festive menu 2022 +

Uisge-Beatha

whisky

All
Blended
Campbeltown
Highland
Island
Islay
Lowland
Speyside
USA
Rest of the world
Ailsa Bay 1.2 Sweet Smoke
Lowland
6.0
This peated release from the Girvan Distillery in South Ayrshire has had a revamp, both inside and outside the bottle. The smoke level has been turned up a notch, but there is also a rounder, richer mouthfeel. Essence of campfire, baked shortbread and an earthiness on the nose, followed by warm spice, candied orange and slight vanilla on the palate. A peppery spice lingers long after the last sip.
Ardmore 11 Year Old, James Eadie
Highland
8.8
A single cask, cask strength Ardmore, finished in a sherry-seasoned quarter cask for 10 months. Hailing from Kennethmont near Insch, Ardmore has a lovely peatiness, that works well with rich sherry notes, and is mainly used for the blend Teacher’s. This is from a QC that produced only 133. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Arran Quarter Cask
Island
7.0
Re-released in Autumn 2019, the new look Arran range is a book you can rightly judge by it’s cover. Seven years in first-fill ex-Bourbon, two years in an American oak quarter cask, this is a natural strength full- bodied dram with creamy vanilla, autumnal spice, coconut and pineapple notes.
Auchentoshan Three Wood
Lowland
5.4
A beautiful marriage of two sherry oaks and one American white oak produces an easy going yet rich and complex whisky. Vanilla fudge and freshly-cut wood on the nose, powerful glazed fruits, cherries and plums on the palate.
BOX Dalvve Single Malt
Rest of the world
7.2
A youthful but brilliant entry into the market from Sweden’s Box Distillery. A combination of peated and unpeated malt, averaging only 5 years, this truly small batch malt is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and casks that have come from Jack Daniels, Heaven Hill and our very own Speyside Cooperage. Go to their website for one of the most comprehensive and transparent detailed processes we have ever seen from a distillery. Basically a how-to if you wanted to replicate this yourself (but don’t kid yourself that you can...!).
Balvenie 12yr DoubleWood
Speyside
4.6
The exclusive Balvenie Distillery and Malt Master David Stewart never fail to disappoint. This is an excellent cross-over malt, matured in ex-bourbon casks then finished off in sherry. Gentle spice, vanilla and an excellent body.
Balvenie 14yr Caribbean
Speyside
6.7
A quality cask choice for this one, a golden rum cask. The sweetness and light fruity notes throughout this will keep you wanting more. Golden sugar and syrupy bananas come through well with a long buttery finish.
Bulleit Rye
USA
5.0
A high rye mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, this is a doozy of a whiskey for the money. Double Gold winner at the San Francisco WSC, expect cherry, all-spice, orange zest and stone fruits, along with a little leather/tobacco. Sip it or Old-Fashion it.
Campbeltown 2014 Blended Malt Thompson Bros Batch 2
Campbeltown
5.2
A vatting of two refill hogsheads, filled in 2014, limited to 816 bottles. A young blend of 5 years old malts from undisclosed distilleries, expect citrus fruits, apple and chamomile notes. The label artwork is the fine output of a North-East artist named Katie Guthrie (@kmgyeah).
Caol Ila 11 Year Old, James Eadie
Islay
6.4
This series of bottlings by James Eadie pays homage to its namesake, who founded the business in 1854, and owned 200 pubs across the UK. This is an 11 year old Coal Ila aged in refill hogshead casks, with an artist-designed label. This is a reference The Eclipse Hotel, which James Eadie acquired in 1893. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Cotswolds 3yr (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Rest of the world
8.9
English single malt whisky, batch 1 from a release of only 1785 bottles. I know what you’re going to say...don’t. Try it first, let’s embrace our Southern neighbours and their distilling efforts. Bread and butter pudding, with candied ginger, nectarines, toffee apples and golden syrup.
Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended Scotch
4.3
A lighter style of blended Scotch, best served in a highball, on the side of a beer (‘Boilermaker’) or as a classic Scotch & Soda. Lots of grassy, herbal notes with cut hay and Madagascan vanilla custard.
Cutty Sark Prohibition 50%
Blended Scotch
5.5
A doff of the cap to notorious smuggler captain William McCoy, this higher-ABV expression finds itself more comfortable in stirred/mixed drinks, like a Rob Roy or Scotch Old-Fashioned. Toffee and dark chocolate notes interlaced with crushed nuts and golden malt.
Dalmore Cigar Malt
Highland
10.5
A whisky created by Richard Patterson to drink alongside a cigar. It has bags of character and complexity due to the mixture of casks used to create it. The finish is not overly long but the punch of flavour when sipped is beautiful. Quite sharp and bold so that it stands out above the cigar but still a very pleasing new look at whisky matching.
E. H. Taylor Straight Rye (5th Release)
USA
13.5
Aged for four years and bottled in bond, this is a fantastic straight rye and well worth checking out. Oily rye spices, citrus peels and all kinds of woody notes on the nose, with a palate thick with cooked fruit and caramel. Potpourri, hints of butterscotch and prune before a long, sweet finish.
Eagle Rare 10yr
USA
5.5
Eagle Rare is great single barrel bourbon from the Buffalo Trace distillery. This 10 year old expression is packed with sharp citrus peels over-lapped with fudge and coffee. A real treat.
Fettercairn 12yr
Highland
5.0
Re-packaged and re-imagined, this new release from one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic distilleries has been matured in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years. Tropical notes and gingery spice abound.
Gentleman Jack
USA
4.8
Charcoal-mellowed twice, before and after the ageing process, this is a step-up from the entry-level JD. Not a bourbon due to the sugar maple filtration process, this Tennessee whiskey is packed full of vanilla, dried stone fruits, green fruits and honey.
Glen Garioch Founders Reserve
Highland
4.5
A fantastic Aberdeenshire malt from a distillery mothballed in the 90’s, before re-opening as an unpeated production house. The Founders Reserve is chewy – biscuits, malt, oak and honey.
Glen Moray Port Cask
Speyside
4.2
A beautifully-balanced malt at great value for money. The heavy ruby tint in the hue cannot hide the Port influence in this classic malt from the Elgin-based Glen Moray distillery. Warm spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon mingle with notes of lemon, dark chocolate, honey and oak. Enjoy with a cheeseboard or certainly after dinner.
Glen Ord 2011 (8yr, Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive)
Highland
5.9
An exclusive release from Edinburgh-based RMW, via indie bottlers James Eadie, this rare Glen Ord sherry cask dram was matured for 8 years in a refill hogsheads, then finished for 6 months in a super-fresh first-fill PX sherry hogshead. Dark chocolate, mulled spices and chewy toffee, with a touch of charred nuts and Turkish Delight on the finish.
Glen Scotia 15yr
Campbeltown
6.4
A complex dram matured in American oak barrels. Citrus, apricots and ginger snap biscuit aromas, with baked fruit, vanilla and dry spice on the palate. A touch of water opens this one up.
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Chinquapin Oak Finish
Speyside
7.8
Aged for the duration in ex-Bourbon casks, then finished in Chinquapin Oak casks for 18 months. Chinquapin Oak is related to Quercus Alba - the most commonly used oak for ageing Scotch whisky - but Chinquapin Oak is more zesty and spicy. Notes of orange zest, heather honey and pecan on the nose with lashings of cinnamon, rosehips, barley sugar and toasted biscuits on the palate.
GlenAllachie 15yr
Speyside
7.2
Not one to retire after selling BenRiach and GlenDronach to Brown-Forman USA, Master Distiller Billy Walker has sunk his teeth into the revival of GlenAllachie. Having stormed the awards list at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019, expect to see more of this distillery. A combination of PX and Oloroso puncheons and hogsheads give this sipper a bounty of sweet notes - peanut brittle, dried Christmas fruits, chocolate and ginger.
GlenDronach 12yr
Highland
5.0
Look no further for an entry in the world of sherries whiskies. Using a combination of PX and Oloroso, there’s cinnamon, raisin, ginger, pain au chocolate, rich cereal and a smoky toffee finish. Great value for money from one of Aberdeenshire’s most consistent distilleries.
GlenDronach 15yr Revival
Highland
7.5
Discontinued in 2015, before being ‘revived’ again, there is a ton if aromas and flavour going on in this. Blackberry and apple crumble, dried fruits and orange peel, mingle with tobacco, new leather and oily walnut.
GlenDronach 18yr Allardice
Highland
12.4
Oh sweet sherry...this has a viscosity about it. Baked pineapple, brown sugar and rum-like molasses on the nose, with chocolate, hazelnut and honey on the palate. Autumnal berries and maple syrup finish this beast off. Enjoy this after dinner or on the side of a Scotch ale / heavy.
GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 10
Highland
9.6
A highly sought-after series, aged in a combination of Oloroso and PX sherry casks. On the nose, mocha, apricot, baked orange chocolate cake, roasted almond and walnut, with a delicious spiced fruitcake, dark cherry, honey, sultana and candied nectarine on the palate. Almost Dundee cake-like.
GlenGlassaugh Revival
Highland
5.5
The first whisky to be made at the re-opened Portsoy distillery (closed in 1986, started production again in 2008), this revival bottling is matured in a combination of first and refill bourbon casks, before being finished in first-fill oloroso sherry butts for 6 months. Notes of orange, plum, cherry, walnuts and honey-mead, with warm mulled wine spice on the finish.
Glencadam 15yr
Highland
6.5
Produced not too far away in Brechin, Angus, believe it or not, this is the first appearance for Glencadam on a Tippling House whisky list. Recently awarded a Gold medal at the IWSC in the Highland Single Malt category, the majority of spirit produced at the distillery usually gets sold into blends. Fans of the sweeter style of Speyside malts will enjoy this. Expect warm, wintery spice and baked orchard fruits with a creamy texture.
Glendullan 12 Year Old, James Eadie
Speyside
8.3
A fruity and grassy dram, rarely available as an indy bottling. Aged in a first-fill bourbon hogshead cask producing 219 bottles. Bottled at 52.6%. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Glenfiddich 12yr
Speyside
4.2
Aged for 12 years in American and European oaks, a classic benchmark Speyside malt. Slightly floral with orchard fruits on the nose, light, floral with subtle spice on the palate.
Glenfiddich 15yr Solera
Speyside
5.5
Using a Solera system common in the maturation of quality sherry, 15yo malt from three different types of casks are married together in a wooden vat, which is constantly topped up to ensure the quality is maintained. (IWSC 2012 - Gold Outstanding Medal - Whisky – Scotch)
Glenglassaugh Evolution
Highland
5.5
The second edition of Evolution, the follow up to Revival. A limited release showcasing their spirit’s interaction with ex-Tennessee whiskey casks, this was matured in barrels that used to contain George Dickel (don’t be surprised if this changes to Jack Daniels soon).
Kilchoman 2012 (Cask #824) Tequila Finish
Islay
12.9
Only 247 bottles were produced of this eight year old tequila cask finish, which was bottled exclusively for TWE. Earthy and vegetal on the nose, with aromas of set honey, lemon rind and green pepper. A sweetness on the palate gives way to white pepper, ginger, green chillies and pomegranate. Roasted agave and honey on the finish. Highly recommend trying this side-by-side with the mezcal finish.
Kilchoman 2012 (Cask #828) Mezcal Finish
Islay
12.9
One of two TWE exclusives on our menu, this is a 2012-vintage Kilchoman that was finished in an ex-Mezcal cask and bottled at eight-years-old. Green grapes, sage, bay leaf and dunnage dampness on the nose, with sweet agave syrup, plums, root ginger and aromatic smoke on the palate. Spicy and rich finish, this is one of the first in a forthcoming wave of new-age cask finishes. Only 223 bottles available.
Kilchoman Machir Bay
Islay
7.0
The sixth release of Kilchoman’s ongoing Machir Bay, one of the first whiskies we ever listed back in 2012. It’s a vatting of whisky matured in first-fill bourbon casks for around six years, married and then finished in oloroso sherry butts before bottling. Notes of vanilla, green apple, citrus and toffee, along with peppercorns and smoke.
Lindores MCDXCIV (1494) (Inaugural Release)
Highland
6.5
Lindores Abbey is widely-recognised as the home of the first recorded Scotch whisky distillation. With a heritage like that, all eyes have been on this distillery that started producing spirit in 2017. The result is a fruity new make which is then aged in a combination of bourbon barrels, wine barriques and sherry butts. (*whilst stocks last)
Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Straight Bourbon
USA
6.5
Kentucky Straight Bourbon made by the Michter’s Distillery from a specific mash-bill including high quality American corn. Each small batch bottling includes no more than twenty barrels. On the nose, dried fruit, fennel seed and fresh bread, with a rich, spicy palate of juicy fruit and cinnamon. Touch of black pepper on the finish.
Monkey Shoulder
Blended Scotch
4.2
The three WGS distilleries (Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie) blended to create a ground-breaking contemporary blend. Bartenders love it, as do consumers. A malty, creamy delivery with a suggestion of berry fruits. Juicy toasted barley, cloves and butterscotch mingle with Manuka honey, hot-buttered- toast and dried apricot. Touch of pepper on this monkey’s tail.*Try the exclusive Smokey Monkey, same richness with added peat smoke.
Mortlach 1993 (25yr, #4467 Adelphi)
Speyside
22.9
The virtues of Mortlach need no introduction. Indie bottlers Adelphi have unveiled a pure gem in this, limited to only 314 bottles. Sherry all the way, with a melting pot of boozy raisins, treacle tarts, Seville marmalade, figs and a touch of polished leather, before a finishing crescendo of cinnamon, nuttiness and oak. It’s not cheap, but the finest things never are.
Nc’nean Organic Single Malt (Batch 4)
Highland
5.9
The UK’s first certified net zero distillery, using organic Scottish barley along with a 100% recycled clear glass bottle. The fact it’s also female-owned is neither here nor there. So what’s the juice like? We love it! Aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon and red wine casks, their core expression tastes of lemon posset, stone fruits and spiced rye bread, with a chewy toffee texture.
Nikka Coffey Grain
Rest of the world
5.8
Using the two Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland to Japan in 1963, this is a wonderfully exotic grain whisky with Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes on the nose and a palate of sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit and thick syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuits and fresh vanilla. This will appeal to fans of both bourbon and grain whiskies.
Old Forester (86 Proof)
USA
4.2
Old Forester is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky - even being commissioned to craft ‘medicinal’ alcohol through the long years of American prohibition. Our new house bourbon and makes a cracking Old Fashioned. Soft vanilla, light spiced orange and rich tobacco leaf, with a long, warm finish.
Old Forester Statesman (95 Proof)
USA
6.5
Despite being one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky, Old Forester is more recognisable at the moment since playing a significant role in the film ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’. This expression takes casks from the warmest areas of the rickhouse to create a smooth, spicy and punchier version of the Classic 86.
Old Pulteney 12yr
Highland
3.9
A smashing maritime dram from Wick. Old Pulteney has short, squat pot stills that produce a slightly oily spirit which is filled into mainly ex-bourbon casks. Honeycomb, vanilla tablet, and soft oak, followed up with a palate of chocolate peanuts, citrus and coastal salinity. Bang for buck, and much more.
Starward Two-Fold Double Grain
Rest of the world
4.3
Very interesting release from an up-and-coming distillery in Melbourne. A 60/40 blend of malt whisky and wheat spirit sourced from a neighbouring distillery, which have been matured exclusively in red wine barrels, prior to blending. The result is a soft, fruity dram with notes of creamy custard, confectionary, butterscotch, ginger and wine gums.
Stauning Kaos Triple Malt
Rest of the world
7.9
Founded in 2005 in an abattoir on the west coast of Denmark, using locally-farmed barley and rye, on-site floor maltings and mall, direct-fired pot stills. The whisky itself is a single blended whisky, comprising of Staunings three whiskies - unpeated, malted rye and peated. The result is a lightly-smoked whisky that weaves between cereal, chocolate, caramelised fruit, tobacco and warm spice.
Talisker 10yr
Island
5.2
A rich dried fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. Underneath the smoke lies a sweet pear-like quality. Or as the islanders say: all of the warmth, but not the fire.
The Glenrothes 12yr
Speyside
4.8
One of the key expressions in the newly-released Soleo Collection, this is a classic sherry-soaked malt, fruity and sweet. Aged solely in sherry-seasoned casks, this Speyside whisky has notes of vanilla, melon, banana and cinnamon.
The Glenrothes 2000
Speyside
15.0
Not quite a 17-year-old, but almost. Winner of the 2017 Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award, this Batch 1 single sherry cask beauty is one of only 575. Tasting notes read like a checklist for classic Speyside malts – rich, fruity, nutty and spicy.
Tullamore Dew
Rest of the world
4.2
The nose is fruity and biscuity. There are gristy notes with caramel and toffee sweetness and plenty of peels. Palate is of good body with notes of sherried peels and spice, granary toast with butter and honey, grains and vanilla cream. The finish is quite vegetal and long with notes of caramel and toffee.
Waterford Biodynamic Luna
Rest of the world
11.2
Biodynamics is a system of farming most commonly associated with wine, with many of the most famous wines in the world practising a system of regenerative farming that borders on the spiritual at times, but also can produce fantastic results. Waterford is an Irish distillery that produces single malt whiskey more akin to Scotch. Aged in a combination of new oak, first fill and refill American and European casks from some the most acclaimed wine makers and bourbon producers, including 22% Vin Doux Naturel. There’s a lot going on in this unpeated dram. Try it for yourself.
Waterford Cuvee
Rest of the world
8.7
This bottling brings together many farms of individual barley growers from across Ireland into one ‘cuvee’ aka a ‘Grand Vin’ of sorts. Mark Reynier is a firm believer in terroir, and with all these individual farms donating different characteristics to the final spirit, that judicious blending will knit all these complexities into a compelling whole. A highly promising young spirit and an intellectually fresh approach from this critically-acclaimed new distillery. Aged in Virgin French and American oak, and Vin Doux Natural. Floral, citrusy, fruity and unpeated.
Wolfburn ‘Morven’
Highland
6.5
The mainland’s most northerly distillery, based in Thurso, Wolfburn are distilling their whisky the old-fashioned way – rustic, peated and a bit rough around the edges. This is a different dram for sure. Honey, wood shavings, vanilla and raisins, with some gentle smoke thrown in for good measure.
Woodford Reserve
USA
4.6
Hands-down a bench-mark for bourbon. Toffee, caramel, citrus, spice and cocoa. The distillery says “Each sip of this Distiller’s Select craft bourbon contains over 200 congeners, natural color, aroma and flavor components.” Sure...however we say it’s just boss.
Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
4.3
A lighter style of blended Scotch, best served in a highball, on the side of a beer (‘Boilermaker’) or as a classic Scotch & Soda. Lots of grassy, herbal notes with cut hay and Madagascan vanilla custard.
Cutty Sark Prohibition 50%
5.5
A doff of the cap to notorious smuggler captain William McCoy, this higher-ABV expression finds itself more comfortable in stirred/mixed drinks, like a Rob Roy or Scotch Old-Fashioned. Toffee and dark chocolate notes interlaced with crushed nuts and golden malt.
Monkey Shoulder
4.2
The three WGS distilleries (Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie) blended to create a ground-breaking contemporary blend. Bartenders love it, as do consumers. A malty, creamy delivery with a suggestion of berry fruits. Juicy toasted barley, cloves and butterscotch mingle with Manuka honey, hot-buttered- toast and dried apricot. Touch of pepper on this monkey’s tail.*Try the exclusive Smokey Monkey, same richness with added peat smoke.
Campbeltown 2014 Blended Malt Thompson Bros Batch 2
5.2
A vatting of two refill hogsheads, filled in 2014, limited to 816 bottles. A young blend of 5 years old malts from undisclosed distilleries, expect citrus fruits, apple and chamomile notes. The label artwork is the fine output of a North-East artist named Katie Guthrie (@kmgyeah).
Glen Scotia 15yr
6.4
A complex dram matured in American oak barrels. Citrus, apricots and ginger snap biscuit aromas, with baked fruit, vanilla and dry spice on the palate. A touch of water opens this one up.
Ardmore 11 Year Old, James Eadie
8.8
A single cask, cask strength Ardmore, finished in a sherry-seasoned quarter cask for 10 months. Hailing from Kennethmont near Insch, Ardmore has a lovely peatiness, that works well with rich sherry notes, and is mainly used for the blend Teacher’s. This is from a QC that produced only 133. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Dalmore Cigar Malt
10.5
A whisky created by Richard Patterson to drink alongside a cigar. It has bags of character and complexity due to the mixture of casks used to create it. The finish is not overly long but the punch of flavour when sipped is beautiful. Quite sharp and bold so that it stands out above the cigar but still a very pleasing new look at whisky matching.
Fettercairn 12yr
5.0
Re-packaged and re-imagined, this new release from one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic distilleries has been matured in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years. Tropical notes and gingery spice abound.
Glen Garioch Founders Reserve
4.5
A fantastic Aberdeenshire malt from a distillery mothballed in the 90’s, before re-opening as an unpeated production house. The Founders Reserve is chewy – biscuits, malt, oak and honey.
Glen Ord 2011 (8yr, Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive)
5.9
An exclusive release from Edinburgh-based RMW, via indie bottlers James Eadie, this rare Glen Ord sherry cask dram was matured for 8 years in a refill hogsheads, then finished for 6 months in a super-fresh first-fill PX sherry hogshead. Dark chocolate, mulled spices and chewy toffee, with a touch of charred nuts and Turkish Delight on the finish.
GlenDronach 12yr
5.0
Look no further for an entry in the world of sherries whiskies. Using a combination of PX and Oloroso, there’s cinnamon, raisin, ginger, pain au chocolate, rich cereal and a smoky toffee finish. Great value for money from one of Aberdeenshire’s most consistent distilleries.
GlenDronach 15yr Revival
7.5
Discontinued in 2015, before being ‘revived’ again, there is a ton if aromas and flavour going on in this. Blackberry and apple crumble, dried fruits and orange peel, mingle with tobacco, new leather and oily walnut.
GlenDronach 18yr Allardice
12.4
Oh sweet sherry...this has a viscosity about it. Baked pineapple, brown sugar and rum-like molasses on the nose, with chocolate, hazelnut and honey on the palate. Autumnal berries and maple syrup finish this beast off. Enjoy this after dinner or on the side of a Scotch ale / heavy.
GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 10
9.6
A highly sought-after series, aged in a combination of Oloroso and PX sherry casks. On the nose, mocha, apricot, baked orange chocolate cake, roasted almond and walnut, with a delicious spiced fruitcake, dark cherry, honey, sultana and candied nectarine on the palate. Almost Dundee cake-like.
GlenGlassaugh Revival
5.5
The first whisky to be made at the re-opened Portsoy distillery (closed in 1986, started production again in 2008), this revival bottling is matured in a combination of first and refill bourbon casks, before being finished in first-fill oloroso sherry butts for 6 months. Notes of orange, plum, cherry, walnuts and honey-mead, with warm mulled wine spice on the finish.
Glencadam 15yr
6.5
Produced not too far away in Brechin, Angus, believe it or not, this is the first appearance for Glencadam on a Tippling House whisky list. Recently awarded a Gold medal at the IWSC in the Highland Single Malt category, the majority of spirit produced at the distillery usually gets sold into blends. Fans of the sweeter style of Speyside malts will enjoy this. Expect warm, wintery spice and baked orchard fruits with a creamy texture.
Glenglassaugh Evolution
5.5
The second edition of Evolution, the follow up to Revival. A limited release showcasing their spirit’s interaction with ex-Tennessee whiskey casks, this was matured in barrels that used to contain George Dickel (don’t be surprised if this changes to Jack Daniels soon).
Lindores MCDXCIV (1494) (Inaugural Release)
6.5
Lindores Abbey is widely-recognised as the home of the first recorded Scotch whisky distillation. With a heritage like that, all eyes have been on this distillery that started producing spirit in 2017. The result is a fruity new make which is then aged in a combination of bourbon barrels, wine barriques and sherry butts. (*whilst stocks last)
Nc’nean Organic Single Malt (Batch 4)
5.9
The UK’s first certified net zero distillery, using organic Scottish barley along with a 100% recycled clear glass bottle. The fact it’s also female-owned is neither here nor there. So what’s the juice like? We love it! Aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon and red wine casks, their core expression tastes of lemon posset, stone fruits and spiced rye bread, with a chewy toffee texture.
Old Pulteney 12yr
3.9
A smashing maritime dram from Wick. Old Pulteney has short, squat pot stills that produce a slightly oily spirit which is filled into mainly ex-bourbon casks. Honeycomb, vanilla tablet, and soft oak, followed up with a palate of chocolate peanuts, citrus and coastal salinity. Bang for buck, and much more.
Wolfburn ‘Morven’
6.5
The mainland’s most northerly distillery, based in Thurso, Wolfburn are distilling their whisky the old-fashioned way – rustic, peated and a bit rough around the edges. This is a different dram for sure. Honey, wood shavings, vanilla and raisins, with some gentle smoke thrown in for good measure.
Arran Quarter Cask
7.0
Re-released in Autumn 2019, the new look Arran range is a book you can rightly judge by it’s cover. Seven years in first-fill ex-Bourbon, two years in an American oak quarter cask, this is a natural strength full- bodied dram with creamy vanilla, autumnal spice, coconut and pineapple notes.
Talisker 10yr
5.2
A rich dried fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. Underneath the smoke lies a sweet pear-like quality. Or as the islanders say: all of the warmth, but not the fire.
Caol Ila 11 Year Old, James Eadie
6.4
This series of bottlings by James Eadie pays homage to its namesake, who founded the business in 1854, and owned 200 pubs across the UK. This is an 11 year old Coal Ila aged in refill hogshead casks, with an artist-designed label. This is a reference The Eclipse Hotel, which James Eadie acquired in 1893. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Kilchoman 2012 (Cask #824) Tequila Finish
12.9
Only 247 bottles were produced of this eight year old tequila cask finish, which was bottled exclusively for TWE. Earthy and vegetal on the nose, with aromas of set honey, lemon rind and green pepper. A sweetness on the palate gives way to white pepper, ginger, green chillies and pomegranate. Roasted agave and honey on the finish. Highly recommend trying this side-by-side with the mezcal finish.
Kilchoman 2012 (Cask #828) Mezcal Finish
12.9
One of two TWE exclusives on our menu, this is a 2012-vintage Kilchoman that was finished in an ex-Mezcal cask and bottled at eight-years-old. Green grapes, sage, bay leaf and dunnage dampness on the nose, with sweet agave syrup, plums, root ginger and aromatic smoke on the palate. Spicy and rich finish, this is one of the first in a forthcoming wave of new-age cask finishes. Only 223 bottles available.
Kilchoman Machir Bay
7.0
The sixth release of Kilchoman’s ongoing Machir Bay, one of the first whiskies we ever listed back in 2012. It’s a vatting of whisky matured in first-fill bourbon casks for around six years, married and then finished in oloroso sherry butts before bottling. Notes of vanilla, green apple, citrus and toffee, along with peppercorns and smoke.
Ailsa Bay 1.2 Sweet Smoke
6.0
This peated release from the Girvan Distillery in South Ayrshire has had a revamp, both inside and outside the bottle. The smoke level has been turned up a notch, but there is also a rounder, richer mouthfeel. Essence of campfire, baked shortbread and an earthiness on the nose, followed by warm spice, candied orange and slight vanilla on the palate. A peppery spice lingers long after the last sip.
Auchentoshan Three Wood
5.4
A beautiful marriage of two sherry oaks and one American white oak produces an easy going yet rich and complex whisky. Vanilla fudge and freshly-cut wood on the nose, powerful glazed fruits, cherries and plums on the palate.
Balvenie 12yr DoubleWood
4.6
The exclusive Balvenie Distillery and Malt Master David Stewart never fail to disappoint. This is an excellent cross-over malt, matured in ex-bourbon casks then finished off in sherry. Gentle spice, vanilla and an excellent body.
Balvenie 14yr Caribbean
6.7
A quality cask choice for this one, a golden rum cask. The sweetness and light fruity notes throughout this will keep you wanting more. Golden sugar and syrupy bananas come through well with a long buttery finish.
Glen Moray Port Cask
4.2
A beautifully-balanced malt at great value for money. The heavy ruby tint in the hue cannot hide the Port influence in this classic malt from the Elgin-based Glen Moray distillery. Warm spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon mingle with notes of lemon, dark chocolate, honey and oak. Enjoy with a cheeseboard or certainly after dinner.
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Chinquapin Oak Finish
7.8
Aged for the duration in ex-Bourbon casks, then finished in Chinquapin Oak casks for 18 months. Chinquapin Oak is related to Quercus Alba - the most commonly used oak for ageing Scotch whisky - but Chinquapin Oak is more zesty and spicy. Notes of orange zest, heather honey and pecan on the nose with lashings of cinnamon, rosehips, barley sugar and toasted biscuits on the palate.
GlenAllachie 15yr
7.2
Not one to retire after selling BenRiach and GlenDronach to Brown-Forman USA, Master Distiller Billy Walker has sunk his teeth into the revival of GlenAllachie. Having stormed the awards list at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019, expect to see more of this distillery. A combination of PX and Oloroso puncheons and hogsheads give this sipper a bounty of sweet notes - peanut brittle, dried Christmas fruits, chocolate and ginger.
Glendullan 12 Year Old, James Eadie
8.3
A fruity and grassy dram, rarely available as an indy bottling. Aged in a first-fill bourbon hogshead cask producing 219 bottles. Bottled at 52.6%. Tasting notes are unavailable at time of print.
Glenfiddich 12yr
4.2
Aged for 12 years in American and European oaks, a classic benchmark Speyside malt. Slightly floral with orchard fruits on the nose, light, floral with subtle spice on the palate.
Glenfiddich 15yr Solera
5.5
Using a Solera system common in the maturation of quality sherry, 15yo malt from three different types of casks are married together in a wooden vat, which is constantly topped up to ensure the quality is maintained. (IWSC 2012 - Gold Outstanding Medal - Whisky – Scotch)
Mortlach 1993 (25yr, #4467 Adelphi)
22.9
The virtues of Mortlach need no introduction. Indie bottlers Adelphi have unveiled a pure gem in this, limited to only 314 bottles. Sherry all the way, with a melting pot of boozy raisins, treacle tarts, Seville marmalade, figs and a touch of polished leather, before a finishing crescendo of cinnamon, nuttiness and oak. It’s not cheap, but the finest things never are.
The Glenrothes 12yr
4.8
One of the key expressions in the newly-released Soleo Collection, this is a classic sherry-soaked malt, fruity and sweet. Aged solely in sherry-seasoned casks, this Speyside whisky has notes of vanilla, melon, banana and cinnamon.
The Glenrothes 2000
15.0
Not quite a 17-year-old, but almost. Winner of the 2017 Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award, this Batch 1 single sherry cask beauty is one of only 575. Tasting notes read like a checklist for classic Speyside malts – rich, fruity, nutty and spicy.
Bulleit Rye
Kentucky
5.0
A high rye mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, this is a doozy of a whiskey for the money. Double Gold winner at the San Francisco WSC, expect cherry, all-spice, orange zest and stone fruits, along with a little leather/tobacco. Sip it or Old-Fashion it.
E. H. Taylor Straight Rye (5th Release)
Kentucky
13.5
Aged for four years and bottled in bond, this is a fantastic straight rye and well worth checking out. Oily rye spices, citrus peels and all kinds of woody notes on the nose, with a palate thick with cooked fruit and caramel. Potpourri, hints of butterscotch and prune before a long, sweet finish.
Eagle Rare 10yr
Kentucky
5.5
Eagle Rare is great single barrel bourbon from the Buffalo Trace distillery. This 10 year old expression is packed with sharp citrus peels over-lapped with fudge and coffee. A real treat.
Gentleman Jack
Tennessee
4.8
Charcoal-mellowed twice, before and after the ageing process, this is a step-up from the entry-level JD. Not a bourbon due to the sugar maple filtration process, this Tennessee whiskey is packed full of vanilla, dried stone fruits, green fruits and honey.
Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Straight Bourbon
Kentucky
6.5
Kentucky Straight Bourbon made by the Michter’s Distillery from a specific mash-bill including high quality American corn. Each small batch bottling includes no more than twenty barrels. On the nose, dried fruit, fennel seed and fresh bread, with a rich, spicy palate of juicy fruit and cinnamon. Touch of black pepper on the finish.
Old Forester (86 Proof)
Kentucky
4.2
Old Forester is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky - even being commissioned to craft ‘medicinal’ alcohol through the long years of American prohibition. Our new house bourbon and makes a cracking Old Fashioned. Soft vanilla, light spiced orange and rich tobacco leaf, with a long, warm finish.
Old Forester Statesman (95 Proof)
Kentucky
6.5
Despite being one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky, Old Forester is more recognisable at the moment since playing a significant role in the film ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’. This expression takes casks from the warmest areas of the rickhouse to create a smooth, spicy and punchier version of the Classic 86.
Woodford Reserve
Kentucky
4.6
Hands-down a bench-mark for bourbon. Toffee, caramel, citrus, spice and cocoa. The distillery says “Each sip of this Distiller’s Select craft bourbon contains over 200 congeners, natural color, aroma and flavor components.” Sure...however we say it’s just boss.
BOX Dalvve Single Malt
Sweden
7.2
A youthful but brilliant entry into the market from Sweden’s Box Distillery. A combination of peated and unpeated malt, averaging only 5 years, this truly small batch malt is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and casks that have come from Jack Daniels, Heaven Hill and our very own Speyside Cooperage. Go to their website for one of the most comprehensive and transparent detailed processes we have ever seen from a distillery. Basically a how-to if you wanted to replicate this yourself (but don’t kid yourself that you can...!).
Cotswolds 3yr (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
England
8.9
English single malt whisky, batch 1 from a release of only 1785 bottles. I know what you’re going to say...don’t. Try it first, let’s embrace our Southern neighbours and their distilling efforts. Bread and butter pudding, with candied ginger, nectarines, toffee apples and golden syrup.
Nikka Coffey Grain
Japan
5.8
Using the two Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland to Japan in 1963, this is a wonderfully exotic grain whisky with Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes on the nose and a palate of sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit and thick syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuits and fresh vanilla. This will appeal to fans of both bourbon and grain whiskies.
Starward Two-Fold Double Grain
Australia
4.3
Very interesting release from an up-and-coming distillery in Melbourne. A 60/40 blend of malt whisky and wheat spirit sourced from a neighbouring distillery, which have been matured exclusively in red wine barrels, prior to blending. The result is a soft, fruity dram with notes of creamy custard, confectionary, butterscotch, ginger and wine gums.
Stauning Kaos Triple Malt
Denmark
7.9
Founded in 2005 in an abattoir on the west coast of Denmark, using locally-farmed barley and rye, on-site floor maltings and mall, direct-fired pot stills. The whisky itself is a single blended whisky, comprising of Staunings three whiskies - unpeated, malted rye and peated. The result is a lightly-smoked whisky that weaves between cereal, chocolate, caramelised fruit, tobacco and warm spice.
Tullamore Dew
Ireland
4.2
The nose is fruity and biscuity. There are gristy notes with caramel and toffee sweetness and plenty of peels. Palate is of good body with notes of sherried peels and spice, granary toast with butter and honey, grains and vanilla cream. The finish is quite vegetal and long with notes of caramel and toffee.
Waterford Biodynamic Luna
Ireland
11.2
Biodynamics is a system of farming most commonly associated with wine, with many of the most famous wines in the world practising a system of regenerative farming that borders on the spiritual at times, but also can produce fantastic results. Waterford is an Irish distillery that produces single malt whiskey more akin to Scotch. Aged in a combination of new oak, first fill and refill American and European casks from some the most acclaimed wine makers and bourbon producers, including 22% Vin Doux Naturel. There’s a lot going on in this unpeated dram. Try it for yourself.
Waterford Cuvee
Ireland
8.7
This bottling brings together many farms of individual barley growers from across Ireland into one ‘cuvee’ aka a ‘Grand Vin’ of sorts. Mark Reynier is a firm believer in terroir, and with all these individual farms donating different characteristics to the final spirit, that judicious blending will knit all these complexities into a compelling whole. A highly promising young spirit and an intellectually fresh approach from this critically-acclaimed new distillery. Aged in Virgin French and American oak, and Vin Doux Natural. Floral, citrusy, fruity and unpeated.

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