WHISKY

The warehouses at Glenora are not heated, so aging virtually stops in winter. Thus, the whisky doesn’t reach its peak until its mid-teens. By then, it is malty, fresh, crisp, and grassy, with hints of vanilla and delicate, slightly bitter fruits, including apricots and citrus pith. Fragile floral notes join exotic hints of mango and a nuttiness reminiscent of almond skins and sweetened coconut. Air do dheag slàinte, Glenora , as they say in Cape Breton’s Gaelic Highlands. (Canada only)

Bold and distinctive, this Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a harmonious interplay of flavors, combining balanced layers of smoke, spicy rye, and creamy fruit notes. Crafted from a mash bill featuring 80% Texas Corn and 20% Oklahoma Rye, this whiskey undergoes a unique aging process. Initially matured in new American oak barrels for 3-6 years, it then undergoes a cask finishing period in Napa Valley French Oak wine barrels, enhancing its smoothness and complexity. The result is a non-chill filtered whiskey that boasts outstanding depth and character.

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.

From the Glen Grant Distillery, the whisky was laid down in a Sherry cask in November of 1969. The Sherry cask invokes aromas of rich fruits and woody spices combining traces of wood polish and old leather. On the palate, find dried figs, and spice with an abundance of wood flavours and even sweet fudge nuances, and hints of bitter oak tannins. The finish is long and lingering with drying notes of cinnamon, clove and walnuts.

The third edition of the Mr. George Legacy Collection has arrived, featuring a 63-year-old single malt aged in First Fill Sherry casks and bottled at a bold 56.5% ABV. Named after George Urquhart, affectionately known as ‘Mr. George,’ this collection pays homage to his pivotal role in championing single malt whisky. Distilled on October 15th, 1959, and aged exclusively in cask no. 3665, a first-fill Sherry butt, this edition represents Gordon & MacPhail’s final cask from 1959. Bottled on November 2nd, 2022, this exceptional whisky captures the essence of Mr. George’s vision and legacy, making it a prized addition to any collection.

An impressive 1952 Glen Grant single malt from Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection, matured in a single first-fill sherry butt for 70 years, was bottled to honor the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 2022, the date of her accession. The nose reveals aromas of beeswax, ripe figs, toffee, orange zest, raisins, and aged leather, while the palate offers notes of blackberry compote, clementine, milk chocolate, black pepper, and a hint of wood smoke, all lingering through the finish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Satsuma peel, mandarin segments, butter biscuits, dry oak, bookbindings, and hints of baking spices on the nose. Warm orange, sweet vanilla, creamy pudding, sherbet, and a mellow pepperiness on the palate, but as the citrus theme swells, a taste of grapefruit bitterness washes over it, making for a sharp, bitter finish. With its 46% malt content, this has grace, but seems a bit mild for a warrior pirate queen’s tastes

This Grangestone Single Malt has been matured in traditional American oak casks until it has achieved the perfect balance of flavours, green leafy notes play in harmony with its sweet delicate oak flavour. The whisky is then transferred into casks that have previously held premium Rum to allow for further development.

Aroma: A rich malty aroma with a biscuity sweetness and fresh fruit notes. A delicate leafy character is balanced with vanilla sweetness.

Taste: Sweet and rounded with a vanilla oakiness. The maly character carries through into the taste with subtle notes of caramelised fruits.

Finish: Mellow and long lasting

This Grangestone Single Malt has been matured in traditional American oak casks until it has achieved the perfect balance of flavours, green leafy notes play in harmony with its sweet delicate oak flavour. The whisky is then transferred into casks that have previously held Sherry to allow for further development.

Aroma: A rich malty aroma with subtle notes of dried fruits and cinnamon sticks. The sherry cask influence has introduced a sherbet spice and oaky character.

Taste: Rick and spicy with layers of sweet oak, raisins, apricots and fresh oak. Addition of a little water releases the characteristic flavours of sherry cask.

Finish: Mellow and enduring

This 12-year-old blend from William Grant & Sons, renowned for brands like Glenfiddich and Balvenie, undergoes maturation in three distinct types of oak casks: ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry, and American oak. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a harmonious fusion of flavors derived from its diverse cask aging, promising a balanced and nuanced whisky experience.

Refill bourbon, American oak, and virgin oak are the woods in question. Technically, they are all American oak, just at different flavor-giving stages of their productive lives. Honey, fresh apricot, floral, and supple barley notes, candied orange, star anise, dried chili, and a touch of aniseed. Exceptionally smooth with caramel, date, red fruits, chocolate, and pecan pie, finishing with wood char and spice. One wood three ways, I grant you. Previously labeled as Grant’s Family Reserve

A non-age statement Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey comprising of pot still whiskeys aged between 7 & 10 years. The whiskey has matured in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon casks as well as sherry casks.

Nose: Fresh aromatic oils and spices with orchard fruits and barley on a background of toasted wood.

Taste: Full spicy body. A hint of cloves along with the fruity sweetness of green apples, rounded off with toasted oak. Followed by lingering flavours of spices and barley.

Ha'Penny Four Cask Irish Whiskey offers a captivating blend of whiskies aged between 4 to 10 years, matured in four distinct barrel types: Bourbon, Port, Sherry, and Double Charred. Untouched by chill filtration and artificial colors, it boasts a rich nose, revealing nuances of nuttiness, dried berries, tropical fruits, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Heaven’s Door Double Barrel Whiskey is comprised of a unique blend of three different whiskeys - two whiskeys from Tennessee with a traditional bourbon mash bill, and a straight rye whiskey. Each of these whiskeys is aged independently in both new oak and fresh dumped bourbon barrels for at least six years before being married together and aged an additional year in virgin, heavy charred, American oak barrels. Heaven’s Door Double Barrel Whiskey is maple charcoal mellowed after distillation, also known as the Lincoln County Process, resulting in a smooth finish.

AGE: At least 6 years

NOSE: Maple with milled grains and a light nuttiness. Dried berries, vanilla custard, and toasted oak.

PALATE: Toasted Caramel, fried dough, dark cherry, Meyer lemon. Dry oak, vanilla bean, dried apricot, crème caramel. Coconut backed by orange oils and cocoa. Warm butterscotch with woody overtones.

Hell House Whiskey, with its captivating honey-amber hue, unleashes aromas of honeydew, sorbet, butterscotch, and allspice, leading to a palate of cotton candy sweetness and floral hints of rose and lavender. Its oak-driven finish offers a sweet, spicy, and lingering allure. Crafted for all to savor, Hell House Whiskey reflects the extraordinary flavors and rich history of Lynyrd Skynyrd, starting from the small cabin by the creek that laid the foundation for America’s Southern rock band. Rich in story, smooth as a memory, and simple for everyone to enjoy.

Handcrafted tequila that is created for sipping, this is barrel aged for 11 months giving it a beautiful copper colour. On the palate, it is soft with flavours of sweet caramelized agave, vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is warming and long with notes of spice and toasty oak.

Elegant, light and pretty. This amber spirit has a light, briny vanilla scent and a silky feel. A veil of smoke rises through the Scotch (but fades out fast), leaving behind a sweet nutty, vanilla finish.

“Leather and smoke are warm and inviting aromas. The mouthfeel is rich and weighty, yet supple, intertwined with flavors of honeyed grains that deepen into coffee, toasted cacao, and crunchy brown butter crackers. The finish is nicely charred with dark wood aromas lingering.”

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.

The nose offers antiseptics, Band-Aids, caramel, lemon peel, grassy smoke, and aniseed balls. As it unfurls, the smoke combines with notes of rich chocolate brownie and earthy peat. Honeyed, with sweet smoke on the palate, juicy citrus notes, sherbet, vanilla, ice cream wafers, clementine, and a bright finish of tangy citrus and sherbet. Dangerously drinkable, and one you’ll want to keep within easy reach for a second pour.

Hinch Sherry Cask Finish 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey is a smooth and sophisticated spirit, matured in American oak barrels before receiving a final finish in Oloroso sherry casks. This process imbues the whiskey with a distinctive character, blending the traditional warmth of Irish whiskey with rich, fruity notes from the sherry wood. It presents a deep amber color and a complex aroma that combines the sweetness of vanilla and caramel with dark fruits, nuts, and a hint of spice. On the palate, Hinch Sherry Cask Finish offers a silky, medium-bodied texture with flavors of raisins, figs, and a subtle chocolatey richness, complemented by the spiciness of oak and a touch of nuttiness. The finish is long and warming, with a sweet, sherry-infused aftertaste that elegantly balances the whiskey's inherent smoothness. This 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey is a testament to Hinch's craftsmanship, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate the nuanced interplay between whiskey and sherry cask maturation.

Nose: The nose opens with a delightful combination of sweet vanilla and honey, followed by hints of toasted oak and a subtle smokiness. There are also notes of ripe orchard fruits and a touch of citrus zest.

Taste: On the palate, this Ardmore expression offers a rich and creamy mouthfeel, with flavors of caramelized sugar and toffee. The smokiness becomes more pronounced, accompanied by a gentle peatiness that adds depth to the whisky. There are also notes of baked apples, cinnamon spice, and a touch of dark chocolate.

Palate: The finish is long and warming, with lingering smoky notes and a hint of black pepper. Overall, this 6-year-old Ardmore is a well-balanced and flavorful whisky, showcasing the distillery's signature smokiness alongside sweet and fruity elements.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe apples, pears, and honey. Subtle hints of vanilla and oak.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. A touch of spice and a hint of citrus zest.

Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced. The sweetness from the nose continues on the palate, accompanied by flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a touch of nuttiness. The finish is long and warming, with a gentle oakiness.

Nose: Rich and inviting aromas of caramel, toffee, and vanilla mingle with hints of dried fruits and oak spice.

Taste: The palate is smooth and velvety, with flavors of honeyed malt, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. Subtle notes of cinnamon and clove add a touch of warmth and complexity.

Palate: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet toffee, toasted oak, and a gentle hint of smoke. Overall, Hyde No. 4 Presidents Cask '1922' Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a beautifully balanced and luxurious whiskey, showcasing the best of Irish craftsmanship.

COLOUR: Amber gold. NOSE: Vanilla, coconut, banana. TASTE: Creamy vanilla, pecan pie and a touch of soft cinnamon and fresh pear.

Mildly smoky aromas entwine with vanilla. The bold palate opens with cigar wrapper, leather and maple, while a splash of water releases tinges of burnt orange peel, espresso and unsweetened chocolate. Nuanced oak and smoke wind into the mouthwatering, puckery 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.