Bladnoch | Samsara
The Bladnoch distillery is the oldest one remaining in the Lowlands region of Scotland. It is close to the village of Wigtown and further south than parts of northern England, including the city of Newcastle. Samsara sits in the core range and means ‘rebirth’. It is a fragrant and vibrant marriage of aged malts matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Californian red wine casks.
Vanilla fudge and soft baked apple sit alongside some delicate, warming baking spices to begin. Then come raisin and sultana mixed with cocoa powder and golden syrup. A late oaky vibe also comes through to give extra depth. This is exceptional neat but also makes a fabulous Manhattan or Old Fashioned style cocktail.
Compass Box | Artist Blend
One of the most uplifting and vibrant blended whiskies out there. It offers great value for money and combines whiskies matured in ex-bourbon, ex-Palo Cortado sherry & French oak casks. Compass Box kicked off the artisan blending scene and are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The Artist Blend is inspired by the architecture and design of the city of Edinburgh.
This delightful blend leads with aromas of floral Spring meadows and candyfloss. Red apple, fresh cut grass and malted cereals evolve and are supported by vanilla sugar, sherbet lemon and creamy coconut. This whisky can be served neat or even straight from the freezer to further enhance its bright nature. Fabulous.
Glenmorangie | The Original 12 Years Old
This classic Highland single malt got a rebrand last year. The age was increased to 12 Years Old, and the transition was seamless. The recipe, maturation and price remained the same. Glenmorangie’s tall stills, the highest in Scotland at five metres, produce a deliciously light and elegant style of spirit that is loved the world over. This makes it a must for our Spring selection.
Sweet notes of honey, butterscotch and vanilla custard are dominant and well supported by luscious green apple, peach and coconut. 100% ex-bourbon cask maturation is difficult to beat and offers no hiding place for the spirit. Glenmorangie shines in these conditions and this expression does not disappoint. An absolute classic.
Kingsbarns | Coaltown
Peat still has its place as the warmer temperatures and longer days arrive. Especially when done in a subtle and delightful way like this. Kingsbarns were one of the early pioneers of the Fife craft whisky distilling boom. Using ex-Islay whisky casks to mature their spirit for this bottling is another innovative step. Coaltown is named after a nearby local village and is the brand’s third core product.
The result of maturing in ex-Islay whisky casks is that you get a subtler influence of peat. It has a greenness and freshness to it. Candied lime and green capsicum mingle with heather honey and vanilla toffee. Everything is wrapped up in a gentle, medicinal smoke that wisps around everything, making the style easily accessible.
Loch Lomond | 12 Years Old
Loch Lomond is an underrated yet multi-award-winning distillery that you need to explore, if you have not already. It won a staggering 58 awards worldwide last year and was named as the IWSC’s Distiller of the Year. This 12 Years Old, subtitled Perfectly Balanced, is a marriage of spirit distilled through traditional swan-necked stills and Loch Lomond’s unique straight-necked still.
The whiskies have been matured in three varieties of American oak casks – ex-bourbon, re-fill and re-charred. The result is exquisite. Expect notes of peach and pear married with heather honey and a fresh grassy characteristic. It feels luscious and creamy in the mouth and has a soft, sweet and gentle smokiness sitting in the background.
