Single Malts Direct is pleased to announce the arrival of whisky ranges from the distilleries of Lagavulin and Highland Park.

Located on the rocky south coast of Islay, Lagavulin distillery is well known for producing whiskies with a distinctive mix of peat and smoke flavours. These characteristics are exemplified in the 2010 bottling of a limited edition 12 Year Old, the ninth in a series of special twelve-year-old releases from the original distiller’s stocks. With a golden-yellow colour, this is an attractive single malt reminiscent of sunlit straw. On the nose, the 12 Year Old is initially smoky and peaty, followed by sweetness with hints of apples, vanilla and toffee. You might also notice a slight saltiness showing through.

This saltiness is continued on the palate, where it develops into a light iodine taste. Citrus notes also emerge; but the main attraction here is the strong smoky flavour, which is married with a fitting dryness. The aftertaste is long and powerful, with a lingering lightly-charred flavour.

Bottled at cask strength, the 12 Year Old is perfect for the connoisseur and anyone with a penchant for Islay whiskies. The addition of a little water will help to define the flavours and reveal the whisky’s depths.
Highland Park is a highly regarded distillery situated atop a hill in the Orkney capital of Kirkwall. You’ve probably already heard of their 18 Year Old, which revered spirits writer F. Paul Pacult has named the “Best Spirit in the World”, commenting “it’s totally in harmony, there are no rough edges and everything is melded together brilliantly.” The whisky has a natural, burnished gold colour and a rich nose and taste. Sniff this malt and you’ll notice the scents of mature oak and butter tablet. On the palate, the 18 Year Old has a rich peaty flavour with the sweetness of heather honey. Overall, this is a complex whisky with a finish both long and soft .
As well as the acclaimed 18 Year Old, Single Malts Direct also stocks a number of Highland Park’s other offerings; and each one is a truly unique character in itself. The 40 Year Old is a magnificently matured single malt that you’ll want to linger over. Due to the nature of the bottling, supply is always limited; so think about adding this one to your collection soon. Another real character is the 8 Year Old produced as part of the MacPhail’s Collection. It may seem young, but this whisky – matured in sherry casks for a warm reddish colour and a distinctive finish – has an impressive body, interwoven with smoky and spicy flavours. Bottled exclusively for whisky specialists Gordon & Macphail, this single malt is not widely available and is being offered at a great price.

Visit Single Malts Direct at www.singlemaltsdirect.com