Highland Park - The Dark The Dark is a limited edition release which is complimented with another recent release from Highland Park ‘The Light’. The latter was recently awarded a double gold medal at 2018's San Francisco World Spirits competition. It’s a dram I have not yet had the opportunity to taste but if it’s anything like ‘The Dark’ it will be well worth it. With an alcohol by volume percentage of 52.9% and no colouring added (something Highland Park prides itself on continuing not to do), ‘The Dark’ is an aesthetically alluring beverage. Having sampled the 12 year old and the smokier, Dragon Legend this deservedly resides further still up the line of great whiskeys from this consistently exceptional Orkney based distillery. Citing a maturation period of seventeen years, this delightful toddy really is something to cherish. Examining the glass, presents the appearance of tears on the inside of the glass. Tasting notes Appearance Dark brown with a reddish-

If you have yet to sample Isle of Jura’s extensive range of whiskey available right now, then I would implore you to do so. This 10 year single malt is not as pleasing as Superstition, but then you may have read contrasting reviews elsewhere about this particular tincture already. There’s a gorgeous colour to this beverage and a sweet and chocolaty scent draws you in initially. It’s certainly not full-bodied but still a very good quality whiskey with an agreeable aftertaste and instantly warming allure. I bought the 20cl edition which was accompanied with a bottle of Sanda Blonde IPA which does compliment this whiskey very well. It’s a refreshing and sweet craft beer that goes down easy. However, it’s not a whiskey I will be rushing out to buy more off anytime soon.

On a recent trip to Edinburgh I came across this divine whiskey, marketed as ‘Scotland’s Little Gem’. Famed as being distilled in Scotland’s smallest distillery since 1825. Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. This single malt has quite a kick to it. This is not a smooth whisky. I found it has a bit of a sharp though sugary aftertaste that is instantly warming. Bit of a singe on the nostrils. There is a smidgen of caramel here and it’s refreshingly sharp, whilst also sweet. It’s like a sharp intake of breath on a crisp and frosty November morning. There’s also hints of liquorice and coffee in there for those patient enough to sniff it out. Facts Chill-filtered at 40% ABV. Where: Perthshire, Scotland Sizes available: 70cl, 20cl & 5cl