A "Goldilocks wine" where everything, down to the restrained alcohol, is just right. Blackcap raspberries, dried rose petals, beeswax and a touch of Madagascar vanilla draw the nose deeper into the glass. Bright red cherry and tangerine flavors create a juicy and pleasurable sweet-tart flavor combination.

Vigna Colonnello is ruby red with garnet hues. The nose is intense and well-balanced with notes of blueberries, raspberries and currants accompanied by balsamic hints, impressions of Mediterranean scrub and floral notes of dried roses. The well-balanced palate has a powerful and fine tannic texture while at the same time expresses great elegance. The finish is long and complex.

The Jura 21 Year Old Tide is a premium, 46.7% ABV single malt Scotch whisky from the Isle of Jura's "Aged Vintage" series, matured in American white oak bourbon barrels and finished in virgin American oak casks. It offers a sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor profile, featuring notes of ginger, caramel, walnut, and roasted coffee.

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate.
Taste: Rich flavors of black cherry, plum, and vanilla.
Palate: Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Vallein Tercinier Cognac Fins Bois 96 (often labeled as "Lot 96") is a rare, single-cask, brut de fût (cask strength) cognac, usually bottled around 48.7% ABV. It offers a rich, complex, and mature profile, featuring vibrant notes of candied apricot, violets, jasmine, and exotic fruits, with a long finish of toasted bread and honey.

Nose: Aromas of red currant, blackberry, and cherry, with hints of violet and dried herbs.

Taste: Flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, and black pepper, with a touch of tobacco and cedar.

Palate: Medium-bodied with smooth tannins and a balanced acidity. The wine has a lingering finish with notes of dark chocolate and spice.

The Barbados 15 Year Old NAS (Notable Age Statements) by Decadent Drinks is a premium, 50% ABV blended rum from Foursquare Distillery. Aged for 11 years in tropical Barbados (2005/2007 barrels) before finishing in the UK, it features rich notes of coconut, toasted oak, dried fruits, and caramel. It is a versatile, complex sipping rum with a smooth, well-balanced, and slightly medicinal profile

Courvoisier XO Royal is a rich, premium blend of Fins Bois de Jarnac and Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, aged up to 30 years to honor historic royal-courted cognacs. It features a deep amber color with a complex,, aromatic profile of truffle, toasted hazelnuts, cinnamon, and honey, resulting in a smooth,, powerful, and lingering finish. 

Ledaig 2007 is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky from the Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull, typically bottled between 10-17 years of age. Known for its intense smoky profile, it often features notes of maritime brine, medicinal smoke, and dried fruits, frequently matured in sherry or bourbon casks to balance the robust, earthy peat.

Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo is a premium 100% Blue Weber agave tequila aged for three years in American white oak barrels and finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks using the solera method. It offers a complex, luxurious flavor profile of caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruit, designed for slow sipping.

Deep, dark, opaque purple-black color holds well to a vivid purple rim & stains the glass when swirled. The aromas are of concentrated dark-fruit. Concentrated fruit on the palate has a tight graphite nature at its core, but is lifted by good freshness. The tannins are fine, but a little drying. Alcohol seems balanced by the fruit. Lovely, juicy blackcurrant fruit emerges from the graphite on the finish – which has fair length.

Nose: Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums with hints of cedar and tobacco.

Taste: Rich and velvety, with flavors of dark fruits, vanilla, and spices.

Palate: Well-structured with smooth tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Nose: Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, with hints of vanilla and cedar.

Taste: Rich and concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry, with notes of chocolate and spice.

Palate: Full-bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Kill Devil Rum Trinidad is a premium, independently bottled single cask series by Hunter Laing, featuring aged molasses rum from distilleries like Caroni or TDL. Known for its high-proof, natural, and additive-free presentation, it typically offers intense notes of tropical fruits, caramel, oak, and sometimes a characteristic petroleum/smoky "Caroni" funk.

The Meukow XO Cognac Rack with Glasses is a premium gift set featuring a 700ml or 750ml bottle of expertly aged, mahogany-colored Cognac, often accompanied by two to four branded snifter glasses. This set is designed for display, featuring a stylish, often wooden rack. The cognac itself offers rich, complex notes of candied orange, dried fruits, and vanilla.

Crafted as a tribute to the 1573 National Treasures Cellars, this baijiu exemplifies Chinese traditional culture and craftsmanship. It greets the nose with dominant apple and pear aromas, accompanied by subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, it offers a smooth texture and unfolds flavors of pineapple, licorice, sesame, and hints of seaweed. Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its intricate profile.

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.

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.

The Remy Martin Louis XIII Dragon Coffret, designed by Chinese artist Liu Li Hong, it is a limited edition coffret designed for 2024 Lunar New Year. In a special celebration edition for the Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon, the Louis XIII cognac, starts life aged in individual cellars in centuries-old barrels, which helps to give it its rich, full flavour.

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is an ultra-premium Kentucky straight bourbon finished for three additional years in select French XO Cognac barrels, resulting in a complex, rich, and velvety spirit. Bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof), it features notes of toasted oak, dried fruit, cocoa, and creamy vanilla. The bourbon comes in a handmade Baccarat crystal decanter. 

The nose of the 62er Grant has a multi-faceted range of aromas that are creamy, intense, and characterful. Hazelnuts and woody spices rise from the glass, with hints of chocolate, vanilla, and honey. Undertones of furniture polish and leather can also be detected, as well as raisins in rum and caramel infused with peppermint. As you inhale, you are greeted with a dignified and old-fashioned bouquet that stimulates salivation.

The first sip is mild and velvety, with a balance of creamy sweetness and fruity flavors. The second sip reveals the appearance of citrus fruits and tart, spicy wood tones. The wooden sharpness lingers in the mouth and is accompanied by old walnuts, dark caramel, dried orange peel, and dark chocolate. The flavors of raisins, cherries, leather, and tobacco gradually come to the forefront, along with cedar wood and sweetish tobacco. The finish is powerful and voluminous, pulling the flavors down the throat and leaving behind dark fruit flavors, woody spices, leather, tobacco, and fresh peppermint. The complex flavors blend together to leave a contented smile on your face.

2x Barolo La Serra 2011

2x Barolo 2011

2x Barolo Brunate 2011

6 x 750mL

The Chaps at Master of Malt

The nose is rich and full with a well-harnessed sweetness. There are notes of acacia honey and buttery vanilla, notes of mixed wild berries and Creme de fraise. Hints of gooseberries with dry ropes and creamy citrus and smoke. The palate is complex and well-balanced. There are notes of aged Cuban rum with a touch of dark, yet quite subservient peat. The smoke rises gently, coerced by a rather persuasive sherry. The finish is long and smoky with plenty of sherry notes.

Chateau Haut-Brion is the only first growth outside the Medoc in the Graves region, acquired in 1935 by Clarence Dillon. It is also the only winer to be both First Growth from the 1855 classification and Classified Growth of the Graves. This was the first of three estates acquired by the Dillon family, and is the oldest winegrowing property in the region. The 2016 is a red wine blend made from 56% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black currants, violets and plums that is full-bodied and juicy on the palate with rich tannin and structure.