They say: A cute little gift pack, containing four Hayman's gins; the standard London Dry Gin, a sloe gin, their botanically intensive and delicately sweetened Old Tom Gin and, rather fabulously, the world's only gin liqueur. The latter combines the refreshing character of gin with the sweetness of a liqueur.We say...
They say: The Glengoyne Distillery has been continuously in operation since its founding in 1833 and uses warm air to dry its barley instead of peat smoke. This gift pack includes the light and delicate 10 year old, the more concentrated 17 year old and the 21 year old, which is rich with flavours of sherry, honey and raisin.We say...
They say: Founded in the Dominican Republic in 1929, Ron Barcelo is now a major world player. Like all their rums, the Añejo (aged) rum is matured in ex-bourbon whiskey barrels, is distilled from fermented molasses and bottled at 37.5% abv. Toasty aromas of banana and toffee are a lovely prelude to deeper flavours of molasses, orange peel and sweet spice.We say...
They say: A traditional English gin, made to a long standing family recipe previously only available for private use. Wild berries are gently steeped for several months with Hayman's Gin before being blended with natural sugar. Perfect on its own, with ice, or with Champagne as a Sloe Royale.We say...
They say: Created in 1858 in Detroit by Hiram Walker, who moved the distillery over the river to Ontario, Canada, during the prohibition, going on to see great success with his mellow, grassy, and barley-flavoured whiskey, even establishing his own town, Walkerville.We say...
They say: Ron Barcelo Gran Platinum Rum, which was only launched in the UK last year, recently scooped silver at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. It is bright and smooth with a creamy texture, then flavours of green apple and hay are followed by coconut water.We say...
They say: Prior to the Single Bottle Act, introduced by the then Chancellor William Gladstone in 1861, gin was stored in and served direct from the barrel. This imparted fuller flavours and even light tannins. This is the style that Hayman's were aiming to recreate with the 1850 Reserve, which was 'rested' for three to four weeks in a variety of casks. The result is a mellow gin, with a strong juniper backbone and fresh citrus aromas.We say...
They say: Developed in 2007 by a former investment banker (who found the pursuit of creating the perfect gin irresistible), Bulldog found its feet in the coolest bars of New York before its UK launch. Infused with a host of exotic botanicals including lavender, lotus and white poppy, it's happy in a cocktail, gin and tonic or sipped neat.We say...
They say: Prepared using eaux-de-vie and aged for two years on average. Martell VS is a bright, young cognac. Light gold in colour, it has fresh and fruity flavours that evolve into finely integrated woody, spicier notes, making it an ideal base when preparing long drinks and cocktails. We say...
They say: AnCnoc (pronounced "a-nock") is an award winning malt, made with traditional methods, but very modern in style. On the nose it's soft and aromatic with hints of honey and lemon in the foreground. On the palate it's initially sweet with and appetising fruitiness and a long smooth finish.We say...
They say: This is a sea swept whisky from the fishing village of Wick. A gold medal winner (presumably for something sea based like yngling) that punches above its price bracket, it manages to be intense and yet easy going, with savoury sea salt and yeastiness perfectly balanced by a touch of sweetness from the bourbon casks.We say...
They say: One of the very few triple distilled single malts, this is a nutty affair, almonds, caramelised tangerines, crème brulee, ginger and a green leafiness. Nice and gentle as a Lowland malt should be. Auchentoshan is Glasgow's closest distillery.We say...
They say: A masterclass in refinement. Knockando only use the clearest of spring water, the tiniest amount of peat and sherry casks only sparingly. The result is a clean and refreshing drop filled with crisp lemon, cereals and linen washed with a floral fabric softener.We say...
They say: Highland Park is made at the UK’s most northerly distillery, from quality barley, malted over peat fires, and the unique spring waters of the island. It is aged in casks for a minimum of twelve years, which all creates its distinctive, heather-honey sweetness and lemon-y, peppery finish. In his Malt Whisky Companion, Michael Jackson called it: The greatest all-rounder in the world of malt whisky. We say...
They say: Batch distilled in the French region of Cognac using, uniquely, neutral spirit from Ugni Blanc grapes and fresh whole-fruit botanicals. It is named Floraison as it aims to capture the essence of the fleeting period when the vine flowers. On the palate there are vibrant floral notes, but it finishes with a zesty mix of juniper and ginger.We say...
They say: Glengoyne is distilled slower than any other single malt Scotch whisky making it a soft, subtle and complex dram. Malts are air dried so you'll find no peat here, just a delicate balance of smooth barley, baked apples and oaky spice. In his Whisky Bible 2008 Jim Murray says "Seriously chewy and textbook bittersweet balance. Incredibly long and defined for such a light malt. A little beauty. 90 points"We say...
They say: Rich, seaweedy and intensely peaty, Smokehead is an independent bottling from an undisclosed Islay distillery. It displays all the hallmarks of a classic Islay malt: a vigorous whisky, that's not for the faint heartedWe say...
They say: Pronounced "La-froyg", this pungent malt punches you in the nose with earthy peat smoke, fresh seaweed and nutty barley. The assault continues with a wallop of salty peat right in the mouth. It isn't all aggressive though as there's a beautiful mellow sweetness in there too. We say...
They say: The smooth and subtle Glenkinchie whiskies are produced in two fat old copper stills located just south east of Edinburgh. Lemon cheesecake, freshly cut spring flowers, Abernethy biscuits, dried herbs, toast and cake mix all feature in this little drop. Although Dalwhinnie is often said to be one of the gentlest drams, taste it blind next to this and you might get them mixed up. We say...
They say: The International Gold Medal Winning El Dorado exemplifies the golden, smooth and mellow style of Demerara Rum. It is made from a combination of the Enmore and Diamond Coffey stills and the Port Mourant double pot still, aged in ex-bourbon oak casks.We say...
They say: This super premium Polish vodka is a recreation of a legendary Royal vodka from the late 16th century, made today by some of Poland's finest modern alchemists. It's triple-distilled for purity and smoothness and is initially delicate on the palate with a creamy, lightly buttery character, impressive balance and a fresh finish.We say...
They say: A highland whisky with a real coastal twang. Nestled into the village of Brora, Sutherland, Clynelish has a strong connection with Johnnie Walker (particularly the fancy one with the gold label). Wax, brown sugar, dried flowers, salty sea spray, pepper, cream and a little touch of pear are all bound up in this wee tot.We say...
They say: Handcrafted at the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, this is light but complex with citrus, charcoal smoke, wax polish, sea spray, mint chocolate, pepper and floral notes. This is a peated whisky that gives Islay a run for its money.We say...
They say: Lemon zest, toffee apples and a scent of coconut. A relaxing paradise of flavours; the result of Scotland's slowest distillation. We say...
They say: Glenmorangie have produced the bestselling single malt in Scotland (No.2 in the UK) for over 20 years, they are therefore no shrinking violet. As pioneers of the wood-finishing technique, the Quinta Ruban is a triumph for the distillery: ex-Port casks lend a rounded, raisiny sweetness to the classic, fruity Glenmo' style. We say...
They say: Dave Broom declared that this "balances richness and fragrance superbly". Michael Jackson went further with "the most complex nose of any malt whisky". Imagine a still life of a vase of freshly cut wild flowers and herbs sitting on an oak table next to a dish of cooked and dried fruits drizzled with honey and chopped nuts. Welcome to Speyside.We say...
They say: Pronounced "boona-havn" and located down a single track road at the North-Eastern tip of Islay, Bunnahabhain distillery enjoys spectacular views. Called "the gentle heart of Islay", they use unpeated barley and their water rises through limestone and is piped in to ensure no peat character is picked up along the way. Fresh with a hint of sea spray, the palate is soft and sweet with a surprising maltiness. Unchillfiltered to maintain richness and purity of flavour.We say...
They say: Tuscan fashion designer Roberto Cavalli was famous for his fine taste before he produced this small batch vodka. However, this addition to his portfolio will only elevate his iconic status amongst the world's tastemakers. Made entirely in Italy, using Alpine water and wheat, it's a soft, clean vodka with hints of cream, lemon peel and spice. In Roberto's words it's: "like water and fire coming together in a single element." We say:
They say: Like its younger brother, Floraison, Nouaison is the first gin to be made from neutral grape spirit (Ugni Blanc grapes like those used in Cognac to be precise). Whereas the former aims to capture the essence of the vine's brief flowering period, the Nouaison aims to capture the early life of the grape, the zesty intensity of its youth.We say...
They say: An elegant, floral spirit and the stalwart backbone of the Glenmorangie range. It has 10 years under its belt and aromas of citrus and ripening peaches, leading on to vanilla and flowery fruitiness on the palate, with a distinctively orangey finish.We say...
They say: With 60% matured in bourbon casks and the remaining 40% in sherry casks, this is a complicated whisky, with two distinct personalities forged into one supreme being. One side is manly and muscly, with flavours of malt, oak, salt and peat, the other is far softer and more approachable, with pears, apples, apricots, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.We say...
They say: Distilled and bottled in France, using French wheat from the Picardy region, north of Paris, Grey Goose is the brain child of the self-made US billionaire Sidney Frank. Incredibly soft, with hints of sweetness, Grey Goose melts in the mouth.We say...
They say: Matured for nine years in American oak, one half then continues its maturation in bourbon barrels, while the other half is aged in in 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks. Complex, yet balanced, with aromas of orange and plums leading to citrus and cinnamon on the palate, with a distinctly orangey finish.We say...
They say: A distinctive 12 Year Old Speyside malt matured in two woods, first bourbon and then sherry casks. Christmas spices, sweet sherry, raisins, honey, vanilla and a warm nuttiness permeate this ever-popular whisky. We say...
They say: From one of the highest of all the Highland distilleries, this is a gentle malt. Like being wrapped in a deep blanket of smooth, soft heather. Creaminess abounds with honey, citrus, malt, vanilla, spice and the faintest note of smoke.We say...
They say: The only malt from the Isle of Skye and a real classic, this is perfect to sit and savour at the end of the day. Peaty and smoky but not too peppery, it's a smooth malt, with a comforting afterglow.We say...
They say: Going since 1724, Remy Martin are one of the most respected names in Cognac and this VSOP accounts for 1 in 3 sales of VSOP worldwide. Using grapes of exceptional quality and aging the Cognac for longer in oak casks, the Cellar Master has made a summery, silky smooth VSOP boasting juicy current and toasty notes.We say...
They say: Balblair is located a 10 minute drive inland along the Dornoch Firth from Glenfiddich. Rather than bottling at fixed ages, the Distillery Manager tastes straight from the casks each year and when they reach perfection another vintage Balblair is born. The 2001 is a full-bodied, golden dram from bourbon casks that displays toffee apples, oranges, lemons, honey, vanilla, leather and spices.We say...
They say: Honeyed and packed with dried prune, cocoa, cardamom and a light citrus finish. Aged for 15 years in sherry, bourbon and new oak casks to create a harmonious, consistent and complex malt world-renowned for its elegance and finesse.We say...
They say: The Signature is a blend of whisky matured in first-fill Bourbon, refill Bourbon and Sherry oak casks and produced in small, numbered batches. Each cask used is hand selected by Malt Master David Stewart to ensure he achieves Signature's unique character of honey, spice and subtle oak, and each batch is allowed time to harmonise in a traditional marrying tun. We say...
They say: A triple distilled Lowland whisky matured in three types of wood, American Bourbon casks and two types of Spanish Sherry casks, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez. It's rich and golden with bold flavours of brown sugar, orange, plum, raisin, hazelnut, chocolate, red wine and cinnamon.We say...
They say: Revered around the world as one of the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malts of them all. It doesn't flaunt the peat, though, and gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of brilliant balance. It is non chill-filtered and the strength is left higher than most whiskies at 46%, this ensures added body, depth and maximum flavour.We say...
They say: Glenmorangie's exquisite malt, extra matured in Sauternes casks, is outrageously well-balanced. Aromas of the French sweet wine pervade the senses, with lime, orange, sultana, coconut, nutmeg and date. There's more of the same in the mouth, enhanced by ginger, almonds and honey.We say...
They say: Rested for a few weeks in Grand Cru Sauternes wine casks and cognac barrels, Excellia Blanco is clear with a faint of gold shade. The nose reveals cloves and brioche notes, which lead onto a spicy, fruity palate with hints of vanilla and leather. The finish is long, with flavours of dried spices and faint jasmine notes.We say...
They say: A blend of Cognac Fine Champagne, Grande and Petite Champagne, Cœur de Cognac is a mellow, balanced and superbly balanced Cognac. Deep, golden amber in colour, this blend combines hints of ripe summer fruits and tempting hints of richer, caramel notes. We say...
They say: Built in 1892, the Balvenie distillery is notable for being in a minority: it is one of the few that has remained in family ownership throughout its history. It's also renowned for its luxurious character - most evident in this rum cask-finished 14 Year Old. We say...
They say: Crafted with loving care and attention, the 18 year old is matured in old Oloroso and bourbon oak casks, which imbue it with rich, mellow flavours of baked apple and cinnamonWe say...
They say: The 17 year old was matured in former bourbon whisky and Spanish sherry casks, predominantly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. This adds a subtle depth and complexity to the whisky and makes it sweeter than the salty 12 year old.We say...
They say: This is deep and smoky, with brilliant raisin and phenolic peat-smoke flavours. Vatted in old sherry casks, this special release is unchillfiltered to add greater body and depth to the complex and robust palate.We say...
They say: Made from a blend of 15 different whiskies from some of Scotland’s very best distilleries, all aged for at least 18 years, the Johnnie Walker Gold Label is incredibly creamy, and gentle, with gorgeous notes of toffee, dried fruit and a gentle smokiness on the finish. Awarded 96 points by Jim Murray. We say...
They say: Golden syrup in colour, with notes of green apples, citrus fruits and sweet toffee on the nose, the influence of the Calvados casks is immediately apparent. It is very lively on palate, with black pepper and rhubarb giving way to Demerera sugar, gooseberries and a pleasant, dry peatiness on the finish. We say...
They say: Ardbeg produce the peatiest and smokiest malts on the market. Corryvreckan, named after a whirlpool that lies just off Islay, has complex wafts of meat, oysters, salt, pepper, chilli and smoke. In the mouth there's more of the same with dark berry fruits, thick Turkish coffee and almonds. We say...
They say: Named for the high level of charred oak on the inside of the casks, which resembles the skin of an alligator, this malt shows aromas of caramel and pine, with a palate of spicy rich ginger, nougat and smoke.We say...
They say: Displaying all of Springbank's signature complexity and authority, this Campbeltown classic has layers and layers of flavours, from vanilla and ripe strawberries, to apricots and peaches, from marzipan and sherbet, to aniseed, chocolate, coconut and, finally, smoky hints.We say...
They say: A gutsy malt with a golden hue and rich aromas of raisin, apple and hints of banana and lemon. On the palate it has yet more fruit, pronounced spicy notes and warm, toffee undertones from the American oak in which it was aged. The finish is smooth and lingering.We say...
They say: The winner of World Whisky of the Year 2012 in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. Murray says: "The 21 year old Old Pulteney absolutely exploded from the glass with vitality, charisma and class." As with the 17 year old, it was matured in former bourbon whisky and Spanish sherry casks. However, the ex-sherry wood in this case is made of American Oak and contained mostly Fino sherries. This adds further layers of complexity, depth and character.We say...
They say: In 2011 Ardbeg rocketed some precious vials of new make spirit out of Kazakhstan to the International Space Station, where they are now circling the earth ageing at zero gravity. To celebrate this Ardbeg have "launched" the Galileo, named after the "father of modern observational astronomy". The launch sequence starts with aromas of intense smoky fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and hazelnut. It then blasts off with tangy citrus, toffee, bananas, currants, cappuccino, marshmallow, tar, salt and smoke flavours. Aged in a combination of Marsala and Bourbon casks, unchillfiltered and bottled at 49% ABV. We say...
