Single Malt Scotch Whisky
5,013 products
Welcome to the largest range of Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Australia. Nicks Wine Merchants go further than any other whisky retailer dealing with hundreds of suppliers, both locally and overseas in order to offer you the most eclectic selection as well as some of the very best prices in Single Malt Scotch in Australia today. We cover official distillery bottlings, independents, antiques and collectables as well as many lines otherwise only available via duty free, all shipped to most areas of Australia. We also taste and rate many of the whiskies and/or include third party reviews to guide you further in your purchase. Subscribe to our Spirits and Liqueurs Email Newsletter to keep up to date with new arrivals, whisky tastings, special offers and more.
- Lowlands, SCOTLAND$169.99$169.99Bottle$2,039.88DozenABV: 48.2%
Aberargie is the Morrison family's new distillery which commenced operation in 2017. Located on their 300 acre farm just outside of Perth, the whisky is made from a mash bill of 52% Golden Promise barley, a heritage variety that’s no longer commonly used. The other 48% is made up by a modern variety, Laureate. Both are grown on the farm. The whisky comes matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks. 48.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... more apples and light oak spices, but also slivers of silage, straw and porridge accompanying the likes of plums, dates and banana. Finish: Medium length. A touch of milk chocolate, some muscovado sugar and grainy pears... Quite alright indeed. When you hear all the specs you can't help but get your hopes up. Thankfully, Aberargie meets the expectations. This is one of the better debuts we've seen in this modern era of Scotch whisky. - wordsofwhisky.com
"...It definitely has its own unique character, and I would definitely try further bottlings." - whiskybase.com
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$250.00$250.00Bottle$3,000.00DozenABV: 46%
After decades of wine-influenced single malts hitting the market with variable results, some producers are starting to understand that a lot can be won with balance. When done right, wine casks can offer something a little off the beaten track. By most reports, Aberfeldy are leading the way with their "Wine Cask Series". This one comes matured in casks that previously held Italian Sangiovese red wine. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Aberfeldy has fully embraced wine cask maturation. Many of their limited releases now feature such a cask type. The Wine Cask Series was created late last year. First a 15-year-old was released, but today we’ll be looking at the Aberfeldy 18 Years Sangiovese Red Wine Cask Finish. Today’s 18-year-old was finished in ex-Sangiovese red wine casks sourced from Tuscany’s Valdarno di Sopra region. I don’t mind wine, like at all, but I won’t pretend to be familiar with this particular region either. Instead we’ll just dive right in... Delicate, yet nicely balanced, especially for a wine matured single malt. That may sound snobbish, but it can be a challenge to not turn whisky into winesky. In general, these types of releases seem to have improved over the years. - wordsofwhisky.com
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$199.99$199.99Bottle$2,399.88DozenABV: 40%
An Aberfeldy released for the Travel Retail market, finished in flavourful ex-fortified wine casks imparting classic Madeira notes and elevating the malt with further complexity. Expect soft notes of honey freshened with citrus and delicate tones of baked apple, spiced with cinnamon and creamy vanilla. 40% Alc./Vol.
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$129.99$129.99Bottle$1,559.88DozenABV: 46%
Matured for 15 years in re-fill and hogshead casks, this limited edition Aberfeldy is then finished in Bolgheri red wine casks from Tuscany, Italy, adding an extra layer of rich, cherry and dark chocolate flavours. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Red wine casks can overpower, but here the balance is perfect. Finished for 2 years in Italian red wine casks from Tuscany, the nose brims with blackberry, black cherry, ripe Victoria plum, dark chocolate, peppercorn, licorice, and black tea. Aberfeldy’s honeyed core shines through layers of chocolate, black cherry, clove, nutmeg, plum pudding, and gentle oak. A beautifully poised malt with a long, indulgent finish of chocolate-dipped dark fruits. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Now then, Bolgheri is the very place where those super-Tuscan Bordeaux-style blends hail from, which, truth be told, we rather struggle to finish (Sassicaia, Ornellaia and suchlike) The worst of Italy, really, despite their having so many other absolute marvels elsewhere. Imagine gleefully planting Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in France! Madness. Colour: gold. No rosé hue, thankfully. Nose: naturally it’s all right, it doesn’t reek of raw stave or new planks, but there’s a duo of pepper and green capsicum, along with blackcurrant bud, which always tends to set the nerves slightly on edge. It’s a layered nose, one might say, with a delayed and restrained arrival of raspberries and cherries. Mouth: decent, though not terribly charming, with a rather awkward and somewhat Janus-like split personality. Raspberry liqueur-filled chocolates, green pepper and cardamom, with cherry and black pepper stepping in a little later to help steady the ship. Finish: fairly long, though rather leafy. Comments: definitely an improvement over other, previous red-wined ones. 77 points - whiskyfun.com
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$149.99$149.99Bottle$1,799.88DozenABV: 43%
"...a delightful whisky and one of Aberfeldy’s best ever." - drinkhacker.com
Finishing this 15-year-old Aberfeldy in Semillon sweet white wine casks from Cadillac brings a balance of opulence and freshness to the whisky. Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod sourced the casks from a 40-hectare estate in the heart of Entre-deux-Mers, Gironde, just south of Bordeaux. Exuding notes of yellow fruits, florals,and a burst of citrus, seamlessly melding with Aberfeldy's signature soft, honeyed character, the wine influence makes the whisky brighter than the 12 year old, also giving it more body and a longer finish. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A 15 year old single malt finished in French semillon “Cadillac” white wine casks. I presume Cadillac refers to the region of France near Bordeaux, known for its sweet wine production, but details are scarce. This is a delightful whisky and one of Aberfeldy’s best ever. The nose is beautiful and sweet, though there’s a slightly savory quality that evokes notes of dried flowers, toasted oak, and a gentle maritime edge. Lemon curd and tangerine are the most prominent fruit elements, but these are kept in check, at least for now. The palate is where this whisky really shines, as all of the above come together in beautiful fashion, really showcasing the citrus notes of lemon and orange, filtered through golden syrup, gentle sandalwood, and a layer of baking spices. Cohesive but complex, it’s bright and immersive, with a noteworthy layer of honey on the finish. Sauternes is made (in part) from semillon grapes, and I have to assume this whisky was finished in a similar type wine barrel. No complaints from me. This review was delayed because I broke my first sample bottle; very glad I stuck it out waiting for a replacement. - drinkhacker.com
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$250.00$250.00Bottle$3,000.00DozenABV: 43%
Dewar’s Master Blender and Malt Master for Aberfeldy, Stephanie Macleod, is also passionate about wine. Marrying her two interests, she set out to see how different red wine casks effect whisky flavour. The first release in the series was a dram finished in Pomerol wine casks from Bordeaux. Subsequent bottlings have followed. This 2022 edition sees Aberfeldy finished in Bolgheri Tuscan red wine casks imparting robust, dark fruit flavours and an intense oak finish to the already fruity malt. Macleod takes a very active role in these maturations, repeatedly monitoring their progress ensuring that the malt doesn't get overwhelmed by red wine character. In this experiment, cherry frangipane and vanilla spice are said to be keynotes. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The casks used in this release came from Bolgheri, a small region of Tuscany. The Tuscan region is typically known for their Chianti wines, though Bolgheri has the distinction of introducing the world’s first “Super Tuscan Wine’. The terrain in Bolgheri is similar to the Bordeaux region in France (rocky limestone near the Tyrrhenian Sea), allowing non-native grapes from France, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, to be grown and used in the regions wines. Knowing that the same grapes grow in both France and Italy, its easy to see why Stephanie landed on using casks from the Bolgheri region....The idea to finish malts in red wine casks is an interesting idea, though hard to tell exactly how much it contributed to the final product. While the nose is a dense mess that’s hard to sort through, the palate is warm and inviting, with much complexity. Some water does help to open up the nose and palate, letting the Tuscan cask become more prevalent, yet it still seems like it could pull some more weight. - whiskeyreviewer.com
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$94.99$94.99Bottle$1,139.88DozenABV: 40%
For over a century, Aberfeldy has maintained a hidden profile as the backbone of the famous Dewar’s blends (the best-selling Scotch in America as well as the distillery’s corporate owner). Aberfeldy's own line of re-vamped single malts started to roll out in 2014, with a five-strong range. Sales have since increased significantly. Situated between the Highlands and the Lowlands, the distillery is sometimes referred to as a 'Mid-Lowlander' and is considered one of the sweetest of all Scottish single malts, the result of extended fermentations coupled with slow distillation. Its approachable style has a honeycomb - breakfast cereal character and can be deliciously fruity. Sherried variants like the very successful 16 year old reveal a gutsier side of the distillate.
When it comes to the entry-level 12 year old, initial impressions are of fruit salad with scents of unripe canteloupe most salient along side dustings of dried coconut. Five minutes sees the fruity edge only slightly diminished. It's light and silky on entry but builds into a soft, light to medium bodied, elegant malt, the fruity / vanilla combination repeating at mid palate, followed by hints of oatmeal with moderate length. In short, an amiable 'Highlander' that's clearly intended for casual drinking. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... bright and lively, the sweetly honeyed cereal and buttery biscuits of a predominantly bourbon-barreled single malt (plus some refill and a touch of sherry) are immediate on both nose and palate. It’s approachable and comes across as just a little green but otherwise fully uncomplicated, with the focus squarely on well-sweetened grain notes as the palate builds. The finish offers just a touch of spice and at least nods toward the oak barrel, but it never attempts to complicate what comes across as an affordable sipper to get the night started. - drinkhacker.com
Golden and bright in the glass, the aroma suggests caramel apples. The palate shows plenty of oak and spice, opening with sandalwood and vanilla, plus a hint of baked apple. Adding water brings a mellow, malty effect, bringing in honey, ginger and a final flurry of cinnamon. 91 points - wineenthusiast.com
Fresh and floral, with lively tropical fruit, honey, and vanilla. Gentle on the palate, with a slight syrupy texture to its malty foundation. Youthful, orange marmalade finish with a hint of spice. A pleasant, easy-going whisky. 82 points
- maltadvocate.com, 4th Quarter 2006 Issue-Vol. 15#4... Nose: Beautifully intense malt with a cidery-apple fruitiness. Gentle oak and honey round off superbly. Palate: Fresh, almost crisp mouthfeel with outstanding sweet maltiness and an almost Irish pot-still firm fruitiness. Mouthwatering. Finish: Softly spiced with a long, rich malt follow-through. Comment: Really outstanding example of massively complex, classy but undiscovered malt. 85 points - Jim Murray, whiskymag.com
Gold Medal - Distillers' Single Malts 12 years and under - 2020 International Spirits Challenge
- Grand Gold Medal – Monde Selection, Belgium
- Gold Medal – Concours Mondial, Belgium
- Silver Medal – International Wine and Spirits Competition - Highlands, SCOTLAND$299.00$299.00Bottle$3,588.00DozenABV: 40%
Reserved for decades as the heart of the Dewar's family of blended whiskies, Aberfeldy is now being released in limited quantities in 12 and 21 year old expressions.
Other reviews... Similar in flavor to the Aberfeldy 12 reviewed below, but with more depth. There’s more orange rind in the marmalade notes, along with Clementine and coconut. The whisky finishes drier too, with a spicy flair. Still quite clean and nicely balanced throughout. A whisky for those of you who want a fun whisky that’s not heavy on the palate. 88 points. - John Hansell, maltadvocate.com
“...Very high class malt which confidently underlines this distillery’s excellence.” 91 points. - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2012
- 92
Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$250.00$250.00Bottle$3,000.00DozenABV: 43%Aberfeldy first launched the Red Wine Collection in 2019, and since then it’s featured French and Italian wine cask finishes from several prestigious estates. Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod, now turns her sights to America, finishing an 18 year old in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from California's Napa Valley. The whisky demonstrates how Aberfeldy's sweet, honeyed character interacts with the varietal's bold winey notes. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This Napa Valley addition to the series has a nose of cherry, plum jam, black currant coulis, heather honey, muscovado sugar, and well-integrated spices. The cabernet sauvignon grape flavors are pronounced and layered over honey, malt, plum, tart blackberry, clove, dried fruits, and chocolate. It’s a soothing, decadent drop with a velvety texture, the wine cask’s influence steering a confident course through Aberfeldy’s honeyed signature notes. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$149.99$149.99Bottle$1,799.88DozenABV: 40%
Other reviews... The recipe combines whiskies matured in American oak and oloroso sherry casks, and serves up hot chocolate powder, red apple, white pepper, oak char, and Asian spices on the nose. The flavor trajectory starts with red apple, sultana, and butterscotch, rolling in baking spices, especially nutmeg and cinnamon, and ending with creamy vanilla as the spices subside. The finish is slightly drying with flavors of baking chocolate and dusty spices. (Travel Retail exclusive) 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$299.00$299.00Bottle$3,588.00DozenABV: 63.8%
These cask strength, single-casks from Aberlour offer a bit of an insight into what A’bunadh would become if allowed to mature to 16 years. Its rarity and full sherry character combined with a direct import price makes it worthy of consideration for anyone seeking a premium alternative to high-end Macallans. No doubt, a whisky to be savoured, enjoyed slowly and with a little water. The outturn was 438 bottles at 65.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 48%
Sheer approachability has helped Aberlour become the most popular whisky in France, where more single malt is consumed than any other country. At around 40%, it's a polite, relaxed and sometimes, slightly wanting tasting experience. As an alternative for those who prefer sherry with a kick, owners Pernod-Ricard introduced the natural strength A'bunadh around 2000. Eighteen years later, Casg Annamh was launched as a French Exclusive in a similar vein (the name translates from the Gaelic as “rare cask”). Also influenced by Oloroso, it's matured in three types of casks: European oak Sherry casks and two different types of American oak . Like A'bunadh, Casg Annamh is batch specific, with about ten iterations to date, some better than others. Whichever you come across, they're all handsomely packaged with a wax seal stopper, while the extra ABV and zero chill filtration make a world of difference. 48% Alc./Vol.
- Nicks Import
Aberlour Crafted Small Batch No. 1.2 17 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 58.8%A welcome addition to Aberlour's portfolio, which, besides the NAS Abunadh, generally lacks cask strength options. The decent age statement and zero chill filtration add to the allure. These limited releases are batched, so ABVs and maturations will vary. For No.1.2, the cask regime was 42.6% American oak and 57.4% European oak. The result is a tantalising mix of spiced apple strudel, milk chocolate, date and raisin notes. 58.8% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... On the nose, it's very soft, brioche, cake dough, then honeyed, acacia honey, pine needles, dry earth, dried prunes, dates, figs, bananas and grapefruit, a hint of vanilla, a lemon zest. On the palate, the fruits are a little more present, creamy, but also this rough side of wood bark, resin, maple syrup, blood oranges, medlars, apricots a little floury. Intense spices, cumin, cloves. Long and quite explosive finish, licorice, very spicy, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pineapple juice. A very solid Aberlour, living up to its reputation, with plenty of fruit and velvet. - whiskybase.com
- Packaging may vary
- ABV may vary
- Batch may vary
Aberlour A'bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$154.99$154.99Bottle$1,859.88DozenAberlour’s cask strength A’bunadh has long been a darling of single malt aficionados, released in batches, each varies in proof and flavour as proportions of older or younger material make the cut, but the brief remains the same: Make a 100% ex-oloroso sherry aged malt using the inventory at hand (anywhere from 5 to 25 years old). Keep it natural, which means zero chill filtration, keep it balanced and keep it affordable. No information about the number of bottles from each batch of A’bunadh is offered, but they're large outturns for a global community, which makes for a significant blending challenge. That hasn't stopped collectors and fans of sherried malts from stocking up on those that are deemed better than others. With or without water, whichever way you like it, A'bunadh is worth checking out as you encounter it, at least so long as value remains Pernod-Ricard's priority.
- 88
- Batch may vary
- Nicks Import
- Reduced
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 43% bottlingSpeyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from$189.99$149.99$149.99Bottle$1,799.88DozenABV: 43%Aberlour 10 year old is a huge seller in France, with owners Pernod-Ricard promoting it heavily. Based on its popularity, there've been a number of distillery releases exclusive to the French market. This 43% abv bottling is one (note that the more widely distributed equivalent is a 40% bottling). The 16 year old echoes the flavours of Aberlour's 12 year old, with both Sherry and Bourbon casks at play. The slightly higher ABV promises a little extra depth.
Other reviews... Voluptuous and mouthwatering in some areas, firmer and less expansive in others. Pretty tasty in all of them. 88.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
...It starts gently with sweet red fruits: plums, peach, raisins, and blood orange, garnished with honey. Dark chocolate joins the mix. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a touch of zest. A hint of mint and nuts is noticeable. The influence of wood gradually develops, providing pleasant bitter notes. Despite its relatively low alcohol content of 43%, it feels very oily on the palate. - whiskybase.com
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 40%
A bottling otherwise exclusive to the French market. Matured in bourbon barrels, bourbon hogsheads and Oloroso sherry casks. Expect an easy drinker.
Other reviews... A new NAS at low strength, hum-hum… Colour: deep gold. Nose: easy and malty, typically malt for the upper blend drinkers, so some kind of access-category malt whisky, in the league of Cardhu and Knockando. Guinness, Mars bars, a touch of pinewood, some gentle earth, and of course, many roasted nuts and toasted cakes. Shall we call it ‘rather Chivassy’? Mouth: good! It’s often on the palate that things go a little off the track with these cheaper malts, and indeed I’m finding it a little thin and a little too caramelised/caramelly, but other than that, there’s some fine chocolate and quite a lot of toasted bread and brioche, plus notes of maple syrup. Roasted peanuts. Finish: medium, rather coating, malty and chocolaty. Nice raisins and nuts. Comments: a no brainer, perfectly well made. No one will find this wee baby unpleasant.
80 points - whiskyfun.com - Nicks Import
- Reduced
Aberlour 14 Year Old Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from$129.99$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 40%Aberlour has been a part of the Pernod Ricard group since the 1970s and today sits comfortably along side the top ten single malts in terms of worldwide sales. It's become particularly popular in France and the USA. This one's maturated in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and first-fill American oak casks. It promises a degree of richness and sweetness without being heavy. In short, the kind of whisky that's given Aberlour such popular appeal. 40% Alc./Vol.
- Nicks Import
- Reduced
Aberlour Forest Reserve 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from$99.99$89.99$89.99Bottle$1,079.88DozenABV: 40%Recently re-packaged and subtitled 'Forest Reserve', Aberlour's 10 year old is one of the world's top selling single malts. Along with the new look, there's been a slight change to the maturation regime - this expression has had an additional finishing in French Limousin oak barrels after spending most of its time in Bourbon and Sherry casks.Other reviews... [Original 10YO bottling] Orange-amber hue. Inviting aromas of orange marmalade and Sherry. Moderately full-bodied with mouth-coating viscosity. Well-balanced flavors of honeycomb, heather, oloroso Sherry, and citrus peel with a hint of herbaceous peat. Finishes with a warm, satisfying glow of alcohol. A sure bet as a digestif.
91 points (Exceptional) - tastings.comFounded on its current site by James Fleming in 1879, the village ‘Aberlour’ (Gaelic for Mouth of the Chattering Burn) became nationally famous in the 19th century for its orphanage. The town has preserved much of its historical character. Original houses, built of stones taken from the bed of the Spey, mingle with more recent buildings and landscaped public gardens. Aberlour's spectacular setting on the banks of the Spey makes it easy to see what made it such an attractive place to found a community and a distillery. Built alongside the Lour burn, Aberlour uses pure spring water that rises through peat and granite from Ben Rinnes. The St Drostan Well stone was erected to mark the location of the spring, which was used by St Drostan to baptise the local population in the 7th century, and is also featured on Aberlour’s label.
- Nicks Import
- Not gift boxed
- Reduced
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from$119.99$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88DozenABV: 40%Whilst many Australian whisky enthusiasts are familiar with the traditional sherried bottlings from Aberlour distillery, many parts of Europe are privy to its more curious variants which combine whiskies derived from both sherry and bourbon casks, varying in proportion. We have sourced a small quantity of these relatively unknown expressions just to showcase what this distillery capable of.
Other Reviews... Fruitier, sweeter, and more straightforward than the new 16 year old. Ripe tangerine, orchard fruit, and caramel apples, all on a bed of nutty toffee. Underlying notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, with a dusting of dark chocolate. After the sweetness fades away, there’s lingering spice and oak resin on the finish. A good alternative to Macallan 12 year old or Glenfarclas 12 year old.
84 points. John Hansell - whiskyadvocate.com- 93
- Packaging may vary
- Nicks Import
- Not gift boxed
- Reduced
Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from$129.99$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 48%A big step up from Aberlour's regular 12YO, bottled at 48% with zero chill filtration. "...probably the best entry-level Aberlour that one can find..." - whiskyfun.com
Tasted in a session that included A'bunadh and Casg Annamh, this stood up well. In fact, it could be argued that it showed the best poise and persistence. It's not only the non-chill filtration and higher ABV that differentiate it from the standard 12 year old, it's the proportions of whiskies that are used. The nose develops with a superbly pure combination of American oak, creamy vanilla and malted barley - spice and sherry fruitiness in second place. The aromas are reflected on the palate where a softer, more approachable side of Aberlour is encountered, though, not without the higher ABV injecting a gratifying degree of intensity. By the finish, it's deliciously textural and surprisingly long. Quite simply lovely malt, with excellent integration and a big step up on the regular 12YO - which is a bit of a weakling compared. For some tasters this was the favourite in the line up. At the time of writing, Aberlour's website no longer lists it as part of their portfolio, so there's no guarantees of future re-stocks. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews: Appearance: Clear, deep golden amber. Aroma: Rich fruitcake, dark dried fruit, toasty biscuit, walnuts with creamy mocha coffee. Taste: Dark and toasty with burnt fruitcake, mocha coffee, chocolate mouse, plum fruit and spice (nutmeg, cinnamon and light clove). Aftertaste: Toasty mocha coffee, chocolate cake and spice. Takes a splash of water well. A malt for a winter’s evening by the fire. 5 stars - diffordsguide.com
[circa 2012 bottling tasted] It’s the bigger version of the popular 12 but I’m not sure this one was double-matured. Well it probably is. Colour: full gold. Nose: starts quite winey (old Madeira) and with traces of gunpowder, so there’s probably quite some sherry involved. The good news is that all that tends to vanish while more earthy and even mushroomy touches arise. I also get some spearmint, honeydew, then ripe apricots, warm apple pie, liquorice, blackberry jam and just touches of Williams pears… It just wouldn’t stop improving and becoming more lively, given you give it a little time. Also bergamots, earl grey… A very elegant nose! Mouth: maybe not as bold as expected but it’s very nicely chocolaty and coffee-ish. I also enjoy all these orangey notes a lot, there’s some marmalade, kumquats, then even touches of absinth and fennel. Medium oak, a little leather, cloves… All good. Finish: medium, all on chocolate this time, with the oranges more in the aftertaste. Comments: this baby isn’t expensive so it’s probably the best entry-level Aberlour that one can find, especially since it’s easier to quaff than A’bunadh. 85 points - whiskyfun.com
- 89
- Nicks Import
2017 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Cawdor Springs (Royal Brackla) 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 58.7%Named for the natural springs supplying Royal Brackla, this whisky spent over five years in ex-bourbon wood followed by nearly three years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a moderately sherried, contemporary style with a spritely character, initially green and grassy before the sherry introduces some lovely orange spice cake and zesty peel notes. More expressive with each taste, developing impressive depth and drive at the finish, this vibrant Brackla still has a few rough edges, smoothed out by minimal water. 283 bottles produced. 58.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Delicate dried fig, toasted oak and soft orange marmalade. Palate: Spiced marzipan, gentle plum and warm leather. Finish: Classic sherry notes linger with toasted nut and subtle orchard fruit.
- Nicks Import
2009 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Glen Spey 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$159.99$159.99Bottle$1,919.88DozenABV: 55.4%Described by Rattray's as “flawless” prior to re-rack, rather than mask any harsh or unwanted character, this hogshead was finished for more than 11 months in a French Limousin oak barrique that previously held Cognac for five years. The result has built layers of fruit flavour and texture upon the light, grassy Glen Spey spirit. 296 bottles produced. 55.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Nectarine gold. Nose: Dried plum. Curacao organge and Battenberg cake. Palate: Poached apricot, clover honey and almond butter. Finish: Sweet cinnamon and stone fruit, cut with a light gooseberry tartness.
- 92
- Nicks Import
2010 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Glendullan 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$159.99$159.99Bottle$1,919.88DozenABV: 56.7%Initially matured for over a decade in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead, this whisky was then transferred for a further 3½ years to a premium first-fill European oak ex-Oloroso sherry hogshead, seasoned for 36 months. The nose is defined by a light orange-fruit cake character that hovers above the deeper bourbon vanillas, repeating on the palate with good depth and balance; Slightly raw, though thoroughly enjoyable, easily softened with just a few drops of water. Rattray's say this is the final, and arguably the finest bottling from their 2021 sherry cask intake from Jerez. The yield was 283 bottles at 56.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Vibrant copper. Nose: Sticky gingerbread, glace cherry and royal icing. Palate: Sultana, orange and fig roll with cinnamon and caramel. Finish: Luscious, dried fruit and spice, from total integration of cask and spirit.
- 93
- Nicks Import
1998 A.D. Rattray Vintage Cask Collection Auchentoshan 25 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Lowlands, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 56.9%A serious age statement from what is one of the few remaining Lowland distilleries and the only one practising triple distillation for its entire range. Auchentoshan has seen a huge growth in sales and popularity in the last decade, so no wonder it made it into this bottler's premium collection. Rattray's chairman, Tim Morrison, played a key role in the history of Auchentoshan through its purchase in 1984 by Stanley P. Morrison (latterly Morrison Bowmore Distillers). Subsequently acquired by Suntory, the Japanese influence on distillation is evident here in a deep, integrated bouquet that's also fresh, grassy and citric. Even after a quarter century in barrel, the aromatics remain surprisingly young and vibrant. The palate tells another story - nicely rounded, with a superbly creamy feel uncut, whispers of dried mango lingering, hints of dried grass and delicate malt... that bright citrus and cut grass note returns at the end, lifting the finish in a warming yet elegant fashion. Leaves you to wonder if it would ever have reached peak maturity! 164 bottles were filled from a single Bourbon hogshead. 56.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Brilliant ochre. Nose: Tahitian vanilla, flaked almond and tangerine slice. Palate: Sweet orange marmalade, juicy mango and crystallised ginger. Finish: Green tea and cashew nut when the waves of tropical fruit subside.
- Nicks Import
2007 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Teaninich 16 Years Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$189.99$189.99Bottle$2,279.88DozenABV: 57.8%Rattray had a sister cask to this one (#461) released at 14 years old in 2021. By comparison, Bourbon hogshead #462 was afforded two further years of maturation through perhaps the most significant mid-teen ageing period, allowing fresh orchard fruits to develop into more tart citrus notes over the ever-present, hearty cereal base. 290 bottles were filled at 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Polished gold. Nose: Chalky lemon, honey pomelo and soda bread. Palate: Rustic loaf, Parma violet and fresh lime. Finish: Subtle saffron, liquorice and ginger decorate the palate.
- Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND$119.99$119.99Bottle$1,439.88DozenABV: 46%
A mystery Orkney. Could it be Scapa? The notes from the bottlers describe a peppery-smokey character, so it's the other. Not a mainstream Highland Park that most will be accustomed to, which is what you want from an independent. At first, mezcal-like, and subtle smoke indeed, instead, a rather fresh, grassy, crisp expression with trace peat. Fascinating and strangely compelling compared to the official bottlings, once attuned to the right amount of water it makes for a good aperitif. Otherwise, add an ice cube or two, release the oils and richen up the experience. Mimimal water is required. One reviewer sums it up as "...a great summer whisky. Lovely honied malty waxy notes; a good ex-bourbon maturation". It's out of the ordinary for the age statement, but at this price and ABV, grabbing a bottle is't much of a gamble. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Nose: A freshness opens the dram, before vanilla, coconut, lemon peel, and some red berries — think raspberries. Palate: That freshness continues alongside cream soda, orange and lemon peel, some apple skin, blossom honey, brioche, and just a hint of sweet spice like ginger powder. Finish: Decent length on the finish here without too much tannin. Comment: Sweet and mellow with lots of sweet bourbon-cask character. - whiskymag.com
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Butterscotch gold. Nose: Clover honey, Parma violet, ripe peach and wild heather embers. Palate: Grilled plum, old-fashioned barley sugar, noble hop and caraway. Finish: A prolonged peppery smoke lifted by tart citrus and foraged pine.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$1,299.00$1,299.00Bottle$15,588.00DozenABV: 42.8%
Stepping up one tier from the "Cask Collection", Rattray's Vintage Cask Collection represents the oldest and rarest Scotch whiskies in their portfolio. Single casks are selected from what they consider Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. Each comes suitably presented to match the contents. Thanks to the Morrison family, the stories of A. D. Rattray and Bowmore will be forever entwined. This selection promises an enchanting Islay from the mid 1990s, whisking you away to the shores of Loch Indaal for a blissfully long summer evening. We've sourced a handful of the 235 bottles produced. 42.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Burnt orange. Nose: Warm lavender, blackcurrant, fennel seed and birch wood smoke. Palate: Roast chestnut, pork crackling, tangerine and pine. Finish: Tangy peat oil coats the tongue, bringing waves of sea salt and lime.
- Nicks Import
2012 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Balmenach 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$149.99$149.99Bottle$1,799.88DozenABV: 56.7%Although situated within the Speyside region, traditional methods of production at Balmenach yield a spirit more classically Highland in nature. Rattray's consider it demonstrative of the kind of reliable, cereal-rich and full-bodied malt, unblemished in a refill bourbon hogshead, upon which the global reputation of Single Malt Scotch Whisky is built. 229 bottles were filled at 56.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Sparkling gold. Nose: Rustic rye sourdough, nut brown ale and banana chip. Palate: Fine-milled oatcake, greengage plum and ground allspice. Finish: Gooseberry, elderflower and aniseed decorate a robust malt biscuit base.
- Nicks Import
2009 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Fettercairn 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$184.99$184.99Bottle$2,219.88DozenABV: 57.3%You wouldn't believe it, but worldwide demand for ex-bourbon barrels far outstrips current supply, meaning a cherished style of single malt is under threat. Thankfully, Rattray have a few more of these Fetters' in the pipeline, as the honeyed sweetness from first-fill bourbon is just the perfect match for its distinctive tropical fruit flavours. Cask 1098 yielded 283 bottles at 57.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Rich gold. Nose: Ripe mango, red apple peel and ginger oil. Palate: Clotted cream fudge, crystallised papaya and soft liquorice. Finish: Decadent dark chocolate mousse with a dusting of ground hazelnut.
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88DozenABV: 46%
The ten year old predecessor to this edition received praise from the likes of Jim Murray (89 points). This latest Cask Speyside ups the age statement and includes a spell in sherry casks. The rich, spiced berry flavours make an indulgent contrast to the refreshing citrus flavours of the ten. Un-coloured and non-chill-filtered, it's good to see Rattray maintaining the higher abv in this super value series. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Despite the finish, it got a lot of sherry, modern profile, of course. More in the direction of PX, very sweet, toffee, orange peel, apple and almonds. On the palate there is a clear hint of oak, a bit bitter, slightly tingling, very spicy, again orange or orange jam and a hint of red fruit. Quite long finish, spicy, slightly bitter, warming. The 46% drinking strength is just right. Imho did the finish right here for the malt. - whiskybase.com
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Almond icing, dusted cinnamon, red apple and blackcurrant. Palate: Cherry plum, spiced honey and zesty orange marmalade. Finish: Rolling gently through subtle spice to a lightly tart, bramble conclusion. Spiced berry, citrus and orchard fruit.
- 91
- Nicks Import
2011 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Balblair 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$154.99$154.99Bottle$1,859.88DozenABV: 57.4%Balblair is a characterful make that’s rarely in the spotlight. Here's a bit of a twist on one from an indie: Finished in a two year-seasoned, first-fill Oloroso sherry European oak butt for one year, following maturation in a refill sherry butt for over eleven years, this Balblair is defined by dried fruit notes. European oak typically imparts a greater spice and depth of character than soft, sweet American oak. The result is a deep, full-bodied Balblair that's rounded and relatively soft given the strength. Malt-forward flavours feature with a bitter chocolate edge and moderate heat and tannin at the last. Expect a big'un. 604 bottles produced. 57.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Tasted from a 20ml sample.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Warm copper. Nose: Sticky raisin, may rose and morello cherry. Palate: Dried cranberry, bergamot and sugared almond. Finish: Exotic Turkish delight with pistachio and date.
- 90
- Nicks Import
2015 A.D. Rattray Cask Collection Dalmunach 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139.99$139.99Bottle$1,679.88DozenABV: 65.9%Built in 2014 on the site of the old Imperial distillery, Dalmunach is a new Pernod-Ricard backed project at the forefront of the latest wave of new Scottish distilleries. Filled less than a year after the first spirit flowed from the stills, Rattray's refill hogshead provides the perfect stage to showcase the newcomer’s flavours. Not surprising for its age and alcohol, it boasts a super-concentrated, cereal-forward delivery that's oily and completely mouth filling. There are suggestions of vegetable stock, earthy peat and choc ripple biscuits, too, the latter accentuated with a dash water. For all of its brute force, the balance is remarkable at this atomic strength. Drawn from a single bourbon hogshead at 65.9%, cask 4191 filled 300 bottles. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Sun-blushed gold. Nose: Grapefruit oil, toasted multigrain bread and spiced chive butter. Palate: Grilled peach, rolled oat granola and damson jam. Finish: Mouthwatering orchard fruit and citrus liven the charred oak base.
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$1,499.00$1,499.00Bottle$17,988.00DozenABV: 49.9%
This Longmorn from a refill bourbon hogshead is the oldest bottling in the latest Adelphi range. An appropriate choice, perhaps, as the distillery celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2024. It's also making a comeback, with a new core of age statements including an 18 and a 22 year old. Long ageing has tipped this cask strength gem just under the 100 proof mark landing it at 49.9% Alc./Vol. 222 bottles are on offer. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... a sublime, alluring and complex character, with notes of lavender and violets, apricot, custard cream, tart grapefruit, key lime pie and macadamia nut... floral and fruity, but with a pleasant liqueur-like bitterness and appropriate heft.
- 91
- Nicks Import
A.D. Rattray Stronachie Small Batch Release (Benrinnes) 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$89.99$89.99Bottle$1,079.88DozenABV: 43%"The obliteration is total. Only the name remains." So ends the story of Stronachie, a distillery which rose out of the wilderness in the 1890s. Set in a desolate glen on the Perth-Kinross border it stood between bleak hills on an isolated road that toiled its way through the Ochill mountains. Stronachie Distillery produced a traditional Highland-style whisky until 1928 and during its four decades of production A.D. Rattray Ltd represented the brand in Scotland. Rattray is proud to revive the Stronachie name and reproduce this spirit of another time. To replicate the whisky, a bottle of original Stronachie 1904 was purchased at auction - one of only four bottles left in existence. A small sample was drawn, then samples of many Highland malt whiskies were compared to the original Stronachie. Finally, the remote and high altitude Benrinnes was chosen.
There are many, many very positive user reviews on the web for this pale gold, Bourbon cask matured dram. The nose is pristinely clean with malt and vanilla opening sniffs followed by oatmeal biscuit, cocoa and dried fruits. Light and easy on entry, building concentration and balance through the mid palate with lovely vanilla malt and honeyed notes framed by spicy oak. The finish is dry, mildly fruity and soft. So eminently drinkable, you can understand why Stronachie has developed such a loyal following. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A quite outstanding 10 y.o. Speyside. I don't remember how I 'found ' Stronachie but boy am I glad I did. For it is simply the best 10 y.o. I have ever tasted, and is in my top five whiskies of all time. I am a tour guide for the American market and visit a lot of distilleries all over Scotland, so although not 'an expert' I have learnt a lot in the last six years. I have repeat ordered this whisky more times than any other and all friends and others who have tasted it agree with my praise of it. I am just going to order another couple of bottles (one as a thank you present). Finally thank you to A D Rattray for your unstinting quest for perfection (someone has to do it after all!) and thank you to Benrinnes Distillery for producing (and of course all the other distilleries in Scotland) such a wonderful nectar. My observation on Stronachie: Light , sweet, malty, amazingly smooth with a finish that lingers gently and helps to set you up for the next one. - A.D. Rattray customer review
- Highlands, SCOTLAND$69.99$69.99Bottle$839.88DozenABV: 40%
Other reviews... This was launched as a ‘budget’ single malt for Tesco. It’s good that it would come with an age statement, but the ABV screams ‘cheapo’. It is, in fact, one of the several styles made at Ailsa Bay at Girvan. Let’s see… Colour: light gold. Nose: some farmy peat, a little mud, some grist and a touch of vanillin. Well, this baby does not tear you apart, that’s good. In a way. Mouth: extremely light, with some smoke, a touch of apple and lemon, notes of smoked ham, and perhaps a touch of iodine. There is something of the lightest Laphroaig 10s – not the current production mind you. Frustratingly light body. Finish: short, leaving a feeling of smoked water. Comments: peat is good but when there’s only peat (plus a little barley), that’s not quite enough. A little disappointing, typical 75-pointer in my book, hope they’ll also do a kind of high-proof version, without dropping the age statement. 75 points - whiskyfun.com
- SCOTLAND$71.99$71.99Bottle$863.88DozenABV: 40%
Other reviews... This should be Ailsa Bay as well, but not at the price of Ailsa Bay. What’s a sea cask by the way? Did they use floated wood? Stored this on an island? On some shore? Now let’s not forget one of the industry’s talking points, ‘Scotland is integrally coastal’. Aye aye. Colour: light gold. Nose: I like this better. It’s a fine, balanced, easy malt whisky, on barley, vanilla, bread and caraway/nutmeg. I always like it when it’s this close to bread and barley, even when it’s not complex. Mouth: yes, it’s pretty pleasant, what a shame that it hasn’t got much watts, and that it is dragging itself along with little enthusiasm. Wee touches of brine, that’s nice – is that the ‘sea’ part? Finish: short, but really okay as far as flavours are concerned. Comments: good potential here. 43% would really be welcome. 79 points - whiskyfun.com
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$129.99$129.99Bottle$1,559.88DozenABV: 40%
A Highland peater defined by delicate campfire smoke, spiced up by a spell in sherry casks. Toffee apples coated in warming cinnamon, deep vanilla, and a sweet wood smoke are some of the notes to look for. Recommended as an entry-level whisky for those who want to venture into the smoked category. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Why you would do a finish on such a whisky, I don't quite know. Not happy with the make? Something that went wrong with the peated malt? Too immature? Bah anyway, it's just an NAS at 40% vol., so stakes should be low anyway. Colour: gold. Nose: nice, in fact, with tobacco and autumn leaves, walnuts, some hay, touches of mustard, cassis leaves, cigarettes, and something akin to… Laphroaig Lore (with apologies both to AnCnoc and Laphroaig). Mouth: light and rather thin, sooty, peppery and pretty ashy. Green walnuts and a little salt, plus rather a lot of oversteeped black tea. Little depth and not much oomph., but as they say, it does go down effortlessly. Finish: short, ashy. More black tea and more walnuts. Almost no aftertaste. Comments: pleasant, I'm just not sure the whisky world really needed some NAS peated AnCnoc at 40% vol. that was finished in sherry. Not any boxes ticked. 75 points - whiskyfun.com
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139.99$139.99Bottle$1,679.88DozenABV: 46%
Not just on the islands, but throughout the Scottish uplands, most extensively in the north and west, you'll find the heart of the peatlands. Knockdhu Distillery (aka AnCnoc) sits on the doorstep of this region, rich in barley and in peat. A natural resource, peat was historically embraced as fuel to fire stills and dry the barley in order to make whisky. Peatiness can be controlled by the amount of peat burnt and the humidity of the barley. Peat smoke produces chemicals called phenols, and it is by its phenol content that a whisky's 'peatiness' can be measured. In this case, AnCnoc have gone to a relatively high 34ppm - much higher than previous editions like 'Flaughter' and 'Rutter' which peaked around 15 ppm. Batch no.3 lands at 46% Alc./Vol. with zero chill filtration. The integration of the ex-bourbon casks with the peated highland barley produces a refined, crisp character that both peat newcomers and experienced drinkers will appreciate.
- Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88DozenABV: 40%
"...so complex it is frightening…a more complete and confident Speyside malt you are unlikely to find." - Jim Murray
The AnCnoc label entered the scene in 1993 and is now flourishing with a range of expressions and age statements. The ‘flagship' 12-year-old is a sweet, floral, Summery whisky that's all about easy drinking. Made at the Knockdhu distillery (a major contributor to the Haig blends), five years after DCL closed the operation, it was acquired by Inver House Distillers Ltd who reopened it and created the AnCnoc brand to avoid confusion with fellow Speysider, 'Knockando'.
Knockdhu was founded in 1894 following the discovery of several springs of particularly pure water on the southern slopes of Knock Hill. When production first started, the distillery was a showpiece. Two pot stills could turn out 2500 gallons of spirit per week, motive power being supplied by a 16 horsepower steam engine. Cottages were built for the workers and their families, creating a new community around the distillery. Much has been done to modernise the buildings and machinery since, but very little has changed in the production process. Two originally designed pot stills remain, giving Knockdhu the same "fruity, citric and honeyed flavour" as was first described almost a century ago. Maturation includes both x Bourbon and sherry casks, and a substantial part of production continues to make its way into the Hankey Bannister blend which sells millions of bottles annually.
The twelve year old is a pale gold-coloured malt with aromas that caress the nose with the softest of whisky scents, almost floral, but there's also honey, toasty grains, plus some fruitiness (baked apple?) and possibly a whisper of peat, too. The palate concentration is good, with spices adding presence to the vanillas followed by a late juicy burst, fading dry and light with cocoa, gentle spices and understated orchard fruitiness. It's all very pretty, falling towards the elegant end of the Speyside spectrum. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews… so complex it is frightening…a more complete and confident Speyside malt you are unlikely to find. Shimmers with everything that is great about Scotch Whisky… always a reliable dram, but this is stupendous. 94.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible
...The entry level anCnoc is aged principally in bourbon barrels, with a small element of sherry wood-matured spirit included in the mix. Floral and quite delicate on the nose, with barley, apples, and honey. Medium-bodied, smooth, and well-balanced, with more honey, apple, malt, vanilla, and cinnamon. The finish is relatively short, drying, and mildly oaky. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Colour: straw. Nose: I like this kind of fruitiness quite a lot. Imagine a good dose of stewed apples, topped with a honey and caramel sauce and touches of liquorice. Then it becomes more floral (dandelions) as well as obviously malty. A rather perfect all-rounder, as they say. Mouth: pretty much in line with the nose, with the same notes of apple pie, malt, barley sugar, light honey and liquorice (that gives it a faintly smoky/bitter profile). Caramel. Finish: medium, with more liquorice. Comments: it makes me think of some high-range blend. Easy and very good in my opinion. 84 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com
- Islay, SCOTLAND$250.00$250.00Bottle$3,000.00DozenABV: 46%
The final release in the Ardbeg Anthology Collection involves the use of custom-made casks (a first for Ardbeg), air-dried in the USA rather than kiln-dried, and then subjected to heavy toasting and light charring before being seasoned for at least four years with bourbon. Master Blender, Gillian Macdonald states the intention was to create a smoother, creamier profile. Whiffs of earthy peat, iodine and kelp bring a fresh, sea-spray vibe to the nose leaving hints of smoked meats. Semi-sweet and savoury, the oils and phenols take charge on the palate, creaming-up with air contact; baked citrus flavours are followed by a grassy finish, trailing off with liquorice root, menthol tobacco ash and white pepper heat. The lingering salt'n'pepper aftertaste is a strong point. This invigorating style of Ardbeg reminds us of bourbon-casked Kilchoman. 46% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... The final chapter in the Ardbeg Anthology Collection has reared its smoky head. Introducing The Beithir’s Tale, a rare and elusive dram inspired by one of the most fearsome creatures ever said to stalk the Distillery’s shores. Aged for 15 years in special designer charred bourbon casks, these barrels have been air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred. This whisky is inspired by the tale of the Beithir* – a fearsome serpent that slithered into the Distillery (or so the story goes). Spotted among the barrels, it had three prized casks lodged in its belly. Charmed away by an enchanting melody piped from a chanter, the hypnotised beast fled into the Atlantic, leaving the barrels bobbing on the waves. This bold dram crackles with notes of peat smoke, treacle, coffee grits, citrus and spice. Long, meandering flavours of vanilla and smoked butter burst forth in a finish that slithers across the palate and sings to the senses.
Gold at both the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$299.00$299.00Bottle$3,588.00DozenABV: 48.2%
The point of difference in Ardbeg's latest Committee release sees the cask heads scored to expose more of the wood's surface area. The cask ends were heavily toasted using the distillery's 'high mocha' toasting process and the inside of the barrels were charred. The process is said to temper the briny overtones, ramp up hidden chocolaty sweetness and magnify sensations of mocha. Bottled non chill filtered at 48.2%. Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The story with Anamorphic revolves around barrel charring. After removing the heads of classic Ardbeg bourbon casks, they were scored deeply to expose more wood and then intensely charred before being filled. Jack Daniel’s did a similar trick with its Sinatra Select bottlings. Does Ardbeg need more wood on it? The nose of the non-age-stated whisky is every bit as dark and smoky as the classic Ardbegs you know and love, offering a bruising aroma of burnt end barbecue and dying beach bonfire embers. It’s a bit daunting at first, starting off as rather one-note until you let it settle down in glass, revealing more layers beyond pushy smoke. Let Anamorphic rest in glass for a while, lest you down sip after sip of charry, tarry peat, free of nuance. After 15 minutes or so, fruit becomes much more evident, with elements of banana and baked apples, then a significant chocolate quality, ringed with walnuts. There’s plenty of aggressive tar that lingers on the back end, but for many an Ardbeg fan, that’s just what the good doctor ordered. All told, Anamorphic doesn’t exactly shift expectations for the brand, but rather it doubles down on them. - drinkhacker.com
...This Ardbeg comes from ex-Bourbon casks with toasted heads, and the nose has touches of chili-infused chocolate, a hint of anise, and a slightly herbal character. The taste has notes of grilled citrus, chili powder, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, and a gentle peatiness. The finish is long with a gentle smokiness and touches of dark chocolate and soft spices. Excellent! (October, 2023) 95 points - whiskycast.com
Notes from the producers... Nose: Earthy, dusty, and slightly biscuity on the nose, this is a most curious Ardbeg, almost from an alternative universe. The sooty/tarry notes are clear but restrained, and are balanced out by some silky vanilla. Water opens up a myriad of herbal and floral notes- smoked etiver root, aniseed, fennel, chrysanthemum and jasmine, to name but a few. Palate: The mouthfeel is peppery and warming, and precedes an explosion of fiery, spicy flavours – chili – flavoured chocolate, bitter sweet mocha, briar wood, birch tar, ground black pepper and smoked artichokes. The sooty/tarry notes build up to a crescendo of rich, smoky flavours, with an incredible, lingering aftertaste of charcoal bitter almonds and molasses.
- Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from
$299.00$260.00$260.00Bottle$3,120.00DozenABV: 40%The legend returns as a Committee exclusive.
First released in 1997, Ardbeg 17 became one of the first whiskies to hit the market when the distillery re-opened. Patchy production periods in the 1980s and 1990s meant that the requisite stocks were never going to last long, which included unpeated whiskies from the 1980s. Consequently, Ardbeg 17 was discontinued in 2004. Directors of Whisky Production, Bill Lumsden and Gillian MacDonald decided to re-launch the age statement in 2024, closely following the elements that made the original. With a lower ABV and chill filtration, this is considerably softer than Ardbeg's 5 or 10-year old expressions, heading towards the elegance of decades-old Jura. Like the last hours of a dying fire, it exhibits a dry, ashy character that slowly smoulders its way across the tongue, the classic distillery traits suggested in low key, from grilled pineapple, mezcal smoke, bitter dark chocolate and Perique tobacco, run through with a delicate oily quality that adds body and weight. Bottling at just 40% makes for a relatively sedate whisky, typical of well-aged Islay with little to no dilution required. Ardbeg completionists should find it a fascinating and rewarding experience.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$1,699.00$1,699.00Bottle$20,388.00DozenABV: 46%
"A glitch in the Ardware" reads the inside of the futuristic presentation box. Welcome to the first in a new limited edition series, created during a milestone year at Ardbeg. Each one will represent a different side of the distillery with no two whiskies alike. ‘Y2K’ is pronounced ‘Year-Two-K’. While the year 2000 will be remembered by many for bootcut jeans, flip phones and the elusive millennium bug, it went down in Ardbeg history for very different reasons. Following decades of neglect, the Distillery had been saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 and meticulously restored. As the clock ticked over from 1999 to 2000, Ardbeg was returning to full production. And while the rest of the world partied, with many distilleries shut down in fear of computerised chaos, its dedicated stillmen stayed up all night to keep the spirit flowing.
Crafted with some of the very first spirit of the millennium, the inaugural edition in the Ardbeg Vintage Y2K series is unlike anything before. It was distilled in the historic still which served Ardbeg for 51 years, before being retired in 2001. And with an increased rigour applied to cask selection under the new ownership, the whisky was laid down in some of the finest bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks around. The result is a single malt jampacked with bright zesty notes and intensely sweet, sooty flavours – a smoky anomaly never to be repeated. Aromas of lemon balsam reminisce with linseed oil and heather honey, while soot and peppermint stir up memories of ground coffee and aniseed on the palate.
Says Dr Bill Lumsden, Master Distiller, "Ardbeg Vintage Y2K is a phenomenal souvenir of a pivotal year at Ardbeg. Crafted at the dawn of a new era in our historic still, this ultra-rare whisky has been stowed carefully at the Distillery ever since. Herbal, citrusy and sweet on the nose, before soot, peppermint and coffee explode on the palate, this retro collectors’ classic is pure Ardbeg nostalgia.”
Other reviews... Distilled in Ardbeg’s historic still that was retired in 2001 after 51 years of service, this vintage has a sweet and zesty nose with coal soot, honey-lemon lozenges, Peppermint Pattie, and traces of black licorice. Silky smooth on the tongue, with sweet vanilla, lemon, peppermint creams, doughnut custard, ashy peat smoke, and orange pith, with creamy coffee, aniseed, and vanilla on the finish. No water needed. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com
Notes from the producers... Colour: Pale amber. On the nose: Herbal, sweet and fragrant, with a distant, subtly fragrant smokiness. A closer look reveals tangy notes of lemon balm, linseed oil and candied walnuts. Theflavourintensifies with a splash ofwater, followed by notes of heather honey, creosote and some tarpaulin. On the palate: A tingling, sorbet-like structure, vibrating on the tongue. The initialflavouris intensely sweet, with a burst of aniseed, toffee, digestive biscuits, peppermint, menthol, tar and coffee grounds. Sooty and tarry flavours then develop. Finish: The long, lingering aftertaste reveals notes of antiseptic lozenges, bitter orange peel andoaktannins.
- 90
- Not gift boxed
Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$250.00$250.00Bottle$3,000.00DozenABV: 46%Ardbeg's latest annual offering comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The purifier is also responsible for Ardbeg’s balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. A spokesperson for the brand describes the flavour profile as, "Defined by a distinctive pungent earthiness, aromatic clouds of dark chocolate, a billow of aniseed and cinnamon, and a lingering tang of sharp peppermint." Dramface.com add "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." We've just received our allocation. The whisky's unusual conception is brought to life with accompanying graphics created by celebrated comic artist and illustrator, Dilraj Mann.
The nose is slightly reticent while the flavour profile leans towards smokey dark chocolate, oily malt, chimney soot and white pepper followed by a dried herbal quality. The aftertaste is ashy, drying, medium long and vaguely fruity in a mezcal kind of way. Like last year's Ardbeg Day release (Ardcore), Heavy Vapours is not quite as intense or complex as anticipated, although it does taste slightly more mature and feels like the texture is amplified, particularly at the finish where cured meats and a salt'n'pepper tang recall middle-weight Caol Ilas. In a word, more elegant than "extreme". 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... I don’t know enough about the role of the purifier in distillation to predict for myself how the lack of one might impact a finished whisky, but damn if I’m not willing to give it a try. So let’s sally forth. Reviewed here is the standard release at 92 proof. The Committee Release is bottled at 100.4 proof. Extremely light in color, even for Ardbeg, the whisky looks innocuous enough in the glass. The classic aroma of beach bonfire smoke of Ardbeg wafts immediately from the glass, tempered by light touches of milk chocolate, overripe fruit, and some salted caramel — though these are all difficult to parse in the wake of a moderately intense blast of peat. The palate does see a more complex complement of flavors coming into focus, including mint, a clearer tropical note — pineapples and some coconut — with plenty of ashy dustiness waiting in the wings. Strangely, all of this works together in a bizarrely compelling fashion, the peat becoming earthy and smoldering, any overt smokiness taking a back seat as fruity sweetness makes a stronger impact. A briny quality offers a surprising level of refreshment on the finish, pairing well with both fruit and lingering smokiness. For my money, this is considerably more classically balanced than the standard Ardbeg bottlings — though what exactly is meant by “balance” in the world of peated Scotch is open for interpretation. All told, this is a decidedly delicious representation of Ardbeg. I say take that purifier and throw it out, Bill! - drinkhacker.com
...More NAS and more stories. I mean, really, stories, about that purifier we keep mentioning here too, and a certain 'agent 46'.. There's a QR code on the presentation box and bottle that should have allowed us to follow that 'agent 46' but from France it seems that we're just led to the generic Ardbeg website. Anyway, this is young Ardbeg that's been distilled 'without' the purifier on, as many batches have in the past already, but this very one is supposed to be 'the most full-blown Ardbeg ever'. Let's check that now… Colour: very pale white wine. Nose: very pure and feeling ultra-young, totally on mash, smoked beer, green pears, stewed turnip, creosote, petrichor and our new favourite since we've tried some in the Schwarzwald only two days ago, topinambour (Jerusalem artichoke) eau-de-vie or Schnaps, which is very rooty and earthy indeed. Mouth: excellent, if a tad rough and probably immature. More Jerusalem artichoke and turnip, smoky mashes and washes, a feinty side indeed and then certainly more fruitiness (so much for the purifier been shunted). Apples, lemon liqueur, light honey (acacia), liquorice allsorts and a drop of pastis. A moderate saltiness and notes of sweet beetroot too. Finish: pretty longer, fruity and salty. Comments: did they not just invent peated pastis? As a matter of fact, it would take a lot of water with resolve and even desire (what?) but it's not really heavy, I'd have called it 'Mizuwari Reserve' or 'Islay Pastis' instead. Do the advertising agencies taste the products? 88 points - whiskyfun.com
- Islay, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 51.8%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Other reviews... Fully matured in rye barrels. Butterscotch, almond paste, shortbread, lemon cake, and vanilla frosting on the nose—bakery aromas integrating with notes of crushed seashells and briny peat. The palate is soft, honeyed, and sweet, offering flavors of candied orange slices, iced tea, chocolate, and sugared espresso as a more pronounced peat influence emerges. A lengthy finish, as the peat drifts into the background, leaving a delicious pot of honey, candied fruit, and dark chocolate. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021
- Islay, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 51%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
A logical progression to the Supernova series that ran from 2009-2019, Hypernova is Ardbeg's peatiest expression to date. Sporting phenol levels in excess of 170 ppm, expect nothing less than a peat bomb. It's also another exclusive to the Ardbeg Committee (the distillery’s fan club) as well as Ardbeg Embassies around the globe - of which Nicks Wine Merchants are one.“This is without a doubt the smokiest Ardbeg ever,” said Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg director of distilling and whisky creation. “We wanted to really push the boundaries this time and boldly go where Ardbeg has never ventured before. A hypernova is a collapsing star explosion so powerful it threatens the fabric of the galaxy – while I don’t think this whisky will tear a hole in space and time, it’s certainly bursting with fantastically peaty flavour.” Bottled at 51% ABV, official tasting notes are below.
Notes from the producers... Color: Pale Straw. Aroma: Powerful, pungent, almost brutal in its intensity, with waves of tar, smoke, sea salt and an almost ‘barnyard’ aroma in the background. There is some restrained fruitiness, reminiscent of flowering blackcurrants, and very pungent burst of peppermint. Water releases some more rounded top notes, with a touch of lavender and a chocolaty sensation, before finally returning to the curious, savoury barnyard smell. Taste: An explosive, peppery mouthfeel leads into a most curious juxtaposition of flavours sweet chocolate, cooling peppermint, pungent peat smoke, bitter almonds, and then a hugely long, lingering burst of spices like aniseed and clove. Finish: The enormous, heavy smoke is always present and even as the aftertaste starts to build, the aromatic, heathery smoke never fades, it remains right to the very end.
- Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from
$399.00$299.00$299.00Bottle$3,588.00DozenABV: 50.1%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Another Ardbeg Day release arrives, bottled once and never to be repeated. This time around, it's created with roasted black malt - a first for Ardbeg. Incinerated to within an inch of its life, the malt defines the profile contributing charcoal and sweet smoke, aniseed and dark chocolate for an in-your-face Islay experience. Trumping past releases, Ardbeg's marketing department has gone to considerable lengths for the new release, this time focusing on brand’s alleged punk past, with Islay’s main port, Port Ellen, going by the nickname ‘Punk Ellen’ in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Ardbeg’s head of distilling and whisky creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, describes the flavour being “like biting on a spiky ball.” More detailed tasting notes below. As usual, allocations are meagre, so in the interests of satisfying as many as possible, this is strictly limited to one bottle per customer. 50.1% Alc./Vol. Collectable.Notes from the producers... Spicy and savoury, Ardcore grips the senses with waves of marmite, burnt toast, chicory charcoal and infused coffee grounds making for a mosh pit in the glass. Like a safety pin through the septum, a classic Ardbeg herbal top note is present, while swirling, smoky bonfire and molasses loiter backstage. TASTE: A jaw dropping spicy and fiery mouthfeel leads to an explosion of rich, smoky flavours – cocoa powder, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime and a suggestion of soot and bonfire embers all pogo in unison on the palate. Amped up aniseed and malty biscuit elbow their way to the fore, punkturing taste buds. FINISH: In an altogether sweeter finish, long, lingering notes of treacle toffee, soot and smoke make for an anarchic, but delicious, aftertaste.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$450.00$450.00Bottle$5,400.00DozenABV: 49.4%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Age statements and transparency seem to be returning to official Ardbeg releases. This new Committee-only offering highlights the impact of the longest fermentation in the distillery's history. Many loyal Ardbeggians have been particularly excited about 'Fermutation', the result of a happy accident in 2007 when a boiler broke down. It led to an unplanned experiment, as six washbacks with tens of thousands of litres of fermented wort sat waiting to be distilled. In the end it took three weeks before the boiler was repaired and distilling could commence (for context, most Ardbeg is only fermented for 72 hours, making three weeks unchartered territory). Director of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden had always intended to trial longer ferments, describing the resulting dram as "...tasting like pure science fiction. Peat and smoke meld beautifully with fresh, floral flavours, while sharp, more malty notes give Ardbeg Fermutation a uniquely zingy profile.”“Blind luck is sometimes just part of the way we do things here at Ardbeg,” added Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager. “But the creation of Fermutation wasn’t simply good fortune. Quick thinking, ingenuity and a little assistance from tiny beings in the atmosphere helped us get here. At 13 years old, this is of course an aged Ardbeg – something I’m sure our fans will be delighted to get their hands on.”
Once again, the distillery marketing team have gone for a quirky sci-fi pulp-novel look and feel, which compliments several other releases to date - and sort of makes sense, given just how different this whisky is reported to be. Bottled non chill filtered at 49.4% Alc./Vol. Extremely limited stocks.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Fresh, floral, herbal and tart. Hints of mixed herbs and cedar wood. Very zesty, vibrant, hints of smoked orange and grapefruit, lots of menthol and peppermint. With water, powerful bursts of diesel oil, tar, fresh paint and aniseed. As this dies down, a memory of freshly cut hay, and the tiniest hint of something savoury, like yeast extract or bread dough. Taste: A lively, vibrant, sharp, ‘zingy’ texture, leading into very firm, distinctive flavours – malty/biscuit tones, powerful aniseed, cardamom, antiseptic lozenge, sweet mint toffee and cigar ash. Finish: Finally, a lingering, salty, firm aftertaste of mint, tar, oak tannin & leather.
- Limit One per customer
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 3Islay, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 46.2%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Last year's release was summed up by Head Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden as "The epitome of Ardbeg". Batch 3 continues that theme, with a lengthy maturation in a combination of American oak and oloroso sherry casks. Bottled in much smaller quantities than the rest of the core range, Batch 3 is also the first in the series to be signed by new Distillery Manager, Colin Gordon since Mickey Head's recent retirement, and the first release in Ardbeg's history to be bottled "in a lockdown", as noted on the front label.
Traigh Bhan is now firmly in collector-land. Consequently, few tasting notes are available (with the exception of Angus from whiskyfun.com who confirms a high standard has been maintained. See below). If you're looking to add to your collection or just want to find out what well-aged Ardbeg tastes like, don't hesitate on this offer. For those new to the label, the name is a reference to the local Traigh Bhan beach on Islay, which is known as the 'Singing Sands'. Each batch is intended to be slightly different from the last due to minor changes in cask selection. Lumsden comments, “The main difference with Batch 3 is that it has been imbued with an altogether more fragrant, spicy character.” Expect zesty lime and walnuts alongside bolder flavours of cayenne pepper and aniseed. 46.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered.
Other reviews... The latest batch I believe. Is it just me, or are these batch numbers are longer than Bill Lumsden's joke book? Colour: pale gold. Nose: a highly aromatic and scented type of peat smoke that feels quite wispy, soft and permeating with impressions of sandalwood, furniture polish and crushed sea shells. Also things like smoked tea, menthol tobacco, myrtle and heather beer. Even though I suppose this is early 2000s Glenmorangie produced batches now, it feels more reminiscent of the 1990s Allied style. Which is quite reassuring in many ways. Mouth: pepper, smoked olive oil, very tarry, a lot of hessian, smoked cereals and some struck flints and other rather punchy mineral touches. In time it evolves these big camphor aspects but also quite a lot of dried herbs, aniseed, dried lime peel and hardwood resins. Finish: medium and with this warming peppery and peaty side (which seems to be an increasing hallmark of these modern Ardbeg), leather, pine cones, wood smoke and a little more aniseed. Comments: excellent whisky, no doubt about it. But perhaps the 8 was a tad more impressive simply by virtue of its youthful zest. Anyway, we're splitting hairs - this is lovely. 90 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from Ardbeg.... Nose: In this whisky, faint waves of scented woodsmoke mingle with sea spray and pine resin. Wisps of aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze while fresh citrus zest laps over notes of cayenne pepper. With a splash of water, waxy notes and charcoal flow into droplets of classic Sherry and linseed oil. Palate: A rush of rich, sappy textures is followed moments later by classic sweet smokiness. Tarry rope and treacle toffee plunge the palate into a second wave of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke bobs on the horizon, while smoked brown sugar, walnuts and spices gently dissolve away. Finish: A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds and clove in its wake, before slowly drifting away.
- Limit One per customer
2011 Ardbeg Single Cask No.2323 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$2,499.00$2,499.00Bottle$29,988.00DozenABV: 58.2%Exclusively allocated to Ardbeg embassies with just 304 bottles available globally. This is one for the lucky few.
Considering the cult following Ardbeg has developed over the last few decades, it's almost unbelievable to think that the distillery was closed on and off for fifteen years until 1996, when it was purchased by Glenmorangie. Part of the huge upsurge in popularity has been driven by a steady stream of new releases, targeting both drinkers and collectors. The latest super-premium addition is this all-natural expression matured in a first-fill x-Cote Rotie wine cask, sourced from the Northern Rhone Valley in France (the exact estate is not disclosed). Filled on the 22nd August 2011 and bottled on the 28th of July 2020 exclusively for Ardbeg embassies around the world, cask #2323 is also reported to be one of the last to be signed by Distillery Manager, Mickey Heads before retiring. The new Manager, Colin Gordon is set to take over the helm and drive the company forward to even greater success. Instantly snapped up in global markets, this is certain to show considerable future upside for ardent investors and promises a full-throttle Islay tasting experience. Official notes by Dr Bill Lumsden below.
Notes from the producers... Nose – Deep, pungent and salty, with medicinal notes, dark chocolate, brambly fruit and the tiniest hint of vanilla. A splash of water brings out a flinty minerality, along with pungent floral notes like narcissus or lilies. As the bouquet continues to open up, the classic, smoky Ardbeg character starts to build. Palate – The mouthfeel is full and rounded. The primary flavour is bold and svaoury, with deep peat smoke, a curious rubbery note, and the suggestion of smoked cocoa powder. There is a soft oiliness throughout, with crunchy oak tannins and a touch of clove and nutmeg. The aftertaste lingers with salted peanuts, dark chocolate cream and a touch of coal tar. Non chill filtered. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Strictly limited to one bottle per customer.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88Dozen
Ardbeg's new collectable packs are an affordable way to sample the core range in an ‘at home’ tasting experience. They're also a great gifting opportunity. The presentation is inspired by old B-grade horror movie posters and each bottle has a peelable label that reveals unique artwork lurking beneath.
The pack comprises 3 x 200ml bottles: The flagship Ardbeg Ten Years Old, the feisty and youthful Ardbeg Five Years Old Wee Beastie and Ardbeg An Oa, which is finished in three different cask types. This is a once-off release so Ardbeg enthusiasts take note! - Islay, SCOTLAND$124.99$124.99Bottle$1,499.88DozenABV: 50.8%
Way back in 2004, Ardbeg launched the first of the “For Discussion” series. Labelled as 'Very Young', it gave Ardbeg enthusiasts the chance to sample a ‘work in progress’. This latest 'Committee-exclusive' bottling revisits that theme. It's the result of an experiment by Master Distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden and an attempt to answer his question "what if, in an alternative universe, Ardbeg Ten was not the distillery’s “flagship” aged expression?"
Lumsden adds, "An aged ex-Sherry whisky is new territory for us, so naturally, we want some thoughts. We’re sharing this with the Committee’s experienced palates to help us find that smoky sweet spot. It’s more than guaranteed to provoke discussion among those privileged enough to taste it.”
Historically, Committee release bottlings have not been offered to retail. We've managed to secure a small quantity for Australian Ardbeg fans.
Other reviews... When smoke melts in the mouth, when the sugars are directly in equal proportion to the measured spices, when the mouth feel is enriched by oil but light enough to allow the more delicate structures to stand unbowed after the tsunami of phenol... then you know this is Ardbeg being true to itself. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
...It's great that these bottles have more 'common sense' L codes these days. Colour: bright straw. Nose: delicately salty, this sense of things like smoked and pink sea salts. Bath bombs, sandalwood, briny pickling juices, kippers - feels notably more mature after the 5yo, perhaps deceptively so. But still, it's another very good one. With water: getting more aromatic and medicinal now with things like witchhazel, wintergreen and aniseed. Some touches of germoline and camphor as well. Mouth: hoho, lovely oily and textural peat, slathered on phenolics, engine grease, tar extracts, some punchy hospital vibes, gauze, iodine, black pepper and thick sooty notes. Totally superb and the texture is really what impresses most! With water: wonderful peat flavour, cough medicines, pepper and anchovy paste. A terrific tarriness that feels totally Ardbeggy. Finish: good length, peppery, tarry, slightly fishy and still with this wonderfully oily and phenolic vibe. Comments: I find this wee baby just absolutely superb, what I love most is that it feels not only technically good, but with this wonderfully texture it also feels like it has a soul to match. Benchmark young modern Ardbeg at its best. I will be buying a couple of bottles and you may take that as a firm seal of approval. 90 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the producer... Pale Straw. NOSE: Intense with a burst of charcoal, creosote, tar and treacle toffee, with curious hints of something vegetal, like fennel, celery and green peppers Once these subside, there are hints of milk chocolate, aniseed and wood smoke. With a little drop of water, some more herbal notes appear, like fennel, coriander and lavender, along with some characteristic Ardbeg aromatic wood smoke and a hint of fresh, salty sea spray. TASTE: A distinctively peppery mouthfeel eases into a complex symphony of flavours treacle toffee, aniseed, salted caramel chocolate, eucalyptus, menthol and briar wood, to name but a few. The ‘ peppery sensation on the palate continues, with the sweeter flavours giving way to more savoury notes like charcoal, smoked bacon, burnt toast and tar. FINISH: The aftertaste is long and lingering, with a suggestion of peppermint and clove. 50.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$399.00$399.00Bottle$4,788.00DozenABV: 51.7%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Fans will already be aware that Ardbeg Day falls on the final Saturday of Islay’s annual Festival of Music and Malt. As usual, there are two new releases to mark the event. The 'Committee Release' is offered in smaller quantities than the general Ardbeg Day release and is bottled at cask strength. In 2021, Ardbeg pays homage to the myth of a dragon said to inhabit Islay. Labeled 'Ardbeg Scorch', it comes matured in heavily charred ex-bourbon American oak casks for an unspecified amount of time. Consensus amongst bloggers who received forward samples is that this is "one of the best special editions from Ardbeg in recent years."
Tasting note: Deep brass gold. Drier and more reticent on the nose than the general release, offering less overt smokiness but more maritime / seaweed / ocean breeze character. Additional time in the glass adds peppercorns, liquorice bullets, pine sap and mezcal-like aromas rather than extreme peat. Beautifully rounded and balanced. A lushly Islay-esque delivery where the alcohol barely nips the sides of the tongue. Only marginally more intense than the 46% bottling and with a similar flavour range, but this maintains momentum and mouthfeel all the way; the final stages are almost honeyed while being briney / peaty / oily and invigoratingly fresh at the same time. Ends elegantly, with medicinal lozenges, fresh-cut pine and a satisfying spirit heat. 51.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... "A gently smoking barbeque on the nose, with cooked bacon, rubber, toasted wood and chewy tannins. There is a nice smokiness on the palate that gets nice and fruity, before becoming quite dry and bitter on the finish." Bronze Medal - World Whisky Awards 2021
Notes from Ardbeg... On the nose, frighteningly intense aromas of soot and smoke lie in wait. Hints of aniseed and fragrant patchouli interlace with bold notes of quenched steel and saddle soap. With a drop of water, herbal top notes of briarwood, sage and pine wisp their way to the fore. Take a sip and experience lair upon lair of flavour. An oily mouthfeel grips the senses. Billowy clouds of sweet smoke and dragon charred oak permeate the palate, while grilled fare and black liquorice weave between notes of medicinal lozenge. A long and heroic finale, with a subtle tarry aftertaste. A finish that will drag on, well into its happily ever after.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$2,699.00$2,699.00Bottle$32,388.00DozenABV: 46%
The newest, oldest whisky to join Ardbeg's core range is an impressively packaged 25 year old, an age statement not seen since the 'Lord of the Isles' bottlings over a decade ago. It's also the oldest permanent addition to the brand, distilled in the 1990s, and available in limited quantities due to its age and rarity. Readers should note that very little whisky was produced at the distillery in the middle '90s. Ardbeg’s production halted in 1981, then resumed in 1989 under Hiram Walker but remained at a low level until late 1996. Most Ardbeg enthusiasts will have tasted little from this distillery's 'quiet period'. Hence, this first edition represents a genuine slice of Islay history.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s chief whisky creator, comments: “After a quarter of a century in the cask, you’d be forgiven for imagining that Ardbeg 25 Years Old would have lost some of the hallmark smoky punch. I can assure you it hasn’t.... And yet there’s also a remarkable complexity and elegance to this whisky that I find utterly captivating. It’s unmistakably Ardbeg, but unlike any Ardbeg you’ve tasted before.”
Strikingly presented in a gun metal coloured bottle, Ardbeg 25 comes housed in a case featuring a modern metallic take on the classic Ardbeg knotwork, symbolic of the untamed complexity of this extraordinary whisky.
Notes from Ardbeg... smoked cream, peppermint, toffee, fennel and pine resin on the nose, leading to a ‘vibrant, hot peppery mouthfeel’ with flavours of sherbet lemon, carbolic soap and tar, creamy toffee, aniseed and chilli pepper. The finish is said to be long, mellow and lingering, with cream, fudge and antiseptic notes. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88DozenABV: 47.4%
"...shows more complexity than some whiskies twice its age, making it a remarkable find." - Number 6 in the 2020 Top 20 by whiskyadvocate.com
Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie is the latest permanent expression to join the Ardbeg family. Youthful, but with an enticingly fresh sea air quality on the nose, as well as hints of iodine, menthol, lanolin and pear, it carries the ABV effortlessly in a breezy, medium bodied delivery. The typically assertive Ardbeggian smoke is somewhat tamed. Instead, nuances of fruit'n'nut chocolate, menthol cigarettes, caraway and rye bread come through. The finish is gently peaty, with hints of fruit and a pleasant salt and pepper tang. An Ardbeg for all occasions. 47.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... Starts off with a mesmerically youthful lustiness full of the sunny joys of a blossoming spring. Ends in the grey of a foggy autumnal evening.
91 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2021...The youthful age statement may take many scotch drinkers by surprise, but don’t let double-digit bias prevent you from enjoying this exciting yet easy-drinking peat bomb. Salt water and seaweed, smoke and sweet peat tussle on the nose, while vanilla, fresh berries, and ample nuttiness spread out and take hold. The structured, balanced palate is creamy, nutty, and spiced, showcasing brown-sugar bacon, smoked salt, milk chocolate, pepper, and well-integrated oak, all wrapped up like a cigar with flakes of ash and sustained smoke. This precocious youngster shows more complexity than some whiskies twice its age, making it a remarkable find. Number 6 in the 2020 Top 20 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton 2020
...The bottle really reminds me of G&M’s early Connoisseurs Choices, or Avonsides. Black, gold, red… Retro keeps striking in whisky. No need to add that we love it that they would have boldly displayed a young age statement, that’s extremely smart, well done Ardbeg, s***w NAS! Colour: straw. Nose: but there, yes, aha, sure. It’s a bit steely at first (grandma’s old tin boxes), then goes onto agave, reaches brine-y aromas, gets to the citrus department, steals a few pears, and finally displays the right amount of tar and peat smoke. In the background, whiffs of raw wool and wet dogs. Dogs, I know we owe you one. Mouth: this feeling of smoked pears that we were expecting, then more sweetness and fruits (passion fruits, melons), then ‘the ashtray’ and notes of Corsican citron liqueur. And why not, Corsica’s an island too! I find it rather sweeter and fruitier than expected, and frankly gentler, but that’s an easier style that I enjoy mucho. It’s just not ‘a beast’ at all if you ask me. Finish: long, clean, rather citrusy and sweet, with moderate smoke. Some eucalyptus in the aftertaste, that’s always very good. Comments: I’m not disappointed at all. Sure they could have named it ‘For the Bar in the Little House on the Prairie’ instead, for it’s rather gentle, but there, well done, it’s one of my favourite recent official ‘begs. 88 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com
- Islay, SCOTLAND$399.00$399.00Bottle$4,788.00DozenABV: 46%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Ardbeg's new bottling for 2020 is named "Blaaack". Not only the latest in a series of annual releases, this edition celebrates twenty years of the distillery's fan club, the Ardbeg Committee (as noted on the label). With over 120,000 members in 140 countries around the world, their role is to test new expressions, give feedback, visit the distillery and generally promote the brand.'Blaaack' is a first for Ardbeg, with the core of the liquid having been extensively aged in Pinot Noir barrels from New Zealand, the sheep (and wine) country, hence the quirky black sheep theme. Bottled in opaque black glass and presented in an Escher inspired gift box design, it will be an eye catching addition to any collection.
Tasting note: Amber / harvest gold colour. Typically assertive, kicking off with big, oily phenols; possibly more maritime than usual. Further time in the glass allows aromas of cherry ripe chocolate bar and stewed plum fruitiness to emerge; Light menthol, smouldering eucalyptus and cedar wood add freshness. A mouthfilling and mouthwatering Ardbeg with huge smoke input and a beautifully rounded feel. Cherry chocolate, pepper and chimney soot through the creamy finish... The smokey/salty aftertaste hints at wine soaked plums and smokey dark chocolate. Always challenging to pick out the diverse notes in these bottlings. This one definitely keeps you entertained. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 52%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Last year’s Ardbeg Day release was Ardbeg Grooves. The Committee Release was so popular that unexpectedly high demand caused Ardbeg’s website to crash. The general retail release also sold out apace. (At the time of writing, it’s on the secondary market at around AU $200).Here we go again... This year, we have just a few bottles of the latest and greatest Ardbeg Day bottling, "Ardebg Drum" (ex-Bourbon and Rum casks). This natural strength ‘Committee Release’ was only available from the website via a secret link that sold out in 24 hours. These bottlings have proved very collectable with previous editions showing good investment upside.
Notes from Ardbeg... Nose: In Drum, fragrant pine resin and woodsmoke dance alongside ripe banana and pineapple in a downright wondrous paradiddle of aromas, before parading into smoked apples and dry cocoa powder. Distant ginger, spiced dates and cinnamon sway into floating notes of lavender. Palate: On the palate, waves of smoke, tar and creosote cascade into a dry peppery mouthfeel. Clove, liquorice and ginger strut towards rich notes of dark chocolate and smoked vanilla. Finish: Intense smoke, roasted coffee liqueur and a treasure trove of sweet spices come together in one deliciously complex crescendo. 52% Alc./Vol.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$650.00$650.00Bottle$7,800.00DozenABV: 51.7%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
A sought-after Committee Release Ardbeg from 2017, bottled at 51.7% Alc./Vol.
Great review from Jim Murray.Other reviews... As usual, this baby Ardbeg comes with some kind of ‘Celtic legend’, as well as some unlikely wood, in this case some new oak from around the Black Sea. Isn’t it funny that you’d need so many funny stories when you cannot or do not want to disclose the age of your whisky? Is it that young? Colour: straw. Nose: as simple as 1+1, almost elementary, and yet immediately appealing. I’m finding it very pure, very obvious in the best way, with a little lemon and custard, and then an ashy/coastal smokiness mixed with raw malt and, indeed, some kelp. A thin nose, yet a great nose. With water: fresh bread and a gingery smoke. Mouth (neat): very different, there’s perhaps a little too much spicy oak for me in the arrival. A little too much caraway, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for Ardbeg, at times it feels like some two-year-old American craft whiskey, really. Not that it’s bad, quite the opposite, it’s just kind of lost lost a wee chunk of the brand’s DNA, as they say in London. With water: rather better, water brings out more Ardbegness. Finish: better, fresher, lemony, smoky, rather gentle. Very nice spicy grapefruits in the aftertaste, as well as more spicy tannins again. Comments: very good but feels a little young and a wee bit doctored on the palate. The nose was really very nice, especially when unreduced, though.
86 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com - Islay, SCOTLAND$499.00$499.00Bottle$5,988.00DozenABV: 51.6%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown.
A relatively hard-to-find Ardbeg Day bottling which Jim Murray enthused over, rating it 95.5 points.
Quite collectable. 51.6% Alc./Vol.For 'Grooves', director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden has employed heavily charred red wine casks, the heat creating grooves in the surface of the wood. The expectation was to release flavours and aromas accenting "smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats".
"Casks made with grooved wood aren’t entirely new" notes Whisky Advocate. "Dewar’s released “Scratched Cask” a few years ago, where it finished whisky in heavily charred casks that had been scratched at the char layer, while Maker’s Mark offers grooved “cuvée” staves in its Private Select barrel program. The grooves offer additional surface area for the spirit to come into contact with, meaning heavier wood influence in the final whisky’s flavor.”
The marketing team have followed through with packaging inspired by 1960s hippie culture. And if you're lucky enough to attend the festival, this year will see the distillery transport whisky fans back in time, to the Ardbeg village of the late 1960s. Manager, Mickey Heads, adds “It was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team." It sounds like fun, but we'll have to settle for the whisky.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$750.00$750.00Bottle$9,000.00DozenABV: 53.8%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Well known as the peatiest whisky in the Ardbeg stable, the 2019 Supernova took many by surprise given that the fourth and most recent in 2015 was declared the final bottling. The 2019 edition was matured in ex-Bourbon casks. It's described as having aromas of "pungent aniseed, menthol and eucalyptus’, with a ‘nebula of bonfires, soot, charred oak, birch tar and menthol’ on the palate."Will it be the last hurrah for Supernova? Don't count on it, but as a Committee exclusive, it's guaranteed to be highly collectable. 53.8% Alc./Vol.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$399.00$399.00Bottle$4,788.00DozenABV: 46%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
The annual releases mark the final day of Islay’s Festival of Malt & Music (Fèis Ìle). This year, it’s June 2nd. As usual, you won’t be able to buy the cask strength bottling unless you’re a Committee member, however, the whisky comes in a 46% variant for general retail. Volumes aren't specified, but this year's seems more severely allocated than any we can recall.
And the story behind the quirky title?
The intention of any Ardbeg Day bottling is to offer an unusual blend or introduce a novel production technique that differs from the distillery’s traditional practice. For 'Grooves', director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden has employed heavily charred red wine casks, the heat creating grooves in the surface of the wood. The expectation was to release flavours and aromas accenting "smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats"."Casks made with grooved wood aren’t entirely new" notes Whisky Advocate. "Dewar’s released “Scratched Cask” a few years ago, where it finished whisky in heavily charred casks that had been scratched at the char layer, while Maker’s Mark offers grooved “cuvée” staves in its Private Select barrel program. The grooves offer additional surface area for the spirit to come into contact with, meaning heavier wood influence in the final whisky’s flavor.”
The marketing team have followed through with packaging inspired by 1960s hippie culture. And if you're lucky enough to attend the festival, this year will see the distillery transport whisky fans back in time, to the Ardbeg village of the late 1960s. Manager, Mickey Heads, adds “It was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team." It sounds like fun, but we'll have to settle for the whisky.
Tasting note: Amber to deep gold in colour. A great sniff: Sooty and salt laced. Develops over 5-10 minutes yielding aromas of baked citrus, stewed plums, wine soaked pears and suggestions of smoked fish and beef jerky. Later passes accent the sweet malt countered by 'fresher' notes of smoldering eucalyptus, lanolin, menthol tobacco and butter menthol lozenge. Quite soft on entry, but at 46% still manages a decent attack; lots of wood sugars melting into the phenols; the honeyed-smoked combo evokes (heavily peated) Highland Park. Creamier to finish with a salty-sooty deluge. Dapples of chillie heat and menthol-rub through the aftertaste. The wood vies with the peat in controlled tension. 46% Alc./Vol.
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- 97
- Nicks Import
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Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from$109.99$99.99$99.99Bottle$1,199.88DozenABV: 46%"...a nimble touch and a disarming allure. Just close your eyes and enjoy." 97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
Perched on a rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distillery's scattered white-washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. Despite the turbulence of its past, none of Ardbeg’s qualities have been diminished. All of the time-worn traditions have been carefully preserved and passed on to today’s whisky makers. The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is clear testimony to this. In his 'Complete Book of Whisky' Jim Murray said of it: 'If perfection on the palate exists, this is it.'
Other reviews...n24 more complex, citrus-led and sophisticated than recent bottlings, though the peat is no less but now simply displayed in an even greater elegance; a beautiful sea salt strain to this; t24 gentle oils carry on them a lemon-lime edge, sweetened by barley and a weak solution of golden syrup; the peat is omnipotent, turning up in every crevice and wave, yet never once over-stepping its boundary; f24 stuuningly clean, the oak offers not a bitter trace but rather a vanilla and butterscotch edge to the barley. Again the smoke wafts around in a manner unique in the world of whisky when it comes to sheer elan and adroitness; b25 like when you usually come accross something that goes down so beautifully and with such a nimble touch and disallarming allure, just close your eyes and enjoy... 97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013 / 2023
...Last time we tried our beloved Ten it was a circa 2015 bottling, and it was great (WF 89). Colour: white wine. Nose: I have the feeling that Ardbeg Ten got more crystalline, perhaps a tad simpler as well, and probably more distillate-driven than ever before. I’m so glad no obvious vanilla is dumbing it down, and of course no ‘wine’, so this is as bright as possible and full of lime, seawater, smoked salmon, and of these wee tarry/cardboardy touch that are so typically Ardbeg. Shall we call this nose ‘razory’? Mouth: lapsang souchong with lime, smoked almonds, kippers, plasticine, almond oil, whelks, brine, hessian… This is just perfectly perfect. Finish: rather long, smoky, almondy, lime-y, salty. Comments: the month is not over but Ardbeg 10 will possibly be March’s bang-for-your-buck bottling. Because in my little tasting book, Ardbeg 10 is simply back to… 90 points - whiskyfun.com
...the classic Ardbeg bottling, and one of the most heavily peated entry-level whiskies from all of Scotland. Ten years are just about right for taming Ardbeg’s fire, though the nose is still moderately heavy with straight, smoky peat notes, though also lightly briny but distinctly maritime in its tone. The body follows in lockstep, adding to the burning embers of driftwood notes of iodine, orange peel, coriander, and ginger. Beautifully balanced despite the heavy peat influence, it remains one of the most essential Islay whiskies — and an essential whisky that is required drinking for anyone who wants to form a base understanding of single malts. - drinkhacker.com
...Nose: Astoundingly smoky, yet delicate with subtle tarry notes behind. With water the smoke dies a little and raisin and caramelised apple notes emerge. Palate: An immediate waft of peat smoke. Full, robustly flavoured with turf and lapsang souchong tea. Finish: Salty, long and filled with fragrant peat reek. Comment: A punch in the chops from a stroppy Islay middleweight. Flavour-packed yet delicate. Rated: 9/10 - whiskymag.com
Cocktail: The Smoky Martini
This is an unusual combination that works surprisingly well. Some people use less peaty whiskies, however the true Smoky Martini requires the likes of Ardbeg or Laphroaig – Single Malts which lend their peaty, textured flavour to the creamy character of a good vodka.Method: Rinse a chilled martini glass with Ardbeg Malt Whisky and pour out any extra. Shake 60ml of Premium Vodka in a shaker filled with large ice cubes and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon and orange twist.
- 93
- 94
- 89
- Nicks Import
- Not gift boxed
- Reduced
Ardbeg Uigeadail Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from$174.99$149.99$149.99Bottle$1,799.88DozenABV: 54.2%"...an incredibly complex Islay whisky... - whiskyadvocate.com
Voted by the 120,000+ strong Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg.
Launched in 2003, “Uigeadail” (the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows) is a cask strength, heavily peated Ardbeg produced from a mix of bourbon casks and older sherry casks. The combination gives the whisky a nice texture and sweet, smokey finish. Our tasting was from a batch released in 2010. The whisky offers a generous, sherry-influenced nose of dried apricot and marmalade over menthol and smouldering cedar smoke; ripe green apple notes emerging with time in the glass. The palate is off-dry, boasting rich, dark chocolate flavours, becoming heavier and fudge-like with orange chocolate and sweet cereals, the peat continually reinventing itself - at once dry and sooty, then tarry and finally more maritime at the finish. Boiled lolly and mixed spices run through the aftertaste followed by a subtle spearmint fade. The balance at cask strength is excellent. Serious stuff for peaters! 54.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... With the Ardbeg 17 year old off the market, it’s nice to see a new Ardbeg in the line-up. Uigeadail costs about the same as the Ardbeg 17 did but, with Uigeadail, you’re getting a much more interesting whisky. Uigeadail consists of a marriage of younger whisky (from 1990 and 1993) with much older whisky matured in sherry casks. The marriage works exceptionally well, with the younger whiskies providing the classic Ardbeg intensity many of us have come to expect, while the older whiskies contribute depth, maturity, and complexity. And bottling the whisky at cask-strength without chill-filtration ensures that none of the flavors are stripped out. This is an incredibly complex Islay whisky, with its bonfire smoke, brine, and peppered olive notes balanced by a taming sweetness of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee. Interwoven notes of candied fruit and sugared almonds round out the palate. Incredibly long finish. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com
A curious Ardbeg with a nose to die for. Some tinkering - please guys, as the re-taste is not better - regarding the finish may lift this to being a true classic. 89 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019
...Uigeadail is quite different from the 10 Year Old because it is blended from both bourbon and sherry casks, including some older stock. The sherry influence alone makes for a vastly different experience, starting with the nose, which dampens the smokiness with notes of roasted nuts, citrus, and an earthy, leathery character that simply feels like history. The palate offers a rather different experience, which adds to the curiosity and interest, melding smoke with notes of well-roasted meats, walnut shells, pipe tobacco, and cloves. The finish is lengthy and brooding — aided by the considerably higher alcohol level — a lingering reminder of how this Ardbeg may be an entirely different beast, yet just as good as the 10. - drinkhacker.com
...My God, the first Uigeadail, it was so good back then! But we were in 2004 and we tasted it with Stuart Thompson on site (while smoking cigarettes in the warehouses, different times, different customs. No, just cigarettes). The last Uigeadail we tasted, a 'circa 2017', was still very good (WF 85), but far from the early batches which tended to surf around 92 points. Colour: gold. Nose: it's good, effective, very peaty of course, again with barbecue and ash notes, a sherry influence more discreet than in the past (green walnuts), and some broken branches. Some sap, in short. With water: very, very good, maritime, with very nice notes of barbecue on the beach, when we grill both fresh fish and marshmallows. Not together mind you! Mouth (neat): it's very good, very powerful, with much more substance than in the Corryvreckan. It almost tastes like smoked walnut oil, just like there's smoked sesame oil. In fact, we can find a bit of that too in this Uigeadail. Also some touches of canned peach, which always works. With water: milk chocolate and roasted peanuts. What wouldn't I do for some roasted peanuts!? Finish: long and a bit more drying which is really not unusual. Very nice final finish on oysters and candied citron, plus a bit of walnut oil and chocolate. Comments: oh yes, it talks! Very nice balance in this recent batch, the flame is alive and glowing. 88 points - whiskyfun.com
Nose: Intensely smoky. Dry, clean, tangy smoke. Like standing downwind of the barbecue while steaks are char-grilled on the beach. Palate: Firm, very smooth, then explodes on the tongue. Finish: Hot. Alcoholic. A shock to the system. Comment: The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles. RATING: 9.25 points - Michael Jackson,whiskmag.com
- Islay, SCOTLANDReduced from
$3,499.00$2,499.00$2,499.00Bottle$29,988.00DozenABV: 46%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. This one, in particular, has a slightly low fill level and some pronounced cellar bloom. Actual product pictured.
This expression of Ardbeg celebrates a period in Scottish history which saw Islay as the stronghold of Somerled, the Lord of the Isles. At 25 years old, this malt embodies the richness, depth and sweetness of all the Ardbegs, however, it also contrasts in style. Delicacy and sweetness abound, while the smoky, heavy peat Ardbeg lovers are accustomed to remains understated. Add to that some uncharacteristic brine character and pleasing nutiness thanks to the sherry influence. Bottled at 46% and non chill filtered, allowing the `natural` flavours and aromas of Ardbeg to develop, this now uber-rare malt is interestingly packaged in a moss green, coffin-like presentation box.
Other reviews...
Nose: As if two peat styles are working in tandem: one soft, toffeed and lilting, the other firmer, drier; Taste: big peat kick at first then a more sombre maltiness; Finish: slightly flat and disappointing; Balance: a dram that starts well enough but complexity becomes scarcer as cream toffee effect mingles with the peat.
87 points - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006
I must confess I only ever tried the earlier batches of the Lord of The Isles - I think it all started around the year 2000. Colour: pale gold. Nose: it's an easier whisky than the 1966, with more fruits and herbs and less sooty/tarry notes. Typical good Ardbeg from the years when the output wasn't hugely peated, not too far from the well-known official 1978s, only with more kick. Quite some burning grass, apples and fresh walnuts... Then hints of clay and maybe touches of curry. No monster despite the coffin it was delivered in. Mouth: starts relatively easy, almost smooth, but the peat blast is soon to happen. It's not very complex, but it's very complete (right, try again S.) with a sooty peatiness, fresh almonds, some lemon, green apples, touches of salt and a little pine resin. Gets rather more briny and kippery after that. Finish: it's long, saltier and more lemony. Almond and pine resin the the aftertaste. Comments: it's not a hugely complex old Ardbeg but other than that everything's totally perfect here.
92 points - whiskyfun.com
...Nose: Sea air and smokiness – evocative sootiness. Palate: Silky. The touch of fruitiness, usually reminiscent of lemons, is sweeter, with a momentary suggestion of cherries. The flavours become almondy and walnut-like, then rooty and peppery. Finish: Long, haughty. Comment: Lots of flavour development, complexity and refinement. Very elegant, but where is the clamour of battle? - Michael Jackson. - Islay, SCOTLAND$599.00$599.00Bottle$7,188.00DozenABV: 56.2%
Note: Product comes from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
In the wake of the astonishing quality and consistency of Ardbeg's releases, one is left with the impression that this distillery is and has always been a bulletproof operation. Decades of financial mismanagement forced the distillery to close in the early '80s with the loss of 17 jobs, devastating the tiny community of Islay (not to mention whisky lovers worldwide). Consequently, Ardbeg bottlings on the secondary market soared in value, gaining a mythical notoriety not dissimilar to that of Port Ellen, another Islay distillery mothballed in the '80s. A glimmer of hope returned when a trickle of production resumed towards the end of the decade, but the tipping point occurred in 1997. Glenmorangie PLC purchased the distillery and set about restoring Ardbeg and her surroundings to their former glory. Distilling was in full swing by 1998. Enter the marketing genius of Glenmorangie and the launch of 'The path to maturity' range of whiskies. In 2004, a 6 year old called 'Very Young' was released, and subsequently snapped up by collectors and drinkers eager to get reacquainted with an old friend. 2006 saw the 8 year old 'Still Young' release, which received phenomenal praise from critics and whisky lovers alike. By 2007, following the hit 'Almost There', the picture was almost complete. Ardbeg's 'Rennaisance', the final piece of the puzzle, was released in 2008, proudly proclaiming 'We've Arrived!'
It is with considerable excitement that we're able to offer the last parcel available of the 'Still Young' 8 year old release. Before you recoil at the age statement, we should point out that 8 years was seen as the peak maturity for Scotch whisky up until the 1960s. Companies have been making excessive profits from older bottlings since. Our experience with younger Scottish bottlings as well as Australian malt whiskies (the oldest of which we've seen is 8 years) seems to suggest that there is no direct relationship between age and quality. Rather, a spirit must deliver balance, precision and harmony in it's youth to be worthy of great age. If any of these elements are missing from the outset, time in oak casks will certainly not make up for it. To add to this; In his 2009 Whisky Bible on Ardbeg Still Young, Jim Murray writes '...a couple of generations back - maybe even less - this would not have been so much 'Still Young' as 'Getting on a Bit.' This is a very good natural age for an Ardbeg as the oak is making a speech but refuses to let it go on too long. Stylish - as one might expect. And, in my books, should be a regular feature. Go on. Be proud say it: Ardbeg Aged 8 Years. Get away from the marketing straight jacket of old age.' (93 points)
Tasting note: Very pale straw colour with water like hue. An initial whiff of fresh, sweet smoke blows away quickly to reveal a classic Ardbeggian mishmash of aromas. Spearmint, potting mix, damp clay, creamy vanilla, green peppercorn, liquorice and talcum powder all hovering above an intense sweet citrus / toffee base note. An astonishing nose. Such complexity and power delivered so gracefully. At natural strength the palate is firm and prickly, delivering intense flavours of smoke, menthol and leather above a rich toffee apple, pepper and spice background. Adding a few drops of water transforms the experience considerably. Very ripe pineapple comes to the fore on the nose, while the palate becomes rich, soft, and velvety, revealing Ardbeg's sweet peat, citrus, mint and vanilla, whilst retaining the hint of smoke and spice which runs through the aftertaste. Everything anyone could ever want from thisdistillery. Scaled down Supernova for the masses! 56.2% Alc./Vol.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$129.99$129.99Bottle$1,559.88DozenABV: 46.6%
Named after a peninsula on the southernmost point of Islay, Bill Lumsden has mixed it up with this release employing a combination of casks: Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon. The liquid all goes into Ardbeg’s French oak "Gathering Vat". The concept seems to be that some of the spirits in the vat will get older as new casks are added, so it's a Solera of a kind. The age of the whiskies is never disclosed. An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is set as a part of the core range joining the 10 year old, Uigeadail, and Corryvreckan. Lumsden describes the whisky as "...smoky, sweet and rounded, with unusually, grilled artichokes in the finish." As always with Ardbeg, the aroma is deceptively complex developing with sherried oak aromas, lanolin, sooty vanilla and later, dark chocolate and suggestions of smoldering green pine. Entry is assertively salty, kippery, peppery. Mid palate is oily, medium dry, offering sherried richness along with piney juniper, over-baked sponge cake, black tea and hints of smoked meats at the finish. No shortage of peat, but loses some momentum in the final stages. Non chill filtered. 46.6% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Ardbeg at its driest and most sooty: a real acidic bite to the huge phenol...sublimely textured with an immediate roll call of sugars... effortless and easy like gear changes on an automatic car. It is also beautifully delicious. 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018
...Ardbeg's first standard release in nearly a decade, An Oa is matured in virgin oak, Pedro Ximénez, and bourbon barrels, with component whiskies married in the distillery's French oak 'Gathering Vat.' The nose offers sweet peat, smoky lemon rind, ginger, and angelica. A soft and sweet palate entry is followed by hot peat, black tea, peppery cloves, and aniseed. Black pepper lingers through the long, smoky finish. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...For now, anyway, in a lot of ways, this comes across a bit like “starter Ardbeg.” The peat is dialed back on the nose, which allows notes of crisp brine, toasted marshmallow, and hints of nutty sherry to emerge. The palate finds sherry-driven citrus dominating, with tea leaf and a rounded vanilla character creeping up behind it. Peat weaves in and out of all of this, along with notes of grapefruit, gingerbread, and some more raw petrol notes that linger on the finish. All told, it’s a bit of a melange of flavors that, if not exactly “starter Ardbeg” then at least comes across like “greatest hits Ardbeg” — a mix of this and that that feels at times like a blend of leftovers that didn’t get used in other expressions. That’s not totally a bad thing, really. Infinity bottles are fun for everyone! - drinkhacker.com
- Islay, SCOTLAND$999.00$999.00Bottle$11,988.00DozenABV: 54.1%
Note: Product comes from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
'Another intriguing Ardbeg bottling'.In 2004 Ardbeg Very Young appeared, followed by Still Young in 2006. Afterwards, 'Almost There' was released, featuring nine-year-old whisky. This series of bottlings has given Ardbeg’s many aficionados the opportunity to chart the spirit’s progress as it matures, and there have been some surprises along the way. As Ardbeg’s Jackie Thomson notes, “Very Young had a really phenolic nose, and Still Young was much creamier and a bit woodier. People expected Almost There to keep the creaminess, but it’s surprised them. It’s more phenolic than you might expect, rather back to the style of the Very Young. We’re not sure which way it will go for the ten-year-old. The jury’s out, and it’s exciting.” To produce Ardbeg 'Almost There', heavily malted barley was mashed with water from the Uigeadail loch to form a wort. This was then distilled twice and left to mature in Bourbon casks. The whisky is bottled at cask strength without chill-filtering.
Tasting note: Initially quite cerealy on the nose, sweet, with vanilla and lemon yet significantly phenolic. Peat develops with exposure to air, and there is a more profound ‘roasted’ note than in the Still Young. Very sweet and smoothly intense on the palate, where lemon can again be detected, followed by spices and pepper. The finish is smooth, long and peaty, but with a peppery prickle. Another intriguing Ardbeg bottling. 54.1% Alc./Vol.
- tasting note sourced from www.whisky-pages.com - Islay, SCOTLAND$599.00$599.00Bottle$7,188.00DozenABV: 50.7%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
This is the committee exclusive that was never offered to general retail, so quite rare and obviously sought after by collectors who may have missed out.It celebrates twenty years of the distillery's fan club, (the Ardbeg Committee) as noted on the label. With over 120,000 members in 140 countries around the world, their role is to test new expressions, give feedback, visit the distillery and generally promote the brand. 'Blaaack' is a first for Ardbeg, with the core of the liquid having been extensively aged in Pinot Noir barrels from New Zealand, the sheep (and wine) country, hence the quirky black sheep theme. 50.7% Alc./Vol. One only from a private collection.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$450.00$450.00Bottle$5,400.00DozenABV: 46.5%
The darkest Ardbeg ever?
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
A bold claim for the 2016 Ardbeg Day bottling, indeed following that theme the release of Ardbeg Dark Cove was plunged into darkness and launched at Ardbeg Night.Inspired by their turbulent past, this whisky is a clandestine meeting of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. Lovers of Ardbeg Uigeadail take note, this core of dark sherry (PX?) in Dark Cove will give a richness and flavour explosion you're bound to enjoy. As to whether this is the darkest Ardbeg ever, you be the judge!
Tasting note: This is the 'toned down' version bottled at a lower ABV than the 55% Committee Release. Gold with a pale straw hue. Unfolds in stages with the kind of complexity you expect from this distillery: Sweet and slightly sedate aromas conjure smoked ham and manuka honey in the opening phase followed by lanolin, lemon cough lozenge and pickled ginger. Five minutes in the glass draws out a sweet malty core as tea biscuits and oatmeal come to the fore. Light entry follows through with a juicy, oily, smoked fish, salt'n'pepper burst. Finishes dark chocolate-like with delicate peppermint and citrus notes adding tang and freshness. Genteel and drying to fade. Some tasters considered this a lighter bodied Ardbeg that pulled up shorter than expected. Tasty nonetheless. 46.5% Alc./Vol.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$999.00$999.00Bottle$11,988.00DozenABV: 54.3%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Released in September 2015 (originally for committee members only), this is reportedly the last of the Supernova series and potentially one of the most compelling to date. At 100ppm the peat will be firing on all cylinders. Expect something akin to a super-charged Corryvrecken. Very limited stocks.
Other reviews... Gosh! Few whiskies pulse so impressively, or smoky, the next gritty, then acidic...Not peat on steroids, as someone once described it, to me this is far too natural and beautiful...a huge beast of a malt with seemingly insurmountable peat...until it encourages, then allows you to climb on its back. Magnificent. 54.3 % Alc./Vol.
97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016 - Islay, SCOTLAND$999.00$999.00Bottle$11,988.00DozenABV: 51.2%
Note: Product comes from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
The Ardbeg committee commenced on the 1st of January, 2000 as a free to join membership for fans to keep up to date with all the latest news and activities from the distillery. Exclusive annual bottlings were also one of the perks of membership, yielding highly revered bottlings such as the original 'Kildalton', 'Serendipity' and 'Rollercoaster'. Over the years, these bottlings have become highly sought after in the collectors' market.Initially released on the 21st April 2011, this iteration of 'Alligator' yielded 10,000 bottles in four markets (UK, Germany, Sweden, US), bottled at 51.2% ABV.
- Islay, SCOTLAND$399.00$399.00Bottle$4,788.00DozenABV: 49.9%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Feis Ile. The annual Scottish Islay festival, where thousands of locals and tourists gather to celebrate the "The Queen of the Hebrides" with good music and of course, Scotch whisky. Amongst the daily activities on offer, the highlight is reserved for each distillery's Feis Isle bottling. Some of these are so limited in number, they are unavailable to purchase outside of the country - hence the enthusiasm of thousands to secure these cult releases.
For those of who can’t make the lengthy trip, we are thankful for 'Ardbeg Day', celebrated on the final day of the festival each year. First launched in 2012 and now in its third year, 'Ardbeg Day' is now a worldwide celebration with its Feis Isle bottling a sought after release in its own right.
'Auriverdes' marks the 2014 installment. The name is a play on both the motif for Ardbeg and the 2014 Fifa world cup to be held in Brazil early this month. Auri (Gold) and Verdes (Green) are both the colours of the Brazilian flag and national sports teams, as well as the colours of the iconic Ardbeg bottle and golden whisky that lies within.
For us whisky devotees, Gregor Mina, Brand Director of Ardbeg has the details sorted: “The casks are American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, which were shipped over from the United States as per the norm. The insides of the barrels had therefore been charred in the traditional, Bourbon specification manner. When the casks arrived in Scotland, we had the heads removed, and replaced them with new American oak heads that I had specially made for us, which had been heat treated using a particular (and secret) toasting regime, designed to achieve a special flavour profile, producing in particular flavours of mocha and coffee. These re-worked barrels were then filled with spirit, and ultimately blended together with a proportion of ‘classic’ Ardbeg from 1st and 2nd fill Bourbon barrels.”
What is Single Malt Scotch whisky?
Single Malt Scotch whisky is made in Scotland at one distillery using water, malted barley and pot stills. The word ‘single’ refers to one distillery rather than one barrel or one batch. To qualify as Scotch whisky, the spirit must also be matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years.
Whisky and Scotland inseparably intertwined.
Made from the most elemental of ingredients, water and 100% malted barley, Single Malt Whisky has become inextricably woven into the fabric of Scotland's history, culture and customs. Indeed, there are few drinks that are so closely related to the land of their birth as Scotch (even though most distilleries nowadays are not actually owned by the Scots).
Malt Whiskies, which differ considerably in flavour according to the distillery and region from which they come, tend to have a more pronounced bouquet and flavour than grain-heavy blended whiskies. By definition, malt whiskies are also single distillery, made by the one distiller in the one location. They offer something blends generally don't: a sense of time and place that translates into a one-of-a-kind flavour sensation influenced by the water source, the shape and size of the stills, the type of cask, age and the degree of peating.
How Single Malt Scotch suddenly became so popular...
About 90% of the Single Malt Scotch produced continues to be used to make blended whisky, and the proportion was once much higher than that. Glenfiddich's famous 'Special Reserve Pure Malt' was the whisky that introduced and popularised the bottling of Single Malts to the world. Glen Grant, Macallan and others followed suit, and in the 1980s, malts started to gain a reputation as a 'more authentic' product than blends. At the same time, the popularity of vodka and other spirits began threatening the market share. In response, blenders dropped their prices. Unfortunately, consumer perceptions of blended whisky were also lowered. A sense of snobbery developed against the 'cheap' and 'inferior' blends. Unjustified as this was (and remains), it was a sequence of events that helped prepare the way for the current Single Malt Whiskyboom. So successful has the rise of Single malt been that the industry has found itself in a position of deficit. Older malts are becoming increasingly rare and pricey, partly accounting for the present trend of N.A.S. ('No Age Statement') bottlings and limited edition collector releases.
Scotland’s whisky regions
Scotland’s whisky regions help explain the flavour diversity of the Single Malt Whisky. While no two distilleries are alike, regional character still plays an important role in shaping style and expectation. Islay is known for bold, smoky and peated whiskies with maritime influence, while Speyside produces a large proportion of Scotland’s single malts, often favouring elegant, fruit-driven and sherry-matured styles. The Highlands offer the broadest range of flavours, from light and floral to rich and full-bodied, while the Islands and Lowlands contribute coastal, softly smoky or delicately structured expressions. Nicks Wine Merchants stocks Single Malt Scotch Whisky from every major producing region, allowing customers to explore regional character side by side or delve deeper into a particular style.
Peated vs unpeated whisky
Peated whisky is made using malted barley exposed to peat smoke during drying. This can produce smoky, earthy, medicinal or maritime flavours, although the intensity varies considerably. Unpeated whisky is made without this deliberate peat-smoke influence and may place greater emphasis on fruit, malt, oak, spice or cask-derived flavours. Peat level is a matter of preference rather than a measure of quality.
Cask strength whisky explained
Cask strength whisky is bottled at or close to the alcoholic strength at which it leaves the cask, usually without being diluted to a standard bottling strength. It offers concentrated flavour and lets the drinker add water to taste.
Official vs independent bottlings
Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is released either as an official distillery bottling or through an independent bottler, and both play an important role in the whisky landscape. Official bottlings showcase a distillery’s core style and house character, often refined through careful cask selection and consistency across releases. Independent bottlers, by contrast, typically focus on small-batch or single-cask releases, highlighting unusual maturations, higher strengths or distinctive expressions that may never appear in a distillery’s own range. Nicks is known for offering one of Australia’s strongest selections of both official and independent releases, including rare, discontinued and limited-edition single malts sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Why independent bottlings appeal to whisky enthusiasts
For passionate malt drinkers, independent bottlings offer an exciting window into rare liquid that official releases rarely showcase. Key reasons enthusiasts actively seek them out include:
Single cask uniqueness — Casks are bottled individually, producing one-off releases that showcase distinct barrel variations.
Unusual cask finishes — Maturation experiments utilising Port, Madeira, Rum or alternative wine wood that rarely feature in core distillery ranges.
Unadulterated presentation — Higher bottling strengths, non-chill filtration and natural colour without added spirit caramel.
Rare and discontinued stocks — Access to lost distillery releases, silent stills and vintage expressions for drinkers who value singularity over batch consistency.
Choosing the right whisky
With such a broad range available, selecting the right Single Malt Scotch Whisky comes down to taste preference, occasion and experience level. Those new to Single Malt Whisky in Australia often gravitate towards softer, fruit-forward or lightly peated styles, while seasoned drinkers may seek out cask strength, heavily peated or single-cask releases for added intensity and complexity. Single malts also make exceptional gifts, particularly limited editions or age-statement bottlings with clear provenance. To help guide your choice, we taste and rate many whiskies ourselves and include detailed tasting notes and trusted third-party reviews where available. Our wider spirits selection can also be explored, making it easy to compare styles across whisky and beyond.
Best Single Malt Whisky in Australia by buyer type
Finding the right bottle is simple when tailored to your taste profile or purchasing intent:
Best Single Malt Whisky for beginners: Look for approachable Speyside or Lowland malts finished in ex-Bourbon or Sherry wood for notes of vanilla, orchard fruit and gentle honey.
Best peated whisky: Heavyweights from Islay offer signature maritime smoke, campfire embers and punchy brine for those who love bold profiles.
Best cask-strength whisky: High-proof single-cask bottlings deliver raw intensity and full control over dilution to suit your personal palate.
Best single malt whisky gifts: Choose prestigious age-statement releases, gift-boxed distillery flagships or rare vintage expressions with proven pedigree.
Best collectable single malts: Collector-grade bottles include rare distillery releases, closed-distillery stocks and coveted Rare Macallans that appreciate over time.
Best independent bottlings: Single-cask releases from independent houses present unrepeatable flavour snapshots, high strength and cask-driven uniqueness.
Comparing Scotch with world whiskies
While Single Malt Scotch Whisky remains the benchmark for world whisky standards, exploring other global origins reveals fascinating style variations. If you enjoy elegant balance, explore refined Japanese Whisky. For rich corn sweetness and heavy charred-oak intensity, browse our selection of American Whiskey. Alternatively, discover premier craft expressions made right here at home by exploring boutique Australian Whisky.
Shop Australia's biggest range of Single Malt Scotch, with many of the best prices too...
Nicks Wine Merchants boasts the largest range of Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the Southern Hemisphere — shipped almost anywhere in Australia. Everything from luxury big-name brands, to unusual independent bottlings, cask strength and single barrel releases and limited editions. Subscribe to our Spirits and Liqueurs Email Newsletter to keep up to date with new arrivals, whisky tastings, special offers and more.
FAQs
Is single malt the same as Scotch?
Not automatically. While all single malt Scotch is Scotch, not all Scotch is single malt. Scotch whisky includes single grain whiskies, blended Scotch whiskies and blended malt whiskies. Furthermore, single malts are produced in other countries worldwide.
What makes a whisky collectable?
Whisky gains collectable status through factors like low bottle counts, discontinued distillery status, high age statements, single cask provenance and prestigious distillery reputations.
Where can I buy single malt whiskey in Australia?
You can buy single malt whiskey online at Nicks Wine Merchants. We offer one of Australia's largest selections of official bottlings, independent releases, collectables and rare whiskies delivered to most of Australia.