Meaning Big Pursuit, Meikle Toir is Glenallachie’s Speyside peated whisky. Made using premium mainland peat for an oaky, sweet smoke style, they have deliberately bottled young to capture the bold and punchy hit of peat smoke before it mellows with age. The Sherry One has been expertly aged in quality Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry puncheons, with a phenol level of 35mml and a strength of 48% abv. Free from chill filtration and at natural colour.

Expect rich, fruity notes that mingle harmoniously with warming wisps of peat smoke.

A delicious project hailing from the home distillery of GlenAllachie, this peated Speyside single malt is one for the books. 

Named ‘Meikle Toir’ (mee-kuhl tor) meaning ‘big pursuit’, this release is an exciting exploration of smoke and fermentation. Tapping into the ‘heart of the heart’ this liquid is crafted from the spirit cut of the distillate, meaning it has the highest phenol content. This liquid was then carefully laid down in Virgin oak casks and Oloroso hogsheads to mature, leading to a sweet, smoky and complex final release. 

Bottled at 50% ABV, and 72PPM, you can expect a nose of Manuka honey, toasted caramel and smoked cedarwood, with butterscotch, treacle tart and spiced orange peel. On the palate, you’ll be greeted by heather honey, roasted hazelnuts and baking spices, followed by crystalised ginger, mocha and molasses, with smouldering oak, dark chocolate and warmed plum jam on finish. 

A stunning vintage Speyside expression from Miltonduff. Matured in a first fill sherry butt, just 437 bottles of this expression were filled in December 2021.

On the nose, there is dark chocolate, orange peel, and rich toffee. The palate has aniseed, cinnamon, and ripe raspberries before leading into a long finish full of citrus.

Released as a part of Hunter Laing’s Hepburn’s Choice range, this whisky showcases the glorious characteristics of the Speyside region. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2023, the Miltonduff expression has been matured in a single carefully selected refill bourbon barrel for 13 years. Presented at 46% abv, free from chill filtration and at natural colour. One of only 276 bottles.

Expect notes of treacle, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, leading to a palate full of toffee, chocolate and mixed spice flavours which linger on well into the finish.

Released by renowned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Connoisseurs Choice series, this single malt Scotch whisky has been bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop. The expression was originally distilled in 2002 at Mortlach distillery in Speyside. After spending 19 years in a refill bourbon barrel, this rare dram was bottled in May 2022 at 56% abv.

On the nose, there is spiced apple, fragrant vanilla, and dark honey. The palate is full of watermelon, citrus zest, and butterscotch before leading into the medium finish full of tropical fruit and oak.

A top-notch single malt from Mortlach. This addition to Gordon & MacPhail’s Distillery Labels series is a 25-year-old Mortlach expression. Aged in first fill and refill sherry casks, this is particularly impressive and flavoursome Speyside dram. 

On the nose, there is candied orange peel, Demerara sugar, and plenty of sherry influence. The palate brings dried fruits, cacao powder, and toasted oak. These flavours continues into the medium-length finish.

For 2023’s Special Releases, Malt Master Dr. Stuart Morrison has drawn inspiration from an eclectic mix of sources from around the world to celebrate the cultural exchange of ideas. Mortlach, ‘The Beast of Dufftown’, is famed for its sweet yet savoury taste. Inspired by this contrasting spark of umami, The Katanas Edge echos the flavours of Japan, with a finish in ex-Kanosuke Japanese Whisky casks. To add balance to the sweetness, ex-pinot noir casks were used to finish the remaining part of the whisky. Bottled at a formidable 58% abv.

Alluring aromas of ripe melon and pear arise on the nose, which lead to a palate of sweet-savoury contrasting notes. These intertwine to create a brilliant umami-rich depth which lingers in the long, enticing and spicy finish. 

Finished in casks that formerly held alluringly sweet Ramandolo white wine, and earthy Sangiovese red, this Mortlach expression holds a bewitching tint in the light. As twilight turns to night, savour a deep, bold, and deliciously seductive Mortlach. Bottled at 57.5% abv.

The heady top notes make a vinous first impression, suggesting white grapes and Manzanilla sherry, before the aromas become fresh, floral and fruity. Layered crisp fruit on the palate, with caramelised miso and a hint of cured prosciutto notes, before a wonderfully umami finish.

Part of Mossburn’s Vintage Casks series, this 14-year-old expression from Auchroisk distillery in Speyside was distilled in 2007. Rarely seen as a single malt, this limited edition spent 13 years maturing in refill hogsheads before spending a final year in Bordeaux wine casks to finish. It was bottled at 46% abv and it is free from artificial colouring and chill filtration.

Juicy and spicy, aromas of sweet red berries and black pepper meet the nose. This spiciness continues in the palate, balanced beautifully by rich oak and ripe red grapes before the warm and satisfying finish.