The Macallan Classic Cut - 2018 Edition is the second edition in the limited annual series that celebrate our ongoing commitment to seek out the extraordinary and in doing so, create whiskies of unique character. This single malt offers a whisky with dominant sweetness with balanced flavours. Please note, this edition is limited to one bottle per person.

EXQUISITELY BALANCED FLAVOUR

The second edition in the limited annual series, The Macallan Classic Cut - 2018 Edition has an ABV of 51.2% chosen by the Whisky Maker Ian Morrison as the optimum strength to reveal a dominant sweetness and the well balanced flavours delivered by the exceptional Sherry Oak Casks. After allowing to breathe for 10-15 minutes, heightened flavours of citrus, sweet vanilla and spice come to the forefront, combined with a satisfyingly long dry oak finish. Classic Cut 2018 is a truly indulgent single malt whisky.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Earthy gold.

NOSE: Orange and lemon citrus dominates the sweet notes of nutmeg and ginger and hints of vanilla and polished oak.

PALATE: Ginger and nutmeg with a full bodied sweet vanilla and orange note.

FINISH: Medium sweet with a long dry oak finish.

Sherried & Intense

Meaning ‘the original’ in Gaelic, A’bunadh is made in homage to Aberlour’s founder, James Fleming. A’bunadh is a whisky hand-made from start to finish with each batch being created to ensure a rich and complex flavour of moist raisin, and homemade fruit cake. It is bottled at cask strength resulting in a robust and deeply intense, sherried whisky.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Auburn gold

Nose: Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso Sherry

Palate: Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with Sherry and Oak. Full bodied and creamy

Finish: Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak

Bere Barley is a six-row heritage variety that has long since been forgotten from the modern world of standardised whisky making. Its revival into present day has taken effort and resilience from an entire network of millers, growers and agronomists. Our Bere project is dedicated to those like-minded souls, who have preserved a legacy and found modern applications in flavourful food and drinks, whatever the odds. This Bruichladdich Bere Barley was distilled in 2010 from a 2009 harvest, brought home by Peter, John, Magnus, Sydney and Duncan on the Orkney Islands.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: At first the nose is dominated by cereal, porridge oats, malty notes but quickly followed by intense fruit, ripe pear and peaches in syrup, lemon meringue pie. There is a fresh breezy quality like fresh linen. The oak brings honey, vanilla, coconut and hints of cinder toffee and fudge. As time opens this unique dram up, the peach notes become all enveloping and anything else is had to find.

Taste: Back to the malted barley on the palate, the texture is like honey, rich and incredibly viscous. A range of sweet fruit and oak notes jostle for position, peaches in syrup again, honey, chocolate, cinder toffee and apricot jam, there is an amazing sweetness from the oak and malt that is unlike any other spirit we make, the Bere barley gives so much intensity of flavour and the spirit has drawn deep from the wood in the last eight years.

Finish: On the finish there is an air of gentle grace as the softness of the fruit continues, pear and apple come through with the peach notes and offer another dimension. The oak and malt fade away slowly and leave you to contemplate an incredible experience.

Character: An absolute delight to behold, from the outstanding texture to the intensity of the fruit, this ancient grain yet again confirms our barley exploration is based on distillation for flavour not yield. This particular vintage has an intensity and range of flavour I have seldom seen before but inspires us yet again to continue our journey.

Born in December 1839, William Grant became a cattle herder at the age of 7 in order to supplement his family's income. As a teenager, Grant apprenticed as a cobbler and a clerk, and in 1866, he joined Mortlach Distillery as a bookkeeper. For the next two decades, Grant managed the affairs at the distillery, while secretly learning the art of distillation. In 1886, he resigned from his position as distillery manager and bought a field beneath the towering shadows of Balvenie Castle, which he eventually converted into Balvenie Distillery. Today, Balvenie Distillery, situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, remains one of the most independent and prestigious distilleries in all of Scotland. Balvenie Single Malt Whisky is made from fresh, plump barley grown on Balvenie Mains, a 1,000-acre farm situated adjacent to the distillery (the farm has been the distillery's source for barley for over a century). After the barley is harvested, it is malted at the distillery with spring water sourced from the rolling Speyside hills that overlook the distillery. During the malting process, the barley is turned up to four times a day in order to ensure that it germinates evenly (Balvenie is the only single malt Scotch whisky distillery that continues to grow and malt its own barley). Once the barley has been malted, it is milled and mashed at the distillery before being fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast. Following fermentation, the wash is distilled twice, first through Balvenie's copper-pot wash still and then again through its copper-pot spirit still. "The most important reason for using a copper still," explains Dennis McBain, Balvenie's coppersmith, "is that it acts as a catalyst. It removes any sulfur which may be carried over from the fermentation process prior to distillation." McBain, who joined Balvenie Distillery in 1959, is one of the oldest coppersmiths remaining in the industry. In addition, the size and shape of Balvenie's stills the stills' necks have unique boil balls that are nicknamed "Balvenie Bowls" results in Balvenie's signature bold and malty flavor profile. "The size and shape of the boil ball allow for the vapors to mix before continuing up the head," explains McBain. "That helps make The Balvenie special." Inspired to produce an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie, Apprentice Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie had the bright idea to import Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky. After deep toasting them at The Balvenie Cooperage, they were filled with Balvenie aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a delectably complex whisky with notes of candied fruit, coconut and delicate vanilla. 

Chivas 12 is a classic for a reason. Made up of the finest malt and grain Scotch whiskies, this 12-year-old blended Scotch whisky is our signature status blend – and never fails to deliver.

Our signature 12-year-old whisky is a blend of iconic Speyside flavours. Over the years our Master Blenders have maintained the classic taste created in the 19th century by the pioneers of blended Scotch whisky, founders John and James Chivas.

TASTING NOTES

CASK FINISH: A variety of casks are used for maturation of the 12-year-old Scotch whiskies that make up this blend, leading to a greater depth and character

NOSE: An aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey and orchard fruits.

PALATE: Round and creamy with a full, rich taste of honey and ripe pears alongside vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch notes.

FINISH: Rich and lingering.

The Tullibardine Marquess Collection celebrates their heritage and strong link with the hamlet of Tullibardine. Following traditional maturation in first-fill Bourbon barrels, the whisky has spent an additional year in Sicilian Marsala wine casks. Keith Geddes, master blender at Tullibardine Distillery, said: “It’s another exciting moment for Tullibardine to be announcing The Murray Marsala Cask Finish – a whisky that pays tribute to our story and continues to experiment with new wood types to create a complex and delicious single malt. “It’s a superb release, handcrafted by the dedicated workforce based at this small artisan distillery. We have sourced delicious and sweet Sicilian Marsala wine casks, which have been filled with our signature single malt and left to mature for a little over a year. “As with previous releases, it is a glorious illustration of the versatility of Tullibardine and our efforts to experiment to produce propositions that suit both new and existing consumers alike.”

It is a celebration of where it all began back in 1820, taking you on a sensorial journey through the fragrant aisles of John Walker’s original grocery store. Rare and exceptional whiskies, including ghost stocks from the long-closed distilleries of Pittyviach, Cambus and Port Ellen, have been explored to craft a whisky that reimagines the exotic flavours of the 1820s. All the whiskies in this limited edition have been aged for at least 28 years.

Tasting Notes

SMELL: A complex, rich whisky with layers of flavor in which an array of fruit aromas come together in harmony, balanced with warming spices and a soft, rolling smoke redolent of the rich array of exotic goods on offer. Dried fruit such as sultanas and figs are sweetened by hints of candied ginger, before berries, brown sugar and aromatic spices fill up the senses.

TASTE: The first sip opens the doors to reveal delicious layers of spice mingling with sweet honey and rich molasses inspired by the rows of tempting jars. Waves of sultanas, cocoa beans and herbal notes are carried on wisps of soft smoke leading you further down the aisles of John’s store with every sip.

FINISH: A sweet spice lingers as the door closes behind you.

ROYAL SALUTE IS THE ONLY SCOTCH WHISKY COLLECTION THAT BEGINS AT 21 YEARS OF AGE

Inspired by a passion for tradition, born as a tribute to a queen, crafted with a desire for perfection. The story of Royal Salute is unlike any other whisky.

In 1953, the young Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne. The occasion called for a tribute fit for a queen and so, in Strathisla, the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, an exquisite blend was created. It was given the name Royal Salute – after the famous 21-gun-salute – and so began the story of a remarkable whisky.

To this day, Royal Salute has marked each significant event in the lives of the British Monarchy and is unique in having only ever used whiskies aged at least 21 years in its blends. It is this unique commitment to quality and tradition that has given rise to the informal motto, “We Begin Where Others End”.

Behind this drive for perfection lies the true secret to the success of Royal Salute – its legendary vault. Over the decades, the custodians of Strathisla have collected and stored whiskies of immense distinction. Behind locked doors, these liquids lie in wooden casks, ageing, maturing, patiently waiting for the moment they are ready to make magic.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivaled masterpiece – an exquisite combination of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavor to deliver the remarkable signature taste. An extraordinary whiskey for extraordinary occasions.

Arrrrrrrdbeg is a limited-edition single malt from Ardbeg. Matured in ex-rye casks, smoky aromas of banana, pear, rye bread, lemon and vanilla toffee fill the nose. The palate offers notes of spicy pepper, melon, kiwi, aniseed and smoked toffee above a bed of savoury peat smoke.

Aberfeldy Distillery is nestled within a lush valley in the foothills of the Central Highlands of Scotland. Known as the ‘Golden Dram’, the distillery’s water source is the famous Pitilie Burn, renowned locally for its water quality and famed for its deposits of alluvial gold. Time-honoured techniques, such as longer fermentation, conjure rare honeyed notes – key to the signature sweetness of Aberfeldy’s malts.

Girvan distillery is located on the Clyde, in the coastal Lowlands. William Grant & Sons decided to build Girvan after a dispute with Distillers Company Limited. They decided to run a TV ad for Standfast Whisky from Grant's, DCL was against this, so WGS decided to build the Girvan distillery. They did it in just 9 months. Original Coffey stills were used until 1995. Nowadays Girvan uses 6 column stills for its production. The distillery mainly produces grain Whisky for brands as well as Hendrick's Gin. It was also a site for Ladyburn Whisky at one point.

Aroma and Taste

Nose: Maple syrup, honeycomb and soft cedar spiciness.

Palate: Orange peels, confectioner's sugar, honey and toasted cereals.

Finish: Long and full of dried fruits, the vanilla and oak standing out amongst it all.

One for the sherried whisky lovers. Deep, rich, dark flavors abound and are balanced out by a pleasant, dry finish. The ImpEx Collection is a labor of love derived from the heart of Sam Filmus, President and Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages. He, along with his business partner Chris Uhde, has spent a great amount of time and passion selecting the casks that go into each bottle of The ImpEx Collection that you find on the shelf. After over 40 years of combined industry experience, you can tell that each Cask is unique and special, offering the best that different categories have to offer.

In 2016, we re-racked one-year-old malt spirit of robust character into first fill Oloroso-seasoned butts. By 2019, one particular cask – #2 – proved so compelling that we began to experiment. After introducing it to a much older malt whisky from the now lost Imperial Distillery, we witnessed a moment of magic.

FLAVOUR PROFILE

Aromas of marmalade and chai tea spices, with hints of plum. Ripe, golden dessert apples dominate the luscious palate, supported by an oaky richness. Flavours of toffee and cocoa powder are also conjured up.

Set in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, Fettercairn is a traditional distillery producing a full-bodied single malt. The picturesque distillery is one of the few active stills in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. This classic malt has been guided through a series of bourbon barrels.

After seventeen years maturing in a refill American oak cask, Fettercairn was selected by Murray McDavid's Whisky Creations Team for finishing in a fresh bourbon cask. The highly active American oak has given the Fettercairn spirit sweet vanilla and spicy notes. This showcases the unique character of the Fettercairn spirit, as well as the quality of the casks available at Murray McDavid's traditional Victorian dunnage warehouse a the Coleburn Distillery in Speyside.

Another lovely Caol Ila bottling, forming a part of Gordon and MacPhail’s Connoisseurs Choice range, which was revamped in 2018.

This particular bottling comes from Islay distillery, Caol Ila. The spirit has been aged for 17 years, first distilled in the year 2000 and bottled in February 2018. The whisky was matured in a single first-fill former Bourbon barrel.

This lovely dram possesses notes of burnt oak, sweet corn, tropical fruit, vanilla, nuts, honey, charcoal, flinty peat and overripe banana.

Bottled at a robust strength of 57.5% ABV, this is a powerful dram with intense flavours.

A wonderful example of good, simple Islay whisky.

Glen Grant is known as a bit of an elder statesman of the whisky world, shining at great age, and this bottling does not buck the trend. A 1997 vintage that has been held in a refill American oak hogshead, this dram has had plenty of time to gain complexity and character.

The whisky is floral and somewhat spicy, with prickling notes of pepper, chili and cinnamon on show. These flavours are joined by a deep, creamy vanilla, some honeydew melon, peaches, bright oak, chocolate, plums, apples and pears.

This bottling is presented at a formidable 59.3% ABV, and without chill filtration or colouration, ensuring the drinker gets the full experience.

Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2019, this single-cask whisky has spent more than 11 years in its first-fill American oak sherry puncheon. Hand-picked by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion and the founders of Scotch in the City.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Islay. Its delicately peated, well-balanced spirit has been an inspiration for many a whisky lover for many years. This Bowmore single malt has been matured for its final four years in a fresh port pipe. This Bowmore was originally matured in a 500-litre sherry cask to give slow, gentle maturation. The European oak gives the spirit a soft oaky spiciness and dried fruit flavours. After seven years maturing in the Sherry butt, the Murray McDavid Whisky Creations Team transferred the whisky into a freshly emptied first-fill Port wine cask, or 'pipe'. The rich, sweet, fruity Port gives additional depth of flavour and further increases the smoky character of this classic Islay peated malt.