The finest bourbon in the world comes from a single barrel. And it is never blended with whiskey from any other barrrel. That's the way Colonel Albert B. Blanton first bottled his private reserve Bourbon nearly a century ago. And that's the way Blanton's is bottled today. It's a costly, painstaking way to produce Bourbon. For a Bourbon's peak maturity varies from barrel to barrel. And only a master distiller can determine the exact moment the whiskey has extracted enough flavour from the wood. Thus he vigilantly monitors each barrel until it's aged to perfection and is deemed worthy of the Blanton label. Blanton's Bourbon, created by Albert Blanton, is a renowned brand known for its rich history and exceptional quality. Blanton's was the first to introduce the concept of single barrel bourbon, a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship. Hand-bottled and hand-labelled, each bottle showcases a horse and jockey stopper, reflecting Kentucky's equestrian heritage. Blanton's is celebrated for its exceptional taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla and spice. Distilled in Kentucky, it embodies the heartland of bourbon production. With its small-batch approach, each bottle offers a unique flavour profile, making it a coveted addition to any collection. Due to limited availability and high demand, finding Blanton's can be a challenge, further adding to its allure and desirability. Blanton's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Black Label 750ml is a rare and highly sought-after bourbon whiskey, exclusively produced for the Japanese export market. With a proof of 80, this bourbon offers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. The main difference with the black label is the use of an 8-year minimum aged barrel, compared to the standard 6 years. Additionally, it is made using Buffalo Trace's mash bill #2, which has a higher rye content. The nose on this bourbon is truly stunning. It opens with floral notes, accompanied by hints of cherry and apple, creating a delightful and inviting aroma. As you delve deeper, you'll discover the presence of caramel, vanilla and oak, adding complexity and depth to the overall olfactory experience. When it comes to taste, Blanton's Black Label is incredibly smooth and easy to drink. It glides across the tongue with little to no burn, allowing the flavors to shine. The initial fruity and sweet notes gradually give way to the oak undertones of the 8-year aged juice. The oak is pronounced but not overpowering, adding a delightful richness to the overall taste profile. With a medium finish, Blanton's Black Label doesn't linger excessively but leaves a pleasant and satisfying aftertaste. Whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this bourbon makes for a great sipper, allowing you to savour each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating such a exceptional spirit.

Founded in 2014 and nestled in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, the Archie Rose Distilling Co. stands tall as the epitome of excellence in the world of distilling. With an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining Australia's rich tradition in spirits, Archie Rose has become the country's most highly awarded distillery. At Archie Rose, the pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. With a diverse range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums they have crafted an impressive lineup that caters to the diverse palates of spirit enthusiasts. But their passion goes beyond the bottle; they also engage in one-off collaborations, limited releases, and spirits experiences that ignite curiosity and elevate the art of distilling. Transparency is the guiding principle that sets Archie Rose apart. They believe in sharing the story and ethos behind every sip, fostering a deeper connection between the spirits and those who indulge in them. With an unwavering dedication to expanding people's knowledge and appreciation of spirits and hospitality, Archie Rose seeks to empower consumers with a newfound understanding of the craft. Drawing inspiration from the vast and varied landscapes of Australia, Archie Rose finds solace in the quality and diversity of the crops and produce grown across the country. It is this connection to the land that drives them to forge an authentic new tradition, one that is boldly innovative yet firmly rooted in their heritage. Introducing Double Malt Whisky, a true masterpiece born from the visionary minds and exceptional stills of Archie Rose Distilling Co. This Australian whisky defies convention, offering a sensory experience unlike any other. Crafted with meticulous care, Double Malt Whisky is the result of a harmonious blend of Archie Rose's award-winning Single Malt Whisky and their renowned Rye Malt Whisky. The journey of Double Malt Whisky begins with a selection of the distinguished Single Malt Whisky, which has earned the prestigious title of Australia's Best Single Malt an impressive eight times. This exceptional liquid is matured in a unique combination of Australian apera, sherry and bourbon casks imparting depth, character and a symphony of flavors. Complementing the Single Malt Whisky is the renowned Rye Malt Whisky, a four-time winner of the coveted title of World's Best Rye. This exceptional whisky is matured exclusively in virgin American oak casks, creating a bold and distinct profile that adds an extra layer of complexity to the final blend. What sets Double Malt Whisky apart is the innovative solera system used in its creation. Archie Rose skillfully marries the two malt whiskies, layering their flavors and allowing them to harmonize over time. This process creates a remarkable synergy, resulting in a whisky that showcases the best of both worlds. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Double Malt Australian Whisky 700ml is a true masterpiece. With its captivating light amber hue and enticing aromas of sticky apricot jam, caramel, oak and milk chocolate, this whisky is a sensory delight. The palate offers a burst of flavors, with pineapple, raisins, gingersnaps and creamy coconut creating a harmonious symphony. The finish is exceptional, with lingering apricots, tropical fruits, honey-roasted macadamia nuts and spices that invite you to savour every sip. Overall, this whisky is a sophisticated and approachable journey of flavors that leaves a lasting impression.

Created from a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons along with a small quantity of virgin oak casks and red wine barriques. 46% Alc./vol. Non chill filtered.

Octomore seems to be getting a second wind of popularity - not that it was ever unpopular. Added to that is a sense of scarcity with allocations becoming smaller every year. 12.2 is no exception. The .2s in the series are known to showcase the impact of different wine barrels on the heavily peated Islay whisky. Distilled in the winter of 2015 from 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley, 12.2 weighs in at 129.7ppm and was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, followed by 18 months in rare first-fill Sauternes casks. Knowing how well 'sweet & peat' can work, it's destined to be one of the more desirable editions to date. Bottled at cask strength, expect something sweet-ish with a salty edge, lots of earthy peat, sweet bonfire smoke plus hints of maritime complexity. 57.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks .

While some prefer Port Charlotte, you have to admit Octomore is rarely ever boring. We're now into the lucky thirteens of what is arguably the most heavily peated whisky in regular production. There are three variants on offer in this batch. 13.1 is a 5 year old (as usual), bourbon-barreled, and peated to 137.8ppm of phenols. Distilled in 2016 from a 2015 harvest, like all the other .1 editions, it's made using Scottish mainland barley. 59.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

One of the few Tennessee Whiskies that is charcoal mellowed, which gives Jack Daniel's Whisky Old No7 its distinctive smooth and smoky flavours. Now an American icon it's also a favourite here in Australia. A true classic that's still made to this day using the original recipe.

Talisker is one of Scotland's remotest distilleries which produces a dram with trademark smoothness. Their 10 year old has a powerful peat and sea-salt nose; smoky sweetness with malt flavours and developing warmth with a huge, peppery finish. One of the six classic malts of Scotland, this Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a slight dash of water.

Ardbeg's latest annual offering comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The purifier is also responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. A spokesperson for the brand describes the flavour profile as, "Defined by a distinctive pungent earthiness, aromatic clouds of dark chocolate, a billow of aniseed and cinnamon, and a lingering tang of sharp peppermint." Dramface.com add "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." We've just received our allocation. The whisky's unusual conception is brought to life with accompanying graphics created by celebrated comic artist and illustrator, Dilraj Mann. The nose is slightly reticent while the flavour profile leans towards smokey dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper followed by a dried herbal quality. The aftertaste is ashy, drying, medium long and vaguely fruity in a mezcal kind of way. Like last year's Ardbeg Day release (Ardcore), Heavy Vapours is not quite as intense or complex as anticipated, although it does taste slightly more mature and feels like the texture is amplified, particularly at the finish where cured meats and a salt'n'pepper tang recall middle-weight Caol Ilas. In a word, more elegant than "extreme". 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Following the success of Grand Cru, Grande Couronne is the next releasein the Grand Series. Grande Couronne is the epitome of true opulence,uncorked at only the most majestic and meaningful of gatherings.After 26 years at the Glenfiddich Distillery, it is refined andelegant. But its crowning glory awaits. An extended finish inrare French Cognac casks adds extra lavish layers of sweettoasted oak and velvety aromas of café crème, brown sugarand soft spice.TASTING NOTES:Deep, velvety smooth and indulgently sweet. Café crème with soft brown sugar and a hint of spice.SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve neat in a balloon glass and a few drops of water to open up the flavour.