SPEYBURN 10 YO, SPEYSIDE, SCOTLAND
Bold flavours and a long, smooth finish. Speyburn 10 YO Single Malt is matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
Pale gold with amber highlights, fresh and clean with a hint of lemon on the nose this malt is medium bodied with hints of toffee & butterscotch and a long, sweet finish
Pour yourself a dram of Benromach – not too wee and not too big. Swirl the golden liquid around your glass and notice the AROMA WITHOUT WATER. In other words, take a sniff. Indeed, indulging in several little inhalations is the best way to pick up all the different notes… rich sherry with fruit & nut chocolate, delicate spice, green apples, malty biscuit and a touch of light peat smoke. Now sip your dram, roll the whisky around your mouth and enjoy the TASTE WITHOUT WATER… juicy raspberries and brambles, sherry, creamy malt and a light peat. Next, take in the AROMA WITH WATER… it’s a wee bit nutty with a touch of charred oak and malt, and there’s also some fancy pineapple and kiwi. Add a drop or two of water to release the full TASTE WITH WATER. Savour the succulent mouth coating and taste the toasted malt, delicate peat smoke and lingering sweet sherry… our gorgeous classic Benromach Speyside style of single malt whisky.
Ballantine’s Finest
Subtle, Sweet and with Vanilla Finish.
The First: Ballantine’s Finest is the oldest recipe in the current range, created in 1910 by the Ballantine’s family. There are more than 40 malts and grains in this blend. These are carefully selected from 4 different iconic Scottish regions.
Colour – A light gold.
Nose – Soft, elegant, heather honey aromas with a hint of spice.
Taste – Well balanced subtle flavours with tones of milk chocolate, red apple and vanilla.
Finish – The sophisticated after-taste gives a fresh, floral and rounded glow.
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Ballantine’s Brasil
Lime, Vanilla and Balance
A delicate combination of stimulating citrus complemented perfectly with a smooth touch of Vanilla, the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of scotch perfectly balancing the refreshing lime.
Colour – Bright sunny gold
Nose – A delicate combination of stimulating citrus complemented perfectly with a smooth touch of vanilla, the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch perfectly balancing the refreshing lime.
Taste – Soft and sweet, with a perfect balance of refreshing lime and smooth vanilla. Complementing this perfectly are the delicate sweet and creamy signature flavours of Scotch.
Finish – Refreshing lime tang with a soft dry finish.
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Ballantine’s Aged12 years
Honeyed, Well Balanced and Creamy
Rich, smooth and creamy blend comparing to finest which is more floral and delicate. Ballantine’s12 is characterized by more honey, toffee and creamy notes.
Colour – Bright honey gold.
Nose – Honey sweetness with a complex balance of oak and vanilla aromas.
Taste – Complex honey and floral flavours with a creamy oak sweetness in perfect balance.
Finish – Refreshing, long and sweet
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Ballantine’s Aged 17 years
Fruity, Harmonious and Subtle Oak.
The longer maturation of Ballantine’s 17yo gives an extra depth of flavour and character to the blend. Characterised by a subtle sensation of smokiness. It has a fruitiness and velvety texture which comes from fresh fruits.
Colour – Clear, golden amber.
Nose – Deep, balanced, elegant and smooth with hints of sweet vanilla, oak and a sensation of smoke.
Taste – Full and complex, vibrant honey sweetness and creamy vanilla flavours with hints of oak and spicy liquorice.
Finish – Long, sweet and smooth with a hint of spice.
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Ballantine’s Aged 21 years
Rich, Intense With Concentrated Ripe Fruits and Cinnamon Spice
Ballantine’s 21yo is creamy and has got a nutty influence coming from the oak cask. Sweeter on the palate with a more intense spiciness.
Colour – Sparkling red/gold
Nose – Rich, honey-sweet with hints of apple and floral aromas.
Taste – Smooth, rich liquorice and aromatic spice flavours with traces of heather and smoke.
Finish – Long and mellow with hints of dried fruits.
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Ballantine’s Aged 30 years
Powerful, Opulent with Concentrated Fruits.
Bursting with juicy pear flavour and concentrated fruits like peach. Ballantine’s 30yo is deeper, more complex and less spicy. Ballantine’s 30yo is the ultimate balance between distillery character and cask influence.
Colour – Deep old gold.
Nose – Deep, soft fruity aromas and an elegant subtle sweetness with a luscious vanilla oakiness.
Taste – A full, rich complex balance of honey, floral and fruity flavours, with mellow notes of vanilla.
Finish – Long-lasting and elegant.
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Ballantine’s Aged 40 years
Incredible Depth, Complex and Extremely Fruity
Each whisky in Ballantine’s 40 is at least forty years old, drawn from enviable stocks of priceless whiskies built up over many generations.A true reflection of the dedicated craftsmanship that epitomises George Ballantine. A perfectly balanced blend of high aged whiskies, Ballantine’s 40 will appeal to whisky connoisseurs as the most aspirational Scotch whisky in the world.
Colour – Deep and intense.
Nose – Bursting with rich flavours of ripe pears in syrup and fruitcake, with a background of cinnamon and root ginger.
Taste – Incredible depth. Multi-layers of rich toffee and sweet soft red apple.
Finish – A delightful finish that lasts for a blissfully long time.
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Ballantine’s Limited Edition
Creamy Soft and Smooth
Limited is a very special blend of Ballantine’s rarest & most valuable malt & grain whiskies. A very rare & exclusive whisky of the highest quality. Creamy soft & smooth, characterised by ripe pear & peach, combined with rich vanilla flavours, this is a whisky which honours the continued traditions established by George Ballantine.
Colour – Rich Amber Gold
Nose – An initial gentle rich sweetness & softness that develops into effervescence that brings out autumnal flavours. Sweet fruity pear and orange flavours intertwine with smooth, creamy toffee, together with hints of liquorice and cloves.
Taste – The opening burst of flavour evolves into the complexity of luscious tastes that is the Ballantine’s hallmark – ripe pears, peaches and vanilla.
Finish – Long and mouth-watering.
THE FAMOUS GROUSE
Blending premium whisky isn’t just something we do, it has been the foundation of our craft since 1800. We bring together the finest ingredients to create a natural spirit before the passing of time imparts the wonderful flavour from our handcrafted casks. Add to this the fusion of skilled craftsmen and a tenacious obsession with quality and you arrive at our Famous, rich, sweet, well-rounded whisky.
Appearance – Full, Golden, clear and bright
Aroma – Well balanced oak, Sherry with a hint of citrus
Taste – Medium full flavour, Mature, Speyside frutiness
Finish – Good length, Clean, Medium dry
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THE FAMOUS GROUSE SMOKY BLACK
The Famous Grouse Smoky Black (previously The Black Grouse) blends more peated malt whiskies, including a rare version of Glenturret, with exceptional grain whiskies to produce a richer, lightly smoky and smooth flavour. Explore a smokier side to our Famous whisky.
Appearance – Dark, Russet golden, Clear and bright
Aroma – Smoky, Soft and Musky,Rich and full
Taste – Full flavour, Spice and dried fruits, Smoke through the oak
Finish – Long, Smoky, Aromatic
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THE BLACK GROUSE ALPHA EDITION
The Alpha Edition is a richer, smokier expression of our award winning Scotch Whisky. This beautifully mature and complex blend has a higher, older malt content delivering much more depth to this richly sweet and smoky blend. On the nose the Alpha Edition is sherbet sweet. Deeper exploration provides warmth and richness, before a lingering, velvety, smouldering, smoke-filled finish.
Appearance – Dark burnished gold, Clear and bright
Aroma – Toasted orange peel, cinnamon sticks, Dark chocolate
Taste – Sweet vanilla, Dry smokiness
Finish – Sherbet sweet, Warmth and richness, Smoke-filled finish
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THE NAKED GROUSE
The Naked Grouse enriches the flavours of Scotland’s favourite whisky by maturing in sun dried sherry oak casks. The influence of our quality first-fill sherry casks develops a deep russet appearance and an aroma that melds black cherries, cocoa and oak. The taste experience is sublimely smooth with famous trade-mark dried fruits yielding to cinnamon sticks and nutmeg. The sweet finale is rich in dark chocolate with a spicy, orange finish. A fine example of the blender’s art, it is best enjoyed neat or as a classic “Old Fashioned”.
Appearance – Deep amber Glow
Aroma – Black Cherries, cocoa powder and oak wood
Taste – Sweet winey notes, plums and a hint of cinnamon
Finish – Dark Chocolate, lingering spiciness and medium sweet
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THE FAMOUS GROUSE MELLOW GOLD
The Famous Mellow Gold blends whiskies from rare, handcrafted Spanish sherry casks and charred American oak bourbon casks to arrive at a distinctly smooth, mellow character and rich depth of flavour. Explore a sweeter side to our Famous whisky.
Appearance – Rich, honey golden, Clear and bright
Aroma – Orange peel, vanilla, perfumed with a hint of lychee
Taste – Spicy, crème brulee, orange bitters and cedar
Finish – Lemon peel with lingering spiciness
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THE FAMOUS GROUSE 40 YEAR OLD
The Famous Grouse 40 years old is our award-winning luxurious blended malt whisky. It is the oldest expression ever released by The Famous Grouse and is limited to an exclusive 276 decanters. Each whisky in this rare blend was carefully selected for its unique character, combining in perfect harmony to create a very special blend. It has been maturing slowly for 40 years in the very best and most expensive casks in the world.The elegant decanter was created in partnership with Scottish designers Timorous Beasties and is befitting of its precious contents. Hand-engraved with a bespoke design of the brand’s icon, the red grouse, nestled amongst beautifully detailed foliage, the decanter is completed with a Scottish silver stopper and cased in a luxury wooden gift box.
Appearance – Smooth, Rich, Clear and bright
Aroma – Ripe Mango, Crushed Coriander, Cardamom Pod and Dill
Taste – Sweet Fruity Citrus and banana, Gingerbread, Light Peat Smoke
Finish – Very Smooth, Sweetly Complex
Ardbeg Ten Years Old is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance. Named World Whisky of the Year in 2008.
Non chill-filtered with a strength of 46% ABV.
Colour: Light Gold
Aroma: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere – peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice.
Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.
Taste: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.
Finish: The finish goes on and on – long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.
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ARDBEG UIGEADAIL
In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”
Pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’, it’s a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. Ardbeg Uigeadail was voted by the 120,000+ strong Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg.
Non chill-filtered at 54.2% ABV
Colour: Deepest Gold
Aroma: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smouldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather brings warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso.
Taste: Full flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar.
Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.
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Corryvreckan
Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards.
Non chill-filtered at 57.1% ABV
Colour: Rich Amber
Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.
Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.
Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.
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Dark Cove Limited edition
Take this whisky and hide it well. For its heart has been matured in DARK SHERRY CASKS, imparting waves of treacle toffee, coal tar, squid ink, noodles and toasted coffee grounds.
Inspired by our turbulent past, this whisky is a clandestine meeting of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. The darkest Ardbeg ever.
Nose: At first meaty, earthy and spicy. Bold notes of dark chocolate emerge against orange, rich treacle toffee, coffee and oak. Wafts of a distant, smoky bonfire in the background, along with a mysterious floral note, like flowering blackcurrant bushes. And lashings of linseed oil.
Palate: The mouthfeel is almost tart, or zesty lime. Raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge forward, then retreat. Waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and huge, tarry creosote notes follow. Finally a more savoury note escapes; cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles.
Finish: Long, spicy and rich with lingering notes of toffee, coffee and tar.
Glenfiddich 15 YO:
Aged in European oak sherry casks and new oak casks, the whisky is mellowed in our unique Solera Vat, a large oak tun inspired by the sherry bodegas of Spain and Portugal.Never emptied, and kept half full of whiskies since 1998, our Solera Vat is the culmination of curious minds and the pioneering spirit of our family. It’s also the secret behind this whisky becoming the first 15 year old expression to enter the top ten bestselling single malts.
COLOR: Golden, a red hue.
NOSE: An intriguingly complex aroma. Sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits.
TASTE: Silky smooth, revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Full-bodied and bursting with flavour.
FINISH: Satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness.
Glenfiddich 12 YO:
Carefully matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks for at least 12 years, it is mellowed in oak marrying tuns to create its sweet and subtle oak flavours. Creamy with a long, smooth and mellow finish, our 12 Year Old is the perfect example of Glenfiddich’s unique Speyside style and is widely proclaimed the best dram in the valley.
COLOUR: Golden
NOSE: Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced.
TASTE: Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours.
FINISH : A long smooth and mellow finish.
Blue Label: Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivalled masterpiece. It is an exquisite blend made from some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the’ remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label .
Region: Kilmarnock
Nose: Notes of oak, spice, dried fruit, Berry, aniseed along with hints of cedar and a touch of spice and citrus.
Palate: Supple and balanced. Good toffee and Chocolate flavours with hints of grass and malt.
Finish: Floral, oaky, good length, urged on by a plume of very well-kept, highland style smoke. Dried fruit, spice, honey.
Monkey Shoulder: The term “Monkey Shoulder” harks back to our whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt-men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang a down a bit like a monkey hence the name.
The Whiskey is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. The result is a smooth, creamy, supple and very malty Scotch which works superbly well neat, over ice, or in whisky cocktails (where it really excels).
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Barrel: Ex – Bourbon cask
Nose: This Whisky is elegant and stylish with nose of marmalade, cocoa, spice and anniseed
Palate: Very malty, creamy delivery with a suggestion of berry fruit. Cloves and butterscotch, hot-buttered-toast and dried apricot.
Finish: Medium length, spicy oak and a hint of peppermint on the tail.
NOSE Soft and delicate with a beautiful floral character. Spring blossom, violets, sweet peas and a subtle green leafiness.
TASTE Vibrant with a compelling balance of dry tannin and and soft brown sugar vanilla sweetness. A deep oak flavour gradually builds, with hints of spice and liquorice shining through.
FINISH Deep and complex.
RRP Index 330 Available in 75cl & 70cl