Independent Bottlings

• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2009 Claxton's Exploration Series Ardmore 12 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Apart from very discreet aromas of cured meats and wood smoke, this brandy cask finished Ardmore is more about dried fruit cake on the nose. Sweet peat is evident but cut back a notch on the palate too, instead, choc brownies and creamy malt feature, trailing off with salted crackers and a sweet, fruity note reminiscent of grilled pineapple. The brandy notes return in the aftertaste. A wonderfully tasty bottling that takes young Ardmore to new malty depths. STR barrique matured. 50% Alc./Vol Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Brandy stewed apples, crème brulée, sweet peat, pineapple mint, bonfire embers.

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• • 94

  • Nick's Import

  Claxton's Grain Barn 30 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 48%

  A polished and simply delicious grain at a bargain price.

  New for 2022, the Bourbon-barrelled 'Grain Barn' is as the name suggests, a single grain matured in former barns at Claxton's Dalswinton Bond. Created to bring the category further into the limelight, it's a shining example of just how assured grain whisky can be. At the time of writing, from the original 1500 bottles there were only about 50 left at Claxtons (word has got out!) It starts with a well-weighted bouquet mingling banofee pie, sticky date, vanilla fudge and cocoa, following on the palate with impressive depth and barely a hint of heat; You get a sultry, slow-motion cascade of Bounty bar, mocha and vanilla wafer biscuit flavours that continues to build texture. By the finish it's buttery and borderline luscious. A polished and simply delicious grain at a bargain price, it comes handsomely presented to boot. And like almost everything else from this bottler, it's nice to see they've released it at a decent ABV. Don't miss out. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 001 tasted.

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import
  • Reduced

  2014 Claxton's Exploration Series Tomintoul 7 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $125.00

  $109. 99

  Bottle

  $1319.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  An appealing colour for a young Oloroso matured Tomintoul, with nuances of orange and cognac to the leading aromas followed by plump malty notes that develop with milk chocolate, honey and oat biscuits. What strikes you is the purity of the spirit - stylistically similar to many official Tomintouls - but with much more weight and texture, the palate offering a balanced sherry and malt interplay, full and rounded with soft sweet spices, more vanilla then prunes. Hints of cocoa and orange cream tea biscuits enter through the finish. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Floral, angostura bitters, candied orange, star anise, muscovado sugar.

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• • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Bunnahabhain Staoisha 8 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Although there are many more releases in Europe, heavily peated Bunnah' (aka Staoisha) is just beginning to make it to our shores and it's gaining popularity fast. Drawn from a St Julien (Bordeaux) cask, it's hard to gauge what impact a red wine barrique would have on a make as bold as this. Arguably there's a reducing effect on the nose where subtle red berry notes rise above the smokey dark chocolate and lanolin. Not so on the palate, where peat remains central; Sweet cured meats, creamy vanillan malt and trace elastoplast are all evident, with a salivating salt and pepper finish that conjures Ledaig. It's another solid young Staoisha that will appeal to fans of malts like Ardmore or Caol Ila. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Maritime, BBQ ribs, raspberries, pink wafers.

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• • 88

  • Nick's Import
  • Reduced

  Claxton's Exploration Series Orkney Islands 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $120.00

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Possibly a budding HP? The distillate has its charms even at this modest age. But considering Claxton's have identified a Highland Park in the latest shipment, it leads us to suggest this could be Scapa... If it is Highland Park, it's a fairly elementary expression with the distillery's honeyed-cereal character just starting to shine. Experiment with dilution to release the oils and find its sweet spot. Bottled from a single hogshead without chill filtration at 50% Alc./Vol.

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• • Nick's Import

  Claxton's Exploration Series Lowlands 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $114. 99

  Bottle

  $1379.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  The origins of this mysterious Lowlander have not been disclosed by Claxtons. However, being a single malt as opposed to single grain, there aren't too many guesses available. Distilled in 2013 and bottled at 50% Alc./Vol. with zero chill filtration after eight years in a refill PX sherry hogshead. Our suggestion is Auchentoshan... but it could be Bladnoch.

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• • Nick's Import
  • Reduced

  Claxton's Exploration Series Benriach 7 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $130.00

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Benriach is in Speyside's epicentre and is owned by American spirits giant, Brown Forman. Claxton's continue a theme of bottling young malts for their Exploration series. As far as our records go, this is probably the youngest Benriach ever to hit the market. The whisky from Benriach is quite flavoursome. Combine that with maturation in a refill sherry hogshead and this should be a very tasty number.  50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2009 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Ardmore 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 58.1%

  Ardmore from a brandy cask presents a fascinating proposition, although the cask in question seems to have had a reducing effect on the nose. Not so on the palate where Ardmore's sooty keynote is emphasised in an ample malt of considerable vitality. Peppers dapple the tongue. The sooty peat recedes through the cocoa-laced, tea biscuit finish. From a brandy quarter cask yielding 147 bottles. 58.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from Claxton's... Nose: Sea-salty freshness at first. Butter biscuit with a sweet pepperiness. Palate: More peaty on the palate. Sweet ash and barbecue notes. Finish: Long, dry finish. Lots of salt and pepper and oak in the aftertaste.

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• 2006 Cooper's Choice Girvan 16 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 57.5%

  600 bottles make up a slightly larger outturn than is typical for Cooper's Choice in an unusual Oloroso sherry-finished single grain from Girvan. One of our favourites when it comes to grain distilleries, this relative youngster will have added weight and complexity from time in a sherry butt. 57.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• 1993 Cooper's Choice Strathclyde 28 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $280. 00

  Bottle

  $3360.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 49.5%

  Strathclyde is not too far from Glasgow and was originally built to produce gin, but has since become an important producer of wheat-based grain whisky for large volume Scotch blends. Owned by Pernod Ricard, it's safe to assume a majority finds its way into Chivas Regal products. This single cask example has spent its entire 28 years in an ex-first fill Bourbon barrel yielding 198 bottles. It sounds old for a whisky, but many grains at this age are still too young and disjointed. Having said that, we tasted a 26 year old Cooper's Choice several years ago (of the same or similar liquid) and it was solid. Anticipate another notable selection here. 49.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• 2011 Cooper's Choice Linkwood 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 52.5%

  Linkwood and Calvados (apple brandy) equate to fruity plus fruity, so this finishing should really work! 52.5% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. 318 bottles.

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• • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2014 Dalgety Caol Ila Small Batch 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $145. 00

  Bottle

  $1740.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50.5%

  Another addition to the Dalgety range, a label that pays tribute to Dalgety Bay, the home of Hannah Whisky Merchants. Two casks of this classic Islay distillate have been treated to two finishing years in Italian Amarone barriques. Powerful, winey and replete with dark red fruits and Summer pudding, the phenols only intensify at the last. One Caol Ila where peat isn't the main feature. Wonderfully mouth-filling, regardless. 404 bottles are on offer. 50.5% Alc./Vol.
  Notes from the bottlers... barbecued sea shell, mixed dried fruit peel, coffee grounds, carob and pouring honey.

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2012 Dalgety Inchgower Small Batch 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50.6%

  This coastal Speysider is known for its important contribution to Daigeo's blended whisky brands. The team at Lady of the Glen have given it a lengthy two year secondary maturation in Oloroso hogsheads from Hidalgo cooperage in Spain. The result offers a strong influence from the sherry more than the wood including flavours of salted oatmeal biscuits, orange chocolates and cocoa. The finish is lengthened by a flurry of pepper and pipe tobacco before more bitter dark chocolate comes through. Spicy by Inchgower standards, a few drops of water broadens the mouthfeel and accents the richness of the malt. Drawn from two hogsheads yielding 641 bottles at 50.6% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Dried fruits, créme caramel, star anise, stroopwafels and chocolate orange.

  Other reviews... Easy drinking sherried Inchgower. Balanced. Lots of caramel and toffee, with gentle spice and orange peels. - whiskybase.com

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2009 Dalgety An Islay Small Batch 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 51.8%

  Distilled at an undisclosed distillery, ‘An Islay’ was put together from three refill oloroso hogsheads yielding 722 bottles. A lovely, accessible Island expression offering a bouquet of salted smoked fish alongside bready sweetness, in the mouth it's an intense and well-executed continuation of the aromas; Oily malt, rising peppers, pickled ginger and wasabi heat adding to an already peaty climax. 51.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2011 Dalgety Tormore Small Batch 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50.5%

  An eleven year old Tormore composed from multiple refill ex-sherry casks. Straw bail and sawdusty notes partly conceal light honey, vanilla and vaguely tropical scents, but the palate gives a better showing; Dryish before shifting into ripe malty gear, digestif biscuits and cocoa rally in a medium-bodied finish. A textbook young Speysider that’s undeniably tasty. You could drink this anytime. 50.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 550 bottles.

  Notes from the bottlers... orange blossom, fudge, brioche and pecan.

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• • Reduced

  Darkness Benriach Moscatel Cask Finish 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $150.00

  $119. 99

  Bottle

  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 56.8%

  A Benriach distilled towards the tail end of Billy Walker’s time at the helm. Brown Forman have since taken over and Rachel Barrie has crafted a more moderate but well-curated selection. The style is fruity, medium to full-bodied and in this case, initially matured in ex-bourbon wood then given a stopover inside a small Moscatel cask. Similar examples we've tasted tend to acquire an exotic fruit quality from these casks, so expect something a little unusual. 56.8% Alc./Vol.

  Notes from the bottlers... On the nose there are aromas of vanilla wafers, raspberry, red licorice and peppermint. The flavours are fresh on the palate, with eucalyptus and menthol. This becomes syrupy, with melted chocolate and brazil nuts. The finish has a lasting freshness, with cocoa, peppermint and spice.

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• 1983 Douglas Laing & Co. The Old Malt Cask 50° Port Ellen 22 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $2499. 00

  Bottle

  $29988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product NOT pictured.

  A very desirable Port Ellen from Douglas Laing's Old Malt Cask series, notable for being distilled in 1983 - the year production ceased. Bottled in February 2006 from one refill butt yielding 660 bottles, this seems quite reasonably priced for a PE of its age. If you're planning on drinking rather than investing, according to at least one reputable reviewer (Serge at whiskyfun.com), 1983 was a great vintage for the distillery. Non chill filtered. 50% Alc./Vol. Collectable.

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• • Nick's Import
  • Reduced

  1964 Douglas Laing & Co. XOP Xtra Old Particular Dumbarton 55 Year Old Single Cask Limited Release Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $3,999.00

  $2499. 00

  Bottle

  $29988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 44.6%

  Beyond investment grade - now more a museum piece, and deserving of a place in any serious whisky collection.

  From the long closed Dumbarton plant, this is all the more unusual for its extraordinary age. Grandfather Dumbartons are frequently off the charts when it comes to ratings in the single grain category. This is definitely one of the oldest, if not the oldest ever bottled upping the ante on a 1975 Gordon & Macphail 45 YO released earlier in 2022. Beautifully presented in a heavyweight bottle housed in a wooden box, Douglas Laing are offering 215 bottles to the world, drawn from one refill hogshead at natural strength with no chill filtration. Anticipate aromas and flavours of Scottish honey, maple syrup, candied apples, ginger, nutmeg and milk chocolate with a lengthy poached pear, pistachio and marmalade finish. Extremely limited stocks. 44.6% Alc./Vol.

  Also known as 'Inverleven', Dumbarton was built in 1938, just south of the Highland border near Glasgow and for a while was the largest operation of its kind. Classified as a lowlander by Michael Jackson, production was predominantly set aside for the Ballantine's blends. When bottled by Indies, Dumbarton is typically the label for grain whisky. Inverleven the single malt, but it's not a rule. Nowadays stocks are "undeniably rare". The notable feature of the plant was its American-style stainless steel columns (rather than the traditional Coffey stills). A focus on maize, meant its spirit was rather heavy in character. In 1956 a third Lomond still was added with an attached rectification column designed to produce different styles of spirit. The distillery was decommissioned in 1985, though its column still was salvaged by Bruichladdich to produce its now famous 'Botanist gin'.

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• • Nick's Import

  2001 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Braeval 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 48.4%

  We've only managed to secure a handful of Braevals in the past, so we jumped on this well-aged expression as soon as we saw it. Located in the far south of the Speyside region, Braeval shares the honour of being the joint highest distillery in Scotland, along with Dalwhinnie. The house style is unpeated, light and floral. This is one of 292 released under Douglas Laing's Old Particular label, charged from a Sherry butt, distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2019 at high strength without chill filtration. Serge Valentin at whiskyfun.com summed up a 1997 D.L. bottling of the same age and maturation as "...a solid and honest malty Speysider with good oomph." Notes from the Laings describe aromas and flavours of Turkish Delight, marmalade, milk chocolate and spices with a strawberry and oak quality through the finish. 48.4% Alc./Vol.

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• • Reduced

  1980 Douglas Laing & Co. XOP Xtra Old Particular Caol Ila 40 Year Old Single Cask Limited Release Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $3,199.00

  $2299. 00

  Bottle

  $27588.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 54.6%

  Quite possibly, the oldest Caol Ila ever bottled: 40 long years maturing in a refill hogshead. Older Caol Ilas can be quite stunning; the peat recedes and the quality of the spirit shines through. Extremely limited. Just 206 bottles exist globally. 54.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Expect immediately oceanic, West Coast of Scotland character, with enticing yet subtle phenols coming through. Palate: The palate reveals leather, malted barley, spices and a honey-glazed smoked meat quality. Finish: The finish is exceptional, with more peat smoke, dried citric fruits and oak bonfire embers.

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• 1982 Douglas Laing's Old & Rare Platinum Selection Port Ellen 25 Year old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $4999. 00

  Bottle

  $59988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 57.7%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Specifically, there is some wear to the bottle's neck sticker and minor cellar bloom on the certificate of authenticity contained inside the box. Actual product pictured.

  Distilled one year before Port Ellen closed and bottled in January 2008. There's a cask from the Laings of the same age and vintage rated 90 points by whiskyfun.com, so expect the quality to be high again. We have one only from the original outturn of 300 bottles at natural strength. 57.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Collectable.

  Notes from the bottlers... On the nose it is literally a breath of sea air, with a hint of Caledonian MacBrayne's ferry as a back drop, plus distinct heathery peat heading to a sweet and smokey oakiness. Initially dry, ashy and salty on the palate, this moves through a gristy sweet barley phase to something more creosoted at its tail - and this runs really long at the finish which is tarry too, moving late onto a dry, spiced, ashy (again) style.

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• • Kosher Certified

  DS Tayman Blair Athol 12 Year Old Syrah Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  Blair Athol gets a makeover by DS Tayman: Initially aged in a virgin oak hogshead then finished in a first-fill Flam winery barrel that previously held Syrah (shiraz); Despite the impressive colour, the result is described as light, delicate and gentle. 420 bottles are on offer. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Aromas of mandarin oranges and salted caramel pave the way for smooth tones of milk chocolate and sweet sorbet. The finish is light and long with warming tones of wine tannins.

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• • Kosher Certified

  DS Tayman Glen Elgin 12 Year Old Syrah Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  One of the first times we've come across a Glen Elgin with a red wine finish. It arrives as part of DS Tayman's colourfullyy presented "Syrah Editions" that sees secondary maturations in first-fill barrels that previously held Syrah wine (shiraz). 384 bottles are on offer. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Malty cereal & summer fruit sweetness, dusted with icing sugar. Palate: Cotton wool softness, with plums. Some grape seed tannins with a trace of anise. Finish: Medium and well balanced with spicy wood punches and a raspberry jam overlay.

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• • Kosher Certified

  DS Tayman Caol Ila 12 Year Old Syrah Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  Caol Ila is usually a good match for red wine, with Gordon & Macphails sought-after Hermitage wood series proving the point. In this case, the medium to heavily-peated Islay was first matured in a hogshead and then finished in a first-fill x-Syrah (shiraz) barrel with an outturn of 320 bottles. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

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• 2007 Dumangin Glenrothes Batch 008 Single Cask 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  A youthful Glenrothes double barelled by Dumangin in their trademark Ratafia cask selection. Disgorged in 2020, No.T-131 yielded 344 bottles at 46% Alc./Vol.

  Gilles Dumangin returned to the family Domain in 2000 after studying in London. A small wine merchant, not far from Harrods had introduced him to a Tain L'Hermitage finished single malt. It was love at first taste. Gilles was inspired to create his own delicately tannic 'Ratafias Champenois' (a fortified wine made with Champagne must and Champagne based spirits) using second-fill barrels from the Côtes-du-Rhône Septentrionales (x-Syrah). He now applies the same principles to single cask whiskies - this time with a Champagne twist, using the same barrels that aged his Ratafia Champenois.

  The Dumangin whiskies follow in the footsteps of French pioneers like Michel Couvreur - only there's another layer of expertise bought to the table. While Gilles clearly has a 'magic touch' when it comes to selecting and maturing world class singles and grains, he isn't just a buyer and bottler. He's an acclaimed winemaker applying his know-how. Whiskies arrive in Champagne to complete their maturation in 228 litre barriques in the cellars at Chigny-les-Roses. The Ratafia finishing gives them a distinctive signature: a subtle yet delicious, creamy, fruity twist unique to Champagne.

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• • 95

  2007 Dumangin Mystery Distillery (Orkney) Batch 001 Single Cask 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND

  $264. 99

  Bottle

  $3179.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  A beautifully defined island expression with a Ratafia twist.

  Perhaps it’s the cask finish that brings it together so beautifully, or was it simply a freak cask to begin with (or both?) Regardless, this brilliantly balanced Orkney-fest of a malt hits all the right notes; A measured dollop of honey perfectly complements the smouldering peat; a grapey-smokey-sherried burst arrives with a salty, maritime lick, while the nutty, sooty finish and impeccable balance seal it as an utterly quintessential HP. For anyone whose first single malt love affair harks back to the distillery 12YO (or even the 18YO) of decades past, this will be like travelling back in time. Delectable and quite faultless whisky. 46% Alc./Vol. 413 bottles produced. Non chill filtered.

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• 1996 East Asia Whisky Company Asanoha Dragon Springbank 24 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Campbeltown, SCOTLAND

  $12999. 00

  Bottle

  $155988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 48.8%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

  Referencing certain Karuizawas in both presentation and collectabliity is this stunning Springbank bottled by the independent East Asia Whisky Company in 2020. The Singapore-based operation focusses on blue chip distilleries including Macallan, Bowmore, Chichibu and Caroni. Matured in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry cask followed by a Madeira wine finish, this whisky was considered so extraordinary that the company used it to launch a new collection known as the Yokai series. Just 151 bottles were offered globally. The heavy decanter and laser etched timber box come adorned with a golden dragon donning a traditional Japanese pattern instead of the usual fish scales. The box is fitted with neodymium magnets and a pulley-ring to operate the sliding mechanism, while the liquid inside promises a hedonistic, super complex Campbeltown experience. 48.8% Alc./Vol. Collectable.

  Notes from the bottlers... Fruitcake, honey and a touch of salinity on the nose, giving way to a palate full of dates, dark chocolate, cinnamon, with a characteristic oily texture and juicy barley malt. Long and unctuous on the finish, with baking spices and dried fruits.

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• • Nick's Import

  2010 Edradour Ballechin Straight from the Cask 10 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 60.1%

  The big smoke'n'sherry theme continues with No.201, another oloroso cask, this time yielding 893 bottles at 60.1% Alc./Vol. We have less of this than any other Ballechin right now. Judging by a blogger's post on whiskybase.com below, the quality is very high, but you will need patience for the sherry to fully shine, otherwise, it's "...a standout".

  Other reviews... First impressions were only of peat and smoky pork. It took quite a while to get beyond that wall of scent, but behind it, there was earthy tea and a floral tartness. Over time the pork cure got sweeter and sweeter. That was a theme accross the board: the sweetness being initially very shy and peripheral and increasing in confidence and complexity. The palate started off on the short side, with only the honeyed peat briefly showing before salty spice and the transition to the finish. Still, it was enjoyable with a dense thickness, heft and dark malted breadiness. When it opened up, it was was like it recieved an upgrade patch. Right after the honey peat, it then Introduced stewed, dark fruit and chocolate that behaved like it has been there the whole time, nonchalantly becoming the bulk of the midsection. The finish wasn't altered so much, being mostly fully formed from the get go. The black currants from earlier were the major change to it, as it brought more sweetness to the slow burn of various pepper-corns. This was a standout whisky that assembled a complex range of delicious textures and tones and arranged them artfully. - whiskybase.com

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• • 94

  Elements of Islay Sherry Cask Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 54.5%

  We're used to seeing the Elements series in 500ml formats. This bottling upgrades drinkers to 700ml. It's part of a new core trilogy of blended malts introduced in 2022 (the others are 'Cask Edit' and 'Bourbon Cask'). Matured in first-fill and refill sherry butts and hogsheads and combining whiskies from the north and south of Islay before bottling at a hearty strength, components are kept secret, but just looking at the bottle tells you everything you need; there are the expected aromas of sweet peat reek, joined by raisin cake, prunes, dried orange peel and baking spice, followed by a massive flavour drive that adds lanolin, walnut brownies, maritime salinity and chimney soot. Chilli-infused dark chocolate, smokey dates and trace iodine finish off this impressive blending effort that also comes non chill-filtered. 54.5% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Nose: obviously more sherried, with a rather dry profile on tobacco leaves, dark chocolate and Lapsang tea. Cigar boxes and hints of black peppercorns. Quite aromatic. Mouth: again more on the dark and dry side of the spectrum. Plenty of leafy notes, liqourice, dark chocolate and dried orange peels. A lot of sweet pepper, hints of seashells and a gingery edge. Rather sooty. Finish: really long, with dry smoke, dark chocolate, tobacco and a hint of muscovado sugar. - whiskynotes.be

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: The lingering scent of tobacco remains in an empty sandalwood cigar box. Arbroath smokie sits alongside aromatic notes of lemon oil, ginger root and a hint of menthol. Palate: Rich and unctuous. Dark-chocolate-dipped candied orange slices and chunks of crystalised stem ginger. Muscovado sugar syrup provides a sticky, dark drizzle over date-studded ginger cake. Sweet smoke and dried autumn fruits sit in the background. Finish: Treacle toffee and smoky black tea, sweetened by dark brown sugar. A long, sweet, rich and spicy finish.

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• 1999 Gleann Mor Spirits Company Rare Find Longmorn 22 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $499. 00

  Bottle

  $5988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 54.3%

  Cask #80036 reads like a Longmorn classic, with the right amount of age under its belt to ensure proper weight and richness. Distilled in 1999, and bottled in 2022. Expect coconut, tropical fruits, and hints of golden honey on the nose. Blackcurrant, pears and peaches laced with vanilla custard in the mouth with a long sweet finish bursting with fruit. 54.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 93

  Gleann Mor Spirits Distilled at a Lowland Distillery in Ayrshire 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Distilled in April 2013 at an undisclosed lowland Ayrshire-based distillery and bottled by Edinburgh based Independent bottlers, Gleann Mor Spirits in November 2021. 3-4 minutes of air contact reveals attractive malty definition and depth on the nose, following through in a superb melt-in-your mouth delivery of buttered pop corn, shortbread, honey, light caramels with sweet oily barley with tingling spices in support. Ends like a fruity Speysider (pears and apples). Simple but absolutely delicious malt that could be mistaken for a whisky twice its age. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... A mix of sweet, dark fruit and fresh tobacco leaves. Sweet bourbon, dark honey, and oranges with a little mint in the mouth; a long sweet spicy finish.

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• • 92

  Gleann Mor Spirits Raise Your Spirits Bunnahabhain 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Peated Bunnah', not quite a 'Staoisha' but something more sedate; Shy aromas of smoked meats and a palate that delivers a tasty mix of bbq, sweet peat and pure, nutty malt. Complexity isn't high but the flavour profile is everything you'd expect with these credentials. Light lanolin combines vanilla and white pepper through the finish. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Soft gentle peat, hints of warming spices with some fruit and smoke on the nose. Wonderfully smooth with sweet fruits, dates, candied pecans, cracked black pepper in the mouth. A long, warm, peppery sweet smoke finish.

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• • Limit One per customer
  • Nick's Import

  2002 Gordon & Macphail Speymalt from Macallan Cask #1189 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $999. 00

  Bottle

  $11988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 56.3%

  More stocks secured. Twenty year old, cask strength Macallan selling for a song.

  A second small parcel of all-natural Macallan has come our way at a price that subscribers and collectors should take advantage of. Twenty years old, single cask, cask strength and sourced from one of Scotland's most prestigious independents. Good things have been said about some of these early 2000 G&M Macallans - no doubt partly because the bottler continues a practice of filling and maturing in their own casks rather than buying 'ready made' malts and then finishing them off for a year or two. This way, G&M maintain as much quality control as is possible for an indie. We think this release was destined for the U.S. - regardless, judging by the colour alone, cask 1189 looks to have been very active on the sherry front and has all the hallmarks of a strong distillery expression. Compare it with the large-production official 18 year old (43%), now retailing for around $1300 and the price speaks for itself. Comes with sleek livery and packaging featuring an embossed bottle, minimalist label and presentation box. Presumably non-chill filtered, but not stated on the label. Collectable.

  Notes from the bottlers... Stewed apples with toffee and zesty orange aromas. The palate is smooth with dark chocolate, toasted hazelnut and subtle liquorice. The spicy finish holds lingering oak.

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• 1991 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Linkwood 30 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $1199. 00

  Bottle

  $14388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 53.1%

  Distilled in 1991, this expression spent three decades in a first fill sherry butt until Gordon & MacPhail deemed it worthy of bottling up for their Connoisseurs Choice collection, releasing a total of 549 cask strength bottles. Their notes describe sherry aromas giving way to lemon peel and a hint blueberry while sweet citrus flavours intertwine with stewed raisins and autumnal spices. 53.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks.

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• 1988 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Glenlossie 32 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $1499. 00

  Bottle

  $17988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 49.6%

  Established in 1876, Glenlossie sits adjacent to Mannochmore, built in 1971. It's traditionally been highly regarded by blenders. Older Glenlossies have had Jim Murray in raptures, exclaiming, "If you've ever wondered why I consider this a great distillery, grab a glass of this!" The house style is quintessentially Speyside with honey and ripe orchard fruits galore. This single cask, refill sherry matured expression from G&M promises to up the ante with aromas and flavours of baked apple pie, stewed plums and orange zest. 224 bottles are on offer. 49.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• 1989 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Miltonduff 31 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $1499. 00

  Bottle

  $17988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 52.9%

  Purchased in 2005, Miltonduff is another distillery in Pernod Ricard's growing portfolio. Located seven kilometres south west of Elgin in barley-growing country, known as 'Pluscarden'. The style tends towards a fresh, citrusy distillate that goes into the Ballantine's blends. As virtually no official bottlings are released, anything from independents is welcome, especially when they carry a serious age statement. This is one of the oldest to ever land on our shores, surpassed only by the odd Adelphi. Matured in a single refill sherry hogshead, cask #10224 promises aromas and flavours of stewed fruits, cloves, clementine zest as well as baked apples, dates and orange marmalade. Exactly 200 bottles are available worldwide with a handful imported into Australia. 52.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• 1988 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Scapa 32 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND

  $1599. 00

  Bottle

  $19188.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 50.6%

  This is the second Scapa in G&M's latest outturn with a significant age statement, the other being a 29 year old.
  Owned by Pernod Ricard, Scapa is another distillery that's almost disappeared from the market place, with just two NAS expressions making up the core range: Glansa and Skiren. A selection of single casks were launched in 2020, and there are about a dozen cask strength bottlings but you have to visit one of Chivas' visitor centres to find them. Part of the scarcity has been attributed to the intermittent supply of aged stocks, with the distillery being mothballed for refurbishments from 1994 until 2006 (production did take place from 1997 using staff from Highland Park, but it was only for a few months of the year). Needless to say, this is highly unusual, even for indies. Cask #310 was a refill Bourbon barrel yielding just 146 bottles. Distilled in 1988, the Australian stocks are next to nothing. G&M describe aromas and flavours of dark honey, toasted malt, pepper, ripe pear, tangerine and charred oak. Non chill filtered. 50.6% Alc./Vol.

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• 1957 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Glen Grant 61 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $15999. 00

  Bottle

  $191988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 42.5%

  These extremely old Glen Grants are becoming a regular feature of G&M's Private Collection, proof that they're one of the very few whisky companies that have always been thinking long term. No doubt there's more to come. The new range harks back to G&M's old white label 40% bottlings from a decade ago, only now they're cask strength and come with a significant packaging upgrade. Laid to sleep on the 2nd November 1957 and bottled on the 14th January 2019, cask 3911 was a refill Sherry hogshead yielding just 87 bottles at a natural strength of 42.5% ABV. It promises to be elegance and luxury, from the inside out.

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• 1987 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 33 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $1699. 00

  Bottle

  $20388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 55.6%

  Mortlach was the first distillery in Dufftown, sometimes called the Whisky Capital of the World. In terms of popularity and global presence, it's dwarfed by neighbouring giants like Glenfiddich and Balvenie, and so has always attracted whisky boffins who prefer the road less travelled. The style is robust and suits sherry maturation, like this one from G&M drawn from a refill Sherry Hogshead (Cask No. 426) yielding 182 bottles at 55.6%. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Spice and fruitcake aromas. Taste: Citrus and red berry flavours accompany orange and nutmeg. Finish: A light to medium finish with lingering roasted nuts.

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• 1976 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Glenlivet 44 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $3999. 00

  Bottle

  $47988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 51.3%

  The 1976 is the second highly collectable Glenlivet G&M offered in league with the late 2021 release Generations 80 year old which sold in Australia for $160,000. Also a refill sherry hogshead, cask No.5648 was filled on the 29th of March 1976 and bottled on the 10th of March 2021. The 1976 had a marginally higher outturn than the '75, though still measly at just 83 bottles. Deeply coloured by a lengthy maturation in sherry wood, this old glory promises to unfold slowly in the glass and keep on giving. Also beautifully presented, the packaging is part of the Gordon & MacPhail ‘Private Collection’ series that features a truly exceptional and unique range of greatly aged single malts personally selected by members of the Urquhart family.

  Gordon & MacPhail’s relationship with Glenlivet goes back over a century when the company began sourcing spirit from its eight copper stills to mature in their own bespoke casks. Says Operations Director, Stuart Urquhart, “Glenlivet’s style of spirit is often highlighted as a classic example from Speyside – smooth, light, fruity and slightly floral. Spirit from Glenlivet can withstand long term ageing, managing to retain its delicate character. It is imperative for us to select quality casks, made to our exacting specifications, to ensure the spirit is not overpowered. Typically, we use Sherry casks for spirit earmarked for long-term maturation, with bourbon casks deployed for shorter term expressions although there are always exceptions to the rule.” 

  Notes from the bottlers... AROMA Rich sherry aromas combine with sweet Morello cherry and a hint of beeswax polish. Soft aniseed develops alongside ginger and cinnamon with subtle notes of candied orange peel. TASTE Flavours of stewed red berries give way to toasted almonds and light cocoa powder.  Baked apples accompany clove spice and a delicate herbal character. FINISH A full finish with raspberries, blackcurrants and lingering liquorice. 51.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• Gordon & Macphail Discovery Glenrothes 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 43%

  Sherry matured Glenrothes are always hot items. Gordon & MacPhail have bottled this one as part of their Discovery series, curated to offer a dependable and consistent choice of 'Sherried', 'Smokey' and 'Bourbon' matured malts. 43% Alc./Vol.

  Notes from the bottlers... Rich toffee aromas mingle with stewed fruits. Sherry influences mix with forest fruits, delicate cinnamon and chocolate. On the palate, raspberries and blackberries are complemented by cinnamon and charred oak with a creamy milk chocolate and orange finish.

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• Gordon & Macphail Distillery Labels Mortlach 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $450. 00

  Bottle

  $5400.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  A fantastic price / age ratio. No wonder the importer wanted to buy the lot. Gordon & Macphail have allocated a fraction of the latest outturn to Australia.

  Given that Diageo launched a 26 year old Mortlach for AU 2.5K several years back, this gem from Gordon & Macphail is a steal. We've mentioned before that quarter-century aged Scotch is not getting cheaper. Arran, Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Old Pulteney, Laphroaig, Talisker, Caol Ila, Glenrothes and Glengoyne currently have an average retail price of close to $700. Add Macallan, Lagavulin, Springbank and Ardbeg to the mix and the average jumps up to around $1200. It's inevitable that the price for 25 year old single malt Scotch will settle somewhere between these two values. (Even Single Grains and Blends with similar age statements are becoming less and less accessible).

  Besides the price point, this is Mortlach: a genuine whisky boffin's whisky and one that's been relatively hard to find. Prior to 2014 when a new official range was released, Mortlach was rarely encountered. Current owners, Diageo, used to offer around 800 cases of a 43% 16 year old annually under their Flora & Fauna label (even this is now discontinued). The next closest thing to "official bottlings" of Mortlach have been the licensed releases by Gordon & Macphail. Otherwise, output is reserved for Diageo's blends. Whisky writer, Dave Broom describes the distillery's main claim to fame (production wise) as "...the home of the most fiendishly complex distillation regime in Scotland". Worm tubs combined with a sophisticated partial-triple distillation and adherence to very traditional practices yields meatier, richer, darker flavours. Always on the heavier end of the Speyside scale, the style is typically masculine, full bodied, sometimes chewy and a little sulphury and often plush with dried fruits. Reportedly bottled from first fill & refill Sherry casks, we note that the colour of this release is much deeper than the previous 43% bottling. Very limited stocks.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Rich sherry aromas combine with fruitcake, Autumnal spices and undertones of orange complement Summer berries. A long and lingering finish of almonds. 46% Alc./Vol.

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• • Nick's Import

  2011 Hart Brothers Single Cask Balmenach 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 58.8%

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $179. 99

  Bottle

  $2159.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 58.8%

  This gorgeous little Balmenach is a bit of a novelty having been matured in a fresh port pipe (most arrive from Sherry or Bourbon casks). It's high strength, but the port input will make it more approachable, likely delivering lots of cherry and chocolate flavours. Only a handful have made it to our shores. 58.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • Nick's Import

  2011 Hart Brothers Balmenach 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $149. 99

  Bottle

  $1799.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  An unusual single cask, bottled at a high ABV but not cask strength. Situated on the River Spey in the very heart of Speyside, the Balmenach distillery was an illicit operation when it started producing in 1801. It wasn't until 1824 that James MacGregor, the original founder and local farmer decided to licence his “peat shed” as a distillery. It was closed in 1993, and was bought by Inverhouse Distillers Ltd in December 1997. Production restarted in March 1998. This edition from Hart Brothers promises a lightly coloured malt, suggesting it was matured in a Bourbon cask. Expect something a little citrusy with a hint of ginger and green apples. More than likely this is not chill filtered, however it's not stated on the label. 50% Alc./Vol.

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• • 94
  • 

  • Nick's Import

  1992 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Girvan 29 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $275. 00

  Bottle

  $3300.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 52.9%

  A Girvan approaching peak maturity. All the usual suspects are present - heady vanillas, caramels, hints of bourbon and gold rum, but the sugars are checked by herbal teas (chamomile) and hints of green apples. Tasted after ample air contact, the palate softens and richens up like a fat, buttery Chardonnay. If sweet grains are your thing, this turns out to be a classically lush and well-rounded expression, right through to the fine-tuned sweet/dry ending that finishes like a great wine. 52.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 107 bottles from an ex-Bourbon hogshead.

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• • 90

  • Nick's Import

  2011 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Glen Garioch 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $124. 99

  Bottle

  $1499.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 57.9%

  Glen Garioch can be challenging and unconventional. Here the opening aromas are feisty, unripe and butyric then richer, nuttier with green cardamon and hints of lemon balm. More approachable on the palate in a mouthfilling, oily-yet-crisp, refreshing Summer style that comes with persistent spices matched by alcohol flare. May require dilution for some, which significantly amplifies the mouthfeel. 57.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 219 bottles from a Bourbon cask.

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  1988 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Invergordon 34 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 51.9%

  This well-aged Invergordon suggests water crackers and white pepper before budding sweetness brings forward notes of toasted marshmallow, ripe peach and gold rum. Deeper on the palate, but remains a linear, sleek style of grain with surprising vibrancy. The later stages build complexity and body adding dried coconut, milk chocolate and hints of green wood. Late oily richness brings back the sugars. Add water to broaden the mouthfeel and accent Bounty bar and an old Bourbon character. 51.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. One of 266 bottles from an x Bourbon hogshead.

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• • 94

  • Nick's Import

  2007 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Croftengea 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 58.9%

  'Croftengea' is produced by Loch Lomond and equates to a classification for a spirit type. The distillery says this is its most heavily peated whisky. We find it to be similar to Caol Ila, sans the really strong maritime character - in other words, variations on a smokey theme that's predictably good. The nose and palate are engagingly sweet and sooty with Anzac biscuits, butter menthol lozenges, dried grass and chocolatey peat. Creamy, full bodied and jam-packed with salty peet-reek, the co-mingling of tangy fruit and sweet oily smoke with wood spices is in controlled tension. Add it all up and you have style that is nothing less than dangerously drinkable. 58.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 270 bottles from a Bourbon cask.

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