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.

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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.

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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.

An opulent elixir hailing from the esteemed Uitvlugt Distillery in Guyana's Demerara County, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a connoisseur's delight. Born in the vestiges of a 17th-century Dutch plantation, this rum channels the spirit-rich lore of Uitvlugt into a divine drinking experience. Harvested from the finest sugar cane, and subjected to a rigorous fermentation and distillation process, it betrays a depth befitting its age. The climate of its birthplace confers a distinctive tropical richness, expertly harnessed in French oak barrels. It wears the autumn of 1997 proudly and takes its final bow in 2014 under the masterful hands of United Rum Merchants. Cocooned in silk and velvet notes, with whispers of fennel and coriander, the Uitvlugt, Demerara Rum ULR 17YO Bottled 2014 1997 is a testament to Uitvlugt Distillery's passion, patience, and prowess. A golden pour of this rum is a toast to time, tradition, and taste.

Whisky Advocate (93)

Whisky Advocate (93)