Highland Park Distillery is one of the world’s greatest single malt whiskies. In 2018, Highland Park ranked 2nd behind only Macallan in volume of auction sales. Located on the island of Orkney, the distillery was founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson. Eunson was a colourful character who was a butcher and church warden by day and an illicit whisky smuggler by night!

Highland Park is the only distillery to use peat from Orkney in the distillation process. This gives the resulting whisky its iconic smoky, slightly sweet flavour, rather than the briny, medicinal peatiness more common in Islay whiskies. Today it is one of the world’s most recognised and collectable whiskies.

A ravishing testament to enduring quality, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky hailing from the revered producing region of Islay, Scotland. Initiated in the now silent Port Ellen Distillery, which has a rich history dating back to 1825, this distilled brilliance presents a captivating symphony of texture and flavour. Fashioned with utmost precision and age-old rigor, it offers the exclusive experience of savouring a spirit born from traditional methods.

In its composition, you'll find wholesome barley notes infused with enticing wafts of peat smoke, with a gentle seaside twist. As it cascades down the palate, undertones of dried fruit, leather, and a subtle salty tang reveal themselves. A legendary, limited-edition creation, the Port Ellen 24 YO 1978 pays a beautiful homage to its roots while offering whisky enthusiasts an impeccable sipping experience. Their stock is limited, making this a valuable seek-out for any refined connoisseur.

Glen Grant Distillery is a renowned Scottish whisky producer located in the beautiful Speyside region. Founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant, the distillery has a rich history and is known for its high-quality single malt whiskies. The distillery is also recognized for its beautiful gardens, which were designed by John Grant himself. With over 180 years of experience, Glen Grant continues to produce exceptional whiskies that are loved by whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Discover the exquisite Springbank Campbeltown Single Malt The Kohinoor Refill Hogshead Cask No 244 Bottled 2020 1992. Crafted at the historic Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, this exceptional single malt embodies the region's rich whisky heritage. Distilled using traditional floor malting and copper pot stills, it undergoes a meticulous maturation process in the renowned Kohinoor Refill Hogshead Cask No 244. Bottled in 2020, this 28-year-old expression reveals complex layers of rich peat smoke, maritime saltiness, and subtle sweetness, reflecting Springbank's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each sip offers a harmonious balance of fruity esters, oak influence, and a lingering finish, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking depth and character. Experience the legacy of Springbank with this remarkable single malt, a testament to unparalleled distilling expertise and Campbeltown's unique terroir.

Discover the exquisite Strathmill, Single Cask 803048A Oloroso Octave 13YO, Speyside 2008, a masterpiece from the renowned Strathmill distillery. Crafted in the heart of Speyside, this single cask expression is matured for 13 years in carefully selected Oloroso Sherry casks, imparting deep, rich flavours and a luxurious complexity. Each bottle is individually bottled from cask 803048A, ensuring a unique character and exceptional quality. The spirit presents a harmonious balance of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and subtle spices, underpinned by a velvety smooth finish. Strathmill’s commitment to traditional distilling methods, combined with meticulous attention to detail, results in a whisky of remarkable depth and elegance. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking a distinguished dram, this 2008 vintage exemplifies the finest attributes of Speyside whisky. Elevate your collection with this singular expression, celebrating Strathmill’s legacy of excellence.

Founded in the 1820s in the Speyside village of Keith, Strathmill is best known as the malt whisky at the heart of the J&B Rare blended scotch whisky, a role which has seen it included in one of the most popular whiskies on earth, though the single malt itself has long flown under the radar; a preserve of connoisseurs and an insider's secret.

Only one official bottling has ever been released; the exquisitely balanced, classically Speyside 12 Year Old 'Flora & Fauna' edition, now sadly discontinued. Indie bottlings are also relatively rare, though the few we do see fetch surprisingly high prices at young ages. The rarity of Strathmill on the market coupled with the good value presented by these casks gives remarkable upside for those with the patience to wait.

Strathmill's style is somewhat akin to Cragganmore, in our view; with a fair bit of sandalwood, incense and light woody spice on top of a delicate orchard fruit and citrus bouquet. This is a distillery which rewards Bourbon wood very well indeed so no re-racking necessary in this case.

Whisky Advocate (93)

A stablemate of classic Islay distillery Bunnahabhainn and the iconic Tobermory Distillery on Mull, Deanston is a hidden gem of a Highland Malt. Founded on the banks of the River Teith in 1795 as a cotton mill, the beautiful stone building was converted to its present purpose in 1965. Drawing water from the river which also powers its own hydro-energy facility, it has the distinction of being the only energy self-sufficient distillery in Scotland.

The spirit produced here is a classically fine, balanced Highland Malt with a bit of punchiness to its profile that does well ageing relatively unhindered in ex-Bourbon wood as is the case here. The distillery’s production of bottled single malt is small with 85% of the output going into blends. That gives holders of Deanston casks a point of relative rarity that very little of this delicious spirit is bottled as single malt, and even rarer, bottled at an advanced age. As such this will greatly reward patience.

Tasting Note
Fresh and bright with excellent potential given the performance over 9 years of maturation in a single refill hogshead, it was regauged just this year close to 60% ABV, this is well suited to a very long term hold, while Deanston's profile rises as it has done for the past decade. Look for classic apple, pear and stone fruit aromatics alongside crisp barley and cereal notes as it shows a remarkably youthful nose. This is ageing slow indeed with a lot left to give in the years (and decades) ahead.

Behold the divine Tobermory-Ledaig, Single Malt Connoisseurs Choice - Cask Strength Refill Sherry Butt Cask No 285 20YO Bottled 2022, Islands 2001. Distilled by the revered Tobermory distillery in the remote Scottish Islands, this precious 2001 vintage spirit signifies the distillery's craftsmanship and dedication to tradition. The expression has been matured for 20 years in refill sherry butt, bestowing a sublime complexity and enticing richness. With each sip, you experience an astonishing depth of flavour. The malted barley gifts it a striking boldness, enhanced further by the cask's previous tenure aging sherry. It's a confluence of sublime fruity and peaty notes layered with nutty undertones. A limited release that captures the very soul of the Tobermory distillery in a bottle, this 2001 vintage is the perfect addition to a cognoscente's collection, promising an indulgent, intense and multi-dimensional tasting experience.

Based in the small village of Ballindaloch on the banks of the River Spey, situated a stones throw from Glenfarclas, Tomintoul is a modern classic. Known popularly as "the gentle dram with a peaty tang" it breaks with fellow Speysiders by introducing a hint of peat smoke to their distillery's flavour profile.

Less heavily peated than the likes of Ardmore, Tomintoul has begun to gradually build up its reputation around the world and though it can still be considered an insider's secret, a number of independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory and Douglas Laing have raised the distillery's profile among the cognoscenti and an increased and much improved distillery-bottled range have paved the way for a very bright future for the brand indeed.

Indulge in the rich, distinct taste of Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021. Distinctively sourced from the verdant landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Tullibardine expertly tends to its whisky. The handpicked grain, pure Highland spring water, and the masterful ageing in first fill barrels create an unmatched single malt scotch.

This 2021 vintage is a marvel, showcasing the superior craftsmanship of Tullibardine Distillery. Matured in cask number 54, the first fill barrel lends an intenseness to the flavour profile. A rich concerto of chocolate, honey, and citrus undertones surface, with a fine hint of oak. Savour each sip; the finishing is long, warm, and velvety.

Commanding reverence amongst whisky aficionados, the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 54 Full Cask 2021 embellishes every occasion with an air of sophistication.

The indulgence of a sophisticated palate beckons with the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021. This captivating spirit roots deep into Scotland's highlands, at the distinguished Tullibardine Distillery. Known for their craftsmanship and traditional methods, Tullibardine carefully distills their malts in copper pot stills, ensuring an unmatched purity. The 2021 cask emphasises a meticulous process of ageing in a first-fill barrel, giving it a rich, luxurious character. An artistic choreography of vanilla, honey, and enticing oak symphony delights the senses. The palette showcases a beautiful persistence, with layers of spice, orchard fruits and a hint of cocoa.
Defined by its deep golden hue and abundant complexity, Tullibardine Highland Single Malt 1st Fill Barrel Cask No. 59 Full Cask 2021 indeed reflects the mastery of Scottish whisky-making.

Whisky Advocate (93)

Whisky Advocate (93)

Delve into the world of Japanese malt with the Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara Japanese Oak 100th Anniversary Suntory Whisky 18YO NV. Cultivated in the Yamazaki microclimate at the spiritual birthplace of Japanese whisky, this Suntory Whisky is a testament to traditional distilling expertise. Celebrating a century of innovation, this iconic release is matured for 18 years in elusive Mizunara oak barrels, locally sourced, adding complex spice and incense aromas. This oak character merges beautifully with Yamazaki’s signature multi-layered, fruit-centric profile. Available in limited quantities, this whisky articulates an incomparable harmony of craftsmanship and nature, making it a true collector's piece. Impeccably balanced and smooth, the Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara Japanese Oak 100th Anniversary Suntory Whisky 18YO NV offers an exquisite taste journey featuring hints of rich dark chocolate and layered spices. Indulge in this fine embodiment of Japanese heritage and innovation.