Reviews

When it comes to Islay whiskies, there are two types of people: Those who love the intense smoke, and those who wonder if their glass has been matured in a bonfire. The Lagavulin 2024 11 Years Offerman 4th Edition is aimed at the former - those who see the scent of cold smoke and salty sea breeze as an invitation rather than a warning. This fourth collaboration between Nick Offerman and Lagavulin promises a typical Islay malt with a touch of originality.

Exhumation – Chapter II by St. Kilian is a homage to the mystical side of metal. This four-years German single malt was initially aged in fresh Palatinate oak casks, followed by two more years in small 30-liter casks – including ex-rum, ex-bourbon, and fresh oak casks – underground in the Odenwald. The result is an intense whisky characterized by fruity, spicy, and earthy aromas, along with a hint of dark peat smoke.

The A Dream of Scotland series by Brühler Whiskyhaus stands for independent bottlings with distinctive character. This 14-years Port Charlotte from the Bruichladdich distillery, bottled at a robust cask strength, promises an intense tasting experience rooted in Islay's unique spirit. Is this whisky another highlight of the series?

Glenturret is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, known for its traditionally crafted whisky. With the Triple Wood Release 2024, the distillery relies on a combination of different cask types to create an interesting complexity. Without an age statement but bottled at 44% ABV, this whisky promises a balanced mix of fruit, spice, and oak notes.

Previously known as "Platinum," the Johnnie Walker 18 Years now carries only its age statement. The content remains unchanged: a premium-positioned blended Scotch whisky designed for broad appeal.

Nc'Nean makes it exciting again! With the Huntress series, the innovative Highland distillery is exploring bold new paths in the world of whisky. The Huntress 2019/2024 Orchard Cobbler relies on a special fermentation process: Long Maturation Recipe, no mash rest, only one type of yeast - and all in a blend of 66% STR casks, bourbon and a touch of sherry (3%, to be precise - so just enough to feel important).

The ‘A Collection of Curious Casks’ series is proof of the Balvenie Distillery's innovative strength and craftsmanship. It offers whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to discover unusual and limited bottlings that are off the beaten track. We take a closer look at the 14-years Balvenie from the American Bourbon barrel.

The Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 is a whisky for real Islay fans. With a full 57.0 % ABV and no age statement, the Kilchoman Distillery focuses on pure intensity here. Those who love peaty smoke, maritime notes and honest cask strength will get their money's worth - but does this whisky also have enough character to stand out from the competition?

Sometimes a whisky stands out not just because of its flavours, but because of the story it tells. Compass Box Ultramarine is just such a whisky - a journey through time and flavour, where old cask maturation meets modern blending techniques. Inspired by ancient flavours, this whisky has a depth that captivates connoisseurs. The basis of this blend was matured once again before the final marriage, with a sherry butt aged for more than 30 years as the centrepiece and a formative proportion of 18.7% Caol Ila.

The Compass Box Metropolis is intended to tell the story of urbanity. After 12 years pre-blended - married and returned to the cask - the whisky matured for a further 12 to 15 years in sherry casks. The ingredients are mainly from the Aberlour and Miltonduff distilleries, with a small proportion of Bowmore added for the industrial style.

Cameronbridge Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest grain distilleries, is renowned for its role in the history of Scotch whisky. This 34-years bottling from 1984, released by van Wees, demonstrates the transformative effects of decades of maturation in the Lowlands region. Be warned: This whisky challenges the senses and offers an extraordinary experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Nc'Nean stands for modern, sustainable whisky production and dares to experiment with the ‘Quiet Rebels’ series. The ‘Gordon’ is a limited, seasonal bottling that consists of a special cask combination: 74 STR casks, 19% sherry casks and 7% French sweet wine casks.