The 2021 d'Armailhac has turned out beautifully, bursting with attractive aromas of minty cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, it's supple and seamless, with a fleshy core of fruit and a licorice-inflected finish. En primeur, I compared this to a modern-day version of the estate's immensely charming 1999, and anyone who remembers the 1999 will find that the 2021 delivers just as wide a drinking window. Drink 2026-2041.

The wine has perfumed Cabernet Franc aromas with violet, spice and touches of black-fruit tannins. Smoky with tannins, a serious, dense structure and succulent richness, the wine is powerful, impressively rich, ready to drink from 2028.

This single malt whisky, distilled at Milton, now known as Strathisla, holds the distinction of being the oldest distillery in Speyside. Distilled in 1949, this remarkable expression spent an astounding 72 years maturing in a first fill sherry puncheon before being meticulously bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2022 at a dignified 48.6% ABV. Upon nosing, the whisky unveils a captivating array of aromas, including baked forest fruits, fresh vanilla, and a rich influence of sherry, setting the stage for an enticing palate experience. Upon tasting, one is greeted with flavors reminiscent of apple pie, vibrant citrus notes, and indulgent caramel. The finish lingers gracefully, leaving impressions of toffee apple and a subtle hint of smoke, further enhancing the whisky's complexity and depth.

Fragrant mandarin peel and rich Sherry aromas intertwine, followed by notes of salted almonds, raspberry compote, and a hint of malted biscuit. Roasted coffee beans transition into walnuts and stewed raisins, while blackcurrant jam harmonizes with Seville orange peel and red apple. The palate concludes with a long finish marked by lingering hazelnuts and cocoa powder.

Glenburgie is emerging as one of my preferred Speyside distilleries due to its consistent delivery of tropical fruit notes, a characteristic that particularly appeals to my palate. The 21 years of maturation in this distillery-label bottling from Gordon & MacPhail are expected to enhance these flavors. At 46% ABV and aged for at least 21 years, this expression promises to showcase the distinctive Glenburgie profile. Despite initial impressions of stale sulfur and mustiness on the nose, accompanied by earthy and grassy undertones, familiar Glenburgie characteristics of apples, peaches, tropical fruit, and honey emerge. The palate reveals a medium texture with flavors of honey, peaches, lemongrass, and elderflower, leading to an intriguing development of fragrant oak, ripe mango, and subtle sulfurous notes. The finish, medium in length, offers layers of sweetness with caramel, honey, chocolate, and fruity accents, complemented by floral hints. While hints of earthy sulfur persist throughout, the overall experience presents a rich and flavorful exploration of Glenburgie's renowned profile.

Glen Mhor, often overshadowed by its more celebrated peers like Brora and Port Ellen, holds a distinct allure in the realm of lost distilleries. While it may lack the romanticism of its counterparts, its significance cannot be understated, particularly as one of the components used to recreate the legendary Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt. Now, four decades removed from its last spirit run, Glen Mhor releases are increasingly scarce and highly coveted, exemplified by offerings like this one. Bottled from Refill Sherry Hogshead #72, yielding a mere 174 bottles, this expression has garnered an impressive 93 points on Whiskyfun, a testament to its exceptional quality. With its natural color, non-chill filtration, and robust 50.8% ABV, this bottling embodies the essence of Glen Mhor's legacy, destined to be cherished by whisky enthusiasts fortunate enough to acquire it.

The Private Collection by Gordon & MacPhail stands as a testament to the distilleries that have fallen silent over the years, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare glimpse into their storied past. This exclusive collection presents exceptionally rare and aged malts, carefully curated by members of the Urquhart family, who have steered Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. Among these treasures are releases from iconic distilleries like Dallas Dhu and Longmorn, each hand-selected to showcase the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, emphasizes the legacy of his grandfather, George Urquhart, who pioneered the art of matching new make spirit with select casks, ensuring each whisky reached its peak before bottling. The latest addition to this illustrious lineup is a Gordon & MacPhail Dallas Dhu from a single refill American hogshead, yielding just 134 bottles after 38 years of ageing at a bold 60.1% ABV, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this iconic Speyside distillery.

Part of Gordon & MacPhail's esteemed Private Collection, this Speyside single malt hails from the shuttered Convalmore distillery in Dufftown. Distilled in 1975, it spent 46 years maturing in a refill American oak hogshead, yielding just 138 bottles at 47.8% ABV. On the nose, expect fragrant Turkish delight, zestful lemon, and candied orange peel. The palate offers a floral character accompanied by nuances of lemon curd and orange rind. Finishing smoothly, it unveils hints of Madagascan vanilla and lingering citrus notes.

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 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.

Celler Mas D'En Peri Garnatxa

"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.

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

This medium-bodied wine is fully mature, presenting a harmonious blend of cassis, cranberry, earth, tobacco, cedar, and forest floor notes. While displaying a hint of rusticity in its tannins and subtle green nuances in the red berry finish, it appeals to aficionados favoring a more traditional style. Successful for its vintage, it leans slightly towards the classic and austere end of the style spectrum. Given its current state, there is no need for further aging, making it ready to enjoy now.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

In the picturesque ambiance of the Côte d’Azur, a shimmering gown evokes the essence of luxury, catching the light with its golden hue and delicate fig and citrus notes, reminiscent of the coastal air. Similarly, The Singleton whisky embodies elegance and refinement, curated by the Malt Master with meticulous care akin to haute couture craftsmanship. Finished in Chardonnay de Bourgogne French Oak casks, it exudes a rich and magnetic character, offering lavish honeyed aromas, buttery Chardonnay notes, and layers of smooth texture with hints of ripe fruit and toffee. Silky and velvety, it commands attention and epitomizes sophistication.

Oban Special Release 2022 is a single malt whisky aged for 10 years in first-fill American oak barrels before undergoing a secondary maturation in amontillado barrels. Exhibiting a gentle nose with marine notes, this Oban expression boasts a rich personality on the palate. The influence of the amontillado barrels adds layers of flavor and dynamism to the whisky, creating a unique and complex drinking experience.

"A Night on Earth in Scotland" pays homage to Hogmanay, the vibrant Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve. This special release, adorned with artwork by illustrator Erica Dorn, captures the essence of the festivities. Enjoy the delightful aromas of shortbread and spiced orange that perfectly complement the warming body of this seasonal offering. Best enjoyed neat in the company of good friends, it embodies the spirit of Hogmanay and the joy of sharing moments together.

Legent® Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend is a testament to the collaborative artistry and innovation in whiskey-making. Originating as a meticulously crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Fred in Kentucky, it embarks on a transformative journey across continents to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Japan. Under the expertise of Shinji, it undergoes secondary aging in French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks, as well as a finishing period in sherry casks previously used for maturing Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky. These unique aging processes impart rich notes and a vivid spiced finish, adding layers of complexity and depth. Finally, the carefully selected batches are blended with the original Bourbon Whiskey before bottling in Clermont. The result is a harmonious and complex expression, marrying oaky warmth with smooth brightness and culminating in a distinctly long finish.

Introducing Glenkinchie Special Release 2023, a pinnacle of Scottish distilling excellence. Aged for 27 years and bottled at natural cask strength, this single malt scotch whisky embodies the time-honoured traditions of its distillery. Maturing in a blend of refill American and European oak barrels and butts, it offers a complex and nuanced flavor profile. The refill casks allow the spirit's true character to shine, while the oak imparts delightful notes of vanilla, toffee, and spice. Distilled, matured, and bottled in Scotland, this whisky is a true reflection of the region's distilling heritage. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or new to single malts, Glenkinchie Special Release 2023 promises an exceptional tasting experience, destined to be a prized addition to any collection.

In homage to the vital role of wood in Scotch Whisky production, this edition of Rock Island by Douglas Laing undergoes a special finishing process in heavily charred casks, allowing the spirit to absorb a wealth of rich flavors from the wood. Rock Island pays tribute to Scotland's Whisky Islands and their maritime heritage, blending Single Malts from Orkney, Arran, Jura, and Islay. Commemorating the Chinese Year of the Dragon in 2024, known as the Wood Dragon, this exclusive Limited Edition undergoes finishing in fiercely charred 'crocodile' casks, adding a unique twist to this exceptional whisky.

Color: Brilliant ruby Aromatic: Crisp, fresh red fruits with a chalky note Palate: Fresh linear fruit initially, medium weight on the middle palate with a smooth, subtle finish.

The Legacy Collection by Mission Hill Family Estate represents the pinnacle of Okanagan Valley winemaking, showcasing their unwavering commitment to quality. Hand-selecting the finest fruit from their estate vineyards, they craft small-lot wines coveted for their cellar-worthiness. Despite the region's relative obscurity in 1981, its glacier-formed valley offered ideal conditions for winemaking, inspiring Mission Hill's vision for the future of Okanagan wine. Today, as Canada's sole five-time winner of Winery of the Year, they continue to draw inspiration from the valley and their vineyards, embarking on an enduring journey of excellence. Their Bordeaux blend, a harmonious integration of soil, climate, and clone selection, exemplifies the unique terroir of the region, yielding elegant and luscious fruit.

Tobacco, leather and dark-spice aromas take center stage along with a pretty whiff of violet. The full-bodied, rounded palate shows dried cherry, licorice and ground clove while fine-grained tannins lend polished support. Drink 2021–2027. Kerin O’Keefe