An experimental batch fully matured at Lagavulin in a freshly charred American oak hogshead, the aromatic peat smoke dissipates quickly, leaving scents of lemon lozenges, subtle smoked fish, linoleum floors, and a few drops of lime. The grapefruit, wood oils, vanilla sponge, honeydew melon, and oak flavors build slowly, notching up more smoke and tangy citrus to a climax of salted vanilla caramel with just a hint of peppermint. (1,081 bottles)

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

Tart lemon, cream soda, then a hurricane of peat smoke to bowl you over, supported by elements of serrano ham, salt-baked fish, and iodine. To taste, there is slice after slice of lemon, a little creamy sweetness to balance the tartness, then a lightning bolt of pepper, with flavors of lemon tart, malt, dried raspberry, hazelnut, and granola. If you’re looking for an untamed Islay experience, look no further. (120 bottles, 72 for the U.S.)  

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

Earthy notes of dried leaves, wet wool, and a hint of maltiness start things off on the nose, then citrus and red apple. The palate is sweet and balanced, offering warm apple tart, cinnamon, cooked blueberries, raisins, toffee, and Christmas cake, with a slight and appealing hint of soapiness. A lengthy finish brings chocolate cake, glazed orange, pfeffernusse cookies, and winter spice. A delicious holiday warmer.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)

Dried fruits in the driver’s seat, with apple rings, peeled pear, warm pain aux raisins, macaroon bar, vanilla essence, delicate spices, and a hint of fruitcake on the nose. Plenty of distillery character here, with baked apple and plum, spice cake, clove, gingerbread, and pepper, then a smooth, syrupy conclusion encompassing dried fig, walnut, and plenty of rooty spices lasting through to the finish. (297 bottles, Glass Revolution Dram Hunter Selection U.S.A. Exclusive Release).  

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

Fresh-baked cinnamon-raisin bread and generous baking spice on the nose, plus hints of coffee and chocolate babka. Pleasant and inviting, with lots of warmth and flavor. The palate is filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, bitter coffee, dark chocolate, and savory spice. Water brings out the spicy heat of jalapeño pepper. Smooth and flavorful on the finish, with cooked orchard fruits and melted caramel. A big one for sure, but enjoyable.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)

This would make a phenomenal outdoor dram, as it’s bristling with spices, woodshed lumber, chorizo, pink peppercorn, and red chile. The palate opens with flavors of vanilla, barley, sweet citrus, and lime, though these are quickly cast aside by a wave of peppery spices, which ebbs away to leave meatier notes, aromatic spices, and dry oak. The zigzag flavor journey adds to the excitement of this distinctive dram.

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

On the nose, fragrant wood spice, green banana, baked kumquats, and kiwi. The palate leads with creamy vanilla and baking spice, jalapeño peppers, dark chocolate, black coffee, and chicory. The big flavors mean water is a must, bringing out chocolate-covered marshmallows, dark berries, a tropical note of sweet pineapple, toasted almonds, coffee cake, and a hint of barrel char. The finish is full bodied and spiced, with more pineapple and vanilla sweetness.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)

The nose has an understated richness to it, with notes of freshly baked challah bread, blueberries, caraway seeds, toasted oak, and sandalwood. There’s good balance on the silky palate, with honey, dark berry, cinnamon, and clove flavors. With water, chocolate brownies, allspice, and some barrel char. Great length on a mouth-coating finish brings loads of spice, chocolate-covered orange, and rye bread. Front to back there’s depth and complexity.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Winter 2021)

Chocolaty up front, with notes of Fudgsicle, cacao nibs, and cocoa powder as well as brown paper bag, ripe banana, honey, and oats. The palate is syrupy and zings; cinnamon Red Hots, lemon candy, fruit pastry, and chile pepper give it added dimension. There is a bitter oak note that softens with water. The high proof makes this spiky and hot at times but there’s great underlying flavor.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Winter 2021)

The citrus sweetness favors lime over lemon, with fresh pineapple, apricot tart, a few grassy notes, and aromatic spices in the background. A short phase of baked peach, dried apricot, and chocolate nibs precedes an intense wave of black pepper and clove, leaving musty chocolate, stewed plum, and crystalized pineapple in the aftermath. Decent effort, but with no shortage of alcohol, dilute liberally to maximally explore the rum cask flavors. (252 bottles)

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

Taking a leaf out of Glen Breton and Glenfiddich’s book, Ireland’s first ice wine cask finish has a nose of sugared orange, heather honey, lime Jell-O, lychee, malt, and a hint of wood spices. A syrupy mouthfeel with curaçao, mixed peel, heather honey, ginger, pepper, and chile flakes, it becomes weightier and more medicinal, though slightly cloying, with flavors of aniseed, cough syrup, and menthol. Works better with water or ice.

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

The sherry influence is apparent immediately on a perfumed nose—cherry syrup, wet walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and wood varnish, alongside cedar chest and earthy spice. There’s dark fruit on the syrupy palate in the form of cooked prunes, blackberry cobbler, and raisin bread pudding in addition to maple sugar, chocolate, and toffee. The finish adds a kick of spice and coffee. Flavors here are pronounced and prodigious.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Winter 2021)

A 100% rye aged for a minimum of 5 years. The nose is fruity with cranberries, candied raspberries, and orange slices. There is also a nuttiness in the form of peanut brittle alongside caramel corn. The palate is woody, chewy, and blunt, with dusty bitter oak dominating. On the finish, vanilla cream and a solid spice character. This whiskey shows promise particularly on the nose, but water disrupts the balance, bringing those wood notes further to the forefront.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Winter 2021)

Highly herbal and floral on the nose—pine forest, lavender, eucalyptus, and fresh oak—alongside blueberry compote and Whoppers when water is added. There’s more chocolate on the palate with brownie batter, Milk Duds, caffè mocha, and figs. Root beer and cinnamon spice on the finish, as bitter herbs and a buttery texture round it out. There is a depth and richness of flavor that demonstrates clear vision and execution.

Reviewed by: Ted Simmons (Winter 2021)

There’s a lovely tartness on the nose, with dry and earthy notes of fragrant oak and forest floor. The palate pops with cherry coulis, raspberry, chocolate, and the spice of jalapeño pepper, along with some pronounced barrel char. Overall it’s very spiced, heated, and flavorful, but integrates well with its candied and fruity flavors. The finish is less fiery, with richer notes of caramel, chocolate, and roasted pecans.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)

Fresh herbs and muted dark fruit on the nose, while the palate is sweet and chocolatey as the herbal notes take on a supporting role. The palate opens to reveal stone fruit notes of peach and plum, chocolate layer cake, and a hint of musty antique shop. Fairly powerful, but water softens the palate and brings out peach cobbler and cinnamon toast. Nicely balanced spice, chocolate, and orange tart on the finish.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)

A whiff of mealy, floury apples, pear, candied lemon peel, and fruit teas, this is certainly light and fruity, genteel even, yet a little timid overall. Soothing and creamy to drink, there’s poached pears in condensed milk, white grape, a slow-paced crescendo of spice, and a dash of tangy citrus peel, followed by canned pears and a whir of spices on the finish. Carefree whisky for happy-go-lucky drinkers.

Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2021)

Licorice, leather, and balanced oak on the nose, with emerging notes of vanilla and cherry ice cream. Lots of spice and pleasant mustiness on the palate, along with chocolate, black cherry, and fresh-baked apple pie. This one is balanced and flavorful, with water bringing out red fruit, oatmeal cookies, and pepper spice. Good length on a finish of malted vanilla, café mocha, breakfast cereal, and almond. Solid and enjoyable.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2021)