Monkey Shoulder 'The Original' Batch 27 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky presents a modern twist on classic Scotch whisky, delivering a smooth and accessible blend that has garnered popularity among a fresh cohort of whisky enthusiasts. The reference to Batch 27 denotes the meticulous blending of 27 casks to maintain uniformity and excellence in every bottle. With its gentle demeanor and adaptability, it serves as an outstanding option for enjoying neat, over ice, or as a foundational element in an array of whisky-based cocktails.

Basil Hayden's is a renowned American straight bourbon whiskey crafted by the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Named in honor of Basil Hayden, Sr., a pioneering whiskey distiller from Maryland, this brand traces its origins back to the late 18th century. Basil Hayden's bourbon is meticulously crafted from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley, and aged for a minimum of eight years in charred oak barrels. Known for its light and smooth profile, it boasts delightful notes of pepper, honey, and spice. Widely enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in cocktails, Basil Hayden's remains a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

This whiskey exudes sumptuously rich and intense flavors, drawn from its double-charred casks. It offers a seductive blend of butterscotch, treacle, toasted nuts, scorched coconut, raisin, and vanilla essence. With a deep-centered sweetness, it unveils notes of caramelized sugar, dark vanilla, pecan nut slice, crème brûlée, peppery spice, and fleshy fruits immersed in sticky, umber syrups. Its long, satisfying, toasted aftertaste is characterized by prominent flavors of vanilla and raisins, leaving a lasting impression.

Exuding delicacy and complexity, this recently unveiled Scotch whisky entices with aromas of maple sugar and spices. On the palate, it opens with a floral burst that gradually transitions into creamy vanilla, honey, sarsaparilla, and a medley of baking spices. Its light and silky texture gives the impression of effervescence, leading to a lively finish punctuated by a refreshing herbal note reminiscent of hops.

The initial impression is a delightful array of nutty flavors, including toasted walnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts, creating a rich and satisfying experience. Unexpectedly, a delightful spice emerges, characterized by the smoky heat of hatch chiles, which intertwines with rounded notes of cinnamon, creamy créme brûlée, indulgent Bananas Foster, vibrant orange, succulent canned peaches, luscious caramel chew, and decadent toffee. As the flavors develop, the pepper spices make a triumphant return, contributing to a grand finish that lingers on the palate.

Jefferson’s Reserve stands as the pinnacle of the esteemed Jefferson’s bourbon family, representing the epitome of blending craftsmanship. This meticulously crafted small batch blend showcases the profound depth and complexity that can only be achieved through the artistry of blending mature bourbons. With each sip, the palate is enveloped in a symphony of nuanced flavors, revealing layers of richness and sophistication that are the hallmark of a masterful blend. From its bold and substantial palate to its enduringly delightful finish, Jefferson’s Reserve exudes a sense of refinement and distinction that appeals to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It truly embodies the essence of quintessential bourbon whiskey.

With a bold and smoky aroma, this whisky captivates the senses with sweet spice, dried dark fruit, caramel, tar, brine, and toasted nuts. On the palate, it delivers richness, sweetness, and smoothness, unveiling robust flavors of smoky campfire, cumin, molasses, and peat, accompanied by hints of apple crumble and spice.

Aged for twelve years in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, this whisky presents a deep amber hue with captivating red highlights. Enticing aromas of sweet vanilla, figs, and a subtle hint of ginger mingle with enticing sherry notes. On the palate, it offers a luxurious and velvety-smooth texture, unveiling rich oak, sweet sherry, and succulent raisin flavors. The finish is medium in length, leaving a lingering, spicy sensation that tantalizes the senses.

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.

Finished in Lustau oloroso sherry butts, look for an amber hue and a rich aroma that suggests dried figs and dates. The palate benefits from a splash of water, which coaxes cocoa and prune notes, winding into a warming finish with cinnamon and clove heat.

Coca-Cola, rich spice, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, licorice root, maple syrup, Luxardo cherries, and varnish on the nose. Without water, the palate is chewy and full of puckering tannins; add a few drops to unleash dark chocolate, candied ginger, cooked berries, tea leaf, walnuts in maple syrup, black pepper, and a hint of orange oil. The lengthy finish offers chocolate-covered cherries, black tea leaves, and white pepper. Layered and engaging.

This first cask-strength expression in Highland Park’s core range was matured predominantly in sherry-seasoned American oak. Honey, bonfire smoke, orange peel, and a suggestion of treacle on the nose. Sweet and smoky on the palate, with toffee and orchard fruits turning more citric in time. The finish yields sweet spices, more honey, dark chocolate, black pepper, and bonfire embers.

The nosing passes find lightly toasted malt notes along with wood, sawdust, distant mint, and light caramel—not the most expressive Highland Park bouquet. The palate entry highlights the maltiness; at midpalate the taste becomes sweeter and honey like complementing the grain/malt base. Finishes assertively with the spirit underlining the honeyed sweetness.

It’s a brave person who tries to persuade a malt like Lagavulin to go into a different direction. Indeed, even PX casks, from the sweetest fortified wine of all, can’t fully obscure the distillery’s character, just give it a raisined coating. The creosote turns to tar and licorice, while there’s Syrah-like sootiness, and damson. This release is slightly less sweet than in the past and is the better for it, though I still prefer my Lagavulin relatively ‘naked.’

Spicy on the nose, with deep, full tropical fruit notes, praline, and marzipan. The palate is silky, with fudge and raisins, then cherry liqueur. The finish yields dark chocolate and citrus fruit, plus peppery oak.

The Chronicles collection debuted two years ago with the release of the 40 year old. This, the third annual release, incorporates a smidgen of younger rye and a dash of brandy. The nose and palate are deep and complex. Fruity and floral on the nose, with hints of raisin tarts, apple skins, and apricots. A sweet fruitiness, with mild peppers, baking spices, and a crisp, vaguely tannic backbone. Extended fruity, glowing finish.

Honey, vanilla, peppercorn, Golden Delicious apples, macadamia nut, green banana, and clove-spiked orange. The flavors are bright with green apple, banana, vanilla, and citrus, developing a delicious creaminess to support the pot still spices. The creaminess really crowns this older whiskey as something special, with the bourbon wood playing a greater role than in younger, jammier Redbreasts. The finish is wonderfully long and warming, with spice, tangy orange, and oak.

Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 year old is a celebration of Bowmore’s Master Whisky Blender and Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer coming together, uniting two distinct worlds in a powerful, yet inspiring way. For these two masters the key is constancy. This is what ultimately unites them and drives them as the time-honoured guardians of maintaining a perpetual quest for the most immersive and joyful moments.

Peat bonfire wafts above sea salt, brine, dried seaweed, salty dock, seashells, and all things maritime. But the smoke and peat are subtle—the seashore notes grab you most. They remain so on the palate, integrating beautifully with chocolate cake sweetness. You’re on the isle of Islay with this one, all right. Light and subtle once more on the finish, with fruit notes emerging and the peat fading long down the road.

This scorching hot 32-year-old Speyside single malt was carefully aged at the Tomatin distillery starting from 1988, and recently bottled for the revitalized Connoisseurs Choice series by Gordon & MacPhail on March 15, 2021. Drawn from refill American hogshead number 6656 at its natural cask strength of 54.6% ABV, this rare release comprises just 145 bottles, each elegantly presented in a lovely oak presentation case.

Introducing Oban Special Release 2023, a captivating single malt scotch whisky that pays homage to the art of distillation. Aged for 11 years and bottled at natural cask strength, this whisky showcases the mastery of its craft. Finished in Caribbean pot still rum casks, it embodies innovation in finishing techniques, imparting a unique character exclusive to this special release. Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or new to the world of single malt scotch, Oban Special Release 2023 is a must-try. With its exceptional flavor profile, natural cask strength, and distinctive finishing process, it stands out among whiskies and promises to be a prized addition to any collection. Distilled, matured, and bottled in Scotland.

The ninth installment in the Penderyn Icons of Wales series, aptly named 'The Headliner' in honor of David Lloyd George (1863-1945), the sole Welsh Prime Minister and architect of the Immature Spirits Act 1915, mandating a minimum three-year maturation period for whisky. On the nose, expect subtle hints of red berries, strawberries and cream, complemented by a touch of cranberries, light oak, and vanilla. The palate offers a rich and sweet experience, with flavors of dried fruits, salted caramel, floral honey, and a spicy note of black pepper, leading to a tannin-driven dry finish.

Part of the Jura range exhibiting ‘sweetness and smoke.’ This was aged in first-fill American oak barrels and finished in six different types of French oak casks. Nutty on the nose, with freshly sawn wood, savory notes, and emerging ripe peaches. Very fruity on the palate, with tangerines, fudge, cinnamon, and toasted oak. Drying in the finish, with nutmeg.

A blend of 95% rye-grain flavoring whisky with a variety of base whiskies. Its big whisky cocktails will tempt mixers into sipping. Very fruity and floral, with prunes, peaches, red apple skins, and bouquets of spring flowers all boosted by vibrant peppery spices on a slightly oaky base. Crown Royal’s signature balsam resin note and hints of vanilla round it out. The long, spicy finish ends with hints of citrus pith. A complex, tightly woven blend.

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.

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.

Nose: Rich and aromatic with notes of dried fruits, raisins, and figs. Subtle hints of vanilla and caramel.

Taste: Smooth and velvety on the palate. Flavors of dark chocolate, toffee, and roasted nuts. Slight spiciness with a touch of cinnamon.

Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced. The sherry influence is prominent, bringing flavors of dried fruits and oak. Lingering sweetness with a hint of smokiness.

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

While the nose showcases primarily grain aromas, including cracked corn and peanut shell, it also has notes of white pepper, dark cherries, brown sugar, and Hershey’s chocolate syrup—a harbinger of things to come. The palate is a chocolate lover’s dream, rich and tantalizing without heaviness. There’s also mint, cinnamon, cashew butter, and well-integrated oak; time and water bring out sweet orange. It finishes with milk chocolate, toasted nuts, and lingering cinnamon.

Presented in a vibrant tin designed by illustrator Tavo Montaez, Patron Silver Tequila captures the essence of traditional Mexican heritage and culture. The tin artwork narrates the Aztec myth of the birth of agave from the tears of Ehecatl over the burnt bones of his love, Mayahual, embodying elements of water, fire, and wind that signify life's cycles of death and renewal. This smooth and sweet tequila, with a light pepper finish, offers the perfect balance of fresh agave flavor with baked agave undertones, characteristic of all Patron Tequilas. Highly versatile, Patron Silver can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a variety of cocktails, from margaritas to Mules, Bloody Marys, and Mojitos. While it can be taken as a shot, doing so would mean missing out on its bright citrus notes and fresh agave flavors.

The very first edition from the Sakurao distillery, Kinbu vodka is unique in being entirely distilled from Yamada Nishiki rice, the most prized sake rice. This variety of rice, known for its high starch content, is fully expressed in this vodka, revealing aromas of cereals and flowers that culminate in a light and fresh finish, all enveloped in a soft and silky texture. The name "Kinbu," meaning "gold" in Japanese, reflects the high quality of this Japanese vodka, distilled and bottled at the Sakurao distillery, renowned for its whiskies, including the famous Togouchi.