The latest new whisky from Whyte and Mackay and Richard Paterson:

1951 was an incredible year. And while men dreamed of reaching the stars, guided by the brightest of them all, Sirius, it would be another 18 years before that journey took place. But for a whisky in the Dalmore distillery, 1951 saw it it begin on a journey that wouldn’t end until 2009.*

To me, this is one small step for a dram, but one giant leap for dramkind to continue the space theme (and I’ll come back to that later in the week). Coming from the oldest barrel left in the Dalmore distillery, Sirius is distinguished and elegant, age has gracefully finessed this brilliant expression. Aromas of intense citrus and honeyed chocolate are quickly joined by roasted coffee, crushed walnuts and hints of liquorice spice.

Let the spirit gently roll over the palate, holding it long in the mouth to tease out its illuminating flavours. First coffee and bitter chocolate, followed by crushed almonds and ripe apple, then toffee, spicy cinnamon and toasted oak provide the perfect finish.”

Visit the Dalmore Distillery at http://www.thedalmore.com/