Adelphi The E&K Blended Malt Whisky 70cl
A unique fusion of Scotch and malt whiskies from Amrut Distillery in India, The E&K is an exquisite tribute to a remarkable Scot, Victor Alexander Bruce, 9th Earl of Elgin and 13th Earl of Kincardine. Badvo Gin
Badvo gin is 100% foraged from the hills around Pitlochry. Those hills also provide the name for the gin. Badvo is the anglicised version of their name. Helen Stewart, founder of the distillery describes the gin as "sweet and herbaceous with a wild mint finish". Benromach 2009 9 Years Old Exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown
This Benromach was distilled 28th September 2009 and bottled March 2019 from a single first fill bourbon barrel. Barrel number 790. Specially selected for The Whisky Shop Dufftown, it is exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown, bottled especially for WSD and only 242 bottles produced. Berry's Ardmore 2006 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
This Ardmore was distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2019. Cask ref 800961
Berry's Glen Elgin 2008 10 Years Old
This Glen Elgin was distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2019. Cask ref 805327
Berry's Own Orkney Single Malt 1999 18 Years Old Exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown
This Orkney Islands single malt scotch whisky was distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2018, making it 18 years old. It is exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown, bottled especially for WSD and only 395 bottles produced.
Berry's Teaninich 2007 11 Years Old
This Teaninich was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2019. Cask ref 702607
Byron's Gin Bird Cherry
This is the first batch of Byron's Gin from Speyside Distillery. The Distillery tells us 'It has been crafted to celebrate Lord Byron's love of the Scottish Highlands which inspired him to pen some of his most beautiful and memorable poetry.' It uses botanicals from the distillery gardens and the immediate local vicinity.
The botanicals are Bird Cherry, Lemon-scented Fern, Lady's Bedstraw, Rowan, Wild Thyme, Juniper and Blaeberry - all selected for this exclusive gin by Andy Amphlett for the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland. Byron's Gin Melancholy Thistle
This is the first batch of Byron's Gin from Speyside Distillery. The Distillery tells us 'It has been crafted to celebrate Lord Byron's love of the Scottish Highlands which inspired him to pen some of his most beautiful and memorable poetry.' It uses botanicals from the distillery gardens and the immediate local vicinity.
The botanicals are Melancholy Thistle, Sweet Vernal-grass, Scots Pine, Juniper, Rowan, Downy Birch and Aspen - all selected for this exclusive gin by Andy Amphlett for the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland. Celebration of the Cask Glenrothes 1996 21 Years Old
This Glenrothes was distilled on 23rd October 1996 and bottled on 1st October 2018 from a Sherry Butt which produced 470 bottles. Cask number 57.
Connoisseurs Choice Glenburgie 14 Years Old
Gordon & Macphail describe this new range as 'The result of more than 120 years in the pursuit of perfection, matching cask with spirit. The Connoisseurs Choice range exemplifies Gordon & Macphail's unrivalled commitment to Single Malt Scotch Whisky. An ever-changing collection of unique perspectives on distilleries' own bottling's. Always non-chill-filtered, these single cask and small batch expressions, are exceptional one-off's.' This is from a vatting of 4 first fill bourbon barrels distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2018 producing 1164 bottles.
Cu Bocan Creation #1
The Distillery says Creation #1 is: "Matured in Black Isle Brewery Imperial Stout and Bacalhôa Moscatel De Setúbal Wine Casks
An unusually creative collaboration, this intriguing mix marries the best bits of its wine and beer counterparts; sweet and buttery with hints of orange marmalade and espresso."
Cu Bocan Creation #2
The Distillery says Creation #2 is matured in: "Japanese Shochu + European Virgin Oak Casks.
An experiment where the Far East and Europe meet, this innovative creation is rich and lively with hints of smoke and key lime pie."
Darnley's View Gin
A wonderful gin packed full of Juniper, coriander seed, lemon peel, elderflower, angelica root and orris root. Wemyss suggest serving this with tonic and lime garnish.
Distillery Label Ardmore 1998 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
Gordon & Macphail describe this new range as 'testimony to the long and unique relationships built over generations. We have been entrusted with new-make spirit from many of Scotland's distilleries to mature in our casks, our way. Offering interesting and complementary perspectives on already great single malts, this highly sought after collection features the original distillery labels licensed to us, making these whiskies even more distinctive.' This Ardmore was distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2018.
Dufftown 2009 8 Years Old Bicentenary Drammie
This Dufftown was distilled on 2 June 2009 and bottled on 5 June 2017 from an ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogshead. It is a release of 410 bottles to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the town of Dufftown.
Tasting Notes
Edinburgh Frankincense & Myrrh Christmas Gin
The Distillery describe this as 'The true spirit of the festive season, our Christmas Gin is flavoured with an array of unique botanicals. Defined by spiced, aromatic notes of frankincense and myrrh and classic juniper, this makes for a warming gin either to sip or mix with. Rich aromatics include zesty sweet orange, while a finishing note of nutmeg adds comforting yuletide warmth.
Botanical's include: Frankincense, myrrh and cassia.
Suggested serve: Christmas Gin can be enjoyed in a festive G&T with orange garnish, complementing the gin’s complex flavours and aromas. It also works perfectly in a Negroni, the sweet myrrh providing balance to Campari’s bitter finish.
Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka
The distillery says - "Our vodka is incredibly pure, but also characterful - ensuring each sip transports the drinker to the rural, open space of Glenrinnes.
We use both barley and wheat grains, a two-stage fermentation process, and a combination of column and pot stills. This process is unusual, and time consuming, but that’s what it takes to create remarkable depth of flavour - a spirit you’ll never forget."
Tasting notes
Distillery - Well rounded nose of marzipan and vanilla pods. On the palate, you can really taste the quality grain, leading into butterscotch, coconut. A long, smooth finish with a hint of spice on the palate. GlenAllachie 8 Years Old Koval Rye Quarter Cask Wood Finish
The Distillery says: "This golden malt was first matured in the finest American Oak Wood Barrels with an additional maturation period in Organic Rye Quarter Casks from Chicago's Koval Distillery. The liquid to wood ratio is greater here, so the flavour is released more rapidly. We closely monitor the process to produce an exciting, sensational result."
Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Tomatin 2007 Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
Gordon & MacPhail tell us 'This new Discovery Range was created to offer the utterly dependable and consistent choice of their finest whiskies. Each expression sits within the bold flavour profiles of either 'Sherry', 'Smoky' or 'Bourbon' making these single malts the perfect match for the whisky lover who enjoys exploration through flavour and character.' This Tomatin 2007 has been matured in bourbon casks.
Hudson Baby Bourbon
The distillery tell us 'This Hudson Baby Bourbon, is the first New York aged whiskey since Prohibition – and New York’s first bourbon ever. The foundation is 100% Empire State corn, sourced within five miles of our distillery. Is matured for 4 months per gallon in petite charred new American oak barrels, giving it a deep amber colour and a flavour of oak, smoke and subtle notes of vanilla and caramel. Non-chill filtered at 46% ABV each bottle is hand filled, capped, waxed and numbered one at a time.'
Hudson Four Grain Bourbon
The distillery tell us 'Appetisingly balanced, rich and peppery with a comforting warm, soothing finish Hudson Four Grain Bourbon is all about four good grains going in to make great bourbon. The soft, balanced richness of corn. The sharp, peppery notes of rye. The smooth subtlety of wheat. And the sweetness of malted barley. All working in perfect harmony for a rich, full-flavoured spirit. This special bourbon is aged in our petite new American oak barrels for more wood contact, giving it more depth and character. Non-chill filtered at 46% ABV each bottle is hand filled, capped, waxed and numbered one at a time. ' Made from corn, wheat, rye and malted barley.
Hudson Manhattan Rye
The distillery tell us 'Vibrantly bold, spicy and backwoods rustic, with a smidgen of honey and coconut Prohibition put an end to small-batch distilling in New York, but Hudson has resurrected an Empire State classic with our Rye Whiskey. We’re a very hands-on operation. We handpick our rye and source 90% of our raw materials within ten miles of the distillery. The ferment is pot stilled and then aged in new charred American oak barrels producing a rye whiskey that is vibrantly bold and spicy with subtle notes of honey and coconut. Non-chill filtered at 46% ABV each bottle is hand filled, capped, waxed and numbered one at a time.'
Isle of Skye 8 Years Old
Kilchoman 100% Islay 9th Edition (2019)
The Distillery says: "Released annually since 2011, our 100% Islay range is distilled from barley grown in the fields surrounding the distillery before the team malt, distil, mature and eventually bottle onsite; an unmatched, unbroken chain of creation from barley to bottle. Our 100% Islay range remains Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt.
Distilled from our 2007 and 2009 barley crops, the 9th edition is a vatting of 43 ex-bourbon barrels matured for over 9 years in our on-site dunnage warehouses. Bottled at 50% abv, we’ve released a total of 12,000 bottles.
Our 100% Islay spirit pairs seamlessly with ex-bourbon barrels. The lower peating level (20ppm) allows the natural floral sweetness of the spirit to shine through whilst a higher age profile adds layers of overripe tropical fruit and stewed plums whilst the high ABV makes it no lightweight." Kilchoman 2010 Vintage
This 2010 Vintage has been matured in both ex-sherry butts and ex-bourbon casks for over 9 years. It is a vatting of 45 casks - 42 fresh bourbon casks and 3 Oloroso sherry butts. The distillery says 'This Vintage has been bottled at 48% to accentuate the powerful flavours of peat smoke, dried fruit and herbaceous spices and a long clean finish.' Minmore IPA Beer SVB.GL.A26
From Spey Valley Brewery, this beer has been aged for 26 months in an American oak cask and is 7.1% abv. They describe it as 'Delicate and complex the beer is heavily influenced by the American oak cask and the spirit of Minmore. Subtle citrus notes are also present in this beautiful amber beer.'
This is from Spey Valley Brewery's new barrel aged collection which is only sold in a few select outlets. Oatmeal Stout SVB.SP.A28
From Spey Valley Brewery, this beer has been laid down for 28 months in a Speyside cask and is 9.1% abv. They describe it as 'This beer is heavily influenced by the American oak cask. Vanilla, dark fruit and chocolate flavours and aromas prevail in a deep, dark, complex package.'
This is from Spey Valley Brewery's new barrel aged collection which is only sold in a few select outlets. Octomore 10.1
The Distillery says: "Distilled from Scottish barley in 2013, Octomore 10.1 is the benchmark of the 10s series. Deliberately stripped back to an ex- American oak maturation, aged just 5 years old, the .1 edition exposes the structure and presence of the Octomore spirit. Combining smoke with a modest maturation, this 10.1 first and foremost demonstrates the true potential of a considered, patient distillation."
Octomore 10.3
The Distillery says: "Distilled in 2013 from the 2012 harvest, the Octomore 10.3 has been brought home by farmer James Brown. Taking on the challenge of growing Islay Barley, he braces the conditions of the wet and wild west coast to combine an exploration of Islay terroir and stratospheric smoke.
For the first time, the .3 is matured for six aged years but crucially only in ex-American oak. These top-quality casks have gently coaxed this Octomore spirit into life in Warehouse 16, next to our 10.1 edition. The components of our 10.1 and 10.3 are so similar, the distinct flavour difference must be owed to the barley’s respective growing location."
Old Particular Longmorn 2003 15 Years Old
This Longmorn was distilled November 2003 and bottled February 2019. It is one of 348 bottles from a refill hogshead.
Old Raj Gin (55%)
The major botanical in the Old Raj gin is Saphron. This is the 55% ABV version. Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin made by The House of Botanicals is a collaborative effort celebrating the storied history of Old Tom Gin manufacture in London and of spirits production in Aberdeen. It is distilled in a traditional copper still with Juniper berries, Angelica root, Orris root, Coriander seed, Orange peel, Lemon peel, Cassia bark and Almond with delicate Saffron, Chamomile flowers and Muscovado sugar added post distillation.
Shetland Reel Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Exclusive Scotch malt whisky created from carefully selected casks which have been shipped to the most northerly inhabited island in the UK for finishing in ex-sherry casks. This rich, slightly peated whisky is the first and only scotch whisky finished and bottled in Shetland. Spey Fumare Cask Strength
Fumare is Latin for smoky. This limited release Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in casks using peaty malt and bottled at cask strength, 60.4% abv. Non-chill filtered, natural colour and only one of 1500 bottles.
Spey Royal Choice
The Spey Royal Choice supports the Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity that looks after some of the greatest palaces ever built.
Strane Merchant London Dry Gin
12 botanicals are used to produce Strane gin. Merchant is blended to emphasise the smoothness that high copper contact in the tiny whisky pot still gives to the spirit. The character is led by juniper, corriander seeds, herbs and mint. The Lakes Gin
The distillery say "The Lakes Gin is lovingly hand crafted in our small copper pot still. Juniper can be found across the fells in The Lake District and we use this local juniper as the very heart of our gin. Using classic gin botanicals augmented with others native to The Lakes - including bilberry, heather and meadowsweet - this is an artisan gin which is complex, intriguing and delicious." The gin has 15 botanicals in total and the distillery recommend you put this in the freezer for a short while before serving.
The Naked Grouse
This Naked Grouse is a high end blend with the malt content from Macallan and Highland Park. Matured in sherry casks.
What The WSD thinks: Tart on the nose. Sweet raisin syrup on the palate. Crowd pleasing and a bar conversation uplifter. Water tames the tartness and ads creaminess to the concoction binding it together.
Nose
Distillery: Black cherries, cocoa powder and oak wood.
Taste
Distillery: Sweet, resinous, dried fruits. Spicy cinnamon sticks and nutmeg.
Finish
Distillery: Dark chocolate with lingering spiciness. Medium sweet. Wemyss Family Collection Vanilla Burst Blended Single Malt Whisky Batch 2017/01
Wemyss Malts tell us: The Vanilla Burst is the first release of the Wemyss Family Collection range and is a blend of only 2 Speyside single malts with a light and fruity character that were chosen to mature in 15 1st-fill Ex-bourbon barrels. The 4800 bottles of Vanilla Burst perfectly demonstrate an intense 1st fill bourbon wood influence on a light and sweet Speyside malt Scotch whisky.
The taste profile for this is lots of vanilla, spicy and floral with notes of cereal and citrus with a rich fruity mouthfeel. ...