Single Malt Scotch Whisky

• Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $1099. 00

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  $13188.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46.3%

  The newest member of the Bunnahabhain core range is a 30-year-old matured exclusively in ex-sherry casks in coastal warehouses at the distillery. Expect notes of strawberries and cream, gradually developing into honey nut cereals and an abundance of rich toffee, before finishing with a hint of salted caramel and light spices.  Accompanied by a handsome presentation case. Non-chill filtered and natural colour. 46.3% Alc./Vol.

  Notes from the producers... Nose: Aromas of butterscotch, beeswax and sweet sherry. Palate: Strawberries and cream dominate the palate, gradually developing into honey nut cereals and an abundance of rich toffee. Finish: A gentle aftertaste of stewed berries and ginger, with a prolonged and undulating combination of spiced oak and salted caramel.

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• Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2023 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $179. 99

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  $2159.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 60.1%

  "...a damn good dram ... Profile-wise, this sits somewhere between the 2021 and the 2022. Quality-wise, though, this is on-par with the 2022... " - dramface.com

  Only a minority of whisky lovers will ever make the pilgrimage to Islay. For those who do, Bunnahabhain's remote location in the far north east means it's often last on the list - one reason why the distillery started to bottle this little gem several years ago. The annual cask strength editions give people from around the world a chance to experience unpeated, all-natural Bunnah' without having to travel. The 2023 edition is the third release to date, landing at a significantly higher ABV than its predecessors, retaining a full spectrum of flavours partly derived from time in Oloroso sherry casks. According to the distillery, it delivers a fruitier profile boasting notes of stone fruits and figs with the spices less prominent on the finish. Like the previous two releases, it comes bottled without chill filtration. 60.1% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... "In discussions of Islay drams Bunnahabhain is sometimes categorized as a lighter spirit compared to the island’s other distillates since it is usually unpeated (but does of course make some peated malt). This dram clearly shows why that’s largely mistaken; this distillate is substantial, oily, and heavy. There’s a reason why it stands up so well to heavy sherry maturation: the spirit can handle it... This is a damn good dram ... Profile-wise, this sits somewhere between the 2021 and the 2022. Quality-wise, though, this is on-par with the 2022... Some sherry qualities such as cinnamon and sweet fruits, but right off the bat you can tell that this isn’t a repeat of last year’s 2022 release. The sherried qualities are balanced by some wood and malty notes. The high ABV clearly comes through on the nose but not quite as much as the hefty 60.1% would lead you to believe. Booze-soaked hazelnuts stored in an oak box. A distant coastal salty quality. There’s a notable earthy quality to this as well that also sets it apart from the 2022. Sitting in the glass a while, and a few drops of water, brings out some light floral notes...It’s heavy, it’s sherried but by no means a sherry bomb, it’s complex, and its different dimensions are nicely balanced against each other to create a sensory equilibrium that allows accessible exploration of different facets of the house spirit. There’s plenty for me to explore here all evening in this one dram. For me, that’s pretty close to the definition of a satisfying dram, and it’s one of the better Bunnahabhains I’ve tried."  - Drummond Dunmore, Dramface

  Notes from the producers... Nose: Floral and nutty with notes of marzipan, hazelnut, almond cream and morello cherries. Palate: Roasted nuts and spice lead the way with cinnamon and cloves fading to reveal soft notes of butterscotch, toffee, sultanas and a gentle hint of coffee. Finish: Lingering notes of cloves, hazelnut and cocoa.

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• Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $3199. 00

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  $38388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 41.9%

  Already sold out at the distillery website, demand must be high for this very old 'new' official release. No doubt, not much was bottled. It should be a distinctively fruity Bunnah' with low to zero peat input and an ethereal texture at this extraordinary age. 41.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks.

  Notes from the producers.... Nose: Hints of tropical fruits, banana, berries, creamy toffee, vanilla, rich nuttiness and delicate sweet oak. Palate: Sweet malt, creamy caramel, vanilla, creamy berries, with hints of toasted nuts, tropical fruit, banana and pineapple. Finish: Long, sweet and fruity.

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  • Nick's Import

  Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $114. 99

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  $1379.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 46.3%

  The great malt whiskies of Scotland have historically been grouped by geographical region. Although single malt scotch whiskies are renowned for their diversity, the malts from each region do also share certain characteristics. Campbeltown malts possess a distinctive salty tang. Lowland whiskies are lighter, with a fruity quality; Highland malts are smoky and sophisticated often with a trace of sweetness ; the Orkney Island Whiskies are classic, full bodied with a heather honey accent; while those from Islay have a distinct peaty, seaweedy flavour. Indeed, among the many Western islands of Scotland, Islay is regarded as being a separate, classic whisky producing region whose intense malts play an integral role in many blends.

  The Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay is probably the most isolated, yet also one the most grand and attractive buildings of its kind on the island. The distillery's water is piped down from streams on the Margadale Hills and is considered less peaty than most water used for distilling on Islay. Owned by Distell Group Limited, the operation remains firmly set in tradition although the company now imports its own raw materials. The brands labeling is reminiscent of Bunnahabhain's coastal setting, and utilizes words and imagery from the ballad 'Westering Home' (to Islay.) The poetry is more romantic than the reality - there have been 250 recorded wrecks around the coast of Islay including that of a large trawler which has lain nearby the Bunnahabhain distillery for over twenty years! Nevertheless, the charm of the label remains undiminished.

  Other reviews... Matured in bourbon casks and finished in sherry casks. This whisky’s nose has a gentle bacon character, with wet wool, toasted/charred wood, pepper, and truffle notes offering an up-front austerity. The palate is quite the opposite, a lively, sweet operator with ample citrus and apple fruit, caramel, and butterscotch all clear from the start. Any peat here is dialed pretty far into the background, the sherry influence taking over and allowing only some barrel char and oily petrol notes to peek through. The finish is sharp but clean, with lots of fresh orange notes to carry you through to another sip, or another glass. - drinkhacker.com

  ...The new version, at a higher proof and not chill-filtered. That helped — especially on the palate — with greater texture and more well-defined flavors. But the flavors are essentially the same: nutty, toffee, light molasses, vanilla fudge, with delicate fruit (citrus, dark berries) and a hint of brine. Very comforting. Extra points for versatility — this whisky will accommodate many moods and situations. 89 points - John Hansell - whiskyadvocate.com

  I’m afraid we haven’t formally tasted the 12 since… 2013. Colour: gold. Nose: typical coastal notes, I find it actually more coastal than it ever was in my book. So sea breeze, then something a tad metallic (old pocket knife) and leafy (peach leaf), then the expected cereals, chestnut honey, and even puréed chestnuts (crème de marron). Add to that some sherry, walnuts, raisins, more coastal fino-like notes (amontillado aged in Sanlucar). Globally, I find it tenser and less soft than the 12 was in the olden days. As far as I can remember… Mouth: I think they upped the oak influence and made use of more dry sherry. That made it more leathery than usual, with more maritime notes too, salt, oranges… It’s pretty firm, even a wee tad smoky, and certainly not ‘the gentle Islay’ anymore. Finish: long, on walnuts, salt, burnt cake… You cannot not think of amontillado. Nutty aftertaste. Comments: simply very good. Bunnahabhain 12 became a big boy! 85 points - whiskyfun.com

  Tasted August 2012... Deep gold / brassy colour. Opening aroma is flor sherry like, being mildly nutty and oily with scents of wild honey mingling along side some sulphury notes. Aeration sees a subtle briney note emerge but otherwise the bouquet remains broad, sherry like and ultimately let down by the sulphur. The palate is moderately concentrated with semi sweet, nutty malt and hints of honey. Some pardonable sulphury moments towards the finish here too. Stylistically, this marks a departure for the distillery. No doubt destined to disappoint many who have enjoyed Bunnah' 12 as it was in the past. 46.3% Alc./Vol. 85 points

  Tasted May 2002... Dull gold colour with pale gold hue. Subdued at first, the nose offers briny, dry herbal, dusty cocoa top notes. Warming the glass yields richer, deeper undertones of lightly peated malt and chocolate fudge aromas. A soft palate entry builds into a spicy, medium bodied, malt rich flavour profile. Gentle spirit tingle. Has to be one of the most lightly peated of the Islay malts. Finishes dry with a chocolate fudge and vanilla oak fade. Even well into the finish and aftertaste, there's little suggestion of the peatiness that is so remarkable in many of Bunnahabhain's Islay counterparts. A fine aperitif. 88 points

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  Bunnahabhain XXV 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $699. 00

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  $8388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46.3%

  Now generally recognised as one of the high points in big age statement Islay malt.

  Rich, sherried, delicately smokey and beautifully nuanced - older Bunnah's can be nothing short of sublime. A regular heavy hitter in the awards department (WWA Category Winner 2017, San Fran Double Gold 2016), this non chill filtered version of the 25-year-old was launched in 2010 and initially ran to just 400 bottles. Upping the ABV to 46.3% has made a great whisky even better, and it's now positioned as the ‘super-premium’ member of the core range. This is lightly peated compared to most Islays, with the Sherry input and extended maturation further softening the smokey notes. Plenty of oak influence is evident in the opening sniffs, with the aroma deepening to stewed pear / apple pie and vanilla. The accent shifts towards light ginger before the final pass releases surprising notes of Turkish Delight. Medium dry delivery with the lively spirit gently nipping the tongue; mid palate is delicately peppery with a grainy / oatmeal-like edge and an oily finish. It demonstrates serious staying power as light cocoa and oatmeal biscuit flavours carry into the aftertaste. Ageing slowly, one senses this could easily go another decade. Although the exact cask regime isn't stated, it reported to be a mix of refill bourbon and refill sherry casks (more bourbon than sherry) before being transferred into 1st fill and 2nd fill Oloroso sherry casks for a short finishing period. 46.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Other reviews... No major blemishes here at all. Carefully chosen sherry butts of the highest quality (well, except maybe one) and a malt with enough character to still get its personality across after 25 years. Who could ask for more? 94 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018

  ...Aka XXV. I really liked a version that was bottled around 2009 (WF 87). Colour: amber. Nose: starts a little strange, kind of ‘cheesy’ and winey at the same time. Isn’t there more sherry than in earlier versions? Or is this one from fresher casks? Goes on with a lot of chocolate, bags or heavily roasted malt and, maybe a little too much struck matches. Yes, sulphur. Also blackcurrant buds. Was this baby ‘finished’? Very unlikely but you never know… Mouth: same feeling but this is rounder and fruitier. Again, the wine is loud and Bunnahabhain’s usual honeyed and delicately raisiny style doesn’t really shine through. Having said that, it’s very pleasant and gets maltier by the minute, before our beloved ‘Bunny’ starts to come out indeed. Quite some orange marmalade, honey, sultanas… And a nice saltiness. Finish: not very long but clean and (even) more on dried fruits, sweet, the ‘winey’ wine influence having become much more discreet as such. A little salt again in the aftertaste. Comments: I was not fond of the nose but the palate is pretty impeccable. Enough so to warrant 85 points in my little book. 85 points- whiskyfun.com

  ...Bunnahabhain 25 is a whisky that I truly feel is worth the money if you have experience with scotch and are looking for a special bottle for yourself or someone extremely close to you. In fact, I almost want to say don’t share this with anyone, it’s that good. Certainly among the top official bottlings I’ve had from a distillery. That finish though. Like a crack in the Sistine Chapel ceiling. It’s the only flaw holding this back from being divine. Instead, it is simply phenomenal. - maltreview.com

  The Bunnahabhain distillery on Islay is probably the most isolated, yet also one the most grand and attractive buildings of its kind on the island. Water is piped down from streams on the Margdale Hills and is considered less peaty than most on Islay. The operation remains firmly set in tradition although the company now imports its own raw materials. The labelling is reminiscent of Bunnahabhain's coastal setting, and utilises words and imagery from the ballad 'Westering Home' (to Islay.) The poetry is more romantic than the reality - there have been 250 recorded wrecks around the coast of Islay including that of a large trawler which has lain nearby the Bunnahabhain distillery for over twenty years! Nevertheless, the charm of the label remains undiminished.

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  Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $299.00

  $260. 00

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  $3120.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 46.3%

  "...only an odd cask has dropped this from being a potential award winner to something that is merely magnificent." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

  Bunnahabhain's unpeated style has gained a reputation as the most gentle single malt produced on an island famed for its massively flavoured whiskies. Water is piped in from from Margadale Springs and the whisky is distilled twice in the distillery's unusual pear-shaped pot stills. We were treated to tiny sample of the 18 year old which offered up hints of furniture wax, light molasses, raisin cake and spice on the nose, with the palate following in a delicious fruit and wood burst. Apple and vanilla round out in a beautifully balanced sweet / dry delivery which also shows some light coastal character. This whisky is more expressive in the mouth. Solely matured in ex-sherry casks stored within the distillery’s sea-facing warehouses. 46.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Other reviews... (93.5) - n23 A sumptuous amalgam of lightly salted roasted hazelnut shimmering within its own oil. Oloroso bulging with toasted, slightly singed currants, a sliver of kumquat and topped by thick vanilla. Irresistable...t24.5 almost impossible to fault: the oloroso grandly, almost pompously, leads the way, exuding thick, Christmas cake pudding depth; a light muscovado sugar top dressing counters the deeper, lightly salted vanillas which; f22 a very slight sulphury note sullies the tone somewhat, but there is enough rich vanilla and spotted dick for some enjoyable afters; b23 only an odd cask has dropped this from being a potential award winner to something that is merely magnificent... - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2022

  ...Last time I tried the 18 – excuse me, the XVIII – that was still a 43%-version. But they’ve upped their game… Colour: pale gold. Nose: ooh, shoe polish! Something that I always enjoy a lot, reminds of both the best Alsatian rieslings and my time as a corporal in the French army (when we still had conscription). So shoe polish, then menthol, then nuts roasted with mint and honey, then a kind of lemony sea breeze. Yes, oysters and lemon, and finally, cigar boxes and sandalwood. Even balsa wood, remember when we were building those wee planes? Mouth: very, very good, they’ve upped their game indeed. Chestnut purée again, carrot cake, walnut wine, tobacco, and guess what, the same pistachios as in the Claxton’s. Some sides remind me of the early official 12s, those were superb. Finish: medium, and just perfect. Chestnut cake with drizzles of lemon juice and pinches of sea salt. Love the maltier and oloroso-ier (hey!?) aftertaste. Comments: I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, since back in 2009, I had thought the 18 at 43% vol. was worth 88 points. But you’re really worth this one, as they say at L’Oreal’s. 90 points - whiskyfun.com

  ...Creamier than the 12-bigger too, with broader shoulders and greater depth. Fairly sweet up front, with vanilla-laced malt, chewy toffee, and ripe fruit. Almond fudge and a hint of espresso add intrigue, while dry wood spice on the finish underpins the whisky's characteristic sweetness. Contemplative and complex. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, (Vol. 15, #2) Reviewed by: John Hansell

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• Cadenheads Original Collection Inchgower 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $179. 99

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  $2159.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  Bottled in 2024, this middle-ager takes Inchgower on a novel tangent - it's been matured in refill casks that previously held the richest and sweetest sherry of them all, Pedro Ximenez. 'PX' for short, is sweet, luscious, gooey and packed with flavours of dried fruits, dark chocolate and roasted coffee. Before that, the malt spent its first 12 years in ex Springbank casks. Curious? We certainly are! 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... “Salted caramel, wine gums, brine, coastal. Cola syrup, honey roasted cashews.”

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• Cadenheads Original Collection Aultmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  $2039.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 46%

  Founded in 1896, two years before the great whisky crash of 1898, today Aultmore is a part of the Dewar’s group that now comprises Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla. The oak makeup for this offering is: 75% Fino sherry & 25% Manzanilla - Fino being that ultra-dry fortified aperitif from Jerez, while Manzanilla is that ultra-dry fortified aperitif from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Cadenhead's notes read, “This Speyside bottling has prominent Christmassy notes of orange peel, cinnamon sticks, dried fruits and walnuts. A great dram for those who enjoy something on the sweeter side”. Non chill filtered.

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  Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $134.99

  $109. 99

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  $1319.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 43%

  A gentler, more feminine and food friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know.

  Despite being the largest distillery on Islay (in terms of production anyway), nearly all of Caol Ila's output ends up in blends, so much so that until 2002 when the 12-year-old was released, independent bottlings were the only recourse for malt hunters. The distillery's gently fruity-smoky style sets it apart and comes down to the production process: "...although it receives the same spec of malt as sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila’s distillation regime – longer fermentation, higher cut point, taller stills, helps to reduce the heavy phenols." Our tasting revealed soft aromas of sweet peat, smoked trout, a hint of lanolin and baked citrus. Rounded, pure and impeccably clean from start to finish, the palate offers semi-sweet smoky-fruity-oily flavours counterpointed by super fine tannins. Although this is relatively young for single malt Scotch, the balance is near perfect. The finish goes long with salt, smoked meats and light lanolin through the fade. A gentler, more feminine and food-friendly expression that Islay lovers should get to know. 43%Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Funny to think how recently Caol Ila was an Islay giant that was kept pretty much under wraps by its owner. These days it has cemented its reputation as the island’s Mr. Consistent. This version shows its character the best, a nose that mixes seashore and grass with a distinct hint of smoked bacon. The peatiness isn’t dominant, but flows throughout the palate, scenting, lifting, and subtly changing the mix. A delicious oiliness makes it a great food whisky. 89 points- whiskyadvocate.com, Reviewed by: Dave Broom (Summer 2012)

  A seductive brininess and waves of oily peat-reek greet the olfactory sense. The palate entry finds a surprisingly buttery-creamy leaning along with the peat-reek; at midpalate the flavor becomes concentrated, oily, malty sweet, and only moderately peaty. Ends on a sweet malty note. Builds from stage to stage, each phase being better than the last. Best Buy. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com

  Caol Ila (Gaelic for 'the Sound of Islay') is hidden in a quiet cove near Port Askaig on the island of Islay. Many consider this locality to be the wildest and most picturesque of the island. Situated on Loch Nam Ban, the site is ideal thanks to the abundant supply of good water. The distillery was built in 1846 by Hector Henderson - a Glasgow businessman with a keen interest in distilling. Like Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich, the development of Caol Ila created along with it a community of its own. Without these distilleries, it's likely that there would have been little sustained human interference in these areas at all. In 1857 Henderson went out of business and the distillery was purchased by Bulloch Lade & Co. The Distillers Company Limited took over management in 1927. From this date production continued until 1972, when the entire structure of the distillery was demolished. A larger distillery was built in the same original architectural style, and production resumed in 1974.

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  Caol Ila 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $799. 00

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  $9588.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 43%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
  
  "Completely ignoring the current peat battle between Ardbeg and Bruichladdich and heading off into an altogether more refined and delicate direction." - whiskyadvocate.com

  Caol Ila(Gaelic for 'the Sound of Islay') is situated on the north eastern shores of the island, with magnificent views across the Sound to the spectacular Paps of Jura. Despite being the largest distillery on Islay (in terms of production anyway), nearly all of Caol Ila's output ends up in blends. The distillery's gently fruity-smoky style sets it apart and comes down to the production process: "...although it receives the same spec of malt as sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila’s distillation regime – longer fermentation, higher cut point and taller stills, help to reduce the heavy phenols." Extended maturation further integrates the peat.

  Voted Best Islay Whisky at the World Whisky Awards in 2010, the delicate maritime notes in the 25 year old make a stunning accompaniment to seafood such as oysters or smoked salmon.

  Tasting note: Amber gold. Opens slightly restrained, but give this ten minutes in the glass and it builds a heady bouquet of all-things Caol Ila; sooty peat, baked citrus, vanilla and that lovely mentholated / salty / maritime edge that completes the picture and keeps you coming back. Ever softer, better integrated and more engaging with further air contact, twenty five years leaves a finely woven tapestry of flavours with a drying, mineral edge. No shortage of power here either; the barley sugars at mid palate burst, giving way to ash and campfire, tar, chilli chocolate and hints of hemp. Beautifully balanced uncut, a little water draws out citrus, adds to the length and sweetens the barley. So complete, close your eyes and it could be every Islay malt vatted into one by a blending maestro. 43% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... The sugars start to mount up impressively, while the spices become positively warm... the smoke rumbles along with spicy mischief. Even after all these years this malt cannot only lay on its Islay credentials with its eyes closed, but does so with an almost haughty air, cocking a smoky snook at the passing of a quarter of a century.
  95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

  This is to be a permanent addition to the core Caol Ila range, but it will raise a few eyebrows, completely ignoring the current peat battle between Ardbeg and Bruichladdich and heading off into an altogether more refined and delicate direction. This is a dignified and complex malt, which doesn’t give everything up immediately. There’s soft pear and guava on the nose, and the trademark oiliness and distinctive peat are there, but there’s a buttery quality, too, as well as some brine and spice, apple pip, and traces of aniseed. You get a sense of its age late on, with some oaky tannins and sharper spice, but overall this is an unhurried, complex, and sweet whisky with just enough peat to keep it honest. Very impressive. 88 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Vol. 19, #3)

  Always a fun bottling to follow. Colour: gold. Nose: ahhh yes! Gentle medical embrocations, dried seaweed, seashore, various shellfish, lemon infused olive oil, dried herbal aspects, some light petrol notes and lots of old school cough medicines. The height of sophistication and elegance! Mouth: this is the missing link between these great early 1980s casks and the mid-1990s ones. Many medical balms, cooking oils, gentle smoke, sootiness and a rather earthy and herbal peat profile. Wee touches of camphor, ink and waxed canvas. Some pebble-driven minerality too. Great balance and perfect poise. Unequivocally excellent. Finish: good length, some wonderfully resinous coastal and salty characteristics. Smoked fish, black pepper, olive tapenade and oyster sauce. Comments: I think this bottling improved again over some previous batches. A kind of old fashioned style of bottling that you might have found more readily in the 1990s (Caol Ila’s Laphroaig 30 year old if you see what I mean?), but I think it really works very well. Effortless and charming stuff.
  90 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com

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• Caol Ila Moch Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $139. 99

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  $1679.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 43%

  The latest addition to the Caol Ila family and the first single malt from the distillery to be selected entirely on the basis of its taste, rather than age, wood, alcohol volume or finish. ‘Moch’ means "Dawn" in Gaelic (Caol Ila's location on Islay’s east coast is the first on the island to see the rising sun). Reportedly, this is softer and lighter in style than the standard 12 year old.

  Other reviews... Easy drinking Islay...though I think they mean "Mocha". 87 points
  - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2014

  ...This new expression from Diageo's Islay distillery of Caol Ila carries no age statement and takes its name from the Gaelic word for "dawn." Initially, it will be exclusively available to registered Friends of the Classic Malts, and may ultimately go on wider release. Billy Stitchell, long-time distillery manager at Caol Ila, says that Moch is selected for taste rather than age, and you'll still find it every inch a Caol Ila. It's a new departure for us, to have a whisky that's not defined by age or strength or finish, but by taste, and it's an exciting development, I think. Initially a little mashy on the nose; inky, with brine, peat and a hint of peanut brittle. Soft and sweet in the mouth, with developing notes of caramel and bonfire smoke. The finish is medium in length, drying with more smoke and root ginger. 43.0% ABV 3 stars - www.whisky-pages.com

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• Caperdonich 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $899. 00

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  $10788.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 48%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown.
  
  Caperdonich is another distillery that many will never have heard of - and for good reason. This Speyside underdog operated between 1898 and 1902, and then again from 1965 until 2002 when it was finally dismantled. Relatively high outturns in the distillery's later years resulted in a steady flow of indie bottlings. These are now drying up. Reports have it there aren’t many barrels left at the indies (or at the brokers), so well-aged releases are now in the domain of collectors.

  ‘Caper’ now has a small but growing following. In terms of style, the whisky has sometimes been referred to as 'Glen Grant #2'. Firstly because it's a neighboring distillery, secondly because Caperdonich was originally designed to produce the same character of spirit as Glen Grant: "Light, floral, but with less of the crisp green apple seen across the road ... more soft pears, creaminess and fresh mint." Scotchwhisky.com explain, "Though this could perhaps be down to the differently shaped stills being installed during the 1967 expansion, it doesn’t fully explain why, when Glen Grant-style stills were re-installed in 1985, the two distillery characters didn’t match. It’s a subtle difference for sure, but a real one."

  Initially a duty free edition, this 25 year old bottled at 48% and non chill filtered looks to be a gem. Matured in x Bourbon barrels, expect a fruity & sweet malt with poached pear, vanilla and floral herbal notes. Very limited stocks. As the label says, 'Once gone, there will never be another.' Non chill filtered. 48% Alc./Vol.

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  Cardhu 16 Year Old (Special Release 2022) Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $299. 00

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  $3588.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 56%

  Other reviews... This Jamaican rum-finished Cardhu has a nose dominated by grapefruit flesh, with white pepper, ripening mango, zested lime, clementine peel, and grilled pineapple. The palate has bitter citrus and grapefruit acidity, pepper, clove, and a belligerent rush of cask-strength alcohol that cries out to be quelled with water. Once subdued, the rum sweetness shines alongside flavors of dried mango, green banana, vanilla, and aniseed. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com

  ...More of this year's very esoteric and lavishly illustrated Special Releases. This one matured in refill American oak and was then finished in Jamaican rum. They've also filled some of those very lovely 20cl bottles, as they did in the past with some Port Ellens and some… Loch Dhu. And the Classic Malts, naturally. No, nothing to do with shrinkflation. Colour: white wine. Nose: a little fruity glue at first, or nail polish, with some peach and strawberry syrups, then indeed a few tropical fruits from the rum, mostly pineapples, as well as fresh raisin rolls. This was finished in Jamaican pot-still rum but I'm not fining anything really 'funky'. Probably not what they would have tried to come up with in the first place. With water: perhaps, indeed, a little olive oil, which would make the texture rather a little thicker on the nose. Some good folks are making chocolate using olive oil, which I find rather good too. Nice nose, nonetheless. Mouth (neat): really to my liking, rather spicy but more malt whisky than rumsky, if you see what I mean. It's just a little hot. More raisin rolls. With water: the rum's influence got more obvious, with more pineapple, a little more olive oil, Juicy Fruit… Finish: medium, on allspice, honey and, perhaps, papaya ice cream. A touch of viognier too but indeed, viognier can get very tropical. A wee salty smokiness in the aftertaste. Comments: you could argue that we need no one's help to make our own rumskies (try 85% young Highland Park or Clynelish with 15% young Hampden or Worthy Park, for example) but it's good. Wat's more, I don't think 'Cardhu needs rum' was the message in the first place, was it? 85 points - whiskyfun.com

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• • Discontinued

  Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) - Old Bottling

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $499. 00

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  $5988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 43%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
  
  A charming Cardhu labelled as "Pure Malt" (although oddly, the box also says "single malt"), probably produced for the travel retail market and bottled through the 1980s. The malt from this distillery forms the heart of the Johnnie Walker blends, hence the striding man depicted on the front of the box. 43% Alc./Vol.

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• 1990 Carn Mor "Celebration of the Cask" Auchroisk 24 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $499. 00

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  $5988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 52.9%

  Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
  
  Presented as part of the Celebration of the Cask range by Càrn Mòr, this very old Auchroisk was distilled in November 1990 and bottled in February 2015 with a small outturn of 273 bottles from a single hogshead. 

  In the early 1970s, companies were responding to growth by increasing production facilities to fill blends like J&B, which had become mega-brands. Auchroisk was one such operation that was completed in 1974. Despite a name that's notoriously difficult to pronounce, this relatively new distillery has already garnered a following. Most of it disappears into the J&B blends. 52.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 91

  2017 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Glenlossie 6 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $159. 99

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  $1919.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 54.6%

  Matured for over six years before bottling in 2024 at natural strength. Young but sherry-heavy aromas speak of new leather, cinnamon toast, vanilla and dry fruit cake. An initially crisp spirit develops a broad, expansive mouthfeel with a tropical fruit edge, mouth filling and chewy through the finish. The outturn equates to 840 bottles - all from first-fill sherry butts. 54.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

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• • 90

  2015 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Williamson (Distilled at Laphroaig) 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $189. 99

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  $2279.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 47.5%

  This is the third Williamson release under Carn Mor's 'Strictly Limited' label. Nine years maturing in ex-sherry hogsheads has resulted in an unusually amicable Laphroaig with soft, rounded edges and flavours of light citrus zest, menthol and a salty-maritime character for a properly 'Islayesque' feel. The medium-long finish develops with hints of smoked meats, becoming more oily as it fades. 1623 bottles are on offer. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

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• • 92

  2013 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Williamson (Distilled at Laphroaig) 9 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  $2039.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 47.5%

  This is a follow up release (one year older) from the previous Carn Mor bottling of the same provenance. If you're a little confused, yes, it is Laphroaig, only labelled under another name. Islay icon, Bessie Williamson was the first female distillery manager at Laphroaig, and the first woman to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century. We can only assume that the Williamson title is been adopted by independents in order to differentiate their product from the 'lesser' and now ubiquitous 'supermarket' Laphroaigs. Carn Mor have bottled theirs after nine years. Even though the outturn is over double last year's, Australia gets just one small allocation. Matured in a hogshead, the aromas slowly build with ginger root, smoked ham hock and sweet malt. The palate is emphatically Islay, though not without some restraint. Flavours of chimney soot, seaweed, smokey mezcal and bitter chocolate effortlessly glide across the tongue. At 47.5% ABV it's a step up from many official releases, but it's still no heavyweight. From an outturn of 1798 bottles. Non chill filtered.

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• • 92

  2011 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Glentauchers 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  $2039.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 47.5%

  Our shelves have been bereft of Glentauchers for some time now, so nice to see this obscure malt make a return. A long-time blend filler for Teachers and Ballantines, official bottlings have been scarce. In 2015, a fifteen-year-old was launched, however, owners Pernod Ricard have been reluctant to follow up. In middle age, drawn from Bourbon barrels, the house style typically offers floral and fruity aromas and flavours alongside honey, roasted nuts and chocolate. This one's Amontillado sherry matured which seems to have amplified the nutty character. Otherwise, a proper malt lovers malt - rich, rounded and dappled with cocoa - all the expected flavours ring true for an introduction to the house style and remain salient with water. 1496 bottles. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Crushed Amaretti biscuits and mascarpone over stewed apricots.

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• 1997 Carn Mor "Celebration of the Cask" Glen Grant 24 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $450. 00

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  $5400.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 51.4%

  A well-aged Glen Grant, distilled on the 10th of July 1997 and matured in bourbon barrel 95650 before being bottled on the 2nd of May 2022 at natural cask strength. We have a small allocation from the total release of 197 bottles. 51.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: tropical fruit, gingerbread and citrus with flowering heather and nutty aromas. Palate: tropical fruit and heather honey with nuts and ripe red fruit aromas. Finish: warming with ginger and sticky toffee pudding.

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• • 93
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  • Nick's Import

  2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Smoke on the Spey 10 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $119. 99

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  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  We do enjoy these blends that often capture a kind of 'quintessential' Speyside character. It's probably a second or third-fill sherry casked malt; regardless, the region's classic traits come accompanied by the gentlest puff of smoke: Chewy muesli, barley cakes, poached orchard fruits, a dollop of honey and a hint of vanilla are all seamlessly stitched together, delicate peat adding depth and old-world charm to the finish. A profile that shows a level of integration and poise beyond its age statement. If you enjoy whiskies from Glenfiddich or Balvenie, this has a similar kind of vibe. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

  Notes from the bottlers... An undisclosed Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky that has a sweet yet smoky finish. Nose: Smoky shortbread. White pepper. Biscuits. Vanilla. palate: Sweet and malty at first with oakiness before a wave of herbal peat. finish: Peaty, but not smoky. Sweet pepperiness with shortbread.

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• • 91
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  • Nick's Import

  2018 Claxton's Exploration Series Bunnahabhain 5 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $119. 99

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  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Bunnah' from an Oloroso hogshead. A very soft, pure, creamy nose-feel invites further sniffs, the malt enriched with each pass; some nuttiness, too. Echoes on the palate in a rounded, creamy delivery hinting at dried grass, biscuity malt and a touch of orange chocolate. Concludes drier, lively, heart-warming, showing its youth. Aligned with some of the recent official cask strength bottlings, but look at the price! 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

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• • 92
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  • Nick's Import

  2016 Claxton's Exploration Series Mannochmore 7 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $119. 99

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  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  This Mannochmore has all of the heathery notes that you would expect, with the Moscatel barrique contributing honey and sweet oak. Light aromas of sheepskins, tea biscuits and ripe Jonathan apples lead into a medium-bodied and medium-sweet delivery with gentle peppers and a wavering beeswaxiness, the latter more salient towards the finish. The wax is a surprise, especially for such a young whisky. Clynelish fans should find this appealing. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Sweet heather notes with honeycomb, wax and shortbread. Palate: More waxy-honey flavours, herbal with dry oak notes. Finish: Short finish with sweet oak and honey.

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• • 91
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  • Nick's Import

  2012 Claxton's Exploration Series Deanston 11 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $149. 99

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  $1799.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  A young Deanston that's benefited from time in an Oloroso Sherry barrique. For a start, it smells older than it is; the nose has a reserved, dryish malty character, with subtle leather and tobacco mingling amongst the dried fruits. Unexpectedly mouth filling, medium to full bodied, though never aggressive. Creamy notes of tea biscuits are set against a subtle fruity character (orange zest? Ripe papaya?) Good length, ending drier, the oak encroaching. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Barley sugar. Biscuit. Vanilla. Oak. Palate: Sweet vanilla. Shortbread. Toasted barley. Finish: Oaky-sweet finish with a vanilla aftertaste.

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• • 90
  • 

  • Nick's Import

  2007 Claxton's Exploration Series Strathclyde 16 Year Old Single Cask Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $149. 99

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  $1799.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  For a whisky style that's naturally on the sweeter side, this grain has survived time in a Pedro Ximenez sherry barrique without falling flat. A vague pear/apple fruitiness adds freshness to the nose; the flavours come with a mild alcohol flare and notes of cream soda, sponge cake, vanilla, milk chocolate plus late hints of dates. As an experiment in maturation, it has succeeded in fattening up to malt-standards what otherwise might have been a relatively thin affair. Hardly complex, but impressively textural for grain of this ilk. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Aniseed. Creamy. Hint of fennel. Sweet mint. Vanilla pod. Palate: Rich vanilla with crème brulee. More aniseed, slightly herbal. Finish: Custard, creamy finish. Lots of vanilla, raisins and icing sugar.

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• • 94
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  • Nick's Import

  2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Ardmore 10 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $139. 99

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  $1679.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  It seems that every indie has an Ardmore nowadays, so why not stand out and take it to the next level? Here, a PX cask has thickened up the profile to a remarkable degree of plump, stewed fruitiness, augmenting Ardmore's smoke which attains the guise of bbq sauce. With all the stewed fruits, rallying spices and sherry input, the mouthfeel gets a little heavy by the finish, yet the sugars never overwhelm. A fabulously viscous malt and a freaky Ardmore. It should captivate Islay fans. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Rich oak char. BBQ burnt ends. Sweet heather bonfire notes. Palate: Rich and full. Heavy sherry notes. Stewed fruits. Sweet smoke. Finish: Sweet smoke with overripe stewed fruit skins and syrup

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  • Nick's Import

  2011 Claxton's Exploration Series Jura 12 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Isle of Jura, SCOTLAND

  $149. 99

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  $1799.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Differentiating from Claxton's Warehouse ranges, whiskies under their Exploration series arrive in standard, round bottles instead of the premium "flat" bottle type. Under the neck foil on each you'll find a Claxton's coin which gains you points towards their exclusive releases (if you ever happen to visit Claxton's showroom in Dalswinton!) Despite the rather plain presentation, previous shipments have delivered some gems. The value remains reasonable considering these are generally just one or two cherry-picked casks per bottling and offered at a generous 50% ABV.

  Jura commenced a massive re-racking programme in 1998 which continued through to 2016. It saw 30,000 mixed barrel types of pre-1995 stocks re-filled into casks of 'higher' quality (we can assume this refers to x-Bourbon). As of 1995, all of the new make spirit is exclusively put into first fill bourbon casks, hence, a Jura from a PX hogshead is an unusual thing. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Oily (Rapeseed), bitter orange and mild herbs. Palate: Sweet grape skin with more bitter fruits. Oily mouthfeel. Finish: Oak-sweet finish with more grape notes.

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  • Nick's Import

  2014 Claxton's Exploration Series Glen Garioch 9 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $149. 99

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  $1799.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  We're up to the ninth release in the Exploration Series. Closed in 1968, re-opened by the Morrisons (Bowmore et al) then purchased by Beam Suntory in 1994, nowadays Glen Garioch makes largely unpeated malt from short ferments, giving a deep cereal and spice note to the distillate. The new owners have great confidence in the quality of output, with all of its production dedicated to single malt rather than blends. This special selection from Claxton's was drawn from a Tawny Port barrique at 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Rich plums, raisins, icing. Danish pastry. Palate: Rich and fruity. Lots of raisins in syrup. Strudel. Finish: Sweet and warming. Long aftertaste of raisins.

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• • 90
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  • Nick's Import

  2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Benriach 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  ABV: 51.2%

  A fairly standard Benriach at natural strength - sweet, fresh and spicy. This one has a subtle sulphury edge threatening the palate along side a gingery, grassy character. Otherwise, lightly oily, brisk, warming and lively. The influence of the wine cask is difficult to detect. 331 bottles from a Tawny Port Barrique at 51.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

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• • 91
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  • Nick's Import

  2009 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Ardmore 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $199. 99

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  $2399.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 56.8%

  On the nose, nothing close to as smokey as your average Ardmore, rather, more sherried (confirmed by the label). Classically sweet Highland peat in the taste, sprinkled with cocoa; some biscuity malt and understated dried fruit character but overall, unusually dry and spicy, especially at the finish. Quirky for this distillery. 64 bottles only. Matured in an oloroso sherry octave. 56.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

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• • 92
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  • Nick's Import

  2011 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Tobermory 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Isle of Mull, SCOTLAND

  $240. 00

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  $2880.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 53.2%

  It says Tobermory on the label, but it tastes closer to Ledaig, so medium- peat Tober', or a Ledaig without bristles? Time in an octave has slightly tamed the beast. Besides traces of lanolin, most of those earthy ‘dirty’ notes retreat; Sherry lingers with bittersweet fruit’n'nut chocolate. Like Ledaig, this ruffles up the tastebuds; Unwieldy and raucous, it's a whisky that never quite settles into rhythm or form. 69 bottles from an oloroso sherry octave. 53.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

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• • Nick's Import

  2016 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Mannochmore 6 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 58.2%

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  ABV: 58.2%

  This is close enough to a repeat on a previous Claxton's release (same age and maturation), the only difference being it's slightly higher ABV. The earlier cask was a precocious balancing act considering it was one of the youngest Mannochmore's ever bottled. Expect the same here. Be quick if you're keen - the outturn was just fifty bottles. Decanted from a refill ruby port octave. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich with pastry and spices. Dark fruits. Cedar wood. PALATE: Rich and warming. Waves of sweet fruits and oak. FINISH: Dessert-like finish with dark, ripe fruit and oak.

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Peated Billy G 9 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  SCOTLAND

  $124. 99

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  $1499.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Claxton's are turning out some lovely teaspooned malts, like this full-bodied, fruity and beautifully rounded edition that's bursting with zing and texture. ‘Billy G’ is a pseudonym for William Grant, which is where the spirit originally comes from but we're not allowed to name it due to cask covenants. The juiciness of the malt conjures red apple, ripe pear and dried mango. The peat is barely discernible, except at the very end, while the freshness of the delivery brings a Summertime feel. Sometimes a whisky as straightforward and delicious as this is all you want and need. Bourbon cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Other reviews... All signs point towards this being a Dalrymple, the trade name for William ‘Billy’ Grant’s Ailsa Bay. Colour: white wine. Nose: smoked Williams pears over beechwood, with sage leaves, mint, borage, a touch of charcoal, tallow, small green apples, and a whisper of mezcal. With water: takes on a hint of crushed slate. Mouth (neat): sharp, well-defined peat with a distinctly herbal edge, modelling clay, paraffin, and mustard. With water: delightful, leaning a bit medicinal with notes of mouthwash, ashes, mild mustard, walnuts, curry, and manzanilla sherry. Finish: fairly long, drier, peppery, and smoky. Comments: I must say, these indie Ailsa Bays making the rounds lately are quite impressive. They could greatly bolster the distillery’s reputation over there at Girvan—if only the name weren’t kept under wraps. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Floral and buttery. Vanilla cream. Soft spiciness. PALATE: Sweet dessert flavours. Again creamy and buttery. FINISH: Long finish with some unexpected ripe fruit in the aftertaste.

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Benrinnes 9 Year Old Tawny Port Barrique Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $129. 99

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  $1559.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  A curious Benrinnes characterised by dark chocolate, toasted grains and an interesting scorched hazelnut / marzipan note. The finish has more port pick up as dried cranberries and chocolate come to the fore. Rich and viscous through the aftertaste, but not exactly your mainstream port-matured profile. When you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary... 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Icing sugar – wedding cake. Heather. Spiced fruits. PALATE: Soft and fruity. Some wine-notes with spicy-fruitcake. FINISH: Lots of fruit and spice. Finish like a minced-pie/fruitcake.

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• • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Claxton's Exploration Series Glenglassaugh 4 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $129. 99

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  $1559.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  There is already a superb purity and poise to this north-east Highland toddler, with its simplicity more than compensated by a creamy mouthfeel and the expressiveness of its one-punch flavour profile. Medium long and medium spicy, time in sweet wine barriques has tempered the latent feisty-fruitiness. With a small addition of water, some east coast brine becomes evident. Rich, malty, big-hearted and fun. 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Custard sweetness - trifle. Barley sugar. Hint of grape-sweetness. PALATE: Soft and sweet. More sweet grape notes and oak spice. FINISH: More custard sweetness on the finish. Nice mix of oak and barley.

  Other reviews... Boy is this one young! Even younger, and it would be a kilogram of barley plus a glass of Sauternes. Some kind of finishing without any primary maturation in other words (come on, S.) but don't get me wrong, I very well know these modern babies can be super-good. Colour: gold. Nose: this is pure pastry, custard tarte, crema catalana, mirabelle liqueur, white chocolate, banana cake… With water: a tad more on croissants and brioches. And a small kougelhopf while we are at it. Mouth (neat): more sweet wine influence, as well as more spices, peppercorns, touches of ginger and cinnamon from the oak (I suppose it was French oak but many are also using Slovenian or Hungarian oak – same species though). Big pink gooseberries, oranges, plums… With water: more sweet maltiness, but indeed a sémillon-side too. Perhaps a tiny bit of pineapple? Finish: medium, on pastries, ripe bananas, custard, more white chocolate, a drop of muscat… The oak feels a little bit in the aftertaste. Comments: very good, of course, but the real achievement here is to make our guts (or hearts) believe it's ten years old, while our brain knows it's only four. Well done. 83 points - whiskyfun.com

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• • 91
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  • Nick's Import
  • Reduced

  2017 Claxton's Exploration Series Islay 5 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  Reduced from $140.00

  $119. 99

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  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Another 50% ABV flavour hit. Despite the provenance, the peat is dialled down allowing the soft stone fruits to get a showing. The texture is mouthwatering and comes with a keen sense of cured meats; Rich cereals are the keynote. Oily peat rises through the finish, but never asserts first place. The overall effect is very pleasing - perfect for drinkers who don't mind a wisp of smoke in their whisky. Bourbon cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Currants with samphire. Very coastal – smoked mackerel. Brazil nuts. PALATE: More samphire/seaweed notes with a salty-sweet kick (sweet peppers). FINISH: Salty-tingly finish. Smoked meats on the finish.

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• • Nick's Import

  2010 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Tormore 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $179. 99

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  $2159.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 62.4%

  Predominantly used in blends like Ballantines, Tormore has an easy-going feel that doesn't carry a lot of weight. For added interest, Claxton's have matured theirs in a refill oloroso sherry octave before bottling at a potent 62.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. 66 bottles only.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Brandy butter. Dry Sherry notes. Christmas pudding. PALATE: Sweet and dry. Bittersweet oak with rich spice and herbs. FINISH: Powerful finish with oak and sherry notes dominating. Long spicy aftertaste.

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• • Nick's Import

  2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Balblair 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 56.1%

  Some have dubbed Balblair as "The fruitiest Highlander of them all", but will the oak and sherry be too much for the spirit’s fresh fruitiness in this example? With just 65 bottles available only a few will ever find out. Oloroso sherry octave matured. 56.1% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Rich oak and cream Sherry notes. Tannins. Stewed fruits. PALATE: Sweet and Sherried at first. Again big tannin hit. Bittersweet oak. FINISH: Bittersweet oak and Sherry notes. Lots of oak in the aftertaste.

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• • Nick's Import

  2012 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Auchroisk 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $169. 99

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  $2039.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 58.3%

  Another quite young whisky from a little-known distillery that indies often bottle. Sometimes it's worth it when the distillate is characterful, and sometimes it's not. Coming from Claxton's and matured in an oloroso sherry octave, this should err towards the former. One thing that's certain is its rarity. Just 59 bottles are available! 58.3% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2015 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Benrinnes 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $159. 99

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  ABV: 58.8%

  Benrinnes is on the rise these days with indies bringing it to the attention of whisky lovers globally. That's justified by a typically high quality output, nowhere better demonstrated by young bottlings. In fact, it's doubtful a more youthful expression than this has ever been released. Tea biscuits, sponge cake and sweet malt are underscored by hints of apple pie and pineapple pudding. There's a pleasant tartness at the finish that adds authenticity and bite to the fruitiness. You can improve the balance with a splash of water, but unadulterated, this Benrinnes already boasts impressive body and a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. Matured in a refill Oloroso Sherry octave. 58.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Apple cider. Pine. Cloves and winter spices. PALATE: Sweet oak with rich barley and candy flavours. FINISH: Barley sugar sweets with spiky oak in the aftertaste.

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  2014 Claxton's Warehouse No.8 Aberfeldy 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $199. 99

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  $2399.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 55.1%

  Seldom found in sherry casks, this rare treat from Aberfeldy delivers an intense combination of malty-fruity flavours that suggest dark rum, Summer pudding and dry ginger ale. There is also a fantastic depth and spiciness not normally associated with this distillery. 50 bottles only! Refill oloroso sherry octave. 55.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

  Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Panettone. Brandy snaps. Ginger cake with icing sugar. PALATE: More ginger cake and brandy butter. Sweet oak and Sherry notes. FINISH: Long, oaky finish. Rich dessert flavours with ginger aftertaste.

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• • 93

  • Nick's Import

  2018 Claxton's Exploration Series Bunnahabhain 4 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Islay, SCOTLAND

  $129. 99

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  $1559.88 Dozen

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  If this was average malt, you could accuse Claxton's of taking advantage bottling at such an extraordinarily young age. It is slightly green on the nose, but no question it's Bunnah' from the first whiff. There is a signature purity that follows onto the palate: Cream tea biscuits, semi-ripe pears, a trace of brine and mineral, wrapped up in an oily/waxy succulence that reminds you of good Inchgower or perhaps Pulteney. Thankfully it's unpeated, and from a fresh Bourbon barrel - so you get a full showing. When your distillate is this good, the question of age statements almost seems irrelevant. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  2016 Claxton's Exploration Series Glen Elgin 6 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $119. 99

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  $1439.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Initially a little disjointed and 'tense' but settles into a likeable whisky with some mocha and chocolate highlights leading into Ovaltine, malt milkshake, hints of bitter peel and dried fruit. Not bad at all for a youngster, though. An injection of Oloroso character at the end confirms the finishing was a success. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 90

  • Nick's Import

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

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $124. 99

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  $1499.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Blair Athol stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. It has become an irreplaceable contributor to Bell's, one of the most popular blended whiskies in the UK. This high ABV version offers mellow, deep-toned aromas that are slightly buttery with an apricot edge and a typically vibrant, uncomplicated delivery that lines up well with the fruity distillery profile. Ripe cantaloupe and pineapple pudding flavours become more salient with air contact; fanning spices lift the finish. STR barrique matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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• • 89

  • Nick's Import

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

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $139. 99

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  $1679.88 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
  • 
  • 88

  • Batch may vary
  • Nick's Import

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

  Lowlands, SCOTLAND

  $199. 99

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  $2399.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 48%

  A polished and simply delicious grain at a bargain price.

  Launched in 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. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 001 tasted.

  Other reviews... This 30-year-old single grain Scotch Whisky comes from an undisclosed distillery, and is matured in ex-Bourbon casks. The nose is delicate and sweet with caramel candy, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a hint of linseed oil. The taste is creamy with a nice kick of white pepper spice along with lemon zest and dark chocolate notes, while the finish is long with a lingering spiciness. (July, 2023) 93 points - whiskycast.com

  This 30-year-old single grain Scotch was aged in ex-bourbon casks. Toasted grain aromas lead into a palate tinged with maple and roasted nuts, and a rounded finish with baked pear and lemon pepper. Batch No. 002. 88 points - wineenthusiast.com

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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

  $169. 99

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  $2039.88 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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• • 87

  Clynelish 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

  Highlands, SCOTLAND

  $350. 00

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  $4200.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 58.5%

  Other reviews... White pepper and orange on a wave of high alcohol grow into a spicier proposition with allspice, apple, melon, Chinese pear, and mincemeat. Silky mouthfeel with candied orange, warm sherry notes, and pulsing spices, developing more of a waxy texture mid-palate, followed by a slightly bland ending of vanilla and star fruit. Water enhances the fruitiness, teasing out herbal notes and ground ginger. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com
  ...The cask-bill here gathered refill American oak, PX and oloroso. Hope this gumbo won't have  offset the Distillery character, but probably not, Diageo do care about Clynelish! What's sure is that it was a good idea to hire Syd Barrett's little nephew to do the names and stories… Colour: straw. Nose: it's pretty fascinating to have this one after the more elementary (in the best sense) TWS. Nutshell, the sherry has erased a part of the bright fruitiness and added some wine, walnuts and teas. English breakfast tea, naturally. With water: a little more fruitiness but walnut skins and other fruit peelings, and even eucalyptus tea tend to dominate. But the paraffin and beeswax are there, hurray. Mouth (neat): the fruits and rather a lot of paraffin are having the upper hand this time. Once more, a little bitter oak coating that, even chlorophyl. With water: very good, if a little cask-heavy indeed. A notch harsh, perhaps, otherwise oranges and a little honey are adding some needed lightness, although this isn't fruity whisky by any means. Finish: rather long, but the oaks and their spices are at the helm. Some raisins from the PX (I would suppose) in the aftertaste, plus a faint saltiness. Comments: super-good, it's just that I shouldn't have had the rather pristine young 2011 just before this one. My bad. 84 points - whiskyfun.com

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