This 39-year-old Private Collection Benromach, aged initially in a Sherry Cask for 19 years before a further 20-year finish in a Burgundy Hogshead, boasts a robust 60.2% ABV. Remarkably rare, independent bottlings of Benromach are scarce, with fewer than a dozen in the last two decades, many of which were by Gordon & MacPhail, the distillery's owner. The decision to release these Burgundy-finished expressions under Gordon & MacPhail's label likely stems from their deviation from the distillery's usual style, ensuring clarity between these and Benromach's recent 40-year-old releases, which adhere to a more traditional profile.

What those of us know in Alberta as the gateway to the Rockies, Banff is well known here. In Scotland though, the Banff Distillery, built in 1824 established itself in the Highlands until a fire destroyed all the maltings and the warehouses. Further calamities from World War II bombers ignited many casks of whisky and leaked the precious liquid all over the countryside where legend has that this caused the drunkenness of local farm animals. The distillery closed permanently in 1983 but left a legacy: a few remaining casks filled with a whisky of deep rich flavour and long lingering spice notes.

The third edition of the Mr. George Legacy Collection has arrived, featuring a 63-year-old single malt aged in First Fill Sherry casks and bottled at a bold 56.5% ABV. Named after George Urquhart, affectionately known as ‘Mr. George,’ this collection pays homage to his pivotal role in championing single malt whisky. Distilled on October 15th, 1959, and aged exclusively in cask no. 3665, a first-fill Sherry butt, this edition represents Gordon & MacPhail’s final cask from 1959. Bottled on November 2nd, 2022, this exceptional whisky captures the essence of Mr. George’s vision and legacy, making it a prized addition to any collection.

The second batch of the 2022-release Benromach 40 Year Old has been carefully matured in sherry casks, resulting in a captivating array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries entice the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper emerge, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

The 2022-release of Benromach 40 Year Old has been meticulously matured in sherry casks, resulting in a complex array of aromas. Scents of cinnamon, ginger, Seville orange, roasted hazelnut, and stewed red berries captivate the senses. On the palate, flavors of Morello cherries, baked apple, liquorice, dark chocolate, fruit cake, and black pepper unfold, with hints of dark berries and rich oak lingering in the finish.

Glenfarclas 37 Year Old 1985 Family Casks Release S23 #2606 is a true embodiment of excellence crafted by one of Scotland's most esteemed distilleries. This exquisite single malt whisky represents a culmination of tradition, expertise, and unparalleled craftsmanship, proudly bearing the rich legacy of the Grant family. Nurtured within the hallowed walls of Glenfarclas Distillery, this expression is a testament to the passage of time, having matured gracefully for 37 years in carefully selected refill sherry hogsheads. Distilled in 1985, this particular release unveils a distinctive character and depth that can only be achieved through decades of patient aging. Limited to 192 bottles.

Glenfarclas 22 Year Old 2000 Family Casks Release S23 #6226 is a remarkable expression from one of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries. Crafted with meticulous care and aged to perfection, this single malt whisky embodies the rich heritage and tradition of the Grant family, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence. Distilled in 2000 and matured for 22 years in refill sherry hogshead, this exceptional release represents a harmonious balance of time, craftsmanship, and natural elements. Each sip invites you to experience the depth and complexity that can only be achieved through patient maturation. Limited to 268 bottles.

Glenfarclas 19 Year Old 2004 Family Casks Release S23 #1106 is a captivating single malt whisky that epitomizes the rich tradition and exceptional craftsmanship of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2004 and aged for 19 years in a refill port pipe, this expression showcases a harmonious balance of time, expertise, and natural elements. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle of Glenfarclas 19 Year Old Family Casks Release S23 #1106 reflects the distillery’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. This release is a true testament to the Grant family’s legacy, highlighting their dedication to producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 457 bottles.

This Glenfarclas Single Cask Single Malt from the Family Casks Summer Release 2023 was distilled in 2005. It spent its entire maturation time in a 4th fill butt with the number 3034 before being bottled on July 19, 2023, at cask strength with 59.6% vol.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks whiskies are renowned for their excellence, representing vintage single cask single malts. Each vintage is represented by only a single barrel, with each barrel boasting its own unique story and complexity of flavors. True to Glenfarclas tradition, the bottlings in the Family Cask series are exclusively matured in sherry casks.

Glenfarclas 16 Year Old 2006 Family Casks Release S23 #2528 is a remarkable single malt whisky that embodies the rich heritage and unwavering dedication to quality of the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 2006 and aged for 16 years in a sherry butt, this expression represents a harmonious marriage of time, expertise, and tradition. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, each bottle is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to excellence. This release is a true reflection of the Grant family’s legacy, showcasing their passion for producing exceptional whisky. Limited to 600 bottles.

Distilled in 1991 and matured in a sherry butt, this single cask Highland single malt whisky showcases the rich and complex profile that Glenfarclas is renowned for, particularly when it comes to their sherry-cask matured expressions. The bottling in July 2022 with an outturn of 567 bottles makes it a limited release, adding to the desirability for collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

The Glenfarclas Family Casks series is a unique collection of the best single casks from the distillery's extensive and historic warehouses. Initiated in 2007, the collection spans every year from 1952 to recent years, making it a fascinating journey through the distillery's history with each bottle.

Given its single cask nature, this particular 1991 vintage would express a distinct character influenced by its specific sherry butt. Typically, such maturation imparts rich notes of dried fruits, spices, chocolate, and a deep, complex sweetness to the whisky, complemented by the distillery's characteristic robust and malty profile.

Dense impenetrable core. Elegant nose, layered with tobacco, spice box, fine wood, dark berries and violet, young but with an approaching complexity. The palate is dense and concentrated with moderate extraction, grainy tannin, layers of spice, elegant dark fruit and some meaty notes. Long and fleshy finish, digest and rounded yet with power and persistence, good!

This wine exudes freshness both on the nose and palate, with an abundance of crisp apple and pear flavors taking the spotlight. While it may not exhibit a wide range of complexities, its balance, intensity, and immediate drinkability more than compensate for this.

This wine presents initially with a subtle demeanor, gradually revealing delicate notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and lime zest. As it evolves, hints of pink grapefruit pith and classic Riesling character emerge, accompanied by a focused palate featuring green citrus, green pineapple, and just-ripe peach. Undertones of almond meal and spice add depth, leading to a chalky, lingering finish characterized by mouth-watering acidity. Enjoy as a refreshing aperitif or pair with fresh crustaceans, seafood dishes, mild Cantonese cuisine, or a simple roast chicken.

"Two rows per terrace, licorice soils, vines formed with a single arm and a very unproductive rootstock, make up my landscape and my life.

Mas d’en Perí is a farmhouse dating from the middle of the s. XIX The previous owner made wines on the farm, and there are still some remains of the old cellar at the Mas. My family acquired it at the end of the 50s and I am the third generation to work the land but the first to venture into making wine.

17 ha make up the farm but at the moment there are only 4 planted. 15 years ago, my father decided to plant Grenache and Carignan. Now with the growth of the project, I have decided to plant 3 ha more of white varieties and a little more Grenache.

I follow a sustainable line and work with the intention of making wines with minimal intervention." - Mas d’en Perí

This beautifully balanced wine exhibits crisp acidity and vibrant fruity flavors reminiscent of yellow pepper and pineapple. It entices with aromas of ripe tropical fruits, including citrus, while maintaining fresh acidity that persists intensely on the palate.

The Haakon/Lenai Vineyard Pinot Noir shows elegant notes of pomegranate, cola, spicy tobacco, roasted dark cherry, blackcurrant, rhubarb, allspice, juniper berry and rose petal with fine tannins. Dry Farmed, & Organically farmed. Aged 11 Months in French Oak Barrels, 40% New.

Pairs well with: Duck, goose & gamebirds

The renamed Lunae winery located in Liguria produces this spectacular red wine with the DOC Colli Luini certification. This wine is made by 33% Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo grapes. The Auxo Colli Luini DOC is an excellent quality wine, refined and prestigious suitable for convivial and representative moments and it is also round and soft. The cultivation method is the Guyot with a density of 4000 units per hectare according to the technical policy of production. The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Magra and in little portion also in Ortonovo and Sarzana in the La Spezia province. The vineyards are around 30 years old. The manual grape harvest takes place in the second half of September. Firstly there is the fermentation in stainless steel tanks with 10 days on peels, then the racking off and late the malolactic fermentation always in steel tanks. Finally the aging period of 6 months in big oak barrels. In the first process the must and the wine are kept at 18°C.

This selection (above reserve) from the estate vineyard has the sort of raisin and prune aromas that suggest super-ripe fruit. It's tannic and chewy, a style more reminiscent of Shiraz than most Pinot Noirs, and the finish brings the heat.

This is a surprisingly thin wine from this classic vineyard and stellar vintage. Flavors of strawberry, watermelon and cranberry seem dilute, and there is little backup as the wine trails out the finish. It's a pleasant and balanced wine, aged in 28% new French barrels that push out a toasty finish. Paul Gregutt

A multi-vineyard blend, this uses both barrel and concrete egg ferments. It's textured and complex, with lightly buttery apple fruit, a whiff of toast and salty minerality. It was aged for 16 months, and roughly half of the barrels used were new.

~Paul Gregutt

Satsuma peel, mandarin segments, butter biscuits, dry oak, bookbindings, and hints of baking spices on the nose. Warm orange, sweet vanilla, creamy pudding, sherbet, and a mellow pepperiness on the palate, but as the citrus theme swells, a taste of grapefruit bitterness washes over it, making for a sharp, bitter finish. With its 46% malt content, this has grace, but seems a bit mild for a warrior pirate queen’s tastes

"Brown sugar and caramel aromas entice the nose. The bold, warming palate opens with pecan and almond, finishing long with oak, charcoal, toffee and dark spices. What's in the bottle is a blend of rye, Tennessee whiskey and American malt whiskey, aged at least four years and bottled in bond. One of two new permanent expressions added to the line-up in May 2022. Kara Newman" - 92/100, Wine Enthusiast

"The first sniffings unearth a soft, slightly sour and vegetal aroma; more time adds minor scents of ash and unsmoked cigarette. The bittersweet palate entry taste flashes on cocoa bean and sap; at midpalate toasty, sooty flavors of tobacco leaf, wood smoke, wood resin and vanilla are found. Ends up semisweet, succulent and roughly spirity." - Wine Enthusiast 87/100

This Anejo tequila undergoes a meticulous aging process in American oak and ex-bourbon barrels for at least 12 months, fostering a symphony of nuanced aromas. Expect to encounter the inviting essence of roasted agave and wood, complemented by subtle undertones of dried fruit and butterscotch. Its velvety mouthfeel offers a delightful interplay of flavors, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruits unveiling themselves gracefully. Medium to full-bodied, it presents a rich and satisfying sipping experience. Whether enjoyed neat or over ice, this Anejo tequila promises to elevate any occasion with its complexity and depth of flavor.

"This whisky is slowly making its way around the world, but it was worth the wait, as master blender Colin Scott’s use of mizunara oak makes for an impressively different nose from Chivas Regal 12 year old. Pecans, sandalwood, coriander seed, honeycomb, peanuts, and rich oak aromas herald a warming dram with fabulously developed orange zest and vanilla toffee flavors, before a more assertive finish of dark toffee and tenacious spices."

This whiskey presents a bright, delicate, and approachable profile. While it may not be a showstopper, it offers generous sweet fruit flavors, reminiscent of candied red apple sweetness, along with floral and black cherry notes. On the palate, it displays modest structure, featuring notes of lemon and pistachio, complemented by gentle hints of baking spice and sandalwood. This blend comprises two Kentucky straight rye whiskeys and two Kentucky straight bourbons.

The slightly fruity overall note is supported by delicate smoke. Spring-like lightness with citrus and subtle sweetness on the palate is complemented by fine wood tones.

Xi Feng 1956 is a distinctive Chinese spirit crafted from a blend of sorghum, barley, and wheat. Its aromatic profile is characterized by intense notes of green apple and wet grass, offering a refreshing and invigorating olfactory experience. On the palate, it unveils a sweet earthiness that is complemented by a lingering aftertaste, contributing to its overall complexity and depth of flavor. Best enjoyed neat at room temperature, it serves as an excellent accompaniment to a meal, enhancing the dining experience with its unique characteristics.

The appearance of this whiskey is a light amber hue, hinting at its complexity. Upon nosing, one encounters a robust bouquet dominated by heavy floral notes reminiscent of lilies and stewed white fruit, alongside just-overripe banana. However, this floral profile is juxtaposed with a subtle meatiness and a touch of pleasant sulfur, adding depth and intrigue. On the palate, the whiskey reveals its full-bodied character with a thick and creamy texture, delivering an explosion of fruit flavors that coat the mouth. This is a bold and unmistakable Speyside dram, showcasing the classic distillery character in a statement-making expression that demands attention and admiration.

Handcrafted tequila that is created for sipping, this is barrel aged for 11 months giving it a beautiful copper colour. On the palate, it is soft with flavours of sweet caramelized agave, vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is warming and long with notes of spice and toasty oak.

Building upon the triumphs of Teremana Blanco and Reposado, and championed by the global icon Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, their Añejo steps into the tequila arena. With notes of apple, pear, oak, vanilla, agave, caramel, and baking spice, the rich palate leads to a long and intricate finish. Pair it with samosas adorned with green chutney for an exquisite experience.

The nose of this whisky presents a delicate blend of spice, honey, and green apples. On the palate, creamy flavors of orange, honey, mint, and toasted grain come to the forefront. The finish offers notes of burnt toffee, bread pudding with raisins, and a subtle hint of bananas foster. While there is some alcohol astringency, it is minimal, and a faint touch of bitter oak emerges towards the end.

This product harkens back to the traditional methods of crafting tequila, boasting intense aromas and flavors reminiscent of the classic approach. It showcases prominent notes of cooked agave, accompanied by subtle hints of citrus, such as grapefruit, and fruity undertones reminiscent of apple and cantaloupe. Additionally, it offers spicy accents of clove and anise, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile, resulting in a tequila experience that is both robust and nuanced.

Bright gold in the glass, look for a fresh and breezy aroma that mixes grassy notes with gentle vanilla. It's light and soft on the palate, showing honey, pepper and banana before finishing on baking spice and spearmint notes.

A distillery exclusive until now, Ninety Nine Proof is finally in distribution across the U.S. One hundred days finishing in Gretzky’s own cabernet sauvignon barrels put wagonloads of ripe fruit on the nose, with some dry hardwood, peanut brittle, and a slight tickle too. This is powerful whisky, quite fruity, with long, fading dry pepper and an inviting hint of spent gunpowder leading to a dry, slightly woody finish.

As part of its program to make available single malts from all five of its Scotch whisky distilleries, Bacardi subsidiary John Dewar & Sons has now released a trio of bottlings from Royal Brackla, situated near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands. The 12, 16, and 21 year old expressions are initially available in ten markets, Including the UK, U.S., and Canada. The nose offers warm spices, walnuts, malt, peaches in cream, honey, vanilla, and a slightly herbal, earthy note. Quite robust on the palate for its strength, with spice, sweet sherry, and mildly smoky orchard fruit. The finish is relatively long, with cocoa powder, citrus fruit, and ginger.

This is a unique expression crafted entirely on Islay, from conception to bottling. The barley used in this release was grown locally by seven farming partners within a 10-mile radius of the distillery, showcasing the distinct terroir of the island. Malted to 40ppm on the Scottish mainland, the barley is then brought back to Islay for distillation in tall, narrow-necked stills to achieve elegance and finesse. During maturation, the spirit undergoes a complex journey, with a combination of sherry butts and first and second-fill American whiskey barrels, followed by recasking into Sauternes wine casks from Bordeaux. The resulting whisky is a classic representation of Islay's peated single malt style, offering a harmonious blend of floral notes, honeyed coconut, fudge, and the signature Port Charlotte BBQ peat smoke.

A pale gold, light-bodied spirit with a brisk feel and hearty alcohol sting. The scent landed somewhere between smoky and menthol, bringing to mind menthol cigarettes. But the flavor was warm and honey-like.