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The best of the best at every price point from Australia's most highly curated online wine and spirits list.

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    • Nicks Exclusive
    • Limit Two per customer
    2014 Glenfarclas Single Cask #51 for Nicks Wine Merchants 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $325. 00
    Bottle
    $3900.00 Dozen
    ABV: 59.8%

    160 bottles available exclusively via Nicks Wine Merchants.

    If you ever wondered what the fuss over Glenfarclas' Family casks was all about but couldn't afford to find out, don't hesitate to start here. As much as we'd like to imagine that this whisky will be enjoyed amongst friends, it has all the hallmarks of a collectable: a tiny outturn from a distillery with pedigree, first-rate liquid and a bespoke label. You might drink one and try to keep the other, but our bet is the second bottle is going to prove too tempting. In fact, you could not do much better from any of the distillery's neighbours at this age: Cask #51 buries young Macallan or Glendronach and is almost dripping with sherry, kicking off with juicy dried apricots, dried prunes, raisin cake and cinnamon over hints of chocolate oranges in a caramel setting, wrapped up in a mid palate succulence that's pure and sustained while showing extraordinary balance and mouthfeel. The malt and sherry sweetness gently bitters as the sugars wear off and spices enter. Add water, and the entire profile remains beautifully defined. It's young Speyside malt showing off in an audacious fashion that sets it apart from Glenfarclas' official releases. Distilled in 2014 and filled into a first-fill Sherry hogshead before decanting in November 2022, 160 bottles are available for those fortunate enough to get their hands on one. Anybody who knows about 'AREA 51' from UFO folklore will understand the cryptic label reference - an alien is jealously guarding a cask (word has got around, Glenfarclas make some of the best whisky in the galaxy!) 59.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

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    Glenfarclas 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $179.99
    $149. 99
    Bottle
    $1799.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Famous as one of Speyside’s most masculine whiskies, Glenfarclas 15 is matured in 60% x-Sherry casks, with the remainder x-Bourbon, but with a difference. The latter barrels are shaved back in order to minimise their flavour input, putting the focus almost completely on the sherry. Bottled at 46%, the result is one of most full-bodied in the Glenfarclas stable. It's also one that tasters tend to notice the most batch variation in. Re-tasted in early 2022, the latest bottling takes some time to develop and blow off minor sulphur blemishes. Aromas pick up speed, echoed in attractively sherried flavours of raisin cake, fruit mince pie and digestif biscuits. The finish adds suggestions of pickled ginger and baking spices. Though not long, the flavours are surprisingly intense, well-proportioned and approachable without dilution. Give a freshly opened bottle thirty minutes to begin to show its best. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Some classic sherried Speysider that everyone should have tried. WF 84 last time I had, but that was in… 2006 (feeling shame here at WF Towers). Colour: gold. Nose: not that different from the 10, just cake-ier, more sherried, and rather more complex, with small herbs, a mossy side, and a large chocolate cake. Touches of yeasty porridge in the background. Fresh pumpernickel bread. Mouth: really very cake-y, malty, with raisins and some very lovely touches of spearmint. I’m also finding a delicate wood smoke, as well as the usual walnuts when we’re having a sherried malt such as this one. Goody good. Finish: rather long, and shall I dare mention Christmas cakes? And yet it’s not heavy. Comments: I just couldn’t tell you which one I like best, between the 10 and the 15. Both are top class in their categories. 46% Alc.Vol. 84 points - whiskyfun.com

    ...Energetic, heady, rich. Wakes up the palate and demands to be heard. The marshmallow note is uncanny and overpowers the rest of the dram at points, but overall this regains its footing, albeit with a somewhat abbreviated finish. All in, a step up from the 12 year old expression and solid value for money. - malt-review.com

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    Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $399.00
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    PLEASE NOTE: Glenfarclas whiskies are known for occasionally having cork issues. Because natural cork is used, it’s not uncommon for the cork to break when opening. This doesn’t indicate any fault with the whisky - it remains perfectly good to enjoy.

    With the Edrington group having priced extra-aged Macallans well beyond the reach of the average wallet, (pay $4000+ for the 25YO) Sherry enthusiasts searching for that something special have few options left. Enter Glenfarclas: When you buy a bottle of this you support one of Scotland's only independent family-owned distilleries.

    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).

    Tasting note: Bright gold with a pale straw hue. Some real class and depth to the nose which offers powerful aromas of prune, roasted nuts, honey and freshly polished floorboards. Smells expensive. Mouthfilling, and with an unexpected degree of 'tingle' for whisky of this age. Glorious at mid palate, serving up delicious honey and dried fruit flavours over rich, spicy, sugar-laced malt. Medium long with a delicate aftertaste of dried fruit and sweet leather. Aristocratic. Would make a perfect after dinner malt. Some tasters drew comparisons with Macallan 18. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... This flavorful single malt offers enticing caramel on nose and palate, enlivened with marmalade and spicy cinnamon. The finish is long and mouthwatering, warming all the way down, closing with salted caramel, dark chocolate and orange peel. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com

    ...Earthy notes of dried leaves, wet wool, and a hint of maltiness start things off on the nose, then citrus and red apple. The palate is sweet and balanced, offering warm apple tart, cinnamon, cooked blueberries, raisins, toffee, and Christmas cake, with a slight and appealing hint of soapiness. A lengthy finish brings chocolate cake, glazed orange, pfeffernusse cookies, and winter spice. A delicious holiday warmer. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021

    "Shows some staggering age - seemingly way beyond the 25-year age statement." - Jim Murray.

    Gold Medal - Distillers' Single Malts 21 years old and over - 2019 International Spirits Challenge

    Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2009.

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    Glenfarclas 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    Big age statement + Large format = Guilt free dramming. No longer available overseas and rumoured to be discontinued.

    A large format Glenfarclas that delivers quaffing excellence, reflecting the philosophy of distillery manager, John Grant: "Whisky is for drinking!" And if you think the packaging is a little 1970s, it's also deliberate: “It’s not over packaged" explains Grant, "it just comes out in a plain carton – and we have lots of it. We make a reasonable margin, and I’d rather people drank it than collected it”. Normally duty free exclusive. At this price, John, we salute you!

    Tasting note: Bright amber gold. Nosing reveals husky malt with some sherry influence evident. Second pass finds hints of mulch, honey, vanilla and dried fruits (raisin / fig). Medium dry and in the moderately Sherried vein; mid palate builds with suggestions of honey drizzled muesli; firmish tannins and warming spices carrying the finish. Ends aperitif-like and fine, medium long. 43% Alc./Vol

    Other reviews... Tight, nutty and full of crisp muscovado sugar. 84 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015

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    Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $174.99
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 60%

    Cask strength whiskies have not always been available to the general public. In fact, the very idea was incidental, and only materialised in 1968 when a fourth generation member of the Grant family bottled a single cask straight from the warehouse, and sent the bottles to family and friends as Christmas gifts. George S. Grant created a simple, hand written label for the bottles noting only the name of the distillery and the strength of the whisky (which happened to be 105 British Proof.) By the end of January the recipients requested further bottles. George obliged, and since then, Glenfarclas 105 has gone onto become one of the most highly sought after expressions in the Glenfarclas range.

    The increasing popularity of cask strength single malts comes as no surprise. They provide an opportunity to taste whisky in its purest and most natural form without visiting a distillery, and conversely, to dilute to your preferred strength rather than the bottler's. Typically, they have minimal or zero filtration which tends to retain more flavour and texture. One has to take the good with the bad. Extreme alcohol can be prickly, and can even anaesthetise the mouth resulting in a less pleasurable experience. A high tax/alcohol ratio also means such spirits can be excessively pricey. If there was a holy grail of malt, then for many it would be the discovery of affordable cask strength whisky that's also achieved balance - to the degree that you can enjoy it undiluted. This is one. There are 'softer' cask strength releases on the market, but rarely in this style.

    Tasting note: Beautiful polished brass / amber gold. Opening pass detects toffee apple, polished leather and juicy, grapey malt. Second pass finds marzipan and toasted oats followed by crunchie bar and intense vanilla. The aromatic range is matched on the palate, delivering a concentrated, medium dry, peppery attack with a delicious interplay between sugar, tannin and spice. Bracing yet balanced. Finishes with flashes of dates, creme-caramel and crunchie bar before drying with oatmeal biscuit, toffee apple and dappled explosions of sweet spice. Those who religiously follow Aberlour's Abunadh will discover similar thrills here. Tremendous whisky. 60% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... long, luxurious, with a pulsing vanilla grape mix and a build up of spices; light oils intensify and elongate. I doubt if any restorative on the planet works quite as well as this one does. Or if any sherry cask whisky is so clean and full of the joys of Jerez. A classic malt which has upped a gear or two and has become exactly what it is: a whisky of pure brilliance. 95.5 points
    - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2014

    ...This Scotch is named for the proof (105) of a bottle that Chairman John Grant’s father, George S. Grant, bottled in 1968 as a Christmas gift for family and friends. Nut-colored, it has a markedly bold toffee aroma and lots of flavor and drama. Hazelnut, espresso and cocoa flavors linger, with hints of allspice and drying oak tannins. Though it needs more than a splash of water to arrive at a nuanced sippability, don’t hold that against this almost Bourbon-like beauty. 95 points - wineenthusiast.com

    ...Sweet scents of Boston cream pie, citrus, and fresh forest, growing more fragrant as the liquid rests in the glass. On the palate, the citrus sweetens to baked orange tart and lemon meringue pie, with underpinnings of chocolate malt, raisins, and pepper spice. The mouthfeel is creamy and concentrated, and the finish is like a rich, full, spiced chocolate dessert. Water enhances things, bringing out more spice and chocolate. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021

    ...I'm really following these seminal NASses, the 104-then-105, but last time I tried it that was in 2017 (WF 86). Colour: light gold. Didn't the 105 lose some colour over time? Nose: I seem to remember quite some sherry used to be involved, but this time we're rather on malty and leafy stuff, fruit peelings, honey-glazed vegetable (try that, eggplants, turnips…) and beers. With water: beers, bitters, roasted nuts, pumpernickel. The blackest, moistest breads. Mouth (neat): I find this extremely good, if a little brutal, which was the whole point anyway. Huge maltiness, roasted nuts, concentrated syrups, artichokes and Brussels sprouts, stout… With water: takes water extremely well, it is ready for the 100 metres freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics. Excellent sweeter maltiness, barley syrup... Finish: rather long, perhaps a tad sweet(ish) but all these breads and grains can't be wrong. Comments: gold medal! What a drop, this 105, one day post-Covid we'll go to the distillery and do the largest verticale of 104-105s that's ever been done. For example, this one was maltier, and less sweet than a 2017 batch.
    87 points - whiskyfun.com

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    Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Perpetual Collection Vat 03 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $199.99
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50.2%

    Glenfiddich as you may never have experienced it before. Elsewhere pay $200+

    "epitomically Glenfiddichian... long, on apples, marzipan and amaretti." - whiskyfun.com

    Along with Number 4, Vat 03 in Glenfiddich's Travel Retail Perpetual Collection is arguably the more appealing for drinkers, partly because of its age statement and partly because it lands at a higher ABV than numbers one and two. Also created via a Solera vat process which adds continuous layers of flavour by only ever bottling half the whisky in the vats before refilling, this edition was matured in x-sherry European oak and x Bourbon casks. Tasted straight, Vat 03 delivers vibrant orchard fruits and vanillan oak giving the sensation of fruit yoghurt, or perhaps the whisky equivalent of peaches and cream. Adding ice or water instantly emphasises the zero chill filtration, ramping up the juicy, malty mouthfeel and providing a finishing lick of vanilla, baking spice and hints of marzipan. Aimed at showcasing 'Fiddich's signature style, Vat 03 is predictably true to the malt they churn out in large volumes - and for good reason - it’s proved hugely popular and is incredibly accessible, only here there’s more of everything, which means extra bang for your buck. It's yet another delicious, seamless, and dare we say, smashable Glenfiddich. You'll find it hard to stop at one. 50.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... There's new oak, bourbon and European oak sherry inside. Colour: gold. Nose: feels bourbony at first, with even a little putty and light varnish, as well as marzipan, before it would become all a matter of apples (and a few pears), something that I've always found epitomically Glenfiddichian. Fresh, stewed, a juice, as compote, even as jam, even as eau-de-vie (some varietals do work, others remain bland). With water: the largest bag of ripe and overripe apples ever, plus a little maraschino and marzipan. Mouth (neat): really sweet. Apple compote with some honey and a cinnamon/nutmeg spice combo. Feels a touch fizzy, like good cider. No problems. With water: water brings a soapiness onto the palate (saponification), a soapiness that takes its time before it would leave us alone. The good news is that after around ten minutes, we're left with more wonderful apples and rather notes of Turkish delights. Finish: long, on apples, marzipan and amaretti. And perhaps an ultra-tiny soapiness remaining in a corner (nope, haven't changed water). Pears in the aftertaste, which makes it even more Glenfiddichian. Comments: very good cuvée but be careful with water. 84 points - whiskyfun.com

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Intriguingly complex aroma with sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits. Taste: Silky smooth revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Full bodied and bursting with flavour. Finish: Satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness.

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    Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 01 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $159.99
    $124. 99
    Bottle
    $1499.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    The Perpetual series was unveiled in mid 2022 as travel retail exclusives. Four whiskies showing off the distillery’s signature solera vat maturation process make up the range. The vat system never runs dry. Instead, a portion is removed and the remainder is topped up with fresh liquid. This allows the latest batch to take on some characteristics of the older product. The process originated from Spanish sherry production, which Glenfiddich’s fifth Malt Master, David Stewart adapted in 1998 to produce their core 15-year-old single malt. According to him, it allows whisky from different casks to better integrate. Only half the whisky in Glenfiddich’s large solera vats is bottled at any one time.

    Of the four malts in the Perpetual Collection, the most easily approached is Vat 01, a combination of Bourbon and wine cask-matured whiskies that's sweet, soft, and smooth. Glenfiddich have honed the style over the decades and in this bottling, they've perfected the art of delivering a 40% abv whisky with character or depth. Admittedly, its predictable fusion of creamy, biscuity malt and subtle nashi pear fruitiness resembles many other Glenfiddichs, but when you just want a decent dram at a fair price, consistency and reliability is often a big part of the equation. Incentivise further with a one-litre format and you have an easy buying decision.

    Aged in Spanish sherry casks, Vat 02 presents a more complex and luscious character. Both have no age statements. The 15-year-old Vat 03 showcases Glenfiddich’s signature style. Matured in European oak sherry and Bourbon casks, it's silky and full-bodied delivering warm notes of spice, nutty marzipan, and dried figs. The final in the series is also deemed the most extravagant. Vat 04 is treated in oloroso sherry and Bourbon casks for 18 years for a deeper profile.

    Notes from the producers... Beautifully fragrant and floral. Summer blossom notes with hints of creamy vanilla toffee and subtle oakiness. A touch of zesty citrus in the background. TASTE: Very soft and mellow with a lovely balance of oak and the trademark Glenfiddich character. Layers of sweetness and spice with hints of freshly ground pepper. FINISH: Delicate and smooth.

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    Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $139.99
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44%

    Scotch whisky lovers will be familiar with the concept of octaves. As with the Quarter Cask approach, essentially, the smaller barrel volume creates more wood-whisky interaction, soaking up barrel characteristics faster. While the rapid wood influence adds more vanilla and spice, it requires careful management to avoid over-oaking, which is why octaves are typically employed to 'refine' whiskies, improving colour and adding complexity over months as a finishing, rather than a full term process. Glenglassaugh take the concept to an extreme! According to the producers, expect "A delicious combination of citrus and sweet notes". Non chill filtered and natural colour. 44% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... I’ve tried quite a few octaves by other makers that had been too new-oaky (vanilla, coconut, and basta), but let’s see… Colour: pale gold. Nose: it’s got a ‘crafty’ side for sure, with a youth that shines through (porridge, pears) and some half-sweet, half-spicy oak, very ‘American’. Vanilla, ginger cake, then rather butterscotch and crème brulée. The earthy/bready touches in the background work well, this is not a new-oak bomb. Mouth: a creamy mouth feel, it almost flows like honey, and a very pleasant acidic sweetness mingle with grassy oak. Citron liqueur and green tea, pepper, a few grassy eau-de-vie-ish notes (I’ve distilled spent lees on day, the result had a few similar notes), some bay leaves perhaps… The oak’s influence never stops growing and rather makes me think of European oak this time. But I doubt it’s European oak. Finish: rather long, really grassy and bitter, not in a bad way at all. Herb cordial. The vanilla is back in the aftertaste and comes with oranges or citrons. Comments: a good example of some young malt from some active oak. This time, balance has been found.  78 points - whiskyfun.com

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    Glenglassaugh Octaves Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $139.99
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44%

    Distilled from richly peated malted barley, this whisky has been matured in octave casks, made from staves of a used cask. Octaves are approximately 1/8th the size of a butt. The smaller cask allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a great depth of flavour in a short period of time. Bottled at 44%, non chill filtered and natural colour. Expect a delicate, sweet peated stye.

    Other reviews... Colour: gold. Nose: could one use a mix of curry powder and antiseptic to smoke malted barley? Odd question, I know, but I do get quite some curry and quite some antiseptic, which is a combination that’s not as, well, as odd as you would think. Then we find more bandages and lemon juice, which is all fine. It’s actually got something slightly Laphroaiggy, not a bad benchmark for sure. Mouth: it’s not that I’m a peat head (I can hear you!), but the young distillate offered more resistance to the octaves, and the oak’s grassy/gingery side seems to be better integrated. Nice notes of lemongrass too, but the medicinal side has been lost on the palate. After all, Glenglassaugh’s not quite a coastal distillery, is it (I know some industry people are claiming that the whole of Scotland is coastal, which should imply that the place where you mature your whiskies does not matter. A long debate, not for here and not for now…) Finish: rather long, balanced, zesty/grassy and smoky. More ginger and pepper again in the aftertaste, that’s the octaves. Comments: a solid effort.  80 points - whiskyfun.com

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    Glenglassaugh Portsoy Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $139.99
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 49.1%

    "Peated whisky avoiders should try this one—they might find themselves converting. " - whiskyadvocate.com

    Another side of Glenglassaugh is on offer in a rich and smoky NAS expression: Portsoy is named after an ancient fishing village not far from the distillery. Making use of relatively rare peated reserves and bottled at higher-than-normal strength, it is Highland made, but sports all the requisite notes of an island profile including aromas of iodine and menthol mixed up with lanolin and mesquite smoke. This is the most characterful expression in the new line up, and peat has a lot to do with that. Oily phenols amplify the mouthfeel nicely, countering the fruitiness of the malt before a crack of pepper adds spice and the fruit rebounds. Delicious uncut, you get the sense Portsoy has been created to capture a broader audience than just the peated market, and it should do just that. Bourbon, sherry and port wine cask matured. 49.1% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... A peated sibling to Glenglassaugh Sandend. Vanilla pastry and other bakery aromas on the nose, tempered by drying oak. On the palate, sweet flavors of peach tart, ripe apricots, and lemon, with peat smoke woven throughout—not dominating, just influencing a balanced, sweet profile and letting you know it’s in the game. A lengthy peated finish with generous spice. Peated whisky avoiders should try this one—they might find themselves converting. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    ...The colour is coppery amber and the nose is packed with aromas of caramel, dried fruits and soft gentle sweet peat smoke. It feels rich and honeyed with warming spices coming through the smoke, along with a hint of cocoa powder and orange oil. The balance between peat and sweetness is very enticing. On the palate this whisky continues on the rich and honeyed theme. There are plenty of autumnal ripe orchard fruits on show - think apple and pear especially - plus a selection of stone fruits including apricot and plum. The sweet and gentle peat smoke wraps around everything and has a warming edge with a pinch of spice - this is more earthy home fire than bonfire. Hint of chocolate and gingerbread further add to the depth and complexity. The finish is long, well rounded and balanced although a touch ashy towards the end. This feels like an autumnal whisky and a big hug in a glass.  - whiskyforeveryone.blogspot.com

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    Glenglassaugh Sandend Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $129.99
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50.5%

    No.1 in Whisky Advocate's top 20 whiskies for 2023.

    Readers will recall it wasn't that long ago that Glenglassaugh's lengthy closure came to an end. Purchased in 2008 by legendary blender, Billy Walker, alongside its sister distilleries, Benriach and the famed Glendronach, in 2016 all three distilleries were subsequently acquired by US corporate giant, Brown-Forman. A brand overhaul was imminent and now includes new packaging and new high-strength NAS whiskies said to be influenced by the vibrant coastal region. All were matured in Glenglassaugh's local bond stores. The Sandend is a mix of x-Bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks with a flavour profile summed up by the Master Blender, Rachel Barrie as "waves of tropical sweetness with a crack of sea salt". Next to Glenglassaugh's new 12 year old, it is certainly more fruity, though perhaps less complex. Sweet, biscuity malt brings hints of dried mango and semi-ripe banana. Those notes are echoed in a medium to full bodied delivery, and although the 'tropicality' isn't as intense as the label suggests, the texture is juicy, borderline oily, with a salt'n'pepper bite wrapping up the profile in lively fashion. Comparable to Old Pulteney, or perhaps young Clynelish, Sandend is a satisfying new addition to the coastal genre. 50.5% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Our annual Top 20 Whiskies list is always filled with A-list names, along with a few lesser-knowns that make the grade. But it’s unusual for one of the latter to outshine the entire field, yet that’s precisely what happened this year, as Whisky Advocate’s panelists plucked a relative unknown from a group of big-name contenders. As we tasted, little did we know there was an upset in the making. Winning in a nearly unanimous vote, single malt scotch Glenglassaugh Sandend became our 2023 Whisky of the Year... This non-age statement expression, named for the bay offshore, is bright and delicate, with aromas of citrus and minerality leading to a luscious palate filled with layers of flavor revealing peach, apricot, honey, pound cake, and vanilla, all accented with a touch of sea salt. Rolling spices help create an explosive, long-lasting finish. It’s gentle yet complex, but above all it’s an easy sipper you can just sit back and enjoy. ...it represents pretty fair value for a single malt scotch. 95 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    ...The colour is straw gold and the nose is sweet and fruity with a hint of salinity. Aromas of honey, vanilla fudge and juicy sultana rise from the glass along with candied lemon, green apple and plenty of tropical fruit - think of pineapple, mango and papaya in particular. There are also hints of white chocolate and toasted nuts. On the palate this whisky is bright and vibrant with the delicious sweet and fruity notes from the nose continuing. The tropical fruits are right up front now - pineapple, mango, papaya again plus a hint of peach - but are quickly joined by juicy raisin and soft ripe green apple. There is also a hint of cooked pear. Then come honey, vanilla essence and butterscotch. Sitting in the background are some warming woody spices (cinnamon especially), a little drying oak plus something reminiscent of hay or straw and yeasty note that is like freshly baked bread. The finish is long with a distinct apple-like quality drawing it out. This is a very summery and juicy dram. - whiskyforeveryone.blogspot.com

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    Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $119.99
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    Fruity and coastal sums up the balance of Glenglassaugh's signature style, a profile captured in the newly presented twelve year old. The nose builds with moderate aromas of ovaltine, orange zest, vanilla and moist fruitcake following in a creamy palate of soft yellow fruits, light beeswax and toasted cereals. Salted cracker biscuits, pepper and sprinklings of oak shavings reign in the sugars leaving a fine thread of vanilla and honey. On the understated, elegant side - akin to an amplified version of Glenmorangie 10. Matured in bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... An age-stated bottling from the maker of last year’s Whisky of the Year, this malt is an elegant jewel of the Highlands. The nose is lush and fruity, perfumed with honey and raisins, crisp with lemon and grapefruit, and braced by a hint of salinity. The palate is richer, with ginger and honey, fruit tart, and dying embers from an oceanside fire The elegance carries through on the finish with a long sweet and salty fade. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    Notes from the producers... Luminous gold in colour with aromas like sweet coastal waves of ripe apricot and fig meld with toasted vanilla and tropical flora, carried on a warm ocean breeze. On the palate is candied pistachio, date and sweet fig roll into waves of morello cherry and whipped cream, infused with fresh coastal air.

    • Hot Item
    • 87
    • 85
    • Nicks Import
    • Reduced
    Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Lowlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $119.99
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    The lowlands whiskies of Scotland in many respects reflect the landscape they are produced in. The countryside is certainly not without natural beauty, however it lacks the dramatic and rugged contrasts of the Highland and Island regions. Lowland whiskies consequently are generally used as background material for blends and have historically been unappreciated (or at least largely neglected) by malt enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to belittle the Lowlands. Their whiskies offer a refreshing contrast to the heavier, peatier malts of the north with Rosebank and Glenkinchie being two outstanding examples.

    First offered in 2007, this official Glenkinchie is generally considered a leap in quality from its previous incarnation as a ten year old. Without a particularly strong flavour profile, the style is light, floral and fruity, with hints of cut grass. There's nothing that stands out, but also nothing that's unpleasant. Jim Murray remarks in his 2025/26 Whisky Bible that, "...there is a fabulous vibrancy to this which nearly all of the bottllings I have tasted in the last few years have sadly lacked. Impressive." 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Floral on the nose and quite delicate, with citrus fruit, spicy vanilla, walnuts, and cereal. The palate is smooth, with malt, orchard fruits, toffee apples, and graham crackers. An herbal note features early in the slowly drying finish. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    • Hot Item
    • 92
    • 98
    • Limit One per customer
    • Nicks Import
    Glenlivet 25 Year Old The Sample Room Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $599. 00
    Bottle
    $7188.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    The "Sample Room" is Glenlivet's innovation centre for testing novel cask combinations. It's also the name of a new series that replaces the previous 'Archive' label. Launched in 2022 and featuring whiskies designed to be deeper, richer and more experimental than the standard core range, the creative influence of barrel expert, Kevin Balmforth shifts the focus to innovative, cask-driven profiles with high-end luxury, multi-cask maturations.

    Other reviews... Beyond the complicated maturation of first and second-fill barrels, hogsheads, and butts, this whisky has been finished in PX and Tronçais oak cognac casks. Inky plums, aromatic roasted spice, stewed fruits, citrus peel, and cedarwood mark out a luxurious medley of aromas. Spectacularly jammy with thick sherry notes, damsons, cinnamon, dried fruit, ginger spices, apricot, and toasted oak with each sip. Who's got the cigars? 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    ...this single malt has a deep amber hue and toffee and red fruit aromas. The complex palate opens with dried cherry and oak. A splash of water unlocks chestnut, lemon cream and vanilla, teased by fleeting hints of peach, Muscat grape and violets. A puff of campfire smoke gathers on the exhale, along with drying hints of leather and black pepper. Part of the Sample Room Collection. 98 points - wineenthusiast.com

    A finish in first-fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry and ex-Cognac casks made from oak from the Tronçais forest, top-notch wood! Colour: deep gold. Nose: it’s really all on patchouli and dried figs at first, then moves swiftly into plum tart dusted with cinnamon, followed by chestnut honey subtly laced with black pepper. I must say I’m rather fond of this nose, PX and Cognac or not. A beautifully crafted aromatic profile, very classy indeed. Mouth: same impression, this is very well put together, elegant and reasonably full of flavours of cake, honey and soft spices, with cinnamon leading the pack. Lovely touches of marzipan-stuffed dates and then vine peach jam, which may well be the Cognac speaking. Finish: not hugely long at this strength, but still balanced, drifting more towards chocolate filled with raisins. Comments: I really like this very elegant, gentle and flavourful Glenlivet, certainly more so than the old 25 ‘XXV’ from a good ten years ago. 88 points - whiskyfun.com

    • Hot Item
    • 90
    • 93
    • Not gift boxed
    • Nicks Import
    • Packaging may vary
    • Reduced
    Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $169.99
    $119. 99
    Bottle
    $1439.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    "...having been steered on a slightly different course again it is just excellent... An expression that has evolved slowly, but quite beautifully." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

    The French Oak Reserve is generally considered one of the better values in the Glenlivet stable. Jim Murray certainly thinks so, giving this mid-range malt a strong recommendation - and he's not the only one. The distillery was one of Scotland's first to employ French oak for ageing whisky. Specifically, Limousin oak, sourced from France’s Dordogne region, the only French forest that is predominantly Quercus Robur. The toughness and coarse (open) grain of the species is a result of nutrient-deficient soils, restricting vertical growth to shorter, wider trunks. It places Limousin oak at one end of the scale in terms of looseness of grain. A consequence is that the release of flavours is aggressive and more oak tannin is extracted than from other oak types, hence, it's used almost exclusively for the maturation of spirits like Cognac rather than wine. In the case of Glenlivet, the whisky is selectively finished in Limousin oak so as not to overpower the fruitiness of the distillate. The wood's low density allows the spirit to cycle deeply in and out of the staves, adding a distinctive and pleasing spiciness that's different to the vanilla-heavy American oak. Bottled at 40%, Glenlivet's French Oak Reserve is not a heavy malt, but at the right price, you do get a terrific everyday drinker.

    Other reviews… Many years ago when this first came out it wasn't very good, to be honest. Then it was re-shaped, upped a gear and became a very enjoyable dram, indeed. Now having been steered on a slightly different course again it is just excellent... An expression that has evolved slowly, but quite beautifully. 93 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2023

    ...Antique amber color. This whisky maintains the elegance cherished by Glenlivet enthusiasts, but finishing the whisky in limousin oak produces a whisky of deeper wood notes, particularly wood spices (vanilla, sandalwood, perhaps even mint) and floral notes. It's rich, complex, and dry-especially on the finish. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    First whiffs pick up scents of fresh pineapple, cedar, and paraffin; later sniffings detect subtle notes of baked pear and sweet oak. Palate entry features a firm, moderately oily, and velvety texture; by midpalate, integrated flavors of ripe peach, pear drops and bran delight the taste buds. Finish is extended, semisweet and coconut-like. Replaces the 12-year-old French Oak Finish. Best Buy. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com

    ...The nose has notes of honey, oak, baked apples, ginger, dark chocolate, and hints of almond and hazelnut. The taste has cinnamon, vanilla, and baked apples, along with hints of pineapple juice and mango that add a fruity touch that lingers through the finish. (May, 2013) 90 points - whiskycast.com

    • 92
    • Hot Item
    • 90
    • 95
    • Discontinued
    • Reduced
    Glenrothes Whisky Makers Cut Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $139.99
    $109. 99
    Bottle
    $1319.88 Dozen
    ABV: 48.8%

    "...unspoiled Sherry casks at work. An absolute must for Sherry lovers." - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020

    Glenrothes’ owners The Edrington Group are instigating some significant changes at the distillery. An upgrade is scheduled in the coming years and the marketing emphasis has already taken a dramatic shift towards 'ultra premium' bottlings. The ten and twelve-year-olds as well as the Whisky Maker's Cut are all discontinued, at least in Australia, with the range now starting at 18 years. However alternative reports suggest they’ve stopped making them altogether, which is supported by the fact that these products are now archived on the Glenrothes website and listed as sold out at major UK retailers. Whatever the case, knowing the strong following for this distillery, we’ve bought up big and negotiated Australia’s best deals. Opportunity knocks! 

    In and out of the country over the last few years and at variable pricing, the Whisky Maker's Cut was originally exclusive to an Australian Whisky Club where it sold for $125; elsewhere it's been selling for up to AU$140. We've secured an even better price again with a scoop buy on the last domestic stocks. Matured in first-fill sherry casks, bottled at the Master Distiller's preferred strength and rated 95 points by Jim Murray, this will attract drinkers more than collectors. The aroma wavers to and fro from sweeter notes of fresh prunes, dried apricots and candied orange peel to drier scents of leather handbag, cocoa and light prickles of alcohol. Early oak and baking spice flavours develop before dates and wisps of vanilla. Extra kick from the higher strength adds depth, especially with the spike of intensity at the finish. The final stages turn leaner and spicier, but the balance is good. In short, plenty for Sherry heads to enjoy - and at a very reasonable price. As the undisputed bargain of the Soleo collection, expect it to go fast. 48.8% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... "...a semi-simplistic of happy, dry oloroso dominating... the late sherry trifle, enriched with chocolate sauce is deeply attractive. Unspoiled Sherry casks at work." 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

    ...The nose offers rich fruit—plums and sultanas—with milk chocolate and new leather. The palate is silky and luxurious, with medium-sweet sherry, vanilla, blackcurrants, and treacle. Dark berries and black pepper in the lengthy, mildly oaky finish. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Summer 2019)

    No age statement, but a considerably higher abv here. That higher alcohol level really makes the sherry pop on the nose, although I also get a bit of a smoky kick here that I didn’t find in any of the other whiskies. On the palate, that smoky element lingers, giving the body a peppery, beefy note that is slightly at odds with the citrus-driven sherry notes. The beefy, smoky elements continue to reign on the finish, alongside a somewhat green note.  - drinkhacker.com

    • 95
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Grand Marnier Triple Sec Liqueur (1000ml)
    Cognac, FRANCE
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Made with oranges and Cognac, Grand Marnier is a liqueur immortal and one of the world's best known curacaos. Aged in the cellars of Chateau de Bourg in Cognac and blended with fruit from the French West Indies, the company's entry level bottling has become a bar standard, combining the tantalizing fragrance of Seville oranges with the warm, intoxicating rush of extra-aged cognac in a 49/51 blend. Offering superb purity and definition with notes of mixed peel, orange cake and vanilla and a concentrate of citrus peel and mandarin flavours, what's also admirable about this timeless liqueur is its expert balance; the lively spirit backbone and the finish that winds up fresh, mildly tart and vibrant with lingering honeyed-citrus flavours.

    If you want an even more indulgent experience, three super premium releases set the bar higher, introducing increasing proportions of (primarily) Grande Champagne Cognacs, sometimes boasting incredible age, adding further depth and complexity to an already remarkable liqueur. Whichever you choose, these expressions are best appreciated neat, on the rocks or in a snifter glass at room temperature. 40% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... The aroma is a sweet/sour, tangerine/Mandarin orange perfume that never stops enchanting. At the palate entry the orange zest’s acidity mingles gracefully with the Cognac’s alcohol, making for delicious drinking. Satiny finish. 90-95 - wineenthusiast.com

    Seasoned Casanovas also recommend Grand Marnier for a “Royal Romance”:

    In shaker; one-fourth each of Passionfruit juice and Grand Marnier, half gin, shake well and serve.
    Or try the popular B52:

    1/3 Grand Marnier
    1/3 Coffee liqueur
    1/3 Irish cream liqueur
    Pour delicately on a bar spoon the coffee liqueur, the Irish Cream then the GRAND MARNIER liqueur into a shooter glass. Serve without mixing.

    The Charleston
    1 shot of Cherry Brandy Liqueur (e.g. Cherry Heering)
    1 shot of Grand Marnier
    top up with lemonade and ice
    Method: Pour the cherry brandy and the orange liqueur into a highball. Stir well, then fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour the cocktail directly over them . There is no need to use a strainer in this instance. Top up with the chilled lemonade to taste, then serve.

    • 95
    • Hot Item
    2021 Greenock Creek Barossa Valley Shiraz
    Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $29. 99
    Bottle
    $359.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Greenock Creek was thrust onto the world stage in the mid to late 1990’s by the then world’s most powerful wine critic Robert Parker who lavished lusty praise on the wines including eight 100 point scores.
    From a vintage that’s considered as one of the best in living memory in the Barossa, this is the estate’s entry level Shiraz. A portion of the wine was fermented and matured in new French oak hogsheads (10%), with the balance in a selection of seasoned French and American oak hogsheads for a period of 18 months.

    Delivers a level of concentration and power that belies it’s entry level price tag.

    Dense pitch black core with a very deep dark red black hue. The seductive nose features pronounced aromatics of liquorice, dark plum and blackberry which are intertwined with black cherry, subtle smoked vanillin oak, mocha and fennel notes. Rich, exuberant and lavishly textured, the full bodied the palate is flush with opulent black cherry, liquorice and dark plum fruits. Vanillin oak, spicy fennel and subtle peppered earth elements linger underneath. Concentrated and powerful it has velvet smooth tannins and a long plush finish.
    Drink over the next 5-6 years.
    Alc. 14.5%

    • 94
    • Hot Item
    • 93
    2024 Greywacke Pinot Gris
    Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
    $36. 99
    Bottle
    $443.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Rich, luscious and viscous with a long, exotic off dry finish.

    Brilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Ripe pear, Jonathan apple and honeysuckle aromas flood the nostrils followed by hints of musk, Turkish delight and ginger. Rich, luscious pear, red apple and honeysuckle flavours carry a viscous feel across the palate. Subtle musk, Turkish delight and spice elements lie underneath. Off dry it has a lick of brisk acidity to freshen things up. Finishes long, exotic and juicy.
    Drink over the next 2-3 years.
    Alc. 14.5%

    Other Reviews.....
    A flinty number with struck stone at the forefront. Poire William pear, grappa and pickled ginger. There is character and a strong sense of palate value here, with swirls of candied lemon, pomelo and pith. Some earthy oyster mushroom and white pepper. Plenty to ponder on. Some tactile skin tension adds further interest. A great wine for Thai and herby, salty dishes. Drink by 2030.
    93 points
    Shanteh Wale - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

    • 94
    • Hot Item
    • 90
    2022 Guigal Cotes du Rhone
    Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
    $26. 99
    Bottle
    $323.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)
    ABV: 15%
    Closure: Cork

    A bold and juicy Cotes du Rhone that has a chewy mouth feel.

    With an average annual production of around 4 million bottles, this wine is a model of consistency year in year out and one of Cotes du Rhone’s best buys. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre sourced from vines with an average age of 35 years. Maturation takes place in oak casks for a period of 18 months.
    Dense black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Black raspberry and liquorice scents waft through the nostrils followed by some ripe black cherry, dried herb, earthy incense and pepper notes. Rich, concentrated and lush, the weighty palate is swamped with juicy black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits. A ripe chewy tannin structure imparts a firm, robust mouth feel. Infusions of provincial herbs, scorched earth and pepper the undercard. Long opulently fruited finish.
    Drink over the next 4-5 years.
    Alc. 15%

    Other Reviews….
    The Cotes Du Rhone is smoking good, offering up blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Based on 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in oak foudres, this impressive effort shows remarkable quality for the appellation.
    90-92 points
    JebDunnuck.com

    • 94
    • Hot Item
    2025 Hahndorf Hill Pinot Grigio
    Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Intense and shapely yet highly refreshing, this a super moreish Pinot Grigio.

    Made from hand-harvested grapes that are sourced from three different and varying sites in the Adelaide Hills. Brilliant water like core with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Enticing pear and red apple aromas jump from the glass followed by some lime, wet stone and subtle fresh herb notes. The moreish palate delivers a cascade of pear, red apple and lime fruits over a back drop of delicate quince, fresh herb and stony mineral elements. Possessing terrific intensity and shapely feel it has crisp acidity and a long refreshing finish. Trophy winner at the Royal Queensland Wine Show 2025 for Best Pinot Grigio.
    Drink over the next 1-2 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    • 94
    • Hot Item
    2019 Heraclio Alfaro Crianza
    Rioja, SPAIN
    $21. 99
    Bottle
    $263.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2023-2026)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Cork

    Compañía de Vinos Heraclio Alfaro is located just a few kilometres away from the village of Alfaro in the east of La Rioja Both the winery and its first wine are named after Heraclio Alfaro Fournier, a Spanish aviation pioneer who crossed borders and transcended barriers as both a pilot and a designer of airplanes and engines. In 1914, he was one of the youngest people in the world to earn the official pilot’s title, and he made and flew the Alfaro I, the first aircraft made entirely in Spain.
    This wine is a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuela fermented in stainless steel tanks before ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months. Fruit is sourced from 2 vineyards located in the Rioja Oriental (East), a warmer and drier part of Rioja. The Garnacha component coming from very old, elevated vineyards located at 700m.
    Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Unfurling from the glass are ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas which are complimented by toasty oak, earthy leather and spice notes. Rich black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry fruits overlay a toasty oak, earth and spicy leather back drop. Plush and sensuous it has ripe chewy tannins and a long polished yet touch rustic finish.
    Drink over the next 2-3 years.
    Alc. 14%

    • 90
    • Hot Item
    • 93
    • Nicks Import
    Highland Park Viking Honour 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Plus Bonus Cask Strength 50ml Miniature
    Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Comes with a bonus 50ml miniature bottle of the high-octane Cask Strength Release No.3.

    Ranked alongside the classic malts, revered as a spectacular after-dinner drink and without doubt '...a malt to challenge any Cognac or Armagnac', Highland Park's house style is fragrant and floral with a smooth, honeyed character over hints of citrus and smoke. The phenol content of their proprietary malt is 30-40ppm but the remainder which is imported from Simpson's is unpeated. Employing roughly 20% first-fill sherry casks, the distillery is serious about quality oak, spending $20 million a year on wood alone, more than any other Scotch distillery - despite having a fraction of the output of some of the larger brands. 

    First released in 1979, the 12 year old remains the best introduction to the Orkney legend. A name change and packaging update took place in 2017. It's now called 'Viking Honour', adding to what seems like a never-ending series of Nordic themed labels. This special gift pack edition will please bargain hunters. It comes with a 50ml cask strength HP - a massive, extra smokey limited release bottled at a whopping 64.1% Alc./Vol!

    12YO Retasted 2019 ...Surprisingly full at 40% ABV but loses vitality and flattens out towards the finish. Otherwise, mostly unchanged from our first tasting back in 2012. Subtle nashi-pear fruitiness combines with a judicious slap of peat and a spicy flourish. More peaty than some previous bottlings with drying brine, spice and smoke lingering. Closer to the HP style of 15 years ago.

    Other reviews... "The sweet aroma is very inviting and draws you in closer to inspect the dram. The honey'd and vanilla fragrance takes a turn on the palate replaced by grass and pineapple. A lemon twist or two comes next with the peat smoke just teasing your senses." 91 points - drinkhacker.com

    ...This amber spirit has a light, briny vanilla scent and a silky feel. A veil of smoke rises through the Scotch (but fades out fast), leaving behind a sweet nutty, vanilla finish93 points - wineenthusiast.com

    More Viking paraphernalia… Could we at least have Lagertha? Colour: gold. Nose: not my preferred style of HP either, but this is fresher, fruitier, more lively, even if the core is kind of similar. Bitter oranges, marmalade, ginger, ale, whiffs of pumpernickel bread, oak spices, a little leather and tobacco… Indeed I like this nose better. Mouth: no questions, this is more refreshing despite the ‘seasoning’ that’s a little too apparent to me. Pepper, oak spices, black tea, grass smoke… Nice earthy honey beyond these bitterish spices. Finish: medium, spicy, with an obvious tannicity. Comments: they seem to have used active seasoned wood too here, but the spices and the leather were better controlled in my opinion. But indeed I much prefer the brighter, distillate-driven HPs. Because what a distillate it is indeed! 83 points - whiskyfun.com

    • 95
    • Hot Item
    • 95
    • 92
    2024 Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir
    Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)
    ABV: 13.2%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Fresh, juicy and supplely textured, this is a delicious Yarra Valley Pinot Noir that delivers great value.

    Winemaker Franco d’Anna regularly fashions some of the best value Pinot Noir’s and Chardonnay’s out of the Yarra Valley and the 2024 releases are no exception.
    Red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a vibrant red hue. Perfumed like aromas of violet, wild cherry, strawberry and anise stream out of the glass with wonderful intensity. Some bramble, forest floor and spicy dried herb notes ensue. Delicious wild cherry, strawberry and anise flavours are supple yet simultaneously fresh in their feel across the palate. Supplementing the fruit are infusion of fresh herbs, delicate bramble, forest floor and spice. Polished tannins and lively acidity with a long, energetically juicy finish.
    Drink over the next 5-6 years.
    Alc. 13.2%

    Other Reviews….
    A very light, bright crimson red. Pure fruited, with aromas of freshly crushed raspberries, summer flowers and a touch of spice. Just as good on the light- to medium-bodied, brightly fruited and silkily structured palate. A wine, as always, to buy by the case and enjoy over the next three to four years! Drink by 2029.
    95 points
    Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

    Red fruit, cherry, a little earthy, with some cinnamon oak showing, and sarsaparilla. It’s a more fruity and bouncy expression of Hoddles Pinot, some grainy chew to tannin, a bit of sap and orange rind, something of a ferrous edge, with a stiff tannic finish of good length. Needs a bit of time to come around. It’s maybe a little more robust and fruity than is usual for this wine, though it’s still good. Drink 2026-2034.
    92+ Points
    Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

    • 97
    • Hot Item
    2024 Home Hill Kelly's Reserve Pinot Noir
    Tasmania, AUSTRALIA
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2026-2036)
    ABV: 14.2%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Rich, expansive and powerful yet light on it’s feet with an exquisitely silky flow.

    This Pinot has quickly become one of Tasmania’s most sought after wines with a string of accolades being awarded to past vintages including the Jimmy Watson Trophy for the 2014. The fruit for Kelly’s Reserve is sourced from the middle 12 rows of the vineyard which have had their trellising system modified. The aim is to reduce the yields as much as possible and in turn produce fruit with greater concentration. Each year the Kelly’s Reserve is made from a blend of only the top barrels from the vintage.

    Matured for 10 months in French oak (38% new). Red to dark red in colour with black shaded edges and a vibrant red hue. Showing a perfumed like intensity, the nose is engulfed with violet, red to dark cherry, wild strawberry and anise aromas. Spicy cedar, forest floor and fresh herb notes lend further sophistication. Rich, expansive and powerful yet light on it’s feet, the palate is graced with moreish ripe red to dark cherry, strawberry and red plum fruits. Exquisitely silky flow with notions of anise, spicy cedar, and infusions of forest floor layered across the back half. Beautifully balanced with ample freshness and a seamlessly integrated, refined tannin structure. Supple and generous it finishes supremely long and wonderfully finessed.
    Drink over the next 8-10 years.
    Alc. 14.2%

    • 92
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    2011 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Benriach 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $159. 99
    Bottle
    $1919.88 Dozen
    ABV: 57.6%

    Distilled at Benriach in 2011, then matured for over a decade in a single bourbon cask. Slightly green or citric on the nose entry, building with orange flour cake, then richer flavours of digestif biscuits and honey in later passes. Benriach’s naturally fruity, malty spirit is caressed by a gentle oak sweetness in a full bodied, oily profile that's less spicy, rounder and juicier as the mouth adjusts. 263 bottles at 57.6% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

    • 91
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    2008 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Glen Moray 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $179. 99
    Bottle
    $2159.88 Dozen
    ABV: 54.1%

    Distinct from the standard distillery releases, Macduff have bottled an intense yet accessible Glen Moray, lightly summer-fruited with soft touches of ripe apricot and peach, hints of honey and shredded coconut wrapped up in crisp, Bourbon-infused oak. The outturn was 220 bottles at 54.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

    • 92
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    2012 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Glencadam 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $179. 99
    Bottle
    $2159.88 Dozen
    ABV: 65.9%

    Weetbix and meusli bar on the nose. On the palate, a whopping fruity malt delivery arrives with an impressive wave of spices - not aggressive, more heartwarming and amicable. A one trick pony that's all about a rollercoaster mouthfeel and incredible weight. 209 bottles from a bourbon cask. 65.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

    • 93
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    2012 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Macduff 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $159. 99
    Bottle
    $1919.88 Dozen
    ABV: 63.8%

    Robust aromas of cream sponge cake come with a little red berry (?), or is it poached orchard fruitiness? Full-bodied yet remarkably balanced for the ABV, run through with cream tea biscuits and rich malt flavours, the intense mid palate suggesting poached pears then grapefruit-like acidity, pepper heat spiking the finish. Takes water well, softening the sharp edges while retaining body. Very simple but very honest. We like the "au naturel" style. You simply could not do much better for a 10-year-old Macduff than this. 230 bottles from a bourbon cask at 63.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    2010 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Aultmore 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 57.3%

    This is the only bottling from the House of Macduff that came with an alternative presentation - a cardboard outer rather than a canister, so it appears to have been bottled from an earlier outturn. No tasting sample was received, but like the rest of the shipment, it aims to capture the distillery character (floral and honeyed), enhanced rather than obscured by vanilla sweetness from its stint in an x-Bourbon cask. 216 bottles produced at 57.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 95
    • Hot Item
    2022 Hunter-Gatherer Heathcote Shiraz
    Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Based in the Macedon ranges, winemaker, Brian Martin also sources exceptional parcels of fruit from top growers in nearby Heathcote. This Shiraz comes from the Chinamen's Bend vineyard in Tooborac with aging taking place in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for a period of 18 months.

    An opulently fruited yet muscular Heathcote Shiraz that delivers great value.

    Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas rise through the olfactory senses followed by flashes of blueberry, vanillin cedar and peppered earth notes. Full in body the palate is awash with succulent black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruit with spicy vanillin cedar, blueberry and peppered earth elements in the background. Boasting superb intensity, depth and power, a sturdy tannin structure imparts a robust feel onto the long, fresh and deeply fruited finish.
    Drink over the next 6-8 years.
    Alc. 14%

    • 90
    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Irish Mist Liqueur (700ml)
    Tullamore, IRELAND
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 35%

    AN OLD FAVOURITE RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA. After innumerable requests (with some customers begging us to bring this obscure liqueur back), we decided to import it ourselves. Irish Mist is a variety of Whisky liqueur, and claims to be both older and superior to any Scottish version! The unique recipe is reportedly over 1200 years old and based on a classic blend of clover and heather honey, exotic herbs and mellow Irish Spirits. According to lore, the liqueur was all but lost until Desmond Williams of the Tullamore Distillery came across a manuscript containing the recipe that magically appeared in the 1940s. Mr. Williams took this and adapted it, using Irish whiskey as the base.

    Tasting note: Deep tawny in colour with a copper rim. Sweet herbs & citrus peels on the nose. Wonderfully deep palate replete with rich honeyed, raisined flavours and a thick, luscious mouthfeel. Christmas pudding in a bottle! The sweet spirit rises in the finale and warms the heart. Good balance - not cloyingly sweet. A worthy counterpart to its Scottish 'cousins'. 35% alc/vol

    Other reviews... Of all the honey-flavored liqueurs I’ve tried, Irish Mist is probably the mildest around. It’s Irish whiskey imbued with honey and “natural aromatic spices,” but the flavor is quite muted. A touch of honey, maybe some cinnamon and cloves, all on a very mild whiskey base. It’s kind of surprising that it’s a full 70 proof — but served on the rocks it certainly helps out with ailments of the throat (guilty!). - drinkhacker.com

    4.5 Stars - diffordsguide.com

    • 97
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    • 99
    • 97
    • 96
    2021 Isole e Olena Cepparello
    Tuscany, ITALY
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2033-2035)
    ABV: 15%
    Closure: Stelvin

    An exceptionally powerful Sangiovese with energetic red fruit sculptured by chiselled tannins and lively acidity.

    In the 1950s, the father of current winemaker Paolo de Marchi purchased the adjoining hamlets of Isole and Olena and their estates in the Tuscan commune of Barberino Val d'Elsa. Paolo entered the business in 1976 and the quality of the estate’s wines improved rapidly after decades of sharecropping. Paolo de Marchi is one of the region's kings of the Sangiovese grape and at a time when Chianti was a blended wine it was, he that stepped out to produce wines that were 100% Sangiovese. Cepparello is the true embodiment of a ‘Super Tuscan’ wine and one of Italy's most iconic wines.

    Deep dark red black in colour with a dark red hue. The aromatically gorgeous nose is blessed with a kaleidoscope of red to dark currant, dark cherry, red liquorice and violet scents. Dried herb, subtle tobacco, earth and spice notes lend further nuance. Delicious, energetic red to dark cherry, red currant and red liquorice fruits are sculptured by chiselled tannins and lively acidity. Exceptionally powerful, it has a tense, muscular feel with the back half complexed by notions of dried herbs, tobacco, earth and spice. Finishes fresh and slightly grippy with outstanding length.
    Cellar 8-10 years.
    Alc. 15%

    Other Reviews……
    Intense and floral wine, full of restrained aromas, such as potpourri, together with vibrant red cherries, licorice, bergamot and lightly balsamic depth. The firm tannins and full body provide a velvety and extracted texture. Powerful wine, yet tight-knit and super polished. Refreshing with a tense, fruity finish. Super classic. Drink or hold.
    99 points
    James Suckling

    One of Tuscany's flagship wines, the Isole e Olena 2021 Cepparello immediately delivers ripe fruit flavors that are firm, even crunchy, and that bodes well for the future evolution of this classic vintage. The wine is packed with tart fruit flavors followed by balanced acidity. Compared to past vintages that are more extracted and dense, this edition is delightfully bright and transparent. I appreciation the age-worthy direction Cepparello is taking. Drink 2025-2048.
    97 points
    Monica Larner – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

    Plum, cherry and pomegranate fruit is framed by toasty oak and mineral flavors in this lively and succulent red, which offers plenty of energy, with elements of tar and oak on the persistent finish. Shows fine balance, with the dense tannins leaving room for the fruit in the end. Needs time. Sangiovese. Best from 2027 through 2043.
    96 points
    Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator

    • 98
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    2023 Izway Bruce Shiraz
    Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)
    ABV: 14.9%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    The Bruce was the first wine Izway produced and since it’s inception in 2003 it has always been unashamedly Barossan with rich fruit, power, depth, texture and structure all hallmarks of this outstanding wine. Fruit was sourced from four different Barossa Valley vineyards located in the sub districts of Koonunga Hill, Ebenezer, Molculta and Moppa with vines varying in age between 31 to 131 years old.

    An absolute showstopper that takes hedonism to a whole new level.

    Magnificent glass staining colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart along with an equally deep dark red black hue. Commanding aromas of dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and fennel are delivered with terrific potency, notions of smoky vanillin cedar, earth and peppered dried herbs leaning in for further complexity. Rich, incredibly dense and voluptuous, every corner of the mouth is engulfed by a super concentrate of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which are infused with smoky fennel elements. Dark chocolate, dried herb and peppered earth characters unfold across the expansive back half. Despite it’s overwhelming opulence, it shows ample focus and possesses silky smooth yet structured tannins. Enormously powerful and explosive, it finishes with prodigious length.
    Drink over the next 6-8 years.
    Alc. 14.9%

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1996 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1964 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $550. 00
    Bottle
    $6600.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    1964 is a very rare year - indeed, one of the rarest of the decade with stocks now extremely low.

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1994 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    1994 was considered a solid year in Armagnac. Production was significant so there's a lot of choice and styles vary depending on the houses. The brandies released to date are described as exuberant and very expressive.

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1974 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    Described as a vintage of variety, the '74s recently released show impressive maturity with mellow perfumes. Generally considered great quality and value for money. 

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1986 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    1973 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.

    Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.

    Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau 5 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $79. 99
    Bottle
    $959.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    This now-discontinued youngster should prove Armagnac doesn't require long ageing to be approachable. Offering a lighter body with distinct fruity flavours, vanilla notes, and a smooth, woody finish, use it as a high-end substitute for your everyday brandy - in long drinks, on the rocks, or as a base for cocktails. 40% Alc./Vol.

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau XXO Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $199. 99
    Bottle
    $2399.88 Dozen

    The beautifully presented XXO (Extra Extra Old or Hors d'Age) is intended to showcase the skills of Janneau's Master Blender, working from a rigorous selection of eaux-de-vie chosen especially for their superior aromatic qualities. The composition includes Ugni Blanc, Baco and Folle Blanche from Tenareze and Bas Armagnac. The youngest eau-de-vie in this blend is a 14 year old - well above the minimum legal age of ten years, and much of it significantly older than that. As a general rule, Armagnacs in this category work well paired with dishes such as guinea fowl with fruit, roast duck breast with honey, cep mushroom omelette or with fruit-based desserts such as a tarte tatin, pear charlotte, candied oranges and those made with chocolate like a black forest gateau or chocolate mousse.

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Pear, vine peach, mirabelle plum and cherry blossom. Palate: Candied prune, quince jelly, cocoa finish and roasted hazelnuts.

    2025 : TROPHY ISC – International Spirits Challenge

    2024 : Double Gold Medal ISC – International Spirits Challenge

    2024 : Gold Medal – 95 points IWSC – International Wine & Spirits Competition

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau 12 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Distilled from 100% Ugni Blanc, this coppery amber coloured Armagnac offers dominant aromas of cooked plum, vanilla and clove with a frank and balanced attack. 40% Alc./Vol.

    Silver Medal, 91 points - IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022

    • Hot Item
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    Janneau VS Tradition Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    As French brandies go, Armagnac is the lesser-known rival to Cognac, despite being its forerunner. It usually stems from small family producers - unlike the big multinational names that dominate Cognac. Janneau is reputedly Armagnac's oldest house. Their VS is aged for at least three years, distilled from Baco and Ugni Blanc harvested from the two main regions of the Appellation - Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac resulting in a light and supple expression.

    Other reviews... See, even the Armagnacqais are now adding age statements to their young spirits. A matter of trust and transparency! Colour: gold. Nose: lovely, fresh, fruity, full of yellow peaches, golden raisins, and yellow melons (Spanish?) Orchard fruits. It’s not an old-style ‘caramelised’ armagnac at all, even if it does get a little fudge-y after a few minutes. Vanilla fudge. Mouth: well, the vanilla got a little loud for me, and the spirit’s a little rough, perhaps. Not feinty of course, but perhaps a little too eau-de-vie-ish, reminding us of some ‘white’ armagnacs that they like to drink down there in the Gers region. The vanilla and the oak are a little prominent, and make me think of many a modern Scotch malt whisky. Right NAS. Finish: rather short, an a little oaky. Comments: the nose was quite superb, but the palate’s pretty uninteresting. Unless, I guess, you add a few ice cubes. Maybe that’s the point…  75 points - whiskyfun.com

    Gold Medal CGA – Concours Général Agricole 2024

    Notes from the producers... Colour: Bright amber. Nose: Very fresh and fruity with aromas of young plums and iodine as well as vanilla and liquorice. Palate: Flavours of oak and chocolate.

    • Hot Item
    • 91
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau VSOP Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $79. 99
    Bottle
    $959.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    "Very superior quality, old and pale" is the precise translation for this category, a term hailing from traditional Anglo-Saxon traders. Armagnac regulations stipulate that a VSOP brandy is made from a blend of eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years in oak. In practice, the Armagnac houses often use much older stocks as they make for a richer experience. In this case, spirits up to 20 years old were drawn from French oak casks stored in Janneau's ancient cellars. 40% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and oak tinged with orange peel lead the nose. Oak also leads the palate, balancing between tannic dryness and richer vanilla, winding into a spiced finish dusted with cocoa powder. 91 points - winenethusiast.com

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Fig and honey aromas, oaky and tannic. Hints of leather and caramel. Palate: Persistent impression of toasted golden raisins and spices. Notes of fruit jelly.

    • Hot Item
    • 94
    • Nicks Import
    • Reduced
    Janneau XO Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    Reduced from $125.00
    $119. 99
    Bottle
    $1439.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Armagnac is France's oldest brandy, recognised since the Middle Ages for its therapeutic properties. It came into its own in the 15th century, with trade peaking in the 1800s. The region's vineyards were subsequently destroyed by phylloxera, only to be replanted at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1909 a decree was issued under the presidency of a local boy, President Fallières, delimiting the region permitted to produce the brandy, finally defining the Armagnac Appellation Contrôlée and its three regions in 1936.

    At Janneau, the oldest of the great Armagnac houses, the spirit is distilled in two different ways: "Armagnacais" (single, continuous distillation) and "Double Distillation" which involves pot stills. In the latter, wine flows from a vat to the first still acting as the cooling agent and allowing the vapours to condense. This first product is called "brouillis" and is distilled again, however the liquid at the very beginning and end of the process (called the "head & tail") is left out as it contains some impurities. Only the heart – that part which achieves the desired quality – is kept. The freshly distilled Armagnac is clear, decidedly fruity with occasional plum, green apple and vanilla notes.

    The XO is the brand's flagship expression, blending Baco and Ugni Blanc eaux-de-vie from Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze. While the youngest liquid in the composition is ten years old, others have been resting in oak for more than three decades. Expect aromas of candied plum, reine-claude plum, oak and red fruits and intense but well-balanced flavours hinting at oak, quince and sour cherries with a spicy finish. 40% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Rich, comforting caramel and toffee aromas warm the nose. The palate is a bit lighter than the aromas suggest but still rewards with rounded vanilla, cocoa and espresso, fading into nutmeg and mouthwatering lemon peel brightness. 94 points - wineenthusiast.com

    Gold Medal / 96 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau 18 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    Distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes sourced from Ténarèze. The youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend is at least 18 years old.

    Other reviews... This baby was integrally double-distilled in one set of stills. It’s 100% ugni blanc. Oh and it’s got a nice age statement instead of some very woolly name. Like Grand Prestige Of The Mousquetaires Du Roy. Whatever… Colour: deep gold. Nose: another category for sure. Lovely tropical fruits (papayas covered with honey and nectars) plus ripe peaches and fresh liquorice, then a little custard, tobacco, and sandalwood. Lovely freshness. Mouth: it’s still got young Armagnac’s grittiness, but that’s totally an asset here. Liquorice, black chocolate, orange blossom water, baklavas, more tinned peaches, and quite curiously, a spoonful of smoked tea. Finish: this is where it loses points, it’s a tad too grassy and drying. Lack a little, shall we say vibrancy? A wee touch of sugar, don’t know where that’s coming from. Comments: not perfect but I think it’s very good, very solid middle-aged Armagnac. And hey, it comes with an age statement (in general, and just like in Scotland, NAS-ers always try to make you believe that their make is older than it actually is). 80 points - whiskyfun.com

    Notes from the producers... Colour: Beautiful brown copper reflections. Nose: Aromas of dry fruits with a dominance of walnuts and hazelnuts, balanced by floral aromas. Palate: Frank attack, rich and supple tannins. Persistent flavour of liquorice.

    Silver Medal – 92 points - IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023

    • Hot Item
    • Nicks Import
    Janneau 25 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)
    Armagnac, FRANCE
    $179. 99
    Bottle
    $2159.88 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    Yet another offer from Janneau that's likely to incite equal degrees of temptation and anticipation. This time it opens a door to access the kind of well-aged spirits associated with high rollers, cigar aficionados and otherwise certified brandy hedonists. Different from the younger Janneau expressions, the heavier oak input is counterpointed by dense dried fruit characteristics and wrapped up in softer textures, approaching an almost seamless spirit/wood/fruit balance. The youngest element in the blend is 25 years old, with all of the eaux de vie being Ugni Blanc based, sourced from Tenereze.

    Gold Medal – 96 points. IWSC – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021

    Notes from the producers... Colour: Clear copper hues. Nose: Delicious combination of dry fruits and resinous-tree fruits. Palate: Unique sensory experience, complex woody and spicy while still sweet, velvety and never aggressive. Exceptionally long finale.

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