Sweet nose with notes of dried fruit, nutmeg spice, honey, caramelized walnuts and a gentle touch of oak
Initial spicy notes of cinnamon and clove fade to reveal grape syrup which coats the palate, with raisins, figs,candied cherries and a hint of liquor ice
The first of an annual limited-edition release, this Islay whisky was matured in refill casks for 17 years. There are vibrant citrus notes on the nose, giving way to the inevitable smoky flavour that Islay is known for. On the palate there are notes of wildflower meadows, freshly cut grass and hints of caramel and vanilla, which lead to a long and ashy finish.
Limited to 662 bottles
NAS, non-chill filtered and no added colouring.
Matured initially in two ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for approx. 16 months in two Amarone wine barriques.
Bottled at 54.1%
The front palate has a really prominent peppery tingle, and that sweet cinnamon is still there too front and center. The nose agrees with the palate for the most part; there are lots of classic bourbon notes with a slightly tannic oak and vanilla being most prominent. There’s a little bit of cherry in there too. The heat is very manageable for a 120 proofer with a nice mouthfeel to boot.
Sweet Oak and Vanilla
This partnership pays tribute to Charles Darwin's insatiable curiosity and the spirit of adventure that marked his iconic journey aboard the HMS Beagle. The creation of Darwin Collection Gin: Americas Herbarium serves as a testament to Darwin's profound impact, capturing the essence of his groundbreaking work in a luxurious spirit. Carefully curated from meticulously sourced botanicals, this blend traces its origins back to the historical depths of the Cambridge University Herbarium, where Darwin's original specimens found a sanctuary.
It was created using botanicals that were foraged locally in the spring and summer of 2021 in a bid to capture the essence of the shifting English seasons. Billed as a “collector’s item”
The gin was distilled using the company’s novo-dimensional distillation system, in which nine variables including temperature, pressure and time can be adjusted for the distillation of each botanical. These separate distillates are then blended together to create the final spirit.
With botanicals include lemon balm, hawthorn blossom, nettles and cow parsley flowers, Cambridge Distillery says the gin is elegant with citrus and herbaceous notes. It recommends serving chilled, over ice, or in an extra-dry martini.
A small batch of four standard barrels from Glencadam Distillery have been used to create this Highland Single Malt, distilled in 2011 and aged for eleven years. With its new make character boasting fragrant floral notes and orchard fruits, Glencadam is a delicously silky and moreish dram, increasingly popular as a distinguished single malt.
Distilled, matured, married and bottled on the Isle of Harris, The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured is bottled at 46% ABV, no colour added, and non-chill filtered with the spirit lightly peated at 12-15ppm matured in casks hand-picked for quality from the respected Bodega José y Miguel Martín in the beautiful Andalusia region in southern Spain.
Harrison Wood, blender at the Isle of Harris Distillery, describes his tasting notes of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured as “Initial winter aromas of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves which remind me of Christmas at home. There are green notes of herbs and the nostalgic creaminess of white chocolate from childhood days. When sipped, I can taste walnuts and fireside wood smoke. The dram develops with a hint of thyme from my kitchen, closely followed by dried oranges. Spices then come through, like vanilla pods and a subtle sense of cloves, before a long leather and liquorice finish."
Nose – Fresh notes of apricot, peach, mango and papaya are all immediately present, joined by thick beeswax and marzipan, with an undercurrent of green tea and cut grass.
Palate – Creamy, thick and full-bodied, as Greek yoghurt, honeyed oats and white grapes combine with more savoury flavours of burnt caramel and camomile.
Finish – Matcha green tea cheesecake with clotted cream and apricots.
Nose – Rich, fruity aromas of stewed plums and rhubarb combine with dark chocolate, raisins, cardamom and cinnamon, alongside a touch of old leather.
Palate – Soft and velvety mouthfeel, beginning with juicy plums, nectarines and melted almond butter, before umami notes of cinnamon, clove and brandy snaps emerge.
Finish – Rich dark chocolate pudding - with a touch of chili, cardamom and aniseed
This release captures Daftmill’s signature style, with green fruits, herbal nuances, and toasted almonds on the nose, followed by comforting notes of croissants and marzipan. Add a splash of water, and you’ll uncover fennel and butterscotch. The palate is beautifully balanced, starting with sweet fruits and Scottish tablet, then transitioning into drier, herbal tones. The finish is medium in length, with an elegant, floral touch.
The third of four annual seasonal releases that evoke the farming year - although 2024 is the final year of this range - Fallow sees the heavy influence of first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks. Whereas the First Crop used just Pedro Ximenez Sherry and the Second Crop used both PX and Oloroso casks, the use of solely Oloroso barrels produces a rich, intense colour and a profile of stewed prunes with a hint of coffee. It's got a real dark fruitcake feel and would be a perfect Christmas whisky!
Peated and unpeated spirit, 100% matured in Oloroso and PX casks
Nose : Murray mint, bonfire on the beach, salted peanut icecream, tomato stalks, Brazil nut and sundried tomatoes.
Palate: Tarry rope, bung cloth, smoky bacon, old tractor shed, peanut brittle, sticky spare-ribs.
Finish: Crashing waves, sea-salt, bothy fireplace and cigar shop.
Mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts, and dark chocolate, with a surprising dose of gin botanicals throughout Taste: Rye spices up front, then menthol, mint, eucalyptus, herbal tea with wildflower honey and all spice Finish: Cinnamon and mint, gradually sweetening through the finish, with a hint of anise
Nose Fragrant and tropical fruits with floral notes, vanilla and mango.
Palate There's mango throughout, spicy barley, gentle oak and creamy richness.
Finish A touch of allspice, vanilla and fragrant pear skin.
