130 products

Blended / Vatted Malt

A blended malt, formerly called a vatted malt, or pure malt, is a blend of different single malt whiskies from different distilleries, as opposed to single malt whisky, which is the blending of different casks or batches from the same distillery. Blended malts are typically soft textured, delicious, flavourful whiskies with broad appeal. Johnnie Walker Green has long been a benchmark, but you'll find a good cross-section of styles represented here, many of which we taste and rate to further guide your purchase. You can also subscribe to our Spirits and Liqueurs Email Newsletter to keep up to date with new arrivals, whisky tastings, special offers and more.

    Adelphi The Sandebud 6 Year Old Fusion Cask Strength Whisky (700ml)
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.9%

    Adelphi achieves another world first in this cask strength fusion. The fifth in a series is a combination of two sherry barrels of six year old malt from Adelphi's own distillery, 'Ardnamurchan' and two barrels of Swedish single malt distilled at 'High Coast', drawn from x-Bourbon barrels. All whiskies in the mix were peated. Named, 'Sändebud' a Swedish word meaning 'envoy' or 'emissary', it's an appropriate title for this whisky, which is dedicated to Colin Campbell, a Scottish lawyer born in the 17th century who moved to Sweden in 1731 and set up the Swedish East India Company bringing huge trade and wealth to his adopted country. 1176 bottles at 58.9% ABV are on offer globally. Due to the limited allocation and expected high demand, this is limited to one per customer.

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Mild smoked mackerel, Arbroath smokies, Fisherman's Friends, ground ginger... Dried fruits, bbq smoke slight sweetness. Palate: Smoke, salt, ash, hawthorn berries... Finish: Spices leading to fruity finish. The perfect balance of Scottich and Swedish flavour and a great balance between bourbon and sherry.

    Adelphi Kincardine 7 Year Old Cask Strength Blended Malt Whisky (700ml)
    $290. 00
    Bottle
    $3480.00 Dozen
    ABV: 52.9%
    Continuing what started with last year’s ‘Glover’ release (an uber expensive Japanese and Scotch 'fusion'), Kincardine is another ambitious cross-country blending exercise, this time the result of marrying whisky from Scotland and India. The regime included refill ex-Bourbon casks from India's already famous Amrut Distillery and Glen Elgin Distillery, Speyside, Scotland, plus refill Spanish oak ex -Sherry from Macallan. 796 bottles are on offer. Extremely limited Australian allocation and obviously quite collectable. 52.9% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from Adelphi... Aroma: initially spicy, fruity and floral with notes of ripe bananas, freshly opened jar of Dundee marmalade, green apple skin and lemon curd. White chocolate and coconut ice cream in the development with lychees, melon balls and citrus brullée. Taste: almost chilli-hot spices from the High Ranges of Kerala, tempered by fresh coconut, sweetening to Tunnock’s Snowballs with black cherry cola. Finish: Black Forest Gâteau, ground pepper and a hint of mustard seed.
    Ballantines Finest Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)
    Dumbarton, SCOTLAND
    $59. 99
    Bottle
    $719.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

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

    George Ballantine, the founder of Ballantine's came from a farming family in the Scottish Borders. He established a grocers shop in Cowgate, Edinburgh in 1827, eventually extending his business into wines and spirits. The founders son, also named George, set up in Argyll Street, Glasgow, in 1872 as a whisky, wine and cigar merchant, with many export interests, especially the promotion of their Old Glenlivet and Talisker Fine Malt brands. In 1903 the family business was granted a Royal Warrant and was recorded as "transacting an immense trade in supplying wines and spirits to families of distinction all over Scotland and in many parts of England and Ireland." The company was subsequently sold, however the new owners had similar success, establishing solid markets in the United States and elsewhere. The rest is history...

    The Malt and Grain whiskies used to produce Ballantine’s Finest are all aged for more than three years. The original flavour, complexity and refinement comes from more than 50 single malt flavours. The unmistakable Ballantine's flavour is dependent on these 50 single malts, 4 single grains and in particular the fingerprint malts from Miltonduff and Glenburgie. No one single component dominates. The Ballantines range also includes: Ballantine's Gold Seal, a smooth and complex 12 years old whisky; Ballantine's 17 year old, a super premium brand with a deep complex flavour which is regarded as THE Scotch whisky by consumers in the Far East and Ballantine's 30 year old, a rare and exclusive blend of Scotland's finest malts.

    Tasting note: Bright gold. Attractive scents of breakfast cereals, husk and caramel. Super soft throughout, as grains and cocoa feature on the light to medium bodied palate, drying towards the finish which is clean, a little flabby and very gently warming. Although this latest bottling seems sweeter than previous batches, it's still one of the picks of current blends if you’re looking for a lighter style at an entry level price point. 40% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews… Nose: Perfumy. Very fragrant smokiness. Palate: Soft and light. Silky, oily peaty. A therapeutically medicinal relaxant. Finish: Lemon-honey. Some late sweeetness. Late surge of gentle warmth. Comment: Very gentle, but a precise clarity of flavours. Drink while listening to Vivaldi. Rating: 85 - www.whiskymag.comsize>

    Medium golden color. Caramel, roasted nuts and old rose aromas with a good dose of hot vapor. A brisk entry leads to a dryish somewhat bitter, light to medium-bodied palate with mild toffee, light peatiness, and a sharp turn of white pepper. Finishes quickly with a pepper and caramel fade. Thin and uninteresting. 40% Alc./Vol.
    International Review of Spirits Award: Bronze Medal
    RATED: 81 points (Recommended)
    - www.tastings.com

    • 94
    Bimber Apogee XII 12 Year Old Pure Malt English Whisky (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46.3%

    Bimber's foray into sourced whiskies sees twelve year old Highland and Speyside malts matured and blended in spice-forward Bimber x-Bourbon casks. Tasted from a 15ml sample, as you'd find in many a Speysider, the opening sniffs include fresh cut oak, before moving into malty gear with gorgeous, ripe aromas of poached pears, apple tart, tea biscuits and vanilla wafer. It sounds a bit pedestrian in terms of flavour descriptors, but compensates in a superbly textural delivery with an almost fresh orchard fruit crunch and crispness, backed up by sweet wood notes and furry tannins. The fruit / malt / spice interplay is skilfully harmonised, but it's that special something to the mouthfeel that makes this more than an everyday drinker and more of a quiet treasure. Bottled without chill-filtration in a striking, custom bottle which features a tactile glass fashioned to imitate the surfaces of Bimber’s small copper pot stills. 46.3% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Spiced pears and oven-baked apricot flans are sweetened by candy necklaces and scented with rosewater, nutmeg and powdered ginger. Palate: Syrupy orchard and stone fruits provide a bright and fresh mouthfeel supported by lightly charred oak, gentle white pepper and cooling mint. Finish: Lingering ripe and sweet fruits alongside sympathetic, aromatic oak.

    • 88
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Claxton's Exploration Series Orkney Islands 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $120.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

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

    Douglas Laing's Big Peat Small Batch Cask Strength Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Year of the Rooster
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 53.9%

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

    Given the sales of Johnnie Walker Black in Asian countries, it's easy to find someone from the region who likes peaty whisky, which is why Big Peat bottled this special edition just for the Taiwanese market. Colorfully labelled, cask strength, non chill filtered and very, very peaty, what's not to like? The outturn was just 720 bottles, so it's also a genuine limited edition. 53.9% Alc./Vol.

    Douglas Laing's Big Peat Small Batch Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Edinburgh Edition
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

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

    There was a London edition from Big Peat, so why not an Edinburgh edition? This highly successful series from Douglas Laing forms part of the 'Big Peat World Tour'. As you'd expect, the whisky inside is distinctly Islay with peated malt, bonfire ashes and salty rock pools galore. The outturn was tiny - just 180 bottles at 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Douglas Laing's Big Peat Small Batch Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml) - Mediterranean Edition
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 48%

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

    An unusual 500ml release bottled for the Mediterranean market. Interestingly bottled at 48%, much lower than their usual cask strength releases. Potentially a more 'chill' expression to suit the Mediterranean holiday dynamic? We have one of the 1,500 bottles released. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • Nick's Import
    Douglas Laing's Big Peat 12 Year Old Small Batch Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $139. 99
    Bottle
    $1679.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Archetypally Islay, Big Peat 12YO delivers flavours of charred oak, chimney smoke, rock pools and Summer tar, running to a long lingering finish with brown sugar, bonfire ashes and a real phenolic quality. Bottled at 46% ABV and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, this is one whisky where the label tells the story! 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Gold - Blended Malt aged up to 12 years old - 2022, The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business).

    • 90
    Douglas Laing's The Epicurean Lowland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Lowlands, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46.2%
    The "Lowland" Epicurean joins Douglas Laing's regional range of colourfully packaged drams including "Timorous Beastie" from the Highlands, "Scallywag" from Speyside, "Rock Oyster" from the Islands and "Big Peat" from Islay. The packaging features the Epicurean himself, with no attention to detail spared, from the cocktail shaker, crystal decanter and barley husk illustrations, to the charmingly rhythmic pack copy that matches the whisky style and well and truly brings the spirit and its namesake to life.

    Fred Laing, Managing Director and 2nd Generation in the Laing family business, adds, "Back in 1930s Glasgow, The Epicurean, as everyone knew him, was the life and soul of any party. Wherever he popped in for a dram, you’d find him surrounded by a circle of admirers, regaling them with captivating tales of derring-do, of chance encounters in foreign climes and of the fine food and drink he feasted upon his travels. Our new expression is in honour of that roguish character who never fails to deliver charm, charisma and just a little bit of cheek."

    Tasting note: Pours like young Riesling with a very pale straw hue. Floral aromas are grassy / mildly gingery. Fruitiness develops as hints of elderflower, geranium and delicate vanilla wafer. Crisp, spicy delivery with flavours of rice crackers, straw and vanilla. Finish is fresh, zesty with white pepper and delicate citrus peel / vanilla hinted at in the aftertaste. Lively and appetising. 46.2 Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
    Douglas Laing's Timorous Beastie Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Glasgow, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46.8%
    A non chill filtered vatted malt including whiskies from Blair Athol, Glen Garioch, Dalmore and Glengoyne distilleries.

    Other reviews... This wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie is a blended malt of Highland whiskies from Douglas Laing, the latest of their regional recipes to join Scallywag and Big Peat. Perfumed soaps in muslin bags, dried sprigs of heather, beeswax, and Edinburgh rock give this an intriguing bouquet. Juicy: mandarins glow with green plums and Granny Smith apples. Ripe, yellow fruits and spices mid-palate conclude with sweet malt and fading creaminess sweeping around the gums. Distinctive and laudable. 86 points
    - maltadvocate.com (Spring 2015) Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick
    • 89
    Douglas Laing's Sweet Wee Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Glasgow, SCOTLAND
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Douglas Laing’s Scallywag is created using Speysiders including Mortlach, Macallan and Glenrothes. Bottled at 46% and non chill-filtered, this Small Batch bottling has a distinct rich, dark colour – extracted from the many Spanish Sherry Butts used during maturation. The result is a malt with a richly spiced character fused with vanilla (from the bourbon casks used), sweet stewed fruit, Christmas pudding, dark chocolate, zesty orange and sweet tobacco. No attention to detail has been missed in creating the Scallywag packaging. Inspired by the long line of Douglas Laing family Fox Terriers, which are renowned for being sweet yet rather mischievous dogs, it was felt the Scallywag name and Fox Terrier design was fitting for this richly spiced and deliciously sweet expression.

    Says Douglas Laing’s Managing Director (and proud Fox Terrier owner) Fred Laing: “From a chance sketch by a designer of our sweet, wee, rascal of a Fox Terrier, our Scallywag Malt Whisky was born! “Sweet” was the key which focused us on Speyside. Its cask selection is self-evidently heavy on the sherry background, balanced by first-fill bourbon casks – so the resulting ‘Vatted’ Malt comes with an excellent pedigree”.

    Tasting note: Bright pure gold. Attractive semi-sweet aromas of honey, toasted muesli and water cracker. Middle weighted, relaxed and fresh in the mouth featuring light dried grass / grain and biscuit flavours. Gains depth at the finish adding dried fruits and spices. Faint peat in the aftertaste? Very amicable. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... A newer batch. DL’s website (liked the old one better! More character!) states that this is a blend of Mortlach, Macallan, and Glenrothes ‘amongst others’. Colour: pale gold. Nose: malt, malt, and malt. Plus Mars bars, cereals, tarte tatin, orange and vanilla cream, orange cake, and drops of earl grey tea. A little liquorice wood makes it firmer. Mouth: very malty and toffee-ish, well in the style of many official Glenrothes, with also some chocolate and dried figs. Tends to become a notch drying (black tea). Finish: rather long, malty, toffee-ish. Marmalade-filled chocolate and more black tea. Comments: indeed, very Speyside. Now it beats many entry-level NAS official Speysiders (welcome to blendoland), including the aforementioned brands. Which ain’t too hard to do indeed. 81 points - whiskyfun.com

    Douglas Laing's Big Peat Small Batch Islay Vatted Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Awarded best vatted malt of the year - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2011.

    Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co are independent bottlers and blenders headed by brothers, Fred and Stewart Laing. The company has traditionally specialised in blending super premium whiskies for Far East markets. The brothers succeeded their father, Fred Douglas, who founded the company in 1948 and they’ve not let their Dad down over the past 25 years, significantly expanding the enterprise. Key to their success has been the management and marketing of the vast stocks of old and rare malts the family has built up over the last half century.

    The company’s latest offering is a new vatted Islay malt containing spirit from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and Port Ellen. It was awarded the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010, while the Malt Maniacs awarded it “BEST PEATED WHISKY/DAILY DRAM.” Bottled without chill filtration at 46% alc vol.

    • 94
    Elements of Islay Sherry Cask Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 54.5%

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

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

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

    Hunter Laing's Highland Journey Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    A blend that conjures the majestic Highlands of Scotland where purple heather covers rugged hills and ice-cold burns cut smoothly through gentle glens. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers...  A golden coloured whisky with a robust, full bodied nose of rich, sweet aromas such as vanilla custard, fudge, toffee apples and puff candy. Creamy and buttery on the palate it is initially sweet before developing with vanilla custard powder, apricots, peaches and pears like a fruit salad. A relatively short finish – sweet with hints of oak and nuts.

    Hunter Laing's Hebridean Journey Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Two new additions to Laing's "Journey Series" have arrived. This one showcases the rugged western region of the Hebrides. Long popular with ornithologists, climbers and anglers, the Hebridean Islands are fast becoming a destination for connoisseurs of the amber spirit! Think coastal styles like Talisker, Ardnamurchan, Tobermoray and Torabhaig. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... On the nose we are immediately transported to the rugged Hebridean isles off Scotland’s west coast, with a wonderfully zesty, coastal brininess. A gentle peat smoke on the palate, ripe apples, malted barley and a touch of seaweed. A long, satisfyingly warming finish calls us back for another sip.

    • Reduced
    Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - NO GIFT BOX
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $99.99
    $94. 99
    Bottle
    $1139.88 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    Johnnie Walker Green Label is the only whisky in the Walker range to carry the 'Blended Malt Scotch Whisky' certification. It replaces the older term 'Vatted Malt' and indicates that the whisky has been blended exclusively from single malts, and not blended with inexpensive grain whisky.

    The Walker family began buying some of Scotland's finest distilleries over 100 years ago. Now, with over 27 malt whisky producers in ownership, the company doesn't have to look too far for the very best material. They can choose from the cream of the crop, and have also acquired over a century of distilling experience in the process, guaranteeing the quality of their whisky well into the future.

    Undisputed as one of the all-time classics in its genre, Green label is instantly recognisable as a Walker blend, with a profile of fresh and slightly fruity aromas with hints of mango and toffee followed by the trademark whiff of peat & sea air that distinguishes most of the JW stable.

    Tasting note: Brassy gold / impeccable clarity. A sophisticated, expressive nose offers an assemblage of soft, sweet peat, oatmeal biscuit, dried mango / fig, white pepper with good freshness - sustained even after several minutes in the glass. Full and well rounded in the mouth with nipping spices carrying the malty attack, along with flavours of salted crackers, restrained peat and an oily-yet-crisp finish with strong staying power. The vivacious and intensely flavoured character of this vatting will keep you coming back time and again. Forget Blue Label: Green and Gold remain the stars in the JW line up. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Just as complex as Johnnie Walker Gold, but fuller and more richly textured. (Not surprising, given that there are no grain whiskies in Johnnie Walker Green.) This is one of the finer vatted malts on the market. Its flavors are well-integrated. You’ll find creamy toffee and nougat at its core, which is then layered with notes of vanilla, mint, fresh brine, and even a hint of mustard seed. Excitingly fresh and vibrant on the finish. A whisky for both the blend and single malt drinker. And at the price, it is also fairly valued for an all-malt whisky.
    89 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Summer 2005) Reviewed by: John Hansell

    • 94
    • 95
    Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Fife, SCOTLAND
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    '...God, I love this stuff... this is exactly how a vatted malt should be and one of the best samples I've come across since its launch.' - 95 points, Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2017.

    Johnnie Walker Green Label is the only whisky in the Walker range to carry the 'Blended Malt Scotch Whisky' certification. It replaces the older term 'Vatted Malt' and indicates that the whisky has been blended exclusively from single malts, and not blended with inexpensive grain whisky. The Walker family began buying some of Scotland's finest distilleries over 100 years ago. Now, with over 27 malt whisky producers in ownership, the company doesn't have to look too far for the very best material. They can choose from the cream of the crop, and have also acquired over a century of distilling experience in the process, guaranteeing the quality of their whisky well into the future.

    Undisputed as one of the all-time classics in its genre, Green label is instantly recognisable as a Walker blend, with a profile of fresh and slightly fruity aromas with hints of mango and toffee followed by the trademark whiff of peat & sea air that distinguishes most of the JW stable.

    Tasting note: Brassy gold / impeccable clarity. A sophisticated, expressive nose offers an assemblage of soft, sweet peat, oatmeal biscuit, dried mango / fig, white pepper with good freshness - sustained even after several minutes in the glass. Full and well rounded in the mouth with nipping spices carrying the malty attack, along with flavours of salted crackers, restrained peat and an oily-yet-crisp finish with strong staying power. The vivacious and intensely flavoured character of this vatting will keep you coming back time and again. Forget Blue Label: Green and Gold remain the stars in the JW line up. 43% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Just as complex as Johnnie Walker Gold, but fuller and more richly textured. (Not surprising, given that there are no grain whiskies in Johnnie Walker Green.) This is one of the finer vatted malts on the market. Its flavors are well-integrated. You’ll find creamy toffee and nougat at its core, which is then layered with notes of vanilla, mint, fresh brine, and even a hint of mustard seed. Excitingly fresh and vibrant on the finish. A whisky for both the blend and single malt drinker. And at the price, it is also fairly valued for an all-malt whisky.
    89 points - maltadvocate.com (Summer 2005) Reviewed by: John Hansell

    • 90
    Monkey Shoulder Batch 27 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Dufftown, SCOTLAND
    $67. 99
    Bottle
    $815.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    “Monkey Shoulder” is named after an afflication sufferred by distillery workers engaged in the back-breaking work of turning the malting barley with a shiel (a kind of large wooden spade). Thankfully machines do this now, but this whisky has been named in honour of their passion. Produced by Malt Master David Stewart at William Grant & Sons, the whisky is a blended malt made up of 27 casks from Kininvie, Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries. (Kininvie has been in production for over a decade but without a bottling of any kind coming onto the market). The bottle features a triplet of monkeys, representing these three distilleries.

    “Outstanding vatting here by David Stewart who clearly has the malts in the palm of his hands.” - Jim Murray.

    Other reviews… Nose: Ripe, very sweet and long. Toasted/polished oak, light resin notes, nutmeg. Palate: Still sweet: a soft start, vanilla custard, a hint of dried fruit, baked banana, cinnamon, vanilla. Honeyed centre. Toasted, indeed roasted, wood gives much needed grip. Finish: Membrillo. Comment: Exuberant, sweet and extremely well balanced. A great introduction to whisky. Rating: 83 - David Broom, www.whiskymag.com

    Nose: Busy, complex and wonderfully weighted: the theme is orangey citrus softened by vanilla. Excellent malt-oak ratio. Palate: soft mouth arrival and then a steady increase in malt intensity; shards of Demerara sweetness help counter the vanilla…some grain early on…enormous length…A joy. Rating: 93
    - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006

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    2007 Morrison Distillers Old Perth Vintage Collection Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.7%

    From one of Scotland's oldest whisky families, previous owners of Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch. The Morrison family purchased the Old Perth brand and brought the legacy back to life for all to enjoy. This 2007 vintage blended malt is a small batch release of only 1292 bottles created using whiskies from the Glenlivet region, 100% drawn from sherry casks. Australia's allocation is all of 30 bottles! 56.7% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

    Notes from the importers... While the alcohol is obvious on the nose, so is the quality of these sherry casks! Orange peel, raisins, stewed apricots, a deft touch of rancio, alongside ginger, dark chocolate, forest floor & leather notes. The palate is more than rich enough to handle the 56.7% ABV. Cinnamon and clove spices, join the mix. Texturally this veers comfortably into a silky oiliness. An extremely long finish! Wow! 

    • 94
    Morrison Distillers Old Perth Pedro Ximenez Limited Edition Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.2%

    The Old Perth range has delivered some decent values in the sherry matured department. A new 2023 addition composed of Speyside malts matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez hogsheads and butts raises the standard higher. Spending its last fifteen months in first-fill PX casks sourced from Bodega José y Miguel Martin, the final marrying took place at Morrison's facility in Aberargie, Perthshire. Graeme Mackeddie, head of production at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said "Inspired by the Spanish sherry bodegas, we use a solera system — a complex system of fractional blending — for vatting rather than producing batch releases, which ensures consistency of our liquid. This includes the use of 50-year-old, traditional 700-litre Spanish casks, creating the perfect balance in our final blend." Sales Director, Niel Hendriksz added "...we are delighted with the results of PX maturation, producing a velvety texture with raisins, dates and candied fruit leading into dark chocolate and cocoa." We'd have to agree. But perhaps what's most enjoyable about this blend is the clever way the PX and Oloroso arrive in equal, complementary waves. It feels like a choreographed balance of sweet dried fruit and chocolate flavours, finished by drier, tangy oloroso while a sustained vibrancy keeps it all fresh. Thoughtful vattings like this are much more appealing than simple, overly-sweet single malts, which too often fall flat. The drinkability at cask strength is also impressive. 7800 bottles on offer. Non-chill filtered. 56.2% Alc./Vol.


    Morrison Distillers Old Perth 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Named for the city of Perth in Scotland, the Old Perth blends have a history dating back to the early 20th century when Peter Thompson, a grocer from Perth, started to create his own whiskies which proved to be popular. Eventually, the lights went out for Old Perth in the early 1970s. Almost half a century later, the brand was resurrected by independent bottlers, Morrison & Mackay, and now Morrisons. The range consists of four different expressions, all of which have matured in sherry casks. The latest and oldest to date is this deeply coloured twelve year old. According to the back label, sherry-sweet stewed fruits and spicy orange marmalade give this vibrant blended malt a beautifully balanced flavour with a warm, lasting finish. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    1989 Murray McDavid The Fiddichside 31 Year Old Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $899. 00
    Bottle
    $10788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 47.5%

    A mystery malt. The Fiddichside Inn is a legendary bar started by the late Joe Brandie, but this teaspooned whisky is said to have a clue to its provenance in its title (is there more than one distillery with ‘fiddich’ in its name?) The second component is reported to be Balvenie - but we can't say for sure. What we do know is that Murray McDavid finished the duo in two first-fill sherry casks: Six months in PX and two years in Oloroso. Two barrels and two different distilleries technically makes this a blended malt rather than a single. Reuniting both has resulted in a whisky with flavours of baked apple, waxy fruits, creamy vanilla and sweet oak. 47.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... The palate is very gentle but does have a bit of a sawdust dryness. Again, a pastry like sweetness with egg-washed puff pastry, apples, raisins and cinnamon. So yeah, Tarte-Tatin, cobbler, what have you. Quite some oak and after a while some pepper starts shining through. Swallow: The finish lingers with dryness and the hint of pepper. It’s less sweet than the palate and nose, and a little bit more spicy. An apple seed bitterness joins the fray, with baking spices and some pear skins. It is quite true to the character of the distillery that we don’t know about, with notes of fruit and apples, some honey throughout as well. A very gorgeous dram, especially because it has mellowed so much over three long decades. Highly recommended. - maltfascination.com

    2012 Pintail First-fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.1%

    Keith Bonnington has over two decades of experience in the whisky industry, including eleven years at Edrington (owners of Macallan et al). He was made Keeper of the Quaich in 2013 and founded The Whisky Cellar in 2016, the eponymous label for his primary collection of independent whiskies. 'Pintail' is an extension of that, but its focus is slightly broader, with vintage dated releases of diverse liquids including whisky, sherry and port. Another addition to that list is this blended malt. Although the components aren't stated, we do know that it was drawn from an oloroso sherry puncheon at natural strength. According to Bonnington, expect aromas and flavours of dark orchard fruits, cinnamon, star anise, dark chocolate, mocha, raisins, malt loaf plus a touch of eucalyptus. 305 bottles at 57.1% Alc./Vol. are on offer. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Selkie Batch No.003 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $99.99
    $82. 99
    Bottle
    $995.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    The myth of the Selkie originates from the Scottish Northern Isles. Therianthropes who can shape shift from seal to human by shedding their seal pelt, the bottlers felt the Selkie imagery with its 'blend' of man and animal fit the bill well for a blended malt brand. This batch contains a combination of peated Highland malts, predominantly from ex-bourbon casks. The peat is salient enough to conclude that Ardmore must be a key component, however that gives ground to a nutty/fruity Speyside character. At 50% it's one of the heftier examples going around with no shortage of flavour, creamy enough to enjoy straight, although the peppery spices don't give up, and you have to be partial to a bit of wood smoke. The finish unfolds with cocoa and gingerbread, ending on an attractively saline / coastal note. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from the bottlers... blond in colour with some smoke, vanilla & marzipan on the nose. Understated peat with good body and a long satisfying and sweet finish.

    • 89
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    St Bridget's Kirk Cask #4 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $120.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 48.9%

    "Love this unlikely baby because of all those blood oranges." - whiskyfun.com

    The St Bridget's Kirk range are made by blending malt whiskies from different distilleries and differing styles. The intention is that each batch is small, bespoke and distinctively different from the last; blended, married, bottled and hand labelled in Lady of the Glen's own warehouse, Batch #4 is a lightly peated blend including components from five malt distilleries. It's a thick, chewy, fruit-cakey malt with a light injection of dried fruits, peel and subtle smoke richening up the spicy finish. Married for over two years in a first-fill ex-Amarone wine barrique, the final yield was 145 bottles at 48.9%. Non-chill filtered.

    Other reviews... A wise friend once said that the only red wine that's heavier than amarone is called a magnum. What's more, this baby spent no less than two years in first fill amarone wood. And yet, the whisky's not red, or even pink(ish), it's only... Colour: apricotty. Nose: no heavy cherries de la muerte or raspberries del inferno, rather a soft, caky nose, with just a little guignolet and crème de cassis from Dijon. Some triple-sec too, cassata, banana jam, and the expected raisins. Mouth: it is sweet. Loads of blood oranges (which I love and cherish), cracked pepper, melon cream, banana foam, orange drops, cloved, a small glass of lemonade and another one of ginger tonic, Italian bitters… I'm sure you could use this in a posh Spritz. Finish: long and spicier. Honey and more blood oranges in the aftertaste. Comments: blood oranges will save the world. Love this unlikely baby because of all those blood oranges. Mind you, amarone! 85 points - whiskyfun.com

    Notes from the bottlers... distant bonfire smoke, Jamaican ginger cake, strawberry jam with dried orange peel.

    • Hot Item
    • Reduced
    That Boutique-y Whisky Company World Whisky Blend (700ml)
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Reduced from $99.99
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 41.6%

    Wholesaler clearance on one parcel only. "...a big old mouthful of flavour...proof that interesting bargains still exist in the world of whisky. - whiskyreviews.net

    The comic-strip label alone tells you this must be from the independent bottler, That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Best known for their eclectic selection of single malts, on this occasion they've opted for a 'World Blend' composed of whiskies from Scotland, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Taiwan, India, Italy, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand and Tasmania... and possibly more! Offering a truly global tasting experience, each component brings its own distinct character, from the smoky peat of Islay to the rich sherry influence of Speyside. The result is a harmonious fusion of sweet honey, roasted nuts, chocolate and gently smokey aromas and flavours. The label says it's made for mixing. And given that the majority of whisky consumed globally is mixed, the slogan makes good marketing sense: In Scotland, a splash of water is common. In China they drink it with green tea. In Japan the whisky & soda highball is king. In warm countries like Venezuela and Brazil, it’s topped up with coconut water, or if you're in the USA or Australia, it's usually cola or ginger ale. Whatever your taste, this is a whisky inspired by the diversity of drinking preferences around the world. Boutique-y fans note the 700ml bottle as opposed to the standard 500ml Boutique-y format. 41.6% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... It’s certainly a big old mouthful of flavour. There’s caramel and toffee mingling with apple and pear, raisin and biscuit. Vanilla. Honey. Salt and pepper. Touch of dark chocolate and oak too... It’s a rather unique and tasty dram at a really affordable price. There’s a decent amount of flavour going on, which gives the impression it could stand up to the mixers suggested on the back label. Crucially however, it works just as well when sipped neat. That’s how I have thus far chosen to drink it but I can definitely see some experimentation in the not too distant future. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, particularly that gentle warmth. More proof that interesting bargains still exist in the world of whisky. - whiskyreviews.net

    Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Notes of freshly baked bread, lots of honey and a smidge of orange marmalade, supported by slightly tart stewed apple with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Palate: Warming and spicy, with more of that floral honey and baked crumble topping, alongside crunchy, underripe apple and pear. Finish: A prickle of spice, toffee and vanilla pod linger alongside a slightly mineral note.

    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Stratheden Classic Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    There are two tiers in the Lost Distillery Company series. The 'Classic' label expressions are lower proof versions (43% as opposed to 46%). The blends employ a variety of malts in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Stratheden distillery (1829-1926) was situated in the centre of the old market town of Auchtermuchty in Fife. The earliest records of legal distillation indicate it was founded in 1829, although there is anecdotal evidence of the prior use of illegal stills in the area. The distillery was unusual in that it only ever had one owner – three successive generations of the Bonthrone family. The Bonthrone’s hailed from the area and according to whisky writer, Brian Townsend, were a “…true malting, brewing and distilling dynasty.” Ancestors of the family were brewers in nearby Falkland in the 1600s. They also had local interests in baking and milling. The challenges of the early 20th century proved to be too much for Stratheden. Demand was so poor that it did not re-commence production until 1922. Successive duty increases, set alongside distilling costs that were higher than those of modern distilleries meant that margins were eroded to the point where there was little will in continuing. The final blow was the loss of its major export market, as the United States embarked on a decade of Prohibition from 1920. The distillery ceased production in late 1924, and closed for good in 1926. The maltings remained in use until the 1970s. The bonded warehouses were bought by Arthur Bell in 1931 and remained in use with United Distillers until 1989. The warehouse doors can still be seen to this day, marked as a bonded warehouse. In this bottling, expect malty, orange peel, chocolate and peat aromas and flavours. 43% Alc./Vol. Reported to be non chill filtered, though not stated on the label.

    • 84
    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Jericho Classic Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    There are two tiers in the Lost Distillery Company series. The 'Classic' label expressions are lower proof versions (43% as opposed to 46%). The blends employ a variety of malts in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Jericho Distillery (1822-1913) was founded by William Smith, a deeply religious farmer and the brother of a preacher from the nearby Parish of Oyne. Production started quickly, and by November 1824 ‘Whisky from Jericho Distillery’ was advertised for sale in Aberdeen. ‘Jericho Distillery Whisky from Jericho Distillery is to be had in Aberdeen only at the shop of Will. Milne, 39 Broad Street.’ Production in the early years was on a modest scale. The extremely small stills and rudimentary equipment was further evidence of the recent and short transition from unlicensed to legal distiller. The small still whisky proved popular and was sold throughout Aberdeenshire. Its reputation and fortunes progressed, and the distillery was in good hands when Smith passed on the distillery to his stepson, assistant and heir John Maitland in 1864.

    Like others of its era, the distillery would have utilised a combination of wild yeast and homemade cultures in the early years. Wild yeasts were air-borne and notoriously unpredictable and did not tolerate low ambient temperatures. Homemade cultures from potatoes and sugar were prone to creating off notes and were frequently full of bacteria and other contaminants. Dried yeast offered far greater reliability than wild yeast and allowed the newly modernised Benachie to produce wash of consistent gravity. The quality and flavour of whisky was significantly improved as a result. Peat was readily available in the Aberdeenshire area where Jericho resided; indeed, it was noted as a selling point of the distillery when it was put up for sale in 1883. Derived from decomposed moss, shrub, leaf mush and heather, the peat would have added an earthy, woody note to the whisky. Used extensively by farm distilleries like Jericho in the distillation process, including to fire the stills, peat was still utilised by the modernised Benachie as the sole fuel to dry the barley, leaving an indelible mark on the character of the spirit.

    Both Jericho and, in later years, Benachie specialised in small still whisky distillation, a continuation of techniques originating from the unlicensed pre-1823 era. A comparison of still capacity shows the progression made by the distillery – these stills would have produced an extremely heavy and oily spirit. When the still house was redesigned in the early 1880’s, Callander and Graham installed new stills. As the Second World War dawned, a dance was held to celebrate a wedding in the old malt barns of Benachie. An old cask of Benachie was pulled out, probably the last in existence. The wedding guests danced the night away, emptying the cask in the process. It was assumed that they would be the last people to taste the delicious, sherry-matured whisky that made first Jericho then later Benachie so famous. In this bottling, notes of fruit cake, tangerine, herbs and vanilla have been captured to evoke what the original house style was probably like. 43% Alc./Vol. Reported to be non chill filtered, though not stated on the label.

    Other reviews... Benachie, formerly known as Jericho, was an Aberdeenshire distillery built southeast of Huntly that existed from 1822–1913. A dark amber dram with a nose of marmalade, ground almond, cherry lips, and vanilla essence. Attractive, but not overly aromatic. Cooked plums after a peppery rush begin an attenuated flavor journey, exiting with a spicy finale. 84 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2017

    • 94
    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Auchnagie Archivist's Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    The Lost Distillery Co. is managed by a group of self styled "Whisky Archivists" and Whisky Makers, the brainchild of Scott Watson and Brian Woods, both of whom previously worked at Diageo and became intrigued by the near 100 distilleries that have disappeared in the last century. Using all the available historical evidence, together with a panel of 'noses', they attempt to bring to life whiskies lost to the ravages of time and fate. It's a project that's had precedents, such as Macallan's "Replica" bottlings that were on the market in the 1990s (only in that instance they actually had preserved samples to work from). The Lost Distillery Company takes a more imaginative approach. In order to recreate their historical interpretations, they compose a blend using different single malts, tweaking the composition to sit easily with both the evidence of the archivist and the interpretation of the whisky makers. This process takes considerable time and experience but only when everyone is comfortable with the result does the whisky receive the company's seal of approval. It's a great story, but the quality of the whiskies they produce are what matters in the end - happily, what we've tasted so far is first rate.

    Auchnagie (1812-1911) existed for almost 100 years near the hamlet of Tulliemet, approximately six miles south east of Pitlochry in Perthshire. Starting work as a remote farmhouse distillery, it ended its days as, arguably, the jewel in the crown of a global whisky empire. It had at least seven different owners and was silent for large parts of its life. This was not unusual for small-scale 19th century distilleries, as their precarious existence was often at the mercy of lack of water, lack of money, changes to duty laws and local demand for the product. Tasted from a 15ml sample, this offers soft, seductive aromas of poached orchard fruits, vanillan malt and light cereals. Astonishingly delicate and supple in the mouth; a slow motion surge of spices unfolds with terrific length; juicy / fruity flavours merge seamlessly with a subtle smokey undercurrent. It's deftly blended and a real pussycat that's impossible not to like. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... A present day interpretation' of the long gone Auchnagie malt whisky (distillery was closed in 1911). I'm sorry but I'm not able to refute any of that as I've never tasted Auchnagie. Have you? Colour: straw. Nose: what's striking is the 'old' style indeed, this baby's not unlike some long forgotten grains and apples in an old cellar, near an old coal pile and quite some rusty old tools. Behind all that, some fudge, ale and caramel. Nice nose. Mouth: well made, this is citrusy at first sips, becoming then rather fatter but there's always this zesty side. A little vanilla to coat all this, a few salty touches, rocks and gravel, a very mild peatiness and a few mirabelle plums. Very well composed, I have to say. Finish: good length, on vanilla, zesty fruits and a little clay. Comments: whether this tastes like Auchnagie, I couldn't tell you, but indeed the style is 'old', partly because of the mild peatiness. A very smart blend, I think. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Dalaruan Archivist's Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    The Lost Distillery Company Blended malts employ a variety of whiskies in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Dalaruan Distillery (1825-1925) has an unusual story of how its founder, Charles Colvill, once had to share a hotel bed on Islay with a visiting excise officer who told him at length about the whisky industry on the island. Charles gave up being an itinerant Cartwright (cart maker) and turned to distilling, with considerable success. The distillery was funded by a local banker, David Colville (who also set up Dalintober with Peter Reid) David Colville & Co original partners were David Colville, writer and banker, John Colville, malster, father of the latter; Ralph Langlands, merchant; Charles Colvill, cartwright and Daniel Greenlees of Hazelburn Distillery – In 1838, John McMurchy purchased the share held by the late Ralph Langlands. Production started with a hydrometer, four hogsheads at a cost of 1 shilling, bolls of local bere barley, liquid yeast coming from the Greenhead Brewery in Glasgow, who sent 16 gallons of brewer’s yeast. Malting was performed on-site, with barley steeped in water from Crosshill Loch before being spread across one of Dalaruan’s four malt-barns. Robert Armour installed the stills, the distillery was expanded and modernised several times and would have three pot-stills in the 1880s; a 2,750-gallon wash still, and two others with a capacity of 1,886 and 850 gallons respectively. Worm-tubs were situated outside of the Still House, parallel to a lade which ensured a steady stream of chilled water to condense the fresh distillate.

    The kilns would be at the centre of Dalaruan’s most dramatic episode, in July 1896 around 1am, a fire broke out in the Eastern kiln, and soon the adjoining stables were in flames. The fire spread to the granaries and malt barns and threatened to engulf the complex. Two watchmen on patrol sounded the alarm, but the fire would have been overwhelming had the lookout of a moored warship, the HMS Northampton, not noticed the blaze. Dalaruan received its mains water from Crosshill Loch, like other Campbeltown distilleries. The loch was built by the Duke of Argyll explicitly to encourage the founding of distilleries by offering a clean and consistent water supply. Crosshill Loch is filled with spring water from further up Beinn Ghuilean, which flows over limestone before settling in the loch. Limestone adds minerals like calcium and filters out impurities. The area’s high volume of rainfall ensured the distillers were never lacking for water. Dalaruan was supplemented by two private 9-feet wells on its grounds which Alfred Barnard assured his readers in 1887 contained natural springs of the highest quality, principally for reducing the alcoholic strength of the whisky before it was put into casks for maturation. Dalaruan in its early years would have been filled into rum, sherry, beer, wine, fresh oak casks. It was customary for clients to return their casks to the distillery, to be filled again. Although it was not a legal requirement to age whisky until 1916, it was understood that some aging was required to improve the youthful spirit. The use of a rum cask by David Colville would impart hints of tropical fruit and caramel notes. In this modern interpreation, expect notes of fruit salad, gentle smoke, salted caramel and flavours of citrus oils, Summer fruits, tobacco smoke, salt and spice. Sounds a bit like Springbank! 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 86
    • 85
    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Stratheden Archivist's Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    The Lost Distillery Company Blended malts employ a variety of whiskies in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Stratheden distillery (1829-1926) was situated in the centre of the old market town of Auchtermuchty in Fife. The earliest records of legal distillation indicate it was founded in 1829, although there is anecdotal evidence of the prior use of illegal stills in the area. The distillery was unusual in that it only ever had one owner – three successive generations of the Bonthrone family. The Bonthrone’s hailed from the area and according to whisky writer, Brian Townsend, were a “…true malting, brewing and distilling dynasty.” Ancestors of the family were brewers in nearby Falkland in the 1600s. They also had local interests in baking and milling. The challenges of the early 20th century proved to be too much for Stratheden. Demand was so poor that it did not re-commence production until 1922. Successive duty increases, set alongside distilling costs that were higher than those of modern distilleries meant that margins were eroded to the point where there was little will in continuing. The final blow was the loss of its major export market, as the United States embarked on a decade of Prohibition from 1920. The distillery ceased production in late 1924, and closed for good in 1926. The maltings remained in use until the 1970s. The bonded warehouses were bought by Arthur Bell in 1931 and remained in use with United Distillers until 1989. The warehouse doors can still be seen to this day, marked as a bonded warehouse. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... A dry malt boasting sporadic muscovado fruity sweetness and the vaguest of underlying phenols. I wish the company well, but have to say that putting today's casks together to recreate a malt last distilled in 1926 (and which no one living has probably ever tasted) is fanciful, to put it mildly. In those days bourbon casks weren't available so not in use; sherry ones were then of a significantly higher standard and the peat, almost certainly, would have been a little more punchy than here. 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019

    ...Slabs of plain chocolate, Kendal mint cake, vanilla essence, and malt with a dry, dusty character makes this suggest itself for an after-dinner occasion. The palate is very sweet; sugarplum, caramelized brown sugar, flapjacks, bramble, and pink rhubarb before it finally coagulates into a thick Horlicks maltiness. There’s an impressive trajectory of flavor here, though the mouthfeel is nothing special and dilution doesn’t enhance it to any real degree. Dry and malty finish. 85 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2015

    • 86
    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Lossit Classic Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    There are two tiers in the Lost Distillery Company series. The 'Classic' label expressions are lower proof versions (43% as opposed to 46%). The blends employ a variety of malts in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Founded in 1817, Lossit was the biggest producer of whisky on Islay in the industry’s formative years and lasted for half a century until it was silenced in 1867. The longest surviving and most successful of Islay’s farm distilleries, Lossit was part of the transformation of Islay’s reputation from an outpost of smugglers to a leading force in the whisky industry. Lossit featured all the amenities that made Islay distilling so desirable for illicit distillers: water, peat, space, and seclusion. As an illicit farm-distillery, Lossit relied on grain from its own supply of barley and fuel from the nearby peat bogs. Lossit would have changed little once licensed; most of the distilleries that emerged in the 1820s would have already existed prior to the 1823 Excise Act. As a farm distillery, Lossit was able to utilise its own available resources and ingredients for the spirit, using a work force that combined its duties as both distillery workers and farm hands. McNeill’s achievements as a distiller stemmed from his successes as a farmer. A successful harvest meant excess barley available for distillation, while the end of the Napoleonic Wars had eased Britain’s grain crisis, meaning it could be used in products other than food.

    Lossit’s production figures of 12,411 imperial gallons (56,421 litres) between 1823-26 at an average of 4,137 imperial gallons (18,807 litres) per year, the biggest on Islay, were achievable because of Lossit’s status as a high-quality farm. This was all the more remarkable considering Lossit’s illicit past, and the inherent weaknesses of the smuggling trade which many carried on into pot still legalised distilleries: a low yield of spirit, waste of spent grains and uneven quality of spirit were all hangovers of the illicit industry. Despite these potential issues, McNeill managed to maintain the fragrant, characteristically peaty taste of Lossit that so many cherished. Between 1835 and 1844, 61 distilleries in Scotland closed. Lossit was one of these. Malcolm McNeill, now beyond his middle age, began to settle outstanding debts to the ‘late distillery’ in 1842. His heir and son-in-law Charles McNeill showed more taste for farming than distilling, and the matter appeared to be settled when the resident gauger Alex Mathieson left in 1846. However, in 1849 an advert appeared in newspapers across Scotland, advertising an Islay distillery with a character ‘so long and so favourably established, that it requires no description.’

    Lossit was not dead, but this was to be the end of its era as a farm distillery. The distillery was purchased by the Stewart brothers, George and John Chiene, young men from Haddington, East Lothian, an agriculturally abundant area with a strong whisky heritage. Aged 24 and 20 respectively in the 1851 census, the Stewarts took on Lossit solely as a distillery and removed the farm element. The census labels George as the distiller and John Chiene as distillery manager; they are accompanied by a skeleton staff of three distillery labourers, all from Glasgow. The opportunity to acquire a modern distillery with far superior transport links was arguably too good to miss. Lossit was limited, small and secluded in comparison, the qualities that made it perfect for illegal distilling now a hindrance. For Lossit, its spirit would continue to be used in the BLC blend and to furnish local markets, but any production had ceased by 1867. After Bulloch, Lade & Co relinquished its lease in 1870 and vacated the property, the distillery was gutted, and its plant buried in the property’s driveway. There the stills remain in their grave, the brand never to be tasted again. This release revives Lossit's flavours, evoking peat, almonds, pears and pepper. 43% Alc./Vol. Reported to be non chill filtered, though not stated on the label.

    Other reviews... The stills ran cold in this lost Islay distillery at Ballygrant in the 1860s. Excitingly acrid smoke on the nose: like fireworks or the smoking muzzle of a rifle mingled with summer lemons and crunchy green pear. Poached pears in cream, greengages, and peppercorns meet a stealthy, sour gooseberry takeover. Fades to a chalky, sour fruit plateau before a chili heat finish. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2017

    • Nick's Import
    The Lost Distillery Company Auchnagie Classic Selection Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 43%

    There are two tiers in the Lost Distillery Company series. The 'Classic' label expressions are lower proof versions (43% as opposed to 46%). The blends employ a variety of malts in order to recreate the imagined flavour profiles of some of Scotland's long closed distilleries.

    Auchnagie (1812-1911) existed for almost 100 years near the hamlet of Tulliemet, approximately six miles south east of Pitlochry in Perthshire. Starting work as a remote farmhouse distillery, it ended its days, arguably, as the jewel in the crown of a global whisky empire. It had at least seven different owners and was silent for large parts of its life. This was not unusual for small-scale 19th century distilleries, as their precarious existence was often at the mercy of lack of water, lack of money, changes to duty laws and local demand for the product. In this example, expect a floral, honeyed nose followed by flavours of dried fruits and pepper. Reportedly non chill filtered, though not stated on the label.

    Aberlour-Glenlivet 8 Year Old Unblended All Malt Scotch Whisky (26 2/3 Fl. Oz.) - Old bottling
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    A circa 1970s square bottle of eight year old Aberlour containing 100% malt whiskies and "proudly featuring Campbell's Glenlivet Malt" (likely a reference to Aberlour, see below). Very good condition, with original presentation box and bottle in plastic wrapper. One only from a private collection.

    * For those puzzled by the 'Aberlour-Glenlivet' title on the label, history suggests the use of the 'Glenlivet' suffix was a convention in earlier times as means of association with Speyside and / or the Glenlivet distillery's enviable reputation. Tamnavulin, Glen Moray, Speyburn and Tomintoul all still carry "-Glenlivet" in their registered names. However, the suffix is now only used on the labels of some independent bottlers.
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    Adelphi Glenborrodale 11 Year Old Batch 8 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $140.00
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Notes from Adelphi... Honeysuckle, Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and flapjacks with honey. Oodles of McCowan’s Highland Toffee, salted popcorn and a hint of fresh mint with a wisp of smoke. The youngest component is 11 years old. 46% Alc./Vol. 1404 bottles.
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    Adelphi The Glover 4th Edition 18 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $310. 00
    Bottle
    $3720.00 Dozen
    ABV: 49.2%
    A 'hybrid malt', made from whiskies sourced from both Scotland and Japan that have been aged for at least 18 years. The provenance is not disclosed.

    Tasting note: Deep bright gold. Impeccable purity to the floral-beeswax and pear drop opening bouquet. Evokes Clynelish at its best. Air contact further emphasises the beeswax key-note adding sponge cake and hints of honeydew. A slightly firm, spicy entry, broadening and softening as the whisky rolls across the tongue. Honey-drizzled orchard fruits are countered by powdery tannins. Concludes delicately tart with a silk-thread of sugars woven through the fade. Impossible not to like. 49.2% Alc./Vol. Very limited allocation.
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    Adelphi Glenborrodale 7 Year Old Batch 4 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $185. 00
    Bottle
    $2220.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    The fourth batch of Adelphi's blended malt is the best to date. This is reported to be considerably older than the label suggests, the majority being quite mature Speyside and Highland whiskies, with only a small amount of 7 year old added to 'freshen' it up - hence the young age statement.

    Tasting note: Matured in sherry casks. Pale gold. Evokes suggestions of lemon meringue, honey, sponge cake and mocha while also being pithy, dry and peppery. The sweetness builds with air contact. A medium to full bodied, perfectly rounded malt with flavours of salted oatmeal biscuits, straw and a tangy, oily, keenly balanced finish that resonates in the mouth. Lively and lipsmacking with a classically Speyside profile. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 1,484 bottles released.
    Adelphi Glenborrodale 8 Year Old Batch 1 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    A first for Adelphi, Glenborrodale (meaning 'Fortified Valley') is an eight year old blended malt, with the innaugural release limited to 1226 bottles.

    The vatting was created in a refill ex-Sherry Butt. Reportedly the composition includes Macallan, Highland Park, Bunnahabhain, possibly Glengoyne and a good splash (half a cask or so) of Glenrothes 8 years old from an active sherry cask.

    According to Adelphi, expect flavours of brandy snaps, toffee fudge, orange peel and distant camp fires. 46% Alc.Vol.

    Extremely limited stocks.
    Adelphi The Glover 18 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $310. 00
    Bottle
    $3720.00 Dozen
    ABV: 48.6%
    Another hybrid malt in the Adelphi portfolio is "The Glover", named after the 'Scottish Samurai' Thomas Blake Glover. This is the third release. Whiskies from Scotland (Longmorn and Glen Garioch) make up 35% of the blend. The remainder is sourced from refill ex-sherry hogsheads from Japan's now closed Hanyu distillery. All whiskies are at least 18 years of age. The consensus on the blogosphere is that this really is something genuinely different. 1448 bottles on offer, but we have less than a handful to sell.

    Notes from Adelphi... Ripe corn – sunshine. Good beading. Light nose prickle. Richly fruity – ripe pear, juicy red apples, cherries, orange juice – on a base of vanilla sponge, spread with strawberry jam and whipped cream. A drop of water introduces fondant. A sweet overall taste, with chocolate and coconut (Bounty Bar). Water introduces ripe pineapple and Szechuan pepper (both spicy and mouth-cooling). Parma violets in the development. Multi-faceted and exotic. 48.6% Alc./Vol.
    Adelphi Glenborrodale 8 Year Old Batch 6 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $135. 00
    Bottle
    $1620.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Batch 6 of Adelphi's annual blended malt consists of Highland Park, Bunnahabhain, Tamdhu and Glenrothes. The combination was transferred to sherry butts fourteen years ago and topped up with an eight year old sherry cask release from Glenrothes (hence the younger age statement). Bottled in 2018 non chill filtered and with no added colour. 1500 bottles world wide.

    Notes from Adelphi... Nose: smoked meat with warm toast, butter and heather honey. Palate: dark cherries with white peaches and kiwi compote finished with some Nutella. Finish: rich and round. 46% Alc./Vol.
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    Adelphi Glenborrodale 8 Year Old Batch 5 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - No Gift Box
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $135.00
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Glenborrodale 5 continues Adelphi's small batch blended malt range with Edrington base stock bought in – all matured in sherry butts from an early age – and then reinvigorated with a little extra, heavily sherried Glenrothes. This particular batch has more Speyside and less Island/Islay than batch 4, so a little more sherry, and less peat.

    Tasting note: Slightly restrained aromatically with aromas of pineapple upside down cake (just like the label suggests!) followed by whiffs of caramel fudge. It’s medium dry and warming with lively spices, brittle malt and a firm drying finish that hints at cocoa, cool mint and citrus oils. Cream tea biscuits and floral honey notes linger. Medium length. Lovely aperitif style. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 1050 bottles.
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    Adelphi The E&K 5 Year Old Fusion Cask Strength Blended Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Reduced from $299.00
    $199. 99
    Bottle
    $2399.88 Dozen
    ABV: 57.8%
    Another impressive example of Adelphi's remarkable blending flair.

    Following on from the sell-out Kincardine comes the second incarnation of Adelphi’s Indian-Scotch fusion. Vatted from two casks of India’s Amrut single malt and Scotland’s Ardmore and Glenrothes, with all whiskies being a minimum of 5 years of age, the "E&K" pays homage to the 9th Earl of Elgin and 13th Earl of Kincardine, Victor Bruce.

    As Governor of India from 1894 to 1899, Bruce oversaw improvements to India’s railway system, worked to combat drought and famine and helped stabilise the currency. There's also a personal connection to the historical reference: Bruce is the Great Grandfather of Alex Bruce, Adelphi's Managing Director. Capped at 825 bottles world wide.

    Tasting note: Bright gold. A shifting bouquet offering an engaging amalgam of tropical fruits, flashes of sherry and lifted spices. 5-10 minutes accents toffee apple, peppermint and cocoa. A vibrant whisky brimming with flavour and mini spice explosions that dapple the tongue. Very well integrated. Dried fruits with a smokey-sherried edge? Amrut dominates at natural strength. Water broadens and softens the profile adding length and drawing out attractive fruity-oily Speyside notes. 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
    Ardbeg Serendipity 12 Year Old Limited Release Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    We've one bottle only to sell of this curio that evoked a combination of cynicism and praise when it was released as the result of a 'blending accident' - see below. Evidently, in the late 1990s, there was a product called "80:20" which was 80% Glenmorangie and 20% something else, and with an identical marketing speel from Glenmorangie. It would have been a no brainer to repeat the 'accident', but a stroke of genius was required to make it seem plausible a second time.

    Other reviews... Serendipity came about as a result of an error, when two parts of 12-year-old Glen Moray were inadvertently vatted with eight parts of much older Ardbeg. Indeed, the Ardbeg could be approaching its quarter-century. Cynics may suggest this smacks of something dreamt up by a marketing department, but whatever its origins, this 'Ardbeg Lite' blended malt whisky has much to commend it. The Glen Moray has given Serendipity a sweeter, more floral nose than is usual with Ardbeg. On the palate the defining dry, earthy, peat notes of Ardbeg lurk beneath a soft, mellow peachy character, but they remain steadfastly present. The result is notably harmonious. An inspired accident? 40.0% - www.whisky-pages.com

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    Berry Bros & Rudd Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Islay, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $89.99
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44.2%

    Whiskyfun.com's favourite bang for your buck bottling (May 2020) "...classic Islay...Impeccable blended malt, where are the oysters?"

    A blend of malts from Islay, composed of whiskies from some of the island's most iconic distilleries. Very pale straw gold. Light citrus, crisp barley and sweet sooty peat, all perfectly tuned, with air contact adding smoked meats, dark chocolate and hints of pencil shavings. Juicy maritime-accented delivery - creamy and sweetly smokey with brine, cocoa, white pepper and hints of dried banana through the aftertaste. Offers a complex and beautifully integrated range of delicious flavours. 44.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... An endearing vatting which sums up the island's whiskies without any drama but still highly attractively and with no wrong turns. 90.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

    One of four new affordable blended malts in the range, this delivers a direct line of clean, pure smoke; richly peaty, with shrimp shells, salty sea spray, fresh citrus peel, vanilla, and the aroma of fine cigar smoke. There's an elegant purity to the nose. The palate takes a different course, with tangy, sharp citrus, bitter orange, herbal notes, lemon sherbet, shortbread, and jagged spices. Quite a stallion. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    I can’t see what could go wrong here. Colour: a whiter shade of pale (aarf). Nose: fresh, peaty, very coastal, gristy (youth) and pretty tarry and on diesel oil. I would imagine ¾ young CI and ¼ young Laphroaig would be a bit like this. No bad names. Mouth: just very good, more on brine, gherkins and olives, roots, pure mezcal and a little mercurochrome. Excellent briny ashes. Finish: long, crystalline, peaty, salty. Salty smoked almonds in the aftertaste. Comments: classic Islay, I’m not so sure. Not all young Islays are this good if you ask me. Impeccable blended malt, where are the oysters? 87 points - whiskyfun.com

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    Berry Bros & Rudd Peated Cask Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $89.99
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44.2%

    "...imbued with a pretty smoky flavor for a peated cask, and leaves a creamy aftertaste to savor. " - Whisky Advocate

    Historically, almost all Scotch whiskies possessed a distinctive smoky character, as peat was the most readily available fuel to dry barley. Berry's 'Peated Cask' blend has been matured in a cask that previously contained heavily peated malt, keeping the barrel input relatively subtle. Pale straw gold. A few off-notes aside, the nose shows lovely freshness, the latent fruitiness given a subtle maritime edge, soon overtaken by milk chocolate - all mirrored in the delivery which is genteel, momentarily succulent, the edges blurred by feather-soft brush strokes of smoke. Concludes deeply warming, delicately oily, medium long. Wonderfully pure. 44.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Gentle and evenly paced. 92 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

    A pale blend with hidden depths of flavor and a sweet nose of honeyed pear, vanilla, Golden Delicious apples, taffy, and custard tarts, all overlaid with ashy smoke and drifting smoke trails from snuffed-out candles. Pear, apple, clove, and cracked black pepper meet butter toffee, vanilla, and nippy spices. It's imbued with a pretty smoky flavor for a peated cask, and leaves a creamy aftertaste to savor. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com

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    • Limit One per customer
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    Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Sherry Cask Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $89.99
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44.2%

    High quality sherry casks are considered a luxury in the world of whisky, and the spirits they mature often command top dollar. The boys at Berry Bros have done a great job here with heritage director Ronnie Cox and spirits buyer, Doug McIvor, clearly enjoying the job of blending this sought after and uniquely engaging style. Spectacular deep copper colour. Dry nose-feel is attractively sherried with some Seville orange and nuttiness, dates, raisins and even a touch of rancio. Same goes for the palate; initially spicy before settling into a superb blend - a lovely definition of dried fruits (dates, prunes and raisins) – especially towards the finish. Follows with cinnamon and pepper warmth, zesty freshness, hints of bitter dark chocolate and Christmas cake through the aftertaste. The balance is spot on. A primer for anyone wanting to acquaint themselves with sherried styles without emptying their wallet. 44.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... The Islay just kills, but I’ve never tried the ‘Sherry Cask’, so now’s the time. I’m a fan of what they do at BB&R’s, they have this kind of understated, slightly posh way of doing things that should inspire many loudmouths from all around the world. Even politicians who don’t drink! Colour: deep amber. Nose: concrete and saltpetre at first, then roasted pine nuts, chestnuts, and a blend of well-roasted coffee beans and chocolate pods that have just been torrefied. A very pleasant proposition, not very common. Mouth: but yes! More coffee, orangettes, thin mints, 90% chocolate, dried dates and figs, coffee liqueur (I’ve decided to take it easy with quoting brands), and touches of tarry black liquorice from some of the most extreme Dutch liquorice makers. But yes! Finish: long, superb, extremely well-constructed, chocolaty and coffeeish, with the most perfect balance. Comments: wow, have they added some 1940s Glenlivet or something? At not even 50€, bang-for-your-euro, guaranteed. Genius.- 90 points - whiskyfun.com

    This is rich in cask characters, with baked orange, pronounced nutmeg notes, mace, peppercorn, and petrichor. The opening flavors of dark orange and syrupy caramel swerve headlong into pepper, root ginger, allspice, and nippy clove. Despite appearances, this is not awash with sherry-dominated fruitiness, but the finish is long, with spice-led dried fruits. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    I'm certain there are types who will fight to the death for a bottle of this. A whisky, let us say, to divide opinion. 84 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

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    Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
    Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND
    Reduced from $89.99
    $49. 99
    Bottle
    $599.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44.2%

    Note: Some bottles have mild label damage.

    "Great value whisky [that] encapsulates Speyside's appealing regional character" - Whisky Advocate

    A very pure and emphatically Speyside malt that oozes charm from the first sniff with floral-soft aromas of poached orchard fruits, light toasted marshmallow and even a touch of musk. Continues the theme flavour-wise, but with a slightly grassier/woody accent. Excellent concentration, spicing up towards the finish. Everything in its place. 44.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... This great value whisky encapsulates Speyside's appealing regional character with notes of green apple, airy florals, vanilla fudge, honey, pecan nut, toasted croissant, marzipan, and light dry spices. With its lovely structure and weight, this unwraps apple, golden syrup, tart citrus, banana, and caramel. A smart aperitif choice for a carefree day, this delivers a sweet, light, delicious dram with an active spicy finish.  88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    A lot of malt to get your teeth into. The oak isn't exactly sympathetic, but the big wave of vanilla at the midpoint carries some attractive maple syrup. 84 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023

    Another one that ‘captures the very essence of the region’. Oh the BS you have to come up with when you have no age statement, even when you’re a great old house such as BB&R! Colour: white wine. Nose: yep, naturally. Bread, sawdust, vanilla, barley, hand cream. What you can get out of some super-young malt whisky from Speyside and some good modern wood. We shall call it ‘gristy’. Mouth: of course it’s good, of course. Malt, vanilla, shortbread, stout, burnt caramel, apple pie, corn syrup. Really, it’s good, but a tad soulless. Some kind of ueber-blend, perhaps, fighting in the same category as that of Cardhu, Knockando, Glenlivet, Monkey Shoulder, and ‘stuff’. High volume, I hope! Finish: rather long, malty and caramelly. Ovaltine, come out of this whisky! Comments: yeah, sure! Made to perfection, but… bzz… 80 points - whiskyfun.com

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Blended Single Malts take complexity to the next level.

Blending whisky, (which in no sense equates to dilution), is a considerable art acquired only after years of experience. Because every distillery's Single Malt whisky has a character of its own and, just as people of different temperaments are often incompatible, so some whiskies will not happily marry. Blended malts contain two or more malt whiskies (usually up to a maximum of six) from two or more different distilleries. 'Vatted Malts' (now officially known as 'blended malts') are being marketed with some rather quirky labels, but in the hands of a master blender, the results can be as exciting as any great Single Malt - indeed, the whiskies potentially encompass the entire flavour spectrum taking complexity to the next level.

A Wide range of Blended Malts available online.

When you buy Blended Malt whiskies like Johnnie Walker Green Label, Compass Box, Monkey Shoulder and more from Nicks Wine Merchants , you can have them shipped free to most of Australia. If there's something not listed you're looking for, call us on 1800 069 295 and we'll try to track it down. You can also access our Scotch Whisky Primer to learn more about Whisky.