Scotch Whisky

A half-bottle of Bowmore's 12-year-old whisky, a great place to start year oldur journey through the smoky mystery of Islay's single malt whiskies. The current 12 year old bottling is a welcome return to the classic Bowmores of the 1960s and '70s, with the emphasis on tropical fruit and smoke. A deserved runner-up in our Whisky of the Year 2014-15 blind tasting.

Auchentoshan American Oak was introduced in 2014 to replace the Classic. Matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, this is a vanilla-rich and fruity whisky.

The no-age-statement Peated Reserve release of Islay Mist, an Islay-led blended whisky, tempering the smokiness of the island malts with whisky from the mainland. The brand takes inspiration from the special blend served at the first Lord Margadale's 21st birthday in the 1920s.

Highland-based Loch Lomond distillery produce this single grain using coffey stills. Despite the name it is produced using malted barley, however its production falls foul of convention, so grain it is! A smooth ride, with a few interesting twists owing to its unconventional production of this Single 'Grain'.

A deluxe version from Famous Grouse, the malt component of Naked Grouse is based around Macallan & Highland Park matured in sherry casks.

Hankey Bannister Heritage Blend was inspired by the find of a 1920s' bottle in perfect condition. Master Blender Stuart Harvey has recreated the style for the modern day – it's sweeter and peatier than their usual blend.

Johnnie Walker Black Label's iconic square bottle makes it one of the world's most recognisable Scotch whiskies - and it's also one of whisky critic Jim Murray's favourite blends: 'If there is a silkier delivery on the market today, I have not seen it: this is sublime stuff...one of the world's most masterful whiskies back in all its complex glory'

Hankey Bannister's 12 Year Old is aged exclusive in bourbon casks. The result is a medium-bodied whisky with notes of sweet vanilla and a hint of smoke.

Pure Islay is the lower-strength release of Elements of Islay's Peat. Bottled at 45%, this has the same classic Islay character as Full Proof – notes of fruit, spice and smoke – but with less power that makes it a great introduction to Islay whisky.