Introducing the exquisite Alt A Bhainne Speyside Single Malt Fighting Fish 23YO 1993, a whisky distilled with exceptional passion in the undulating hills of Speyside, Scotland. Produced by one of the less well-known distilleries, its scarcity increases the allure of its sumptuous flavours. This single malt is a delight to the senses with a balanced, luscious profile distinct to whiskies matured for over two decades.

Made from barley meticulously grown and harvested in the heart of Speyside, the Alt A Bhainne Speyside Single Malt Fighting Fish 23YO 1993 has an alluring character with exquisite depth. Its creation involves traditional distilling techniques with ageing in carefully selected casks, bestowing it with layers of inviting complexity.

The result is a spirited whisky worthy of the discerning palate. Aromas of bold orchard fruits, toasted nuts, and delicate floral notes underline its charm, followed by a lingering finish that leaves a memorable trace of the Speyside terroir.

We are thrilled to have secured a small parcel of 2011 casks from this rising Speyside superstar and to be able to present them with recent regauges carried out just this past August and compelling prices which combine to suggest excellent upside for the next ten-plus years.

One of the hottest commodities on the cask market over the past year is assuredly The Glenrothes. Stablemate to Macallan and Highland Park and under the masterful guidance of Gordon Motion who took the reins in 2009, there are few Speysiders which have the reputation for longevity and excellence as The Glenrothes. After a rapturous reception to our recent offering of the 2011s and a follow up of 2012, we are pleased that we can offer a last butt of 2013 to our customers as well.

Glenrothes is best known as a sherry-aged Speysider and this cask shows why that reputation is so justified; taking the best elements of the wood and developing into a thoroughly impressive malt. Having spent the last decade in first fill butts and taking on some remarkable characteristics as well as impressive depth of colour, they are nothing short of blue chip casks in the early days of their trajectory.

Stored at Glenrothes distillery since distillation, this has not been regauged hence the cask being listed with OLA details but a sample drawn has indicated excellent colour extraction and a recent regauge of the 2011 casks we purchased registered RLA 262.5 which is par for the course on a 1st fill Sherry butt and we would expect this to be regauged in the coming weeks between 262 and 285 RLA or thereabouts with an ABV in the low to mid 60s, indicating excellent longevity.

Tasting Note
Glenrothes’ spirit generally sports a clear barley-driven aromatic profile the key to this cask’s appeal is the classically oily, muscular structure that has become a hallmark of Glenrothes’ extremely age-worthy spirit over the years. The sherry wood is working wonders inregards to the develoment of a complex, decadent flavour profile as well as colour; a not insignificant element of the overall experience, so be sure.

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.

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.

Tasting Note
At 7 years of age but with regauged numbers from April 2021 reminiscent of a newly filled cask, this is a superb long term offering that has excellent upside for the 5-year term bringing it to 12 years old. Fresh and barley driven with that classic Tomintoul peaty tang, there is a lot of potential to develop into a very complex, elegant malt.