Scotch Whisky

2013's unpeated release of Caol Ila is named for distillery manager Billy Stitchell, who is retiring after almost 40 years at the distillery. This year it's been bottled without an age statement and despite being 'unpeated' there's a definite smoky tang to the whisky, although less so than in previous years.

A delicious no-age-statement dram from Glenmorangie, some of the spirit in Signet has been made using a unique heavily roasted chocolate malt that really beefs up the rich flavours. The packaging is impressive, too.

Part of Ledaig's limited releases is this 19-year-old Marsala finish. Produced at Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull, this peated whisky has notes of citrus, grape, toffee and dark chocolate.

An all-time classic, Glenfarclas 25 year old is the epitome of long-aged sherried Speyside, gorgeously smooth and silkily-textured, with rich, generous flavours of fruitcake, hazelnuts, dried fruit and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee. A thoroughly delightful dram.

An excellent value 21 year old Aberfeldy, showcasing the richer end of the Highland spectrum with plenty of sherry influence. Winner of a Gold Medal and Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010.

Originally a travel retail exclusive, Glenfiddich have now released Age of Discovery on the general market. Their first 19 year old whisky, finished in Madeira casks in honour of the Portugese explorers of the 15th century.

A deliciously smooth, mellow long-aged Auchentoshan. This 21 year old Lowland single malt is a sophisticated and well-balanced dram to savour slowly after a good meal.

Johnnie Walker's most prestigious whisky. Probably THE most famous super-premium blend, made up of the finest old-aged malt and grain whiskies. The Cristal of the blended whisky world. Blue Label’s bold, multi-layered palate and silky delivery ensure that it sits unchallenged at the top of the Johnnie Walker pile.

An 8 year old distillery bottling from young Highland distillery Deanston. We think this was bottled in the 1980s, a decade for much of which the distillery was mothballed.