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.

Jancis Robinson (19.5)

Indulge in the exquisite delight of the Henriques & Henriques Old Bual Madeira 1954, a fine wine that speaks of ocean-tinged, volcanic terroirs and masterful winemaking. Born in the fertile landscapes of Madeira Island, Portugual, this enchanting libation emanates from the distinguished Henriques & Henriques winery, renowned for their traditional process of Canteiro aging. Deep amber in hue, its captivating bouquet features whispers of dried fruits, spices and old wood, leading to a rich, full-bodied palate layered with apricot, honeyed caramel and a persistent finish of mellow acidity. Exceptionally balanced, it showcases the unique element of volcanic soil, ageing remarkably over decades. Produced in limited quantities, its impeccable quality and rarity make it a highly sought-after treasure among wine connoisseurs. Revel in the luxurious complexity and heritage of the Henriques & Henriques Old Bual Madeira 1954, a timeless homage to refined craftsmanship and nature's bounty.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

Immerse yourself in the refined world of exquisite spirits with the Lowland Single Malt Kirkcowan Distilled at Bladnoch Bourbon Barrel Cask No. 602 Full Cask 2019. This enchanting offering, meticulously crafted in the age-old tradition of Scottish whisky making, exudes unparalleled sophistication. The Bladnoch Distillery, with its profound legacy in the Lowlands dating back to 1817, masterfully matriculates each malt in a carefully selected bourbon barrel. The Kirkcowan, christened after the enchanting village in South West Scotland, encapsulates the soul of its namesake in each drop. The spirit matures in cask no. 602, imbibing depth of character and distinctive flavours encapsulating a universal narrative of timeless dedication to craftsmanship. Engage your senses with the symphony of flavours. Balanced oak notes, vanilla nuances and a subtly sweet finish paint a rewarding palate guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning whisky connoisseurs. Explore the luxury of Lowland Single Malt Kirkcowan Distilled at Bladnoch Bourbon Barrel Cask No. 602 Full Cask 2019 today.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

Founded in 1817, legendary Lowland distillery Bladnoch is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and the oldest operating Lowland distillery since the closure of Littlemill which held both titles.

Situated west of the village of Wigtown in the Gallovidian countryside, Bladnoch has the distinction of being the southernmost distillery in Scotland - closer to Belfast than Edinburgh - and its spirit in some ways bears a semblance to the softer malts of Ireland, though it eschews the triple distillation practiced by its Irish cousins and other Lowland neighbours.

The classic house style of Bladnoch is gentle and combines a fruit-forward malt profile with elements of spice and earth which celebrate a variety of wood types including the classic PX and Oloroso sherries, with a number of exceptional expressions thriving in less intrusive Bourbon wood for those who prefer the character of the distillate to shine more clearly.

A stop-start attempt to reopen the distillery under independent ownership faltered in the early 2010s but in 2017 the stills at last roared back into life and with new packaging and a vision for the future Bladnoch made a strong statement of intent that they were ready to take centre stage as the top player in the Lowlands. In 2019 they took another step in reinstating Bladnoch as a premier single malt when Dr Nick Savage took over as Master Distiller after previously serving in the same post with none-other than The Macallan.

Extremely rare on the cask market, we have secured a number of new make casks filled in 2019 & 2020 into world class bourbon barrels, sherry hogsheads and a very limited number of Oloroso & PX butts. All produced under the stewardship of Dr. Savage offered below £12 IB per bottle they are incredible value and with the future of the Bladnoch brand being rosy as it is, they offer remarkable upside.

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%.

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.