by Baron Jean-Baptiste Otard, rests within the ancient Château de Cognac where unique aging conditions result in remarkable spirits. The Baron Otard XO Gold is no exception, it shines with an orchestra of flavours owing to its blend of exquisite eaux-de-vie matured in ancient vaults.

This majestic cognac encapsulates a radiant gold hue, with Napoleon's favourite black truffle and ridgeback plums on the nose, seamlessly blending with whispers of honey, candied orange, and Dutch iris. These luxurious notes cradle the palate, graced with a velvety texture. Its delightfully long finish further adorns this symphony of opulence.

The Baron Otard XO Gold is a true connoisseur's indulgence, a testament to the French art de vivre. Indulge in its majesty for an unparalleled spirituous experience.

Experience the exquisite Benriach Speyside Single Malt 25YO NV – a remarkable representation of the Speyside region’s ability to produce an extraordinary malt. Distilled at the world-renowned Benriach Distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, this sublime single malt benefits from a meticulous crafting process and time-honoured traditions.

Matured for 25 years under the watchful eye of their Master Blender, the spirit is aged in an assortment of barrels, conferring complexity and depth to its flavour profile. Upon the palate, one can indulge in a medley of honeyed fruits, caramelised nut and a hint of dark chocolate, finishing with a spicy oak undercurrent.

Crafted for the seasoned malt enthusiast, the Benriach Speyside Single Malt 25YO NV encapsulates the quintessence of high-quality Speyside Malts. Encased in a beautiful presentation box, it offers an unparalleled tasting experience, sure to impress any whisky connoisseur.

The Branded Boxes Card NV is an opulent gem originating from the famed wine valleys of France. Handcrafted by seasoned vintners using time-honoured methods, this non-vintage rendition skillfully blends refined grapes selected from distinct, high-quality vineyards. Considerable nurturing in French oak barrels lends full-bodied character and depth to this exquisite label, noted for its resonating undertones and delightful finish.

Golden-hued, Branded Boxes Card NV captivates with a vibrant aroma imbued with crisp pear, white peach, and nuanced floral undertones. On the palate, an engaging orchestration of refined acidity, layered citrus and a hint of toastiness converge, offering a gratifying melange of sensations narrating the tale of its remarkable lineage.

Beyond merely a beverage, Branded Boxes Card NV is an embodiment of artisanal tradition, excellent winemaking skill and prime terroir spirit - a truly worthwhile indulgence for those with a well-versed palate.

Gilbert & Gaillard (99)

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.

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.

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.

Jancis Robinson (19.5)

Whisky Advocate (93)

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.

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.

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.

Savour the full-bodied complexity of the Macallan Highland Single Malt Sherry Oak Cask 18YO Bottled 2023 NV, a distinguished spirit renowned globally. Matured exclusively in handpicked Spanish oak sherry seasoned casks for 18 years, this extraordinary dram embodies the Macallan's commitment to exceptional cask management from their Speyside distillery in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Sherry Oak Cask 18YO Bottled 2023 NV offers a symphony of sophisticated flavours. The nose will enchant you with the aroma of dried fruits, ginger, and toffee. Palate-wise, you're introduced to a balanced richness with notes of dried fruits and spice, complemented by hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. The finish is long lasting with a warming oak and a smooth velvety texture.

Hailed as a paragon of its kind, this whisky is the quintessence of The Macallan’s craftsmanship, promising a sublime taste experience.

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.

Halliday Wine Companion (99)