Back in November 2020, after some minor delays owing to the pandemic, the recently finished Hinch distillery was able to finally get their stills fired up and set their spirit a-flowing. That new make spirit is now being produced in earnest and laid down to rest for those all important 3+ years in a selection... Continue Reading →
2020 Unplugged: Our Top Ten Whiskies Of The Year
I don’t think that much more can be said about what a weird year 2020 was. I am forever an optimist though, and whilst I can’t deny the horrible times that we’ve had, I still think it important to look back and take stock: as I write this, I can say that I’ve made it... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Berry Bros & Rudd – Sherry Cask (Classic Range)
There are few businesses today that can claim that they’ve been open since the 1600s but London’s Berry Brothers & Rudd (BBR) are one that can. They may have scraped into the 17th century by opening in 1694, but at 300+ years that is some damn good going. As such, the wine and spirits merchants... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Wemyss Malts – Spice King (Batch Strength No.2)
When Wemyss Malts name a whisky, they are not hiding behind any marketing BS. They tell it like it is. One of the three staple releases of the blenders' core range is the Spice King, and here we were able to sample the second batch strength release of that blend. The whisky is comprised of single... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Douglas Laing – Big Peat (Aged 10 Years)
Well, happy birthday big man! Here we look at this month's brand new, special release, 10 year old age-stated bottling of Big Peat, looking to celebrate 10 whole years since Big Peat first arrived on the scene as the forerunner to the Douglas Laing & Co series of Remarkable Regional Malts. As per his brethren before... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Douglas Laing – Big Peat
Back in 2009, the team at Douglas Laing & Co. unleashed a concept that had a big objective and a big name to live up to, for that is the year that Big Peat was born. The blended malt whisky features "A Shovelful of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskies including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore &... Continue Reading →