Highland Park Dark Origins

Establishing a secret bunker in the hills of High Park in Orkney, Magnus “Mansie” Eunson became a Dark Distiller, creating whisky for the people of Orkney to offer relief from the villainy of the tax collectors.

By day he worked tirelessly in his church providing spiritual guidance to the people of Orkney, but in the dead of night, hand crafted the best elixir in the world, warming hearts and uniting all who tasted it.

Double first fill sherry casks for a naturally darker, richer flavour.

Colour: Rich mahogany

Nose: Sherried spice and ripe bananas combine with toasted hazelnuts and baked apple

Palate: Well-balanced, dry peat at first mellowing out to maraschino cherries, warm dark chocolate entices the palate

Finish: Enduring sweet smoke

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.highlandpark.co.uk

*Info taken from bottle and website

Akasihi White Oak Japanese Blended Whisky

Founded in 1888 on the site of Eigashima in the city of Akashi in the Hyogo prefecture, White Oak distillery was the first in Japan to obtain the license of distilled spirits in 1919 and according to the legend would consequently be the first to distil whisky. Production remained traditional and reserved for the Japanese market until 1984 with the construction of a new distillery specially dedicated to the distillation of whisky. Located near the sea, and the city of Kobe, the distillery is enjoying a mild and stable climate. Today White Oak produces single malt in small quantities, but increasing quality. This is a non-age statement blended whisky, but it is likely around 3 years old and is aged in ex-bourbon before finishing in ex-sherry casks.

 

Glenalba 22yr Old Sherry Cask Finish

A whisky of rare distinction, crafted from a blend of only the finest 22 year old malt and grain whiskies. Then finished in carefully selected Sherry casks.

Colour: A splash of gold with a field of sun kissed waving barley.

Nose: A tapestry of tantalising delight. Sandalwood, orange peel, honeyed chocolate and vanilla rose sensually arouse you with their exotic spectrum of aromas. Time is the key to its heart therefore let the spirit reveal every beat; allspice, coffee mousse, banana cake and freshly baked bread. Rich and positive but not obstructive just perfectly crafted which is reflected in this panoply of pleasure.

Taste: The palate is deep, intense yet languorous with a festoon of Parkin cake, pistachios, macerated plums and tarte tartin. The aftertaste is even more generous with inviting flavours of Sanguinello blood oranges, brioche dipped in honey, sweet raisins and walnut cake. This outstanding aged Blended Scotch rewards the palate with a finale of Bramley apples, caramel fudge, liquorice stick and muscatel.

A treasure chest of pure liquid gold!

 

*Info taken from bottle

Glenalba 25yr Old Sherry Cask Finish

A whisky of rare distinction, crafted from a blend of only the finest 25 year old malt and grain whiskies. Then finished in carefully selected Sherry casks.

Colour: Flashes of fire gold and amber with glows of glazed toffee apple.

Nose: A multitude of aromas enthral the senses, rich Colombian coffee, sweet sultanas, fresh dates and marzipan commence this journey of joy. Just when you think it cannot get any better, another seductive wave of scents suddenly appears, hot mulled wine, damson dark chocolate and over ripe bananas slowly ebb away. Surely a gift from above, pure heaven, as this constellation of aromas shines before you.

Taste: A glittering composition that explodes on the palate. This liquid gold meteorite makes its mark as it blazes a trail of brandy snaps, Gazpacho Andaluz, pecan cake, espresso coffee and Manuka honey. This robust yet refined taste also reverberates intricate echoes of maraschino cherries, black forest fruits, warm hazelnuts and balsamic dressing. A whisper of molasses and aged Oloroso sherry provides the perfect aftertaste.

 

*Info taken from bottle

Glen Moray Elgin Classic Sherry Cask Single Malt

The Glen Moray Distillery has been producing single malt Scotch whisky since the 19th Century from Elgin, the capital of Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky region.

The craft of producing this elegant and well-rounded Single Malt has been passed from generation to generation ensuring the legacy of the Glen Moray Distillery continues.

“Intense Oloraso sherry flavours marry with sweet vanilla oak to produce a whisky which has a wonderful depth of character.” Glen Moray Master Distiller

Colour: Burnished gold

Nose: Bursting with dried fruits, cinnamon and toffee candy

Taste: Incredible layers of sweet vanilla oak, dark chocolate and oriental spice

Finish: Satisfyingly long with a tingle of spice

Food pairing: with shortbread or a rich fruit cake. Alternatively match the spice of the whisky to a slow cooked chili con carne

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.glenmoray.com

*Info taken from bottle

Glen Marnoch Limited Release Rum Cask Reserve

Glen Marnoch Limited Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Rum Cask Finish edition.

First Cask: Whisky Oak – Maturation in American white oak casks for a minimum of 3 years by our master distiller gives the whisky a rich, mellow character with notes of malt, vanilla and honey.

Second Cask: Rum Cask – The whisky is then transferred to imported Caribbean rum casks for further ageing. This adds layers of complexity, giving sweet spiciness with a long finish.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Rich, malty aroma, biscuity sweetness, fresh fruit notes. Delicate leafy character, balanced with vanilla sweetness.

Taste: Sweet, rounded, vanilla oakiness. Malty character, with subtle notes of caramelised fruits

Finish: Mellow, long lasting

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2016

Each year our Master Distiller, John Campbell, handcrafts a limited edition malt to celebrate friendship (“Cairdeas“ in Gaelic).

This 2016 bottling features fully-matured Laphroaig aged in ex-bourbon barrels before being artfully married together for a second maturation in Madeira seasoned traditional hogsheads.

As you begin to enjoy this expression, you’ll find an aroma of ripe orange fruits and sweet liquorice moving into spices and dry mixed peppers before concluding with a lovely dry, nutty finish.

On the palate peaty, earthy flavours emerge, followed by a hint of dry saltiness. Creamy orange tones follow as this Cairdeas finishes with a bold and lingering spicy dryness.

The result is a unique expression to be savoured by Friends of Laphroaig, old and new.

Laphroaig Cairdeas – friendship distilled.

TASTING NOTES

On the nose you’ll find an aroma of ripe orange fruits and sweet liquorice that mixes delightfully with our traditional peat smoke.
On the palate our classic peaty, earthy flavours emerge with a hint of saltiness. Creamy orange tones follow and with a bold and lingering spicy dryness and nutty finish.

The result is a fabulous expression to be savoured by Friends of Laphroaig, old and new. This 2016 Cairdeas has been bottled at 51.6% ABV and is non chill filtered.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.laphroaig.com

*Info taken from bottle

The Singleton of Dufftown – Sunray

One of two new releases in ‘The Singleton of Dufftown’ range, the other new release is Singleton Tailfire. A smooth and elegant example of Dufftown’s honeyed intensity, golden and rich from maturation in American oak casks.

We’re on a mission to create great tasting single malt Scotch whiskies that burst with flavour. The smooth yet intense character of Sunray comes from maturation in toasted oak casks specially selected to deliver a honeyed, vanilla sweetness with aromas of blackcurrant and baked apple.

Appearance: Medium to light amber.

Nose: Incredibly soft, starting deep with Demerara sugar and baked apple, rising with heather honey and floral top notes. Blackcurrant and bramble leave a soft balance.

Body: Light

Palate: Sweet and rounded with soft spice amongst fruity notes.

Finish: Sweet, with blackcurrants and vanilla.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.thesingleton.com

*Info taken from bottle

Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

Since 1782 the Teeling family have been crafting Irish whiskey. The Teelings are renowned for their vision in doing things differently and their whiskeys embody this entrepreneurial spirit.

Our Flagship Irish whiskey and our attempt to create the most interesting Blended Irish whiskey. This small batch bottling consists of hand selected casks which are given a further 6 months maturation in ex-rum barrels imparting an extra sweet and smooth flavour unique to Irish whiskey. By bottling at 46% with no chill filtration completes an Irish whiskey of true character.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

An inviting nose where vanilla and spice dances with bright sweet notes of Rum.

TASTE

While being very approachable the influence of the rum cask and higher percentage alcohol creates a unique smooth, sweet, slightly woody marriage that sparkles on the tongue.

FINISH

Slightly moorish, sweet spice finish complimented by woody undertones.

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.teelingwhiskey.com

*Info taken from bottle and website

Old Pulteney Duncansby Head

Established in the port of Wick in 1826, this fine single malt is steeped in seafaring history. Back then, the windswept distillery was only accessible by sea and, as one of the busiest herring ports in the world, many of the distillery workers were also hardy fishermen.

Today, Old Pulteney Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is created using the same traditional methods of the 1800’s. The copper wash still, in particular, is a source of fascination to visitors due to the absence of a ‘swan neck’. Legend has it that, when the still was delivered, it was too tall for the still house and the manager simply decided to cut the top off! This shape, known as a “smuggler’s kettle”, contributes to the distinctive style of the whisky. It has also influenced the unique shape of the bottle.

Duncansby Head Lighthouse

The tidal stream flowing through the Pentland Firth earned it the title of ‘hell’s mouth’ in the days of sail and it is still a place where unwary ships can become a plaything of the sea. As the waters of the Atlantic flow into the North Sea they create a welter of races and waterfalls. In 1914 a temporary fog signal was placed at Duncansby Head close to John O’Groats which was then replaced by a permanent signal after the war. During the second World War, Duncansby Head was machine-gunned by an enemy bomber, but fortunately no-one was injured and no damage caused.

In 1968 a high power radar beacon was installed but has since been replaced by a low-power self operating type, which can be particularly useful as a warning where the coastline is not conspicuous on a radar display.

Notes

Appearance: Golden amber with bronze highlights

Aroma: Sweet, spicy with hints of green apples, raisins and chocolate

Tasting notes: Sweet and full bodied with notes of honey, chocolate and orange; rich and spicy with a long lasting finish

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.oldpulteney.com

*Info taken from bottle