Scarabus, meaning ‘rocky place' in Old Norse, is named after a mystical area of Islay. This is a 10 year old version of Hunter Laing's original Scarabus single malt Scotch whisky. Produced by an undisclosed distillery on the legendary isle of Islay, this expression is aged in a combo of refill, ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks, and bottled up after a decade of maturation.
Nose: Soft phenolic peat smoke, slightly bitter with hints of Lapsang Souchong, tar, sea spray and toasted brioche developing along the way. Behind it lemon and honey sweetness.

Palate: Golden syrup, vanilla, and a slow rumble of peaty smoke and crushed peppercorns. In the mouth a tad rounder and more voluminous than its little brother.

Finish: Sweet peat, umami and some floral freshness. Medium length.

Sheep Dip is a premium small-batch blended malt Scotch whisky, crafted from single malts across Scotland into a sophisticated blend with a robust character. It pays homage to Scottish farmers who historically distilled their own spirits, reflecting an era when quality and community took precedence over excise duties. This whisky features a nose of bold fruit aromas including melon, pear, and orange, with citrusy botanicals, sweet marzipan, and spicy oak. On the palate, it offers rich, malt-forward flavors of toffee and dark fruits, culminating in a long, creamy finish with lingering vanilla and a faint hint of bonfires. It won Gold at the World Spirits Competition 2021.

Nose: The nose of Shelter Point Distillery's 'Ripple Rock' Single Malt Whisky is filled with enticing aromas of rich caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. Hints of dried fruits and a subtle floral note add complexity to the bouquet.

Taste: On the palate, this whisky delivers a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of sweet toffee, butterscotch, and honeycomb dominate, accompanied by a gentle spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste is well-balanced and showcases the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship.

Palate: The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering sweetness on the palate. Notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts emerge, complemented by a touch of oak and a hint of sea salt. Overall, Shelter Point Distillery's 'Ripple Rock' Single Malt Whisky is a delightful expression that showcases the distillery's dedication to producing exceptional Canadian whisky.

Shelter Point Distillery Single Malt Whisky is a premium Canadian whisky that reflects the craftsmanship and terroir of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Made with locally grown barley and pristine water sourced from the island's aquifers, this whisky is a true expression of its coastal environment. It likely exhibits a rich amber hue and enticing aromas of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices, with subtle hints of oak and dried fruits. On the palate, expect a smooth and velvety texture, with flavors of toffee, honey, and toasted malt, complemented by notes of citrus and a touch of sea salt. The finish is long and warming, with lingering hints of oak and spice. Shelter Point Distillery Single Malt Whisky is a testament to the distillery's dedication to quality and sustainability, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or enjoying in classic whisky cocktails.

Nose: The Shetland Reel Blended Malt Scotch Whisky offers a delightful aroma of rich honey, vanilla, and caramel, with hints of dried fruits and a subtle touch of oak.

Taste: On the palate, this whisky reveals a smooth and creamy texture, accompanied by flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and a gentle spiciness. There are also notes of ripe apples and pears, complemented by a delicate smokiness.

Palate: The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering sweetness of honey and vanilla, with a touch of oak and a hint of peat smoke. Overall, the Shetland Reel Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a well-balanced and flavorful expression, showcasing the best of Shetland's whisky-making tradition.

SHIN Select Reserve Whisky is blended with 2 years finished whisky of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, that are both previously aged in Japanese Shochu cask (American Oak) for 3 years.

Award List:

Bronze (World Whisky Awards, 2022)

Double Gold Medal (San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021)

Bronze Medal (IWSC 2020)

Tasting Notes

Nose: cereal barley malt, some caramelised sugar and light treacle, hints of vanilla custard and crème brulee, fruity apples and pears, toffee and caramel

Palate: light and smooth initially, creamy caramelised sugar, caramel, fudge, toffee, vanilla, some spices begin to develop, a light wasabi heat and a little fennel give this a spiced kick

Finish: medium, balanced between creamy vanilla toffee and drying spiced oak and hints of peat

Eigashima Shin Serene whisky is named after Mr. Hiraishi, the eighth generation of Eigashima Shuzo. Mild and soft as the fascination towards Seto Inland Sea, light and smooth on the palate, just exactly the same as Mr. Hiraishi’s natural disposition in gentleness.Based on the unique centuries-old whisky blending skills and the tradition of sake brewery of Eigashima, Shin Serene whisky is carefully made by Toji, also the chief executive of Eigashima sake brewery. As a blend of whisky aged 3 years in a combination of sherry, bourbon, and Japanese shochu barrels, the fusion is well balanced and sublimated to a new level.
Tasting Note
Nose: orange peel, honey, pepper, spices
Taste: an oily mouthfeel, citrus, vanilla, light honey with a comfortable and slightly spicy shot
Finish: reminiscent of peaches and almonds, honey, mellow aftertaste
Color: amber

Fresh wood barrel dominates the spirit with a touch of vanilla and flowers that lead to a breath of nectar. Maltose, a little bit tones of fruits citrus, Mizunara oak, coffee beans. Medium, woody, back to sweet aftertaste of maltose.

The flavor from alcohol is not that strong, compared to its labeled year, which tastes smooth and easy to drink. Award-winning : Shinobu Single Malt 10 Year spent most of its days in bourbon and sherry casks before it was transferred to Japanese Mizanura oak for a finish, imparting earthy, woody notes to the whisky.

A suitably well-rounded expression.

As with much of what passes for Japanese whisky, the spirit for this one was not produced in Japan, it was however matured there for at least some of its life. This "pure malt", a term no longer allowed in Scotland, means it is a blend of different single malts, or a Blended Malt. The sourced whiskies, almost certainly Scottish, where matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry before marrying and gfinishing in Mizunara, Japanese Oak. 43%.

Tasting Notes

Nose: salted caramel, raisins, dates and figs; firm new leather, fruity tobacco and candied nuts; chocolate covered espresso beans and Twizzlers black licorice.

Palate: round, fruity and spicy; more salted caramel, firm new leather, Twizzlers Black and salty Dutch licorice; a trace of juicy malt, dried dark fruits and more chocolate covered espresso; drying and spicy with more cinnamon sticks, ginger root and fennel.

Finish: medium long, coating, drying and spicy; elegant but subtle.

Comment: the Mizunara oak notes do not come through quite as prominently for me on the 15 as they did on the 10 year; this is a more mature, austere and understated malt.

Shinobu Blended Shogun Edition is a blended Japanese whisky aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Japanese Mizunara oak, resulting in a complex profile with notes of honeyed fruits, vanilla, caramel, and subtle hints of sandalwood, spice, and exotic florals from the oak. The palate offers a balanced, oily texture with creamy vanilla and caramel, while the finish is elegant and lingering, showcasing sweet oak and soft, aromatic spices.

The Shinobu Distillery, located in Niigata on Japan’s western coast, is renowned for its “Three White Treasures”: snow, rice, and sake. Master blender Mr. Usami Ken crafts Shinobu Pure Malt whiskies, blending malts aged in sherry and bourbon hogshead casks before finishing them in Japanese Mizunara Oak, known for its rich flavors of apples, pears, cloves, and nutmeg. The Shinobu Lightly Peated Pure Malt Whisky offers a robust body with smoky, toasty oak flavors. Unchill-filtered and free from added color, it preserves its complex character. The nose is minty and creamy with light peat and lemon hints, while the palate features moderate peat, toasted oak, and a hint of saltiness. The finish lingers with toasted wood sweetness and roasted malt.

Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata (Koshi area) of Japan, which is famous for its “Three White” treasures namely snow, rice and sake. Quality whisky selected from all around the world is reserved in bourbon and sherry casks for more than 3 years and later finished with precious Mizunara oak in Japan. “Shinobu” in Japanese means forbearance, which is considered an important trait of Japanese culture; thus, the name reflects the spirit of making good whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Butter, coconuts, candy, mint, grass, wood.

Palate: Smooth, a bit oily hint of Chinese incense, butter, vanilla.

Finish: Medium, sandalwood, vanilla.

"Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata (Koshi area) of Japan, which is famous for its “Three White” treasures namely snow, rice and sake. Quality whisky selected from all around the world is reserved in bourbon and sherry casks for more than 3 years and later finished with precious Mizunara oak in Japan. “Shinobu” in Japanese means forbearance, which is considered an important trait of Japanese culture; thus, the name reflects the spirit of making good whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Vanilla, plums, minty.

Palate: Slightly sweet, spices, vanilla, citrus, smoky oak.

Finish: Medium, sweet, woody, minty, slight bitterness.

Signal Hill Canadian Whisky offers a tasting experience with notes of honey, vanilla, caramel, and toffee on the nose, followed by a creamy palate with hints of raisins, plums, and subtle spices, and a medium-length finish with sweet caramel and light oak spice.

Immerse yourself in the exceptional character of Signal Hill Founders Select Overproof Whisky, a limited edition bottling boasting an impressive 56.3% ABV. Embracing the rich tradition of Signal Hill Whisky, this overproof expression exemplifies boldness without sacrificing the renowned flavor profile that defines Signal Hill.

The aroma of this drink is unmistakably that of peanut butter or a blend of peanut and hazelnut butter. It has a sweet and buttery scent that leaves no doubt about its flavor profile. On the palate, it is a cross between peanut and hazelnut butter, offering a surprising saltiness and intense sweetness.

After spending 9 years in American oak, the spirit was further matured in French oak barrels that previously held Napa Valley Bordeaux varietal red wine which added perfumed aromatics and rounded out the mouthfeel. The spirit was then tamed with pristine wine country water. Nose: Intense and inviting with caramelized sugar, baking spices, dark fruits, butterscotch and vanilla notes.
 
Palate: Smooth, ultra rich and layered.
 
Finish: Honey, toast and loads of caramel.

Plenty of intrigue on the nose, with floral top notes, light vanilla fudge, the juiciness of blood orange, pomegranate, and a sprinkling of whole pepper. Syrupy texture with flavors dominated by pears, slowly overcome by the long buildup of spice—pepper, clove, and cinnamon—with a final act of black cherry, black currant jelly, and praline. Dilution provides a shortcut to those fleshy dark fruits. Quite delicious and heartily recommended.

Nose: Rich and malty with notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. Subtle hints of oak and spice.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and toasted almonds. Slight fruity undertones of apples and pears.

Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced. Delicate sweetness with a touch of spice. Lingering finish of oak and a hint of smoke.

Smokehead High Voltage Single Malt Whisky delivers an electrifying experience, immersing the senses in a whirlwind of intense peatiness and profound richness. With a bold rush of black smoke and creamy, nutty undertones, this expression culminates in a tangy sea salt finish that leaves a lasting impression. Reserved for the daring and unapologetically bold, Smokehead High Voltage is an explosion of flavor that defies convention and demands attention, regardless of others' opinions.

Hanging out in Caribbean rum casks infuses this Smokehead with an intense burst of smoke and fiery peat, complemented by refreshing citrus and tropical fruit notes. Delve deeper, and you'll discover hints of marshmallow and bacon, adding layers of complexity to the experience. The palate delivers a fearless onslaught of rich, peaty flavors, accompanied by thick oils, bracing sea spray, and a touch of dried spices, banana, and dark wood. As the journey concludes, notes of caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla emerge, providing a delicate contrast to the lingering smokiness, akin to the comforting embrace of dry land after a wild adventure at sea.

The eagerly anticipated Limited Edition Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast, formerly known as Sherry Bomb, from Iain MacLeod Distillers has made its debut! This Islay single malt whisky has been treated to an intense infusion of rich, sweet, and spicy Spanish sherry casks, resulting in a powerful and full-bodied dram. Bursting with flavors of sherried fruits, dates, burnt orange peel, and sticky toffee, it delivers a robust punch of Islay peat smoke. A dream come true for lovers of Islay and sherried whiskies alike, this innovative and special release promises a taste sensation like no other.

Terminado is a unique blend that marries Smokehead Islay single malt with tequila, resulting in an unprecedented and captivating whisky experience. The combination of the fiery peat of Islay whisky with the distinct flavors of tequila cask finishing creates a mesmerizing interplay of smoke, agave, sweetness, and citrus. This unconventional union produces a whisky that is bold, complex, and utterly distinctive, offering a taste sensation unlike any other.

The Sovereign Port Dundas blended Scotch whisky is made using a combination of single malt whiskies from the closed Port Dundas distillery and other distilleries in Scotland. The exact composition of the blend is not disclosed, but it is known to have a light and floral character with a hint of sweetness and a smooth and balanced flavor profile.

A mix of American and Spanish oak casks was used to mature this addition to the core range. A big blast of orchard and tropical fruits characterizes the early nose, along with honey, vanilla, and toffee. The palate also majors in fruit, this time principally oranges, plus caramel, cinnamon, milk chocolate, and lots of vanilla. The finish is quite short, with banana and ginger.

Nose: Rich and inviting with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Taste: Smooth and full-bodied, with flavors of butterscotch, toffee, and a hint of spice.
Palate: A long, warm finish with a touch of sweetness and a lingering oakiness.

Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Taste: Sweet corn, honey, and baking spices.
Palate: Smooth and full-bodied with notes of butterscotch and a hint of smoke.

From Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards in Indiana comes this well-made whiskey with elements of originality and surprise. Hickory wood spice, cinnamon candy, and coffee cake on the nose. The palate is full of spice with some tropical fruit—mango and guava—plus good balance and body. These notes shine brighter without water. Guava carries over to the palate where it’s joined by mint, more cinnamon, and oak. This is one to keep an eye on as stocks mature. (Best Value)

Nose: Rich and malty with notes of toasted rye bread, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Taste: Spicy and robust, with flavors of black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Subtle sweetness from caramel and vanilla.

Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with a creamy mouthfeel. Lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness on the finish.

Art comes in many different forms—from the simplest line drawing to the most complex symphony—but all good art has something in common: It begins with inspiration. The Artist is galvanized by a visit from the Muse and can’t help but take up the chisel, the pen, the camera, the paintbrush. This is a whiskey for the dreamers, the visionaries, and the Artists who inspire us all. It’s the ultimate marriage of the art and the muse.

Cinnamon bark and cedar aromas mingle with a hint of fresh spearmint. The bold palate opens with lemon peel astringency and an echo of mint, winding into oak, coconut and a modest amount of vanilla, finishing with a bracingly peppery exhale. Made with 100% Texas grains. Kara Newman

Still Austin is a grain-to-glass distillery founded in Austin, Texas in 2015. For the brand’s Straight Bourbon, 100% of the grains were sourced from Texas farmers. The mash bill is 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% Wildfire malted barley. It’s aged for at least two years in new, charred American oak barrels. The label artwork entitled ‘The Musician’ was created by Texas-native Marc Burckhardt and is the first in a series of portraits of “archetypical” Austinites created for the brand.

Straight Edge is a blend of 5, 7 and 8-year-old Bourbon from Kentucky and Tennessee. The Bourbon was finished in the Napa Valley where it was aged in seasoned wine barrels. The barrels imparted toasty vanilla and dried fruit notes while also allowing the Bourbon to soften and mellow.
Aromatically intriguing with brown sugar, maple, caramelized oak, exotic spices, orange peel and campfire. The palate is velvety smooth, rich and packed with flavors of brown spice, honey and intense caramel. The complexity is apparent and the finish is persistent, long lasting and focused.

The aroma of this whisky is fruit-forward, offering enticing notes of stewed prunes and spiced apple cake, complemented by delicate hints of rose potpourri, cinnamon, sassafras, and chai masala. On the palate, the oak takes center stage, accompanied by a symphony of flavors including red fruit, chocolate, spice, walnuts, almonds, vanilla syrup, and sliced lemon. The finish is characterized by lingering oak notes, intertwined with indulgent layers of mocha, dark chocolate, walnuts, and cinnamon apple, leaving a satisfying and memorable impression.

A bundle of wood—sawdust, pine forest, and wood spice—jumpstart the nose, though sweeter aromas of bundt cake, shea butter, malted milk balls, and chocolate milk soon join the fray. More chocolate lies on the heavenly palate, which sings with raspberry Ghirardelli squares, cocoa powder, Raisinets, mocha latte, and grape jelly. The finish keeps a good thing going: chocolate, fruit, and cinnamon spice linger on and on.