Greetings!

If you’ve ever considered visiting Scotland and the incredible people who produce this spirit we love, then you owe it to yourself to check out the two most recent posts on ForWhiskeyLovers. Eating on Islay – Distillery Style by Contributing Editor Ian Buxton gives the low down on finding quality sustenance on the island as you traverse the map of some of Scotland’s finest whisky producers.

And Managing Editor Caroline Dewar takes us inside one the the countries finest and “resolutely independent” distilleries through Isle of Arran – A Journey of Discovery. Both makes really great reads.

And speaking of Scotland’s finest, this weeks Whiskey Wednesday features a rare and exquisite limited production whisky, with a great story behind it, from one of Scotland’s truly great distilleries: Dalmore Castle Leod Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Dalmore distillery is located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, where it is perfectly placed to take advantage of a feast of natural resources: from the waters of Loch Morie, found high in the hills overlooking the distillery, to the golden barley of the rich coastal soils of the Black Isle. Being sited at sea level is critically important. Enveloped by the salt air, the sea-facing traditional dunnage warehouses provide the ideal conditions for whisky maturation.

The distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839 and, for almost a century, was owned by the Clan Mackenzie. The clan’s defining influence on the distillery is still evident to this day, with the iconic royal stag’s antlers – taken from the Mackenzie family crest – adorning each and every bottle of The Dalmore.

And just 14 miles from The Dalmore Distillery, on the outskirts of the beautiful Highland town of Strathpeffer, stands Castle Leod, home to the Clan Mackenzie since 1606. The importance to The Dalmore of the Mackenzies cannot be overstated, for it was the vision of the brothers Mackenzie, in 1839, to converted a dilapidated distillery into one that’s stood the test of time ever since.

Castle Leod, which contains many remarkable artifacts and historically important artworks, is one of the few in Scotland still to be occupied by the original owner. Today, it remains home to Cabarfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie.

The Dalmore Castle Leod Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exquisite limited edition whisky that celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie, and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie.

The whisky was distilled in 1995, then was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary Bordeaux chateau (not indicated, but it’s one of the 1st cru classse). The joyful effervescence of fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are followed by the silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelized pear and sweet mango. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft licorice brings this cornucopia of delights to a perfect conclusion.

My goodness….this is a truly amazing whisky.

And as we mentioned, its tough to get. With only 5,000 bottles released world wide, and a mere 2100 of them finding their way to US shores, good luck finding it anywhere.

But fortunately for us, our man Nicky The Neck knows a guy, who’s got a guy, who is owed a favor by another guy….and so we’ve been able to procure more than most.

And so it’s with great excitement that we can start off the New Year by offering you the opportunity to acquire your own bottle of The Dalmore Castle Leod for $159.95.

But if you want some, act fast. While we have more than our fair share, once it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

DALMORE CASTLE LEOD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY

TASTING NOTES (courtesy of Tastings.com)

Color: Beautiful amber color.

Nose: Elusive aromas of toasted raisin nut bread and honey

Mouth feel: silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body

Finish: long, chewy, grain, spice, cream accented finish. Wonderfully delicious.

As of Monday 14th January new shipping regulations prohibited the delivery of alcohol to consumers in USA, our shipments to the USA will be suspended indefinitely.
Please submit your final order as soon as possible.

TOP PICKS… (a handful of our favorites also listed in the New Arrivals and Back in Stock sections)

• 1985 Bruichladdich DNA Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($599.99) The third edition of this rare limited release, the 1985 DNA combines some of Bruichladdish’s greatest American oak-Bourbon casks and the last of the sherry butts from the mid-1980s. Distiller’s notes: “Nose: Multiple sensory impressions: opening with the classic Oloroso overtones of sultanas, dates, raisins, sweet barley sugar, and a hint of tangerine zest. A little later, beautiful drifts of rich vanilla and nutty nougat…The oak mellowness gives an irresistible Spanish passion, a remarkable bouquet ending on sea breezes and wild flowers – aromas that whiskies matured on Scotland’s west coast can have. Palate: It’s magical on the palate; the flavours lie deep in the spirit, cocooned in the shelter of the oak for over 30 years. They spread gently over the taste buds with peat fire warmth, and then without hesitation, the sherry takes the lead…Finish: A lingering finish, so gentle and soft, as though it does not want to leave. Like it was saying ‘don’ t forget me’ and that we must listen and try our hardest to distil such beautiful spirits…Mood: Planned selfish solitude: no distractions, no obligations.”

• Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($81.99) Gold Medal winner at the 17th annual International Spirit Challenge. Distiller notes: “The Malt Master’s Edition is matured twice, each time for a number of years, in two separate casks consecutively. First the whisky is aged in traditional oak for a period of years then in the highest quality sherry casks for its final years of maturation. This creates a rich, complex whisky with flavors imparted from both woods. This labor-intensive process differs from finishing in that there is a balance of maturation for several years in two distinct woods, not long-term aging in one type of wood followed by a short period spent in another. As a result of these efforts our “Double-Matured” Malt Master’s Edition has a truly unique taste. Bottled at 43% ABV, the nose entices with damp earth and whisky-soaked wood intermingling with vanilla and smoky embers. On the palette, zingy sherbet leads but this slowly turns to plum and spice with hints of almond and w edding cake. The finish is silky smooth.”

NEW ARRIVALS… (items coming into our inventory for the first time)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Rye 750ml ($74.99) • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($44.99) • Peach Street Bourbon 750ml ($62.99)

BACK IN STOCK… (items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Bowmore Legend Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $32) ( Price: Hidden )

• Edradour 10-year-old Highland Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml – 12 available ($39.99) • Old Pogue Master’s Select Small Batch Bourbon 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($45.99)

• Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($41.99)

• Tuthilltown Hudson Manhattan Rye (375ml) – 12 available ($49.99)

K&L Wine Merchants http://www.klwines.com Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637) Email: wine@klwines.com San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Whisky Intelligence – ‘Vignettes – Moments in Whisky’ feature whisky moments as experienced by the readership. If you have a whisky moment please feel free to submit your moment and we’ll do our best to publish it. Use the “Submit a Press Release” button at the top of this page… Go on, you know you want to be famous!

Please find below the Whisky Intelligence Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews Scores for 2012. This compilation is not in any regard an ‘Awards’ but merely a record from top to bottom of the whiskies reviewed in 2012. The vast majority have been purchased with private funds; a very few have been provided by agents or suppliers and are thus noted in the individual review. If you are curious to see which are the later, you may search through the Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews archive and find them for yourself.

There is a distinct lack of neither rhyme nor reason in the compilation; they have merely been reviewed as they have come available. Some were new releases, some blends and some no longer available.

Additionally whiskies that have achieved an equal score (for example 88 points) have not been listed alphabetically merely to further demonstrate the lack of neither rhyme nor reason.

94 Port Ellen 11yo 1983/1994 (59.4%, SMWS, 43.8)
92 Glen Grant 60yo 1952/2012 (42.3%, G&M C#465, 85 Decanters)
92 Glenglassaugh Managers Legacy 1967/2010 (40.4%, OB, Walter Grant”, Refill HHD, 200 Bts)
91 Laphroaig 20yo 1990 (58.2%, SMWS, 29.104, Refill sherry butt, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012
91 Lochside 44yo 1967/2011 (41.5%, Coopers Choice, Butt, C#807, 354 Bts.,)
91 Isle of Arran 14yo 1996/2011 (56%, OB, Premium Single Cask, Sherry, C#1785, 165 Bts., D. 06/11/96, B. 31/03/11)
91 Port Ellen 31yo 1979/2011 (52.1%, Douglas Laing Old & Rare, Refill Hogshead, 253 Bts)
90 Ben Nevis 15yo 1996/2011 (55.4%, C of Q, C#911, 231 Bts., HHD)
90 Big Peat Santa NAS Batch #22 (57.8%, DL & Co, 2011)
90 Bowmore 14yo (54.8%, A. D. Rattray for BevMo!, Bourbon, C#2873, 239 Bts., D’ 27/03/96 B’ 04/08/2010)
90 Caol Ila 10yo 2000 (58%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 53.157, +/-2012)
90 Clynelish 21yo 1990 (49.1%, SMWS, 26.84, Refill barrel, +/-2012)
90 Elijah Craig 18yo Single Barrel (45%, OB, C#3961, +/-2010)
90 Isle of Arran 1999 NAS Golden Eagle (46%, OB, 6,000 Bts., 2012)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (51.1%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Sherry, C#1979, 219 Bts., D’11/12/96, B’25/04/12)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (52%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Bourbon, C# 2086, 186 Bts)
90 Invergordon 18yo (65.6%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, G5.4, 247 bts., +/-2011)
90 Longmorn 19yo (51.1%, SMWS of Canada, 7.70, refill hogshead, 161 Bts., +/-2011)
90 Mortlach 21yo 1989 (57.8%, SMWS, First–fill Sherry Butt, 76.84, +/-2012)
90 Willie Napier Pure Pot Still 44yo (40%, Tullamore, B’ 1989)
89 Ardbeg 8yo 2003 (60.4%. SMWS, 33.113, First fill barrel, +/-2012)
89 Booker’s 7yo Small Batch (63.7%, OB, Batch#C03-1-16, +/-2011)
89 Bowmore 21yo 1990 (46.4, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 3.182)
89 Glenfarclas NAS 175 (43%, OB, 2011)
89 Glen Scotia 11yo (59.1%, SMWS of Canada, 93.42, Refill Butt, 735 Bts., +/-2011)
89 Hazelburn 8yo (55.9%, OB, Sauternes Wood, 9180 bts, D’ 06/08 B’ 02/11)
89 Isle of Arran 9yo (61.3%, SMWS, 121.51, 642 Bts., Sherry, Refill Butt, 2002/2011
89 Kilchoman 5yo 2006 (60.2%, SMWS, 129.1, first fill barrel, USA 114 bottles, +/- 2012)
89 Linkwood 28yo 1982 (53.9%, SMWS, Refill Hogs Head 39.83, +/-2012)
89 Longmorn 14yo 1996/2011 (46%, A.D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#97630, 304 Bts)
89 Old Pulteney 21yo (46%, OB, -/-2011)
89 Knob Creek 9yo ‘Small batch” (50%, OB, +/-2011)
89 Macallan 20yo (55.4%, SMWS of Canada, 24.117, 2nd Fill PX Sherry hogs Head, 196 Bts.)
88 Auchentoshan 12yo 1999 (54.7%, SMWS, 5.35, Second Fill hogshead, +/-2012)
88 Adelphi’s 18yo Liddesdale Islay (46%, Batch release No.1, 2962 Bts., +/-2012)
88 Balvenie 17yo Peated Cask (43%, OB, 2011)
88 Bunnahabhain 4yo 2005/2009 (57.7%, Creative Whisky Co., C#28, 257 Bts.,)
88 Caperdonich 17yo (58%, SMWS of Canada, 38.21, 2nd fill hogshead, 234 Bts., +/-2011)
88 Edradour 10yo (46%, Signatory UCF Collection, C#157, 634 Bts., D’17/04/1996 B’16th/02/2007)
88 Forty Creek (45%, OB, ‘Port Wood Reserve’, Lot 060, 2010)
88 GlenDronach 39yo 1972/2011 (49.8%, OB for KWM, Oloroso Sherry Butt, C#711, 300 Bts.)
88 Glenmorangie Artein 15yo (46%, OB, 2011)
88 Great King Street “Artist Blend’ NAS (43%, Compass Box, 2011)
88 Isle of Arran NAS The Devil’s Punch Bowl (52.3%, OB, Sherry & Bourbon, 6660 Bts., 2012)
88 Isle of Arran 2000/2011 The Sleeping Warrior (54.9%, OB, 6000 Bts.,)
88 Kilchoman NAS Single Sherry Cask Release KWM (60%, OB, C#322, D’ 15/11/2006 B’13/09/2011)
88 Knob Creek 9yo “Single Barrel” (60%, OB, +/- 2011)
88 Nikka Tsuru 17yo (43%, OB, 2012)
88 Stronachie 18yo (46%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 18/10-01, 2010)
88 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select (46.85%, OB, “DSP-KY-12+/-2011)
87 Glencadam 14yo (46%, OB, Oloroso Sherry cask Finish, 2012)
87 Glen Scotia 9yo 2002 (59.7%, SMWS, 93.47, Refill Barrel, +/-2012)
86 Bruichladdich Sherry Classic (46%, OB, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Confederation Oak Reserve’, Lot 1867, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Small Batch Reserve’, Lot 105, 2008)
86 Glenrothes 10yo 2001 (60.6%, SMWS Refill Gorda, 30.68)
86 Highland Park 11yo 1999 (58.6%, SMWS, First-fill barrel, 4.153, +/-2012)
86 Isle of Arran 2001/2012 (55.2%, OB for Kensington, Bourbon, C#808, 233 Bts., D’13/12/2001, B’12/09/2012)
86 Kavalan NAS ‘Solist’ (58.3%, OB, C#S060814018, 536 Bts., 08/10/2010)
86 Longmorn 8yo 2003 (61.6%, SMWS, 1st fill barrel, 7.69)
86 Scapa 16yo (40%, OB, 2010)
86 Speyburn 11yo 1995/2007 (59%, A. D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#422, 287 Bts.)
86 Springbank 13yo 1998 (57.6%, SMWS, 27.97, refill Gorda, USA 180 Bts., +/-2012)
86 Tomatin 12yo (43%, OB, +/-2011)
85 Bunnahabhain NAS ‘Toiteach’ (46%, OB, +/-2010?)
85 Carsebridge 35yo 1976 (53.6%, SMWS, G2.2, Refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Double Barrel Reserve’, Lot 240, 2010)
85 Glen Grant 8yo 2002 (62.1%, SMWS, 9.62 First fill barrel, 149 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Glenrothes NAS 1988/2011 (43%, OB, 2011)
85 Isle of Arran 12yo Cask Strength (54.1%, OB, 12,000 Bts., Number 1, 2011)
85 McDonald’s Traditional Ben Nevis NAS (46%, 2012)
85 The Naked Grouse NAS (40%, OB, Batch 1017822:05, +/- 2011)
84 Stronachie 12yo (43%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 02/11, 2011)
84 Tamdhu 10yo (40%, OB, +/-2011)
84 Octomore ‘Comus’ 5yo (61.%, OB, Edition 04.2, 18,000 Bts., 2011)
83 Glenturret 10yo 2001 (57.2%, SMWS, 16.32, refill port pipe, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012)
83 Penderyn 5yo 2006 (61.3%, SMWS, 128.3, First fill barrel, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
82 Tomatin 10yo ‘Single Malt Collection’ (40%, Trader Joe’s, +/-2010)
82 Tullibardine 1992/2011 (46%, OB, 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux Finish)
81 Cardhu 27yo 1984 (52.6%, SMWS, 106.18, refill hogshead, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
81 Macallan 16yo 1995 (53%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 24.122)
80 Clynelish 15yo (59.9%, SMWS of Canada, 26.82, refill sherry butt, 571 Bts., +/-2011)
80 Glenrothes 42yo 1969/2012 (42.6%, Adelphi, Cask #2, 297 Bts.)
80 Kuchh Nai NAS (40%, OB, +/2011)
80 Lismore NAS ‘Speyside’ (50%, William Lundie & Co, +/-2011)
80 Rosebank 21yo 1990 (59.8%, SMWS, 25.63, refill hogshead, USA 108 bottles, +/-2012)
79 BenRiach NAS ‘Birnie Moss’ (48%, OB, 2011)
78 Ledaig 7yo 2005 (62.7%, SMWS, 42.10, refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)

photo by Robert Hall

First Friday Scotch Sipping at Six at 7,600 Feet in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.

Atlantic City, Wyo., – Miner’s Delight Inn Bed and Breakfast hosted its 54th consecutive Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six in December 2012. The Saturday tastings have become so popular with Wyoming and out-of-state residents that Barbara and Bob Townsend will add another monthly event beginning the First Friday of Feburary 2013. “Many folks have told us their schedules don’t allow them to attend our Saturday tastings so we’ll add the First Friday event in an attempt to meet folks’ desire to explore single malt Scotch whisky,” Bob said.

A Wyoming Liquor Division official confirmed in December 2012 that the Townsends’ Two-bit Cowboy Saloon offers the most extensive selection of single malt Scotch whisky in the state. Their current stock includes 85 single malts from more than 50 different Scottish distilleries. About 70 percent are limited edition whiskies, and 16 expressions come from single casks, where each individual cask only produced between 186 and 576 bottles of whisky for the world market, according to Townsend.

Single malt Scotch whisky is the product of one distillery in Scotland. By Scottish law the spirit must mature for three years in oak casks to be called Scotch Whisky. Scotland’s distilleries suggest Scotch should be shared among friends so grab your friends and plan to attend First Friday and Second Saturday single malt Scotch tastings at Miner’s Delight Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Whether you’re a single malt connoisseur or a novice, here’s the chance for your palate to explore the myriad flavors found in the vast array of malted Scotch whiskies: spices, floral notes, nuttiness, dark dried fruit, fresh orchard fruit, salty sea air, pungent peat smoke. “Some folks think all Scotch whisky reeks of smoke, but that’s not so,” Townsend said. “Many of our whiskies offer light, delicate, non-smoky flavors that surprise even well-initiated single malt drinkers.”

You will get five wee drams (one half ounce each) of single malt Scotch and light, palate-cleansing hors d’oeuvres at the tastings. Maps, books, pamphlets, and distillery information will be on hand. You’ll get a “tasting notes” card to record your impressions. Your hosts, both ab initio single malt Scotch connoisseurs, will lead you on epic trips to taste uisage beatha (OOSH-ki baah), Scots Gaelic for the “water of life.”

The Townsends will also schedule tastings for your private party, company event, or fund raiser. They will provide the service in the inn or at a Wyoming venue of your choice. To contact Barbara and Bob to plan your single malt Scotch tasting visit the inn’s Web site, http://www.minersdelightinn.com.

www.ralfy.com kicks off 2013 with Whisky Review 330 – GlenDronach 1993 19yo Single Cask

Sherry-moment warning malt-mates.

1979 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($299.99)
Glenfarclas is well-renowned for its heavily sherried character, a mainstay of the Highland distilleries in its region. Located just down the way from Aberlour and other famous Speyside institutions, the dried raisins and fruit cake flavors of sweet sherry casks are ubiquitous in the region and in Glenfarclas whisky expressions. For that reason, the single cask of 1979 vintage malt we tasted from a fourth-fill sherry cask really caught us off guard. Because the barrel has already been used three times to mature other whiskies, the sherry residue left on the wood is quite faint, therefore having less of an impact on the eventual color and flavor of the spirit aging inside of it. After more than 30 years, the result is absolutely incredible and very unlike most other Glenfarclas whiskies (exactly why we wanted it!). Instead of rich sherry, the whisky opens with oily resinous notes, sweet barley, and supple texture that can only come from three decades of wooded slumber. The finish turns somewhat smoky, filling in the gaps with more oil and a wave of vanilla. The whisky is simply delicious, loaded with character, and unlike anything from Glenfarclas or any other distillery offering currently on the market. David and I are always on the lookout for the delicious oddball and we definitely found one deep in the plentiful warehouses of Glenfarclas. Easily one of the top five whiskies from our trip.

Jim Boyce | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 31, 2012
Clean, pure, incredible. I believe every other adjective has been used to describe this bottle by my colleagues but it really is that delicious! Any scotch lover can appreciate this for the depth and complexity offered while not treading into the extremely sherried or peated side that can really turn a whiskey lover off!

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 27, 2012
One of the best glenfarclas I have ever tasted- this is a fantastic bottle for any lover of real highland whiskey. There is a lot of oak on the nose and flavor (hey, it’s been in wood for 33 years), but I’m amazed at how much all the floral and fruit notes have held up and even developed in this very bright and delicious older single malt. Rich and malty with an incredibly long finish- this is beautiful whiskey.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 27, 2012
Tasting this whisky again brings me right back to the foot of Ben Rinnes, where we found this astounding cask among several of it’s siblings of the same vintage. Many of the other ’79s showed promise, as we were looking for something special the showcased the GlenFarclas spirit without the characteristic sherry character. This is truly one of the most elegant malts I’ve ever come across. After 32 years and at the surprisingly low 41.7%, this whisky has SO much life it’s incredible. It starts malty, with an ever so slight earthiness. It truly reminds me of standing in the gorgeous GlenFarclas warehouses where this spent the last 32 years. With a bit of air, GlenFarclas’ true character comes out. Typical of the famous distillery, herbs and mint, tons of fresh fruit. White peach skins, mango ripe and uncut, subtle tropical flavors that just make you want to guzzle this stuff. On the palate, you get cake frosting and more of that fruit. There is absolutely NO HEAT at all. The first sip finishes slowly, but lingers on the mid-palate, this malty fruitiness that you want to last forever. It obliges nicely. It’s not over the top whisky, it’s not in your face or 75% ABV. It is absolutely a pleasure to drink, potentially dangerously so. We may never see another quite like this one, so get on it!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 26, 2012
Simply amazing whisky. This cask dipped down to 41% naturally and is now softer than silk. This is serious aged whisky that fulfills all your expectation for mellow and mature malt. $700 for Macallan 25? Or $300 for 32 year old, single barrel, natural cask strength Glenfarclas? Easy choice in my book. There’s no one who wouldn’t like this. Utterly drinkable and dangerously delicious. The most accessible whisky I’ve tasted all year.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Burns Night 25th January

Greetings!

With the Festivites of Christmas all over and the cold month of January upon us, the next social gathering to look forward to is Burns Night. What better excuse than to gather round your closest friends and family and the toast the great Baird himself with a glass of the Amber nectar.

Check out our great Burns Night offers below.

Single Malts Direct

Delightful Burn’s Night Drams

Why not toast the Baird with a glass of Arran’s Robert Burns Single Malt. A single malt from the Isle of Arran distillery, celebrating the famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns. This bottling is officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation, it is said that Burns held whisky in great regard. Only £30.00 a bottle.

Or why not design your very own Burn’s inspired label. Choose from a selection of whiskies and make your very own tartan label. Go to www.singlemaltsdirect.com and look for the label desinger. Or contact Teresa at teresa@singlemaltsdirect.com.