Makar Original Dry Gin Juniper, Orange, Berries. Extremely revitalising and the tonic lifts it again to another level of refreshment. With the tonic I added a slice of lime which compliments it impeccably. G52 Botanical Vodka Fresh Citrus This deftly sweet vodka instantly transported me back to the memory of a summer’s evening, enjoying homemade lemon drizzle cake with my family on a freshly cut lawn. There’s the taste of chomped orange peel here too, again something I tried when I was a child! Not usually a vodka drinker but this is very agreeable and would be quite satisfied with this on its own without a tonic. Banditti Club Glasgow Spiced Rum Irish Barmbrack cake, traditionally served at Halloween in my native Ireland. There’s sultanas, raisins and also black tea here. Stewed winter fruits aplenty! Taste is wonderfully sweet and there are also subtle caramel undertones here and as the name suggests, adequately spiced. Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky -  Peated This is a m...

I was given a sample of this delicious highland single malt recently. Bottled at 43% it is an altogether flavoursome dram with a sherry influence which oozes notes of fruit cake. Nose Port, orchard fruits and the aforementioned fruit cake. Sweet caramel on returning to it after letting it sit for several minutes. Taste It gently comes out of its shell after a few seconds gradually warming and tingling the senses. Finish A long, warm and complex finish that is delicate and left me wanting more.

The Nc'nean distillery The principles of Nc'nean are honestly inspiring. This whisky distillery has many values that I have been thoroughly impressed with. Firstly this is a whisky produced from organic Scottish barley. Secondly, it is distilled in a certified carbon-neutral distillery. Thirdly, all bottles are 100% recycled. An impressive marker has been set for their future and that of their peers, in a world that has, seemingly at the eleventh hour, finally begun to seriously ponder the future and wellbeing of this planet that we all call our home. According to their website, their total carbon footprint for a whole year is less than one return plane journey from London to New York. Which is truly awe-inspiring. The vision of its founder Annabel Thomas is clear and the positive results from a young distillery speak for themselves. Annabel Thomas On top of being a fine whisky with an already impressive fan base, Nc'nean can also proudly say they are the first net-zero whi...

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