On the shores of the Isle of Skye, where rugged coastlines meet the raging sea, you find adventure in a bottle. Talisker single malt scotch whisky captures the elemental wildness and unadulterated beauty of its birthplace to give you a taste of Skye in every sip. Looking out over the breathtaking scenery of the Cuillin Hills, Talisker Distillery stands proudly by the sea on the shores of Loch Carport. As the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye by almost 200 years, we have been an integral part of island life and history since 1830. In 1825, the MacAskill brothers arrived on Skye from the nearby smaller Scottish island of Eigg. After several false starts, in 1830 they opened Talisker distillery at Carbost, where it remained the only distillery on the island for nearly two centuries. Through upheaval, changes of ownership, and even a fire, Talisker has always kept Skye at the heart of the brand—and the whisky. As a whisky made by the sea, Talisker shares a deep love for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and is proudly committed to protecting the ocean ecosystem for the next generation of wild spirits. Produced beside the shore of Lock Harport in the jagged shadow of the peaks of The Cuillin, Talisker is the only single malt scotch whisky made on the Isle of Skye. Talisker x Parley "Wilder Seas" is their very first single malt scotch whisky finished in French Oak XO Cognac casks. It has a pleasurable weight on the palate and a fine depth of taste, delivering a highly successful marriage of cask and spirit character - mature and rounded. The new 100% recycled bottle is made from biofuel and has been re-shaped into the distinctive Talisker bottle. This Limited Edition is vision and mission combined, as the in-built donation supports global, sustainable projects to protect and preserve sea forests off the coast of Scotland, South Africa and Chile. Talisker has partnered with "Parley for the Oceans", to rewild more than 100 million square metres of ocean forest. With this limited edition bottling, Talisker "Wilder Seas", inviting wild spirits around the world to join in this journey. Each 100% recycled bottle purchased represents a £3 donation to the cause to protect and preserve the oceans. Finished in ex-Cognac French Oak casks, a Talisker first, the maritime aromas and powerful spice crash in waves, while rich fruity sweetness and lush complexity rises from the profound smoky depths, representing a glowing sunrise and a new day on the horizon for our seas. Talisker Wilder Seas is best enjoyed neat with a drop of water to bring the flavours out to the fullest. COLOUR A glorious, shining deep amber with reddish lights. The rich colour of rosewood or a freshly opened horse chestnut. NOSE Mild and dry in feel, yet rich overall. Tight-packed top notes of fruit and malt suggest malt bread with sultanas, dates and dried figs. Beneath them, a light mineral hint of chalk leads into rousing maritime notes of brine, salt crystals and ship’s rails in a high sea, all on a lightly fruity, winey base, with a hint of pipe tobacco. Adding a little water brings up a smoky note. PALATE The creamy-smooth mouthfeel introduces a big taste that starts richly sweet then quickly becomes salty, smoky and fruity, with lush, sweet hints of sultana and fig mid-palate wrapped in rising peppery spice and smokiness. Rich and intense at natural strength, it becomes slightly sweeter, fruitier (suggesting ripe figs again) and spicier if water is added. FINISH Long, warming and lightly drying, with a familiar late peppery catch and a most appealing smoky-fruity aftertaste.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Oban 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured first in refill and new American oak, then finished in Amontillado-seasoned casks. The nose has an appealing and enticing malty base, accompanied with hints of heather, petrichor, and the slight brininess of Amontillado. The palate is pleasantly dry, slightly spicy, again a little salty, and satisfying.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Clynelish 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks. The warm and welcome undertones of sherry set the base for the nose, which dovetails seamlessly with the signature Clynelish waxiness and apple skins. Caramel and vanilla custard round out the nose. The palate is sweet, surprisingly malty, and has a finish that is warming and lingers for an eternity. Wonderfully complex and complete.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American and European oak, then finished in ex-wine casks. The nose on this is soft, delicate, and complex. Given time and patience, it grows and expands into a kaleidoscope of aromas that are as diverse as they are many. Grassy, floral, fruity, malty, sweet, and even a touch of oak – it’s all here. And that’s just the nose! On the palate, the whisky has that classic highland Glen Ord austerity, with the wine cask influence introducing some drying tannins and fruitiness.

This Limeburners is matured in second fill bourbon barrels and finished in very old, small sherry cask. Exhibiting spice and fruit aromas when neat, a splash of water unleashes malted barley, aromas of sherry and vanilla with hints of honey, raisins and buttery caramel. 43% Alc./Vol.

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.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker Whisky stable. Created to reflect the the style of whiskies of the early 19th century, it is created using the rarest casks in House of Walker, the largest in the world. The casks are hand selected and set aside for their exceptional quality, character and flavour while retaining the signature smokiness of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

White Oak Distillery have released two new limited editions for 2020 to celebrate the 101st anniversary of their licence to distill. It's not the first time the distillery has highlighted the fact that they were licensed before Kotobukiya (Suntory) and Nikka. However they didn't actually build Japan's first whisky distillery. That was left to Yamazaki. White Oaks new blend and single malt are both sherry matured and named after the parent company. Suitably, the presentation is reminiscent of a century ago, featuring the old Eigashima logo and trademark. The blend is made from 100% UK malt and grain whiskies, finished in sherry casks and bottled at 50% Alc./Vol. Located in the city of Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture, west of Kobe, the White Oak distillery was founded by Eigashima Shuzo - a Sake and Shochu producer since 1888. Despite an early license to manufacture whisky, it was only when the company moved to their current facilities in 1984 that White Oak Distillery was born. The stills here are in operation for just a few month’s of the year, so production is minuscule. Since 2017 Eigashima ceased making Shochu to re-focus their energy into making whisky. They're now working six days a week from April through to July in order to maximise output. Currently there are around 1200 casks ageing at White Oak, the oldest stocks being around eight years old. Most of the maturation is done in first fill Bourbon casks (ex Wild Turkey) and new Sherry casks. However, the warehouse holds everything from refill American to re-charred Shochu casks, Cognac casks, Tequila Casks and even some very special locally coopered casks made from Konara - often reserved for ageing Shochu.

Elijah Craig are another of Heaven Hill's successful brands. When a surge in popularity for the 12 year led to an inability to meet demand, it was removed from US shelves in 2016 (no surprise, age statements are now sought after). The core whiskey has since been re-labelled “Small Batch". Typically made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley, rumour has it this contains a fair proportion of whiskeys in the 8-12 year old range.