Reviews

A whisky from Islay, a blended malt with Ardbeg roots, matured for a full 19 years - you'd expect a massive smoke bomb with a good dose of character. And that's exactly what the Kildalton Release 2024 from Living Souls delivers - but with an unexpected depth and a good pinch of surprise.

Ledaig is the brand from the Tobermory distillery that stands for distinctive smoke, Tobermory for maritime elegance - but what happens when the two come together? The Living Souls Ledaig & Tobermory 2024, matured for 18 years, combines precisely these opposites and creates an exciting variety of flavours. Is this a smoky powerhouse or a finely balanced composition?

The Blended Scotch Whisky Release 2024 from Living Souls is a fascinating fusion of two outstanding components: 50% Glenrothes and 50% North British. With 15 years of maturation and a pleasant drinking strength of 46% vol., this whisky promises a good balance between complexity and accessibility. But does it deliver what it promises? A closer look at the aroma, flavour and finish reveals more.

Anyone expecting a gentle drop from a Highland whisky such as the Ruadh Maor 2011/2024 Jack the Ripper from Malts of Scotland is in for a surprise. With an intensely smoky profile, this independent bottler from the Glenturret distillery brings a real heavyweight to the glass.

When a legend like Macallan meets the expertise of independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, one thing is certain: the result has the potential to set new standards. The Macallan 2003/2023 Speymalt, a 20-years single malt, is no exception. At a whopping 58.30 % vol., this sherry bomb from Speyside is powerful and complex. But does it live up to its promise?

With the Meikle Tòir The Chinquapin One 5 Years, GlenAllachie proves that Speyside whiskies can indeed have a smoky side. However, the true highlight of this release isn't just the peat smoke, but also the cask management: In addition to ex-bourbon barrels, Chinquapin oak is used – an American oak variety known for its spicy, leathery, and subtly sweet notes.

The Betz Sauternes Cask Batch 1 is a German whisky matured in the Betz Distillery. Its speciality lies in its ageing in Sauternes casks, a sweet French dessert wine that gives the whisky a unique flavour. But does it live up to its promise?

If you're looking for a German whisky that will win you over with its complexity and finesse, then steer clear of the Betz Rye Single Cask 50. This 4-years whisky from the Betz Distillery is a prime example of how to produce a whisky that simply disappoints. At 48.00% ABV, it promises strength, but what it delivers is a series of bad decisions.

When you think of German whisky, you might expect innovation, courage and a fresh approach. Unfortunately, the Betz PX Single Cask 52 delivers exactly the opposite: a boring, flat experience that fails to impress even after four years of maturation.

The Betz Master Blend Batch 4 from the Betz Distillery in Germany is a whisky that promises a lot, but ultimately falls somewhat short of expectations. With an alcohol content of 46.00% ABV and no age statement, this blend presents itself as an experiment that offers both fascinating and disappointing moments.

If you are looking for a whisky that will challenge your taste buds and senses in equal measure, you will find it with the Ballechin 2004/2023 19 Years. This single malt from the Edradour Distillery in the Scottish Highlands is a real powerhouse with 55.00% ABV and offers an intense, smoky experience that will delight Islay fans. But beware: this whisky is not for the faint-hearted!

The Glenlivet distillery is one of the best-known names in the Speyside region of Scotland and delivers a strong single malt whisky with the Nadurra 2015, which does not require an age statement. With an impressive 59.8 % vol., this whisky is aimed at connoisseurs who are not afraid of intense flavours and a high alcohol content. But what is really behind the high strength? Is it worth buying?

The North British 1991, a 31-years single grain whisky from the famous Lowland region of Scotland, is a highlight for lovers of matured whiskies. Bottled by the independent bottler Hogshead Imports at 46.7% vol., this whisky presents an exciting journey through intense aromas and layers of flavour. But does it live up to the promise of its impressive age?

Independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail provide a glimpse into the past, especially when it comes to iconic distilleries like Macallan. With the Speymalt 2004/2024, G&M presents a 20-years malt distilled at the Macallan distillery and matured in a sherry cask (No. 22606605). These casks are renowned for their complexity, and this whisky exemplifies the mastery of two decades of aging.

If there's one thing a whisky from the Highlands promises, it's character - and the Aberfeldy 2021, 18 years in French Red Wine Casks doesn't disappoint. This limited bottling shows how a mature spirit can shine with a touch of French elegance.

Rum finishes are like the bell bottoms of the whisky world - sometimes totally trendy, sometimes highly controversial. In 2024, they are definitely in the spotlight, and the Deanston 2012/2023 11 Years from Best Dram shows why. This independent bottler has once again managed to deliver an affordable bottle that will delight novices and connoisseurs alike. But beware: rum finishes are a bit like blind dates - they can be sweet and exciting or just plain meh. This one? Clearly a fruit bomb with a wow effect.

When you think of Edradour, sherry bombs and heavy, dark notes come to mind. But wait a minute! The Edradour 2012/2024 Early Burgundy Barrique Finish is ready to throw all clichés overboard. No sherry? WTF, Edradour! But don't worry, this Highland malt surprises in the best possible way. The colour alone is stunning: an intense rosé that shimmers almost teasingly in the glass. The early Burgundy cask has done a great job here. You could almost think you have a wine in your glass - but don't worry, the 12-years whisky remains true to its Scottish roots.

Sild Flören is distilled in the renowned Lantenhammer distillery in Bavaria and then stored under very special conditions on the North Sea island of Sylt. Rumour has it that part of the maturation process even took place on ships, which gives this whisky a touch of adventure and maritime flair. With its 50.10 % vol. it has plenty of strength without being overpowering.

The Compass Box Delos is a remarkable blend that captures the essence of 20-years matured grain whisky and selected malts. At 49% alcohol by volume, it showcases the craftsmanship of independent bottler Compass Box. The whisky contains ingredients from the closed Imperial distillery and Glen Elgin - a dream for connoisseurs seeking historical and flavourful depth.

With the "Irish Style," Germany's St. Kilian Distillery proves it can craft more than just heavily peated whisky. This single cask release was made from 100% Pilsner malt and distilled with maximum reflux – resembling a triple distillation. The spirit then matured for five years in a 190-liter ex-Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey barrel. Combining technical precision with flavor finesse, this whisky promises a unique experience.

Macallan is one of the most renowned whisky brands globally, often associated with luxury and prestige. The Macallan 12 Years Double Cask combines American and European oak, both seasoned with sherry. Its elegant presentation emphasizes the brand's premium aspiration.

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where the air is infused with peat and heather, the Ardmor Mouton Bouillie was created, a whisky that has not only been matured for 15 years, but also combines the essence of the Ardmore distillery with the eccentricity of an independent bottler such as the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The Miyagikyo Single Malt hails from the Miyagikyo Distillery in Japan, renowned for its slow distillation process and innovative methods. This whisky is distilled using a combination of traditional pot stills and "giant stills," with a long (bended) line arm that ensures a particularly gentle distillation. With just 5 ppm (parts per million), the Miyagikyo has a subtle, almost invisible smoky presence that complements the flavors without dominating them. The whisky comes in at 45% ABV and does not carry an age statement, speaking to its modern yet well-structured expression.

The Westfalian Cask 74 from the Northoff distillery is a remarkable single malt whisky, characterised by its 10-year maturation and an exceptional cask strength of 64.10% vol. Produced in Germany, distilled in 2013 and matured in a Macallan cask until 2024, it offers an impressive variety of flavours that are reflected in every drop. We are extremely excited!