CONNOISSEURS SELECTION

Befuddled by the dizzying range of drinks on offer? Feel the fog of confusion lift with our guide to what the real experts drink

S&

Robin Russell

OWNER, ROBBIE’S DRAMS WHISKY MERCHANTS, AYR

robbieswhiskymerchants.com

Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants is an independent family-run business, situated in the seaside town Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants is an independent family-run business, situated in the seaside town of Ayr. Fine character, great whisky since 1984. Here Robin selects some of his favourite malts on the of Ayr. Fine character, great whisky since 1984. Here Robin selects some of his favourite malts on the market.

GLEN SCOTIA 12 YO SEASONAL YO SEASONAL RELEASE - LIMITED RELEASE - LIMITED EDITION 70CL EDITION 70CL

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY WHISKY

74.99 54.7 This whisky has joined the ever-increasing torrent of ever-increasing torrent of cracking whiskies from the Wee cracking whiskies from the Wee Toon. Released as this year’s Toon. Released as this year’s Limited Seasonal dram, it Limited Seasonal dram, it does not disappoint. does not disappoint. After eleven years of maturation in first fill Bourbon maturation in first fill Bourbon and American Oak hogsheads, and American Oak hogsheads, this single malt was then this single malt was then finished for twelve months in finished for twelve months in first fill Oloroso hogsheads and first fill Oloroso hogsheads and heavily charred American Oak heavily charred American Oak barrels before being married prior barrels before being married prior to bottling at cask strength. to bottling at cask strength. Another successful Another successful bottle by Iain McAlister, Glen bottle by Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia Distillery. Scotia Distillery.

NOSE: Toffee, apple, sea spray, soft vanilla and salted caramel.

PALATE: Creamy vanilla and brown sugar are balanced by warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. FINISH: Long, nutty finish with dried orange peel and gentle warming spice.

NOSE:

spray, soft vanilla and salted caramel. Toffee, apple, sea

PALATE: Creamy vanilla and brown sugar are balanced by warm, spicy notes of cinnamon

BUNNAHABHAIN 12 YO CASK STRENGTH - 2021 LIMITED RELEASE 70CL

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

75 55.1 Bunnahabhain 12 YO Cask Strength is a limited edition whisky inspired by visitor tastings in the distillery’s iconic Warehouse 9.

Matured on the remote, north-eastern coastline of Islay and produced using pure spring water from the Margadale Spring, the 12 YO Cask Strength is an undiluted celebration of the distillery’s hugely popular Bunnahabhain 12 YO expression.

This is a great take on a well-respected Islay dram and gives you the chance to sample the real provenance of the whisky in the comfort of your own home.

NOSE: Dark berries, citrus and toasted oak which gradually transitions to sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon spice. PALATE: Creamy chocolate, sherry-soaked fruit and a balanced nuttiness give way to cloves, nutmeg and a subtle sea salt spray.

FINISH: A lingering sweet finish with cherries and a touch of wood spice.

vanilla and a hint of cinnamon spice.

PALATE:

to cloves, nutmeg and a subtle sea salt spray.

FINISH:

THE ARRAN 21 YO 70CL

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

125 46 This is a long-standing favourite dram from within the Arran core range, never failing to tease and tantalise your taste buds. It is evident never failing to tease and tantalise your taste buds. It is evident immediately that the whisky is 100% matured in a mix of some of the immediately that the whisky is 100% matured in a mix of some of the oldest Sherry Butts from the distillery. An absolutely stunning dram. oldest Sherry Butts from the distillery. An absolutely stunning dram.

NOSE: Bitter chocolate and ginger, pink grapefruit peel with a dusting of cinnamon.

PALATE: Hints of soft spices and chocolate covered Brazil nuts with deep luscious citrus buttery notes leading to fresh orchard fruit.

FINISH: Indulgent and sophisticated with rich dark plums and candied apple.

NOSE:

dusting of cinnamon.

PALATE:

with deep luscious citrus buttery notes leading to fresh orchard fruit.

FINISH:

and candied apple

NORTH POINT SPICED RUM

SPICED RUM

39.95 43 North Point Distillery in Thurso was established in 2020 and is all about small batch production. The owners are true entrepreneurs who have succeeded in creating this wonderful pot distilled, un-chill-filtered rum.

NOSE: Vanilla and orange zest, a hint of aniseed and cinnamon.

PALATE: Aromatic, warm, orange with a suggestion of honey. Light spices. FINISH: Sweet, orange and all spice and very delicious!

CHEMIST AMERICAN GIN

GIN

BERRY BROS & RUDD ROYAL BRACKLA 14 YO SINGLE MALT CHRISTMAS EDITION

SINGLE MALT WHISKY

99.95 50.6 A festive bottling by Berry Bros & Rudd. This 14 YO was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2021. It’s a limited release of 539 bottles. It was matured for 12 years in a refill hogshead and finished in a Pedro Ximez butt. It is un-chill-filtered and natural in colour.

NOSE: Mixed spice with stewed apples and pears. PALATE: Very much influenced by the sherry with hints of caramel and honey, stewed prunes and a touch of cinnamon and clove.

FINISH: Long with spices and rich fruits. A

Christmas cracker!

39.95 45

A New World gin created using local botanicals from the Highlands of North Carolina. Crafted by traditional vapour infusion, the taste of juniper is softened and flavours of citrus, rose and fragrant mountain botanicals are highlighted. Winner of the Double Gold Medal,

Women’s Wine and Spirits Award in London.

NOSE: A lovely citrus aroma alongside juniper gives this gin a fresh vibrant nose. PALATE: The rose petals and rose hips come out in the taste, with a slight touch of spice. FINISH: Light and fresh, a lovely finish which is very refreshing.

Ewan Mc IlwraithOWNER, ROBERTSONS OF PITLOCHRY

www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk Ewan bought Robertsons of Pitlochry in 2013, an award-winning whisky shop and tasting room. Robertsons have their own range of Single Cask whiskies and a gin. A warm welcome is always on offer and friendly advice readily available at Robertsons of Pitlochry.

Jen Laird & Rachel Grant CO-OWNERS, THE CALLANDER DRINKS CO.

www.callanderdrinkscompany.co.uk

Jen and Rachel founded The Grail in Doune in 2018 having worked in the industry for a number of years at distilleries, whisky shops and festivals. Today you can find them at the Callander Drinks Company which they distilleries, whisky shops and festivals. Today you can find them at the Callander Drinks Company which they opened in 2020. The Grail remains the tastings side of the business and virtually on their YouTube whisky channel. opened in 2020. The Grail remains the tastings side of the business and virtually on their YouTube whisky channel.

ASKIVAL RUM

SCOTTISH RUM

44 45

A rum from the Isle of Rum! This bottling is a blend of 5YO Caribbean rums, local water and is a blend of 5YO Caribbean rums, local water and a selection of botanicals foraged and inspired by the island, a selection of botanicals foraged and inspired by the island, including roasted kelp, spruce and meadowsweet. A new and different style of rum. NOSE: Light citrus and tangy sherbet with a very subtle herbal note. PALATE: Salted caramel, orange, pineapple, cardamom and mulled fruit punch. FINISH: Warm spice and just a whisp of light smoke, like blown out birthday candles.

NOSE: Light citrus and tangy sherbet with a very subtle herbal note.

PALATE:

mulled fruit punch.

FINISH:

birthday candles.

THE JAUNTY CAMPER GIN

SCOTTISH GIN

40 42

‘CALLANDAR’ DRINKS COMPANY EXCLUSIVE DUNCAN TAYLOR GLENALLACHIE

LIMITED EDITION SINGLE MALT WHISKY

80 55.3

Bottled exclusively for the shop by Duncan Taylor, this single cask Glenallachie has been finished for nine months in sherry cask Glenallachie has been finished for nine months in sherry octave casks. Distilled in 2011 and bottled this year, we find this octave casks. Distilled in 2011 and bottled this year, we find this 10YO dram very different from what we have come to expect 10YO dram very different from what we have come to expect from the rich, raisin-led distillery bottlings. There are only 80 from the rich, raisin-led distillery bottlings. There are only 80 bottles available. bottles available.

NOSE: Sweet malt and vanilla upfront, dried orange peel with cinnamon and nutmeg. PALATE: Creamy vanilla custard with a fruity, sherry sweetness followed by toasted almonds. FINISH: A long lingering warmth of mellow spices.

NOSE: FINISH:

Created by Yva McKerlich in Strathaven, this distinctly coastal gin was inspired by her travels round Scotland in her vintage camper. It gives a nod to Kyle of Lochalsh, the seaside village where she was born, using dulse seaweed for robust salty flavour, which partners perfectly with a basil leaf garnish.

NOSE: Fresh piney juniper, sweet and salty seaweed with a gentle pepper note. PALATE: Soft juniper with warming peppery cardamom and a good hit of umami from the seaweed.

FINISH: Clean and fresh like a seaside breeze. Just a hint of warming spice lingering and a salty, sea air tang.

Fresh piney juniper, sweet and salty

LEVI SERAFINO, VERMOUTH DI TORINO ROSSO CON BAROLO

VERMOUTH

39.50 17 The Negroni has been one of my favourite cocktails for quite a while, using this glorious decadent vermouth really brings a new level to the whole experience. Levi Serafino is one of Italy’s top Grappa producers, and this vermouth not only uses Barolo as the base wine but it is also fortified with their Grappa. NOSE: Deep and rich, with cherry, spice and hints of strawberry. PALATE: Firstly we see some floral notes, maybe rose, cherry and soft strawberry. FINISH: The finish is long, sweet and bitter with notes of rhubarb and spice.

NORTH STAR ’SUPER SONIC MACH 3’

BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY WHISKY

48 55 Another great whisky from one of the best new independent of the best new independent bottlers in Scotland. This is part bottlers in Scotland. This is part of a series and all the Super of a series and all the Super Sonic whiskies are sherry matured Sonic whiskies are sherry matured blended malts, bottled at different blended malts, bottled at different strengths. This Mach 3 comes in at a strengths. This Mach 3 comes in at a healthy 55%. healthy 55%. NOSE: NOSE: The nose is packed with rich sherry notes, dried fruit, dates, rich sherry notes, dried fruit, dates, sultanas, orange peel and ginger spice. sultanas, orange peel and ginger spice. PALATE: PALATE: There is an intensity that comes with the strength, along with comes with the strength, along with that comes a touch of treacle and leather, that comes a touch of treacle and leather, followed by some tobacco leaf. FINISH: This is long, decadent and dangerously drinkable. A great dram to finish off Christmas day! using this glorious decadent vermouth really brings a new level to the whole experience. Levi Serafino is one of Italy’s top Grappa producers, and this vermouth not only uses Barolo as the base wine but it is also fortified with their Grappa. NOSE: Deep and rich, with cherry, spice and hints of strawberry. PALATE: Firstly we see some floral notes, maybe rose, cherry and soft strawberry. FINISH: The finish is long, sweet and bitter with notes of rhubarb and spice

ACQUA BIANCA

LIQUEUR

30 24 This is a fascinating modern liqueur, created by Salvatore Calabrese. Taking the best of classic liqueur recipes and combining that with the art of the perfumer. He has created a delicate, floral and fresh liqueur that is not cloying and perfect for the modern palate.

NOSE: The first thing you notice is a light minty note, followed by rose and citrus. PALATE: Oily, with a lovely delicate fresh mint that fades to a gentle floral note. FINISH: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavour, the finish lingers and slowly fades leaving a lovely hint of rose.

Matthew Mc Fadyen

CO-OWNER, THE GOOD SPIRITS CO., GLASGOW

www.thegoodspiritsco.com

Matt can usually be found at the helm of The Good Spirits Company on Glasgow’s Bath Street, hosting monthly whisky, gin and cocktail tastings.

DEANSTON 2002 ORGANIC PX FINISH

HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT

150 49.3 A limited edition and organic Deanston. This whisky was first of all filled into refill American oak casks in 2002 and matured for an initial 14 years before being American oak casks in 2002 and matured for an initial 14 years before being transferred into casks which held organic Pedro Ximenez Sherry and matured for a transferred into casks which held organic Pedro Ximenez Sherry and matured for a further three years. Only 2,505 bottles of this whisky were produced. further three years. Only 2,505 bottles of this whisky were produced.

NOSE: Aromas are varied and welcoming with marzipan, coconut, fresh nougat, white chocolate and baked apple. Over time it develops some darker fruits such as bramble and damson as well as some orange peel and heather honey. bramble and damson as well as some orange peel and heather honey. PALATE: The flavour has a dessert like sweetness, toffee apple, lime jelly, nectarine and tropical fruit punch. FINISH: Raisins, plums and peach tea.

PALATE:

tropical fruit punch.

FINISH:

TALISKER 8 YO SPECIAL RELEASE 2021

ISLANDS SINGLE MALT

BOWMORE ASTON MARTIN 21 YO

ISLAY SINGLE MALT

300 51.8 This limited edition Bowmore is a collaboration between Bowmore master whisky blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin’s executive vice president and chief creative officer Marek Reichman. This whisky contains Bowmore matured in both Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks plus some older Bowmore, matured for over 35 years. A desirable bottle for fans of whisky and of classic motors.

NOSE: Aromas of chestnuts smouldering on a smoky/peaty fire and hessian coal sacks then a touch of parma violets, luxurious dark chocolate with chilli, old leather and fresh cuban cigars. PALATE: On the palate it’s full bodied with a touch of copper against a backdrop of earthy peat, charred oak, cigar leaf and a peppery spice. FINISH: On the finish black forrest gateaux, some brown sugar and some rich fruit compote still spicy and still some smoky charred oak.

90 59.7 This year’s limited edition offering from Talisker is an 8 YO cask strength, non chill-filtered, matured in American oak barrels. Talisker in its truest form. This makes up part of a series of eight single malts called the Legends Untold, others in this collection include Oban, Dufftown, Lagavulin, Mortlach, Cardhu and Lochnagar.

NOSE: Aromas of lemon and lime with crushed sea salt, seaweed and iodine, smoky/greasy and all the way through lemon is the top note, lemon biscuit, lemon zest.

PALATE: A warming flavour, quite youthful with an oily texture, herbal, black tea, oily smoke, coal tar soap water brings through classic Talisker peppery notes, some cough sweeties and a wee touch of dried flowers.

FINISH: The finish has smoky fish, (kippers), salt and pepper and lots of warming spice. One for a cold wintery walk.

Darren Leitch NATIONAL RETAIL MANAGER, THE WHISKY SHOP

whiskyshop.com The Whisky Shop is the largest independent specialist retailer of whisky in the UK. The website enables the company to meet an even greater global demand for Scotch whiskies. Darren is a senior judge on the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge.