There’s an appetite for all things rare on Islay. Especially at Ardbeg. You’d think that the rare nature of our whisky would be enough, but it’s Islay and her oddities that really stir us.
The Ardbeg Anthology Collection is inspired by tales of unbelievable encounters – legendary brushes with the strangest creatures ever purported to stalk Islay.
Inspired by the seldom-seen Harpy – a winged beast said to inhabit Islay – this legendary edition is a first for the Distillery. The Harpy’s Tale has been matured for 13 years in rare Sauternes wine casks and married with classic Ardbeg ex-bourbon. After over a decade in the cask, soaring smoke swoops into sweetness as Ardbeg’s unmistakable character wrangles with the richness of the Sauternes casks. A supreme aged expression… the taste almost as sensational as the tale…

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee.

Taste: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil.

Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.

The Dalmore 30 Year Whisky is a prestigious and limited edition, representing the apex of craftsmanship in the world of Scotch whisky. Aged for three decades, this expression is characterized by a deep amber hue and an exceptionally complex flavor profile. Expect rich, nuanced notes of oak, dried fruits, vanilla, and a harmonious integration of spices. The extended aging process imparts a velvety smoothness, and each sip is a journey through the artistry of the distiller. The packaging and presentation are likely to be as luxurious as the whisky itself, making it a collector's item and a symbol of refined taste.

In crafting the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dragon edition, inspiration flows from the majestic Wood Dragon—an emblem symbolizing unwavering vitality, imagination, and the promise of burgeoning prosperity.

Every nuance in the bottle's design is a testament to artistry. Picture the Wood Dragon emerging from an ancient forest, its powerful silhouette resonating with the iconic 'keep walking' ethos that defines Johnnie Walker. This edition not only celebrates the formidable zodiac creature but also pays homage to the indomitable spirit it encapsulates.

In parallel with the aging process of the finest whiskies in wooden barrels, the Year of the Wood Dragon, set for 2024, signals an era of thriving fortune. Born amidst the lush embrace of nature, the Wood Dragon embodies ambition and promise. This limited edition becomes a symbol of hope, vitality, and the optimistic future that awaits. Each sip, a journey into the essence of a mythical creature, a celebration of prosperity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Johnnie Walker.

CAPTURING THE WONDERS OF TOKYO USING RARE JAPANESE MIZUNARA OAK

Inspired by the memories, feelings and flavours of his many visits to Tokyo and a desire to experiment with rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks for the first time, Dr Bill has created a limited edition expression characterised by enchanting opposites.

COMBINING BRIGHT, BOLD FLAVOURS WITH SOFT SWEETNESS

Dr Bill united Glenmorangie part-aged in Mizunara oak with whisky that had spent time in both sherry and bourbon casks, for a unique limited-edition that’s perfectly balanced with Glenmorangie’s house-style. The whisky fuses notes of pepper with bitter cherries and mouth-watering orange zest with incense and sweet oak.

DELICIOUS SENSORY CONTRASTS BROUGHT TO LIFE THROUGH ART

Collaborating with celebrated Japanese artist, Yamaguchi Akira, the whisky is brought to life in visual form.

TASTING NOTES

AROMA: Powerfully herbal, with hints of toffee contrasted by incense and saddle-soap, followed by a resinous note and a touch of cedar wood.

TASTE: A peppery mouthfeel leads into notes of tangy oranges and bitter cherries alongside fennel and chewy oak.

FINISH: Long and gently nutty, with hints of almond, mandarin, ground white pepper and more wood resin.

Matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry casks for 14 years. Bladnoch’s Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage hand selects every cask to bring together this rich expression showing notes of fruit cake, dark chocolate, and subtle sweet cinnamon on the palate.

TASTING NOTES: Sweet Spices, Dried Fruits, Rich.

COLOUR: Bronze sunset.

NOSE: Wood spices, rich raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange peel and chocolate.

PALATE: Raisins, dried fruits, rich fruit cake with sweet cinnamon and chocolate.

FINISH: Rich and long with a slight dryness.

AWARDS: World Whiskies Awards 2021– Category Winner

The 19 Year Old is the first PX Sherry expression that Bladnoch has released.The flavourful casks have imparted delectable notes of dark liquorice sticks, dried apricots and warming nutmeg into the golden-hued whisky.

TASTING NOTES: Liquorice, dried apricots, aged oak

COLOUR: Dark sunset.

NOSE: Dark liquorice sticks and aged oak with a floral background.

PALATE: Liquorice sticks with dried apricots, almonds and nutmeg.

FINISH: Long with a dry sweetness.

AWARDS: World Whisky Award 2022 - Category Winner Single Malt 13 to 20yo

Bladnoch's exquisite 'Alinta' is a distinguished single-malt Scotch whisky hailing from the picturesque Lowland region, drawing its name from an indigenous Aboriginal term signifying 'fire.' The meticulous maturation process of this whisky involves a harmonious blend of former Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and seasoned ex-bourbon barrels. This combination of cask types imparts a rich and complex character to the whisky, resulting in a truly exceptional and memorable drinking experience.

Tasting Notes - Cereal and spice/wood.

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. 

Ardbeg Anamorphic defies conventions with its experimental spirit, hailing from Islay's rugged shores. This limited edition release unveils layers of peat smoke, maritime brine, and a tantalizing hint of exotic fruits. Each sip is akin to an optical illusion, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering a captivating journey through the artistry of smoky Scotch whisky where tradition meets the avant-garde. This peated single malt delves into the intriguing process of removing cask heads during toasting, revealing more wood to enhance the experience. The result is a multidimensional dram that seamlessly merges sweet, smoky, herbal, and spicy elements for a mesmerizing taste. Ardbeg Anamorphic, bottled at 48.2% ABV, is set to hit stores in 2023, with an official announcement to come before the launch.

Aged within premium American oak ex-bourbon casks, the Speyburn Companion Cask pays homage to the enduring bond between Speyside and Kentucky. This Single Malt Scotch Whisky showcases a light golden hue and offers enticing hints of sweet vanilla and zesty citrus fruits in its flavor profile.

CLYNELISH 10 YEAR OLD SPECIAL RELEASE 2023 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Introducing Clynelish 10 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - The alluring rhythmic beat of a sweetly honeyed bass anchors a richly composed melody. Gradually, from this sea of smooth harmonies, there comes a call to transcend scales. A solo breaks free, its golden, shimmering tones rising to sublime heights in a haunting, captivating hymn to jazz. The honeyed flavours and smooth, waxy textures of Clynelish play the sweetest of melodies. Along with the mesmerising solo wildcat on the bottle, they inspired our Malt Master to create a whisky to express all the sweet and soulful richness of classic American jazz. Exclusively aged in ex-bourbon American Oak, this expression sings with notes of rich caramel and vanilla spice. Mellow aromas on the nose begin a mineral and maritime theme, then become sweeter and rounder, their golden melody anchored by an earthy bass note. Smooth and sure, the vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste is soon shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo that reaches its smooth crescendo in the long, spicy finish.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: Smooth and sure, the vanilla-sweet, rich and powerful taste is soon shaped by a hint of saltiness and a soaring peppery solo.

FINISH: Smooth crescendo in the long, spicy finish.

The 2023 Enigma Essence 12 Years Special Release is a celestial masterpiece in Scotch whiskey. With natural cask strength, it unveils a mesmerizing blend of cosmic hues and features an elegant phoenix soaring against a vibrant backdrop. Crafted with uncomplicated yet exquisite ingredients, this whiskey promises an intensely intricate flavor experience. At Enigma Essence Distillery, every detail converges to create an awe-inspiring masterpiece, transcending the ordinary.

Introducing Talisker Special Release 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - A surge of warmth rises through the current, radiating a sweet, charred undertone. The crash of sea-salt spray against the ship’s bow relights the fire of exploration in determined sailors. Against an unforgiving sea the caravel, an iconic Portuguese sea vessel, forges on, braving harsh elements to reach the farthest corners of the earth. Our Malt Master pays homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships, by finishing this supreme maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny port casks. Reigniting our own passion for exploration, this unusual combination of casks brings uncanny balance to a tumultuous Talisker. Rich bright gold lights the fires of desire, while clear maritime notes of sea air carry hints of oyster shell, salt and sand dune on a spicy and peaty base. Surging through them come rich, sweet hints of white grape, dark fruit and dry tannin. In the mouth, these characters merge as one creamy-smooth richly fruity taste, with waves of saltiness, smoke and spice crashing through the intense finish.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: In the mouth, these characters merge as one creamy-smooth richly fruity taste, with waves of saltiness, smoke and spice crashing through the intense finish.

GLENKINCHIE 27 YEAR OLD SPECIAL RELEASE 2023 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Introducing Glenkinchie 27 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Delicate brush strokes record every detail of the blossom, heather and orchard fruit that fell on these bountiful lands during the reign of a great dynasty, creating a vibrant bouquet. A treasured enamelled masterpiece, delicately crafted by expert hands, the porcelain vase is a poetic embodiment of the empire’s rich floral abundance. Our Malt Master drew inspiration from the exquisite porcelain of China’s great dynasties to create the oldest-ever Glenkinchie bottling direct from the distillery. Just as it took countless man-hours to create the precious vases of the great emperors, this rare whisky has been slowly matured for twenty-seven years to achieve an imperiously refined expression of its lush, floral flavours. A hint of fruit as the nose opens conjures an image of the apple orchard, soon joined by light touches of almond and vanilla, before lush meadow-grass aromas develop the floral theme. Smooth and pleasing in texture, the opulent and rounded taste starts lightly sweet and becomes elegantly drying, with a vibrant oaky spiciness that persists in the dry finish.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Distillery-first expression, Glenkinchie 27 Year Old features in SPIRITED XCHANGE, a limited edition Single Malt Whisky inspired by the exchange of global craft and culture for Special Releases 2023.
HOW IT’S MADE: A magnificent floral bouquet blossoms, rich and bright as a delicate masterpiece. Matured in refill American & European Oak barrels and butts.
TASTING NOTES: One of the oldest Glenkinchie releases ever bottled, with clear features remarkably little marked by age, wears a coat of rich spiciness while its grassy heart still beats within.
SERVE: Best served neat, pour 50ml of Glenkinchie 27 Year Old in a whisky glass and enjoy.
OCCASION: Glenkinchie 27 Year Old is a unique gift that stands out within the Special Releases collection, and is perfect for get-togethers with friends or family.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: A hint of fruit as the nose opens conjures an image of the apple orchard, soon joined by light touches of almond and vanilla, before lush meadow-grass aromas develop the floral theme. Smooth and pleasing in texture, the opulent and rounded taste starts lightly sweet and becomes elegantly drying, with a vibrant oaky spiciness that persists in the dry finish.

OBAN 11 YEAR OLD SPECIAL RELEASE 2023 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Introducing Oban 11 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Vivid energy and a vibrant mix of Caribbean cultures collide in a roar of jubilation, amid a euphoric atmosphere. Bright colours burst forth to the parading beat of steel drums. Celebrating the passionate soul of the Caribbean, spinning Soca dancers lift their faces to the tropical sun, exuberant and radiant in the exotic sea air. Inspired by the merging of rhythms in the beating heart of calypso, our Malt Master finished this lively Oban expression in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks. The vibrant combination evokes unexpected tropical notes of sugar cane and mango, which build on Oban’s own clever fusion of the Highland and Island styles. A glint of gold announces the summer sun while the fresh aroma of a sea breeze, backed by notes of citrus and enhanced by hints of tropical fruit and a dry spiciness, quickly brings the carnival closer. On the palate, an oil-smooth texture is accompanied by a joyously sweet, richly fruity and lightly salty taste that dances across the tongue, finishing with an insistently spicy beat.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Distillery-first expression, Oban 11 Year Old features in SPIRITED XCHANGE, a limited edition Single Malt Whisky inspired by the exchange of global craft and culture for Special Releases 2023.

HOW IT’S MADE: A vibrant cacophony of flavours pulsing with hints of tropical fruit and whispers of exotic sea air. Finished in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks.

TASTING NOTES: A bright, lively Oban, retaining the fusion of highland and island styles that defines the distillery character yet skilfully blending in the vivid passions and colours of a rum cask finish.

SERVE: Best served neat, pour 50ml of Oban 11 Year Old in a whisky glass and enjoy.

OCCASION: Oban 11 Year Old is a unique gift that stands out within the Special Releases collection, and is perfect for get-togethers with friends or family.

Introducing Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke honour the ancient art of tattooing, clouds that slowly disperse in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, as smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each work of art is a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history more than 200 years long, our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavours ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amid fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavours. Sweet with juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then ever more herbal and smokier, the flavours deep-etch their impression for a lip-tingling whisky of legends. Serving Suggestion: The distinctively spicy, dry & clean taste makes an exceptional cocktail such as Julep or Old Fashioned.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Distillery-first expression. Lagavulin 12 Year Old features in SPIRITED XCHANGE, a limited edition Single Malt Whisky inspired by the exchange of global craft and culture for Special Releases 2023.
HOW IT’S MADE: Thick whispers of rich smoke, etched with bright herbs and juicy plums, for an indelible finish. Finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks.
TASTING NOTES: To a Lagavulin at its most vigorous, delicious to drink and full of distillery character, the tequila finishing casks have brought indelible layers of bright, herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.
SERVE: Best served neat, pour 50ml of Lagavulin 12 Year Old in a whisky glass and enjoy.
OCCASION: Lagavulin 12 Year Old is a unique gift that stands out within the Special Releases collection, and is perfect for get-togethers with friends or family.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: To a Lagavulin at its most vigorous, delicious to drink and full of distillery character, the tequila finishing casks have brought indelible layers of bright, herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.

This particular Sherry Oak maturation whisky is the result of years of curiosity and learning, but our story begins with an unexpected discovery even longer ago.

An Unexpected Discovery
Oak casks were used to transport whisky, and by the time it reached its destination, the whisky would have taken on some of the depth and richness of whatever liquid these casks once held. Storage in certain casks became a conscious rather than circumstantial choice.

The Result: A familiar honey smoothness revealing layers of spice, intense ripe fruits like freshly baked Christmas cake. Giving way to a chewy fig, and a long creamy, nutty finish.

The Story of Revelation of Cask and Character
This is a story of expertise, intuition, and the craft of Coopering - as old as whisky itself. This particular sherry Oak maturation is the result of years of curiosity and learning, but our story begins with an unexpected discovery even longer ago…

The use of casks in whisky was supposedly an accidental revelation. If you believe the folklore, hundreds of years ago, Oak casks were used to transport whisky across the British Isles. By the time it reached its destination, the whisky would have taken on some of the depth and richness of whatever liquid these casks once held. And so, storage in certain casks became a conscious rather than circumstantial choice. Over time, the use of Oak casks became instrumental in the quality and final flavour of the whisky. Our Head Cooper Ian McDonald knows this all too well, having worked with his team and his tools for over 50 years.

Embark on a journey with Bladnoch's Classic Collection and explore the Liora, a vibrant cask-strength Lowland whisky. Delight in its complex interplay of tropical and various fruits, alongside the warmth of vanilla and the subtle echoes of oak. This single malt gem has matured gracefully in a harmonious blend of bourbon and virgin oak casks, offering a distinctive and memorable tasting experience.

Black Art 11 has been created using pre-renaissance casks from Bruichladdich Distillery (pre-2001) which have been safeguarded and maturing on Islay for 24 years.

An enigmatic alchemy which relies on nature, craftsmanship and the quiet passing of time, what happens inside each cask under cover of darkness in the depths of the warehouse remains a mystery. Black Art 11 is a testament to this elusive mastery. Using artisanal techniques passed down from one generation to the next; the spirit is pulled exclusively from Bruichladdich distillery pre-renaissance casks which have been patiently maturing on our island home for almost three decades. The finite single malt is created in secret by our head distiller, Adam Hannett, with the recipe only known to him. Putting our trust in Adam, he is given creative freedom to bring this incredible whisky to life. Using pre-renaissance Bruichladdich stock, Black Art 11 is unique and unrepeatable. A chance to experiment, take risks and push the boundaries of possibility; only Adam knows what has gone into creating the precious 24-year-old single malt. The barley and cask types are undisclosed, with the final recipe a mystery. Matured in the finest oak, this eleventh edition of Black Art showcases the captivating marriage of faith and ingenuity and we invite you to put your trust in us.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Rich Tawny.

NOSE: Dried fruits, leather and a hint of citrus immediately open on the nose, followed by a fresh sea breeze. Sweet fruit and floral notes come to the fore, with poached pear, delicate rose hip syrup, black cherry, and sweet mango. The complexity of the single malt is apparent as the aromas continue to open, with cedar and mellow oak complemented with butterscotch, praline, honey, and a hint of cinnamon. Warming oats are balanced with fragrant notes of rose and pear drops.

PALATE: Dried fruits, dates, raisins, barley sugar, leather and oak open on the palate, followed by butterscotch sweetness, praline and hints of coconut and fresh citrus. Sweet apple and pear are married with toasted oak, warming wood spice, dark plums and marzipan, with layers of depth opening with each sip.

FINISH: Oak and dried fruit come to the fore, with Christmas cake notes of sultanas, fig, marzipan, and lingering honey adding to the beautifully rounded finish.