Reviews

Neither finish nor distillery can be found on the label of the ‘Bohemian Schnapsidee’ from the German independent bottler VAME Malts from Munich. The website states: ‘A Wee Scottish beastie, matured in a cask that previously contained another famous Scottish drink.’ They refer to the finish as ‘Special Brew’. If you add up 1:1 here, you will quickly recognise the Ardbeg distillery with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Years and what can the Scottish speciality brew be other than Irn-Bru?Peat meets pop culture. And now ask yourself: Is this genius or madness? We are more than curious!

Anyone who associates ‘Speyside’ with fruity, sherry-accentuated malts is in for a surprise. This 15-years Speyside Distillery whisky has an unexpected but wonderfully subtle smokiness - and also brings a pleasant maritime note into play. A whisky that combines a gentle campfire atmosphere with warming elegance.

Sometimes, it takes just one moment to capture the essence of a whisky. The Tomatin 2006/2024, aged for 17 years and bottled at 46% ABV, transports you to a world of deep aromas and classic sherry cask intensity. From the moment the bottle is opened, it’s clear that this single malt is a true Highland spirit through and through.

The Tobermory Distillery may not be as well-known as the big names from Scotland, but its whiskies have a charm all of their own. The Tobermory 12 years, released in 2017, is an exciting representative of the distillery. With its 46.3% ABV and no chill filtration, it promises an honest, natural bottling.

Japanese whisky has long since established itself as a serious competitor to Scottish and American bottlings. Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky takes a slightly different approach: 100% barley, but distilled in a coffey still - a traditional column still that is usually used for grain whisky.

Sometimes you come across a whisky that immediately captivates you - and sometimes you come across a bottling that makes you wonder. The Port Charlotte 2004/2023, an 18-years Islay representative from the renowned Bruichladdich Distillery, is just such a case.

The third release from the St. Kilian Whisky Solera system, this time as the second smoky bottling, impressively demonstrates what is created when patience, cask expertise and vision come together.

The Westfalian TW40 is one of the first 10-years whiskies from Germany, presented by the renowned Northoff Feinbrennerei in cooperation with the The Westfalian. This Single Corn Whisky is matured in a fresh cask and boasts an impressive high proof of 69.60% ABV—almost a hazmat experience—despite its relatively mature age of 10 years.

Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, fruity notes and often triple distillation. However, with 21 years of maturation and a stately 49.7% ABV, this bottling from Brühler Whiskyhaus brings an exciting depth. Matured in an excellent bourbon cask, it promises complex flavours and an intense taste experience. Sounds promising - so pour it into your glass!

A classic Speysider with 19 years of maturation, bottled by the independent bottler Signatory Vintage - this sounds like an exciting dram for fans of elegant, grain-driven whiskies. The Glenlossie 1997/2016, bottled at 46% vol., promises an honest, unadulterated look at the underrated Glenlossie distillery in Scotland's Speyside.

Terence Hill is the man who deserves a drink in the saloon after a hard day in the Wild West. With “The Hero (mild),” St. Kilian Distillers pays tribute to this legendary character. A blend of mild, triple-distilled Irish whiskey and the distillery's own whisky matured in ex-rum casks promises an exceptional experience – mild, charming, yet full of character.

A German whisky from an Islay cask? Sounds like a wild ride at first ... But we'll see whether we're surprised in a positive or negative way.