An independently bottled Bruichladdich expression by Hunter Laing & Co. aged for 29 years and left at a cask strength of 45.4% abv, limited to only 270 bottles. Soft fruits, honey and a hint of sea salt iodine take centre stage in this special whisky of a great age. The flavours move from sweet to fruity and finish up slightly astringent with more sea salt spray.

Notes from Ardnahoe Master Distiller Jim McEwan:

“Opens on a wonderful sherry and sweet malt sugar combination followed by notes of sultanas, sweet oak, marzipan, melon balls soaked in Oloroso, it’s absolutely delicious. The freshness on the tongue is delightful. The well-structured flavours of oak, toffee, plump ripe red grapes, pomegranate & cranberry rise as one in a magical fruit extravaganza. They provide a red carpet entrance for the toasty sweetness of the malt extract to make a stunning entrance. A piquant, spicy, sassy, marine ensemble plays gently on the mind. For a 30 [year old] it’s incredible. A gentle sea breeze lifts the old guy to a level few spirits will ever experience. The Spanish oak provides a rich mellow stage on which the flavours merge into a Hebridean overture that takes you on a spiritual odyssey where the island’s passion, its history, its character, its people and its culture are as one. Best enjoyed alone late in the evening with the embers of a peat fire glowing gently and the cares of tomorrow must wait until this day is done!”

A Bunnahabhain with no expense spared.Part of the acclaimed ‘The Kinship’ collection, this is a 31 year old single malt whisky that is a true curtain-closer. Laid down to rest in 1989, this single cask whisky was selected by Hunter Laing’s Andrew Laing. Bottled at cask strength, it has a level-headed strength of 46.9% abv, after 31 years at Bunnahabhain Distillery, the coastal influence shines in this one. This dram was created to commemorate the 2021 Fèis Ìle. No chill filtration or artificial colouring has been applied.

Expect aromas of the seaside, and campfire smoke to arise on the nose. The palate is vintage Bunnahabhain, and the finish is, unsurprisingly, spectacular.

A spectacular 40-year-old Caol Ila single malt whisky. This is a single cask, limited edition dram that was bottled by Hunter Laing in The Kinship Collection. This expression commemorates the virtual Fèis Ìle 2021, and is some commemoration at that. Bottled at cask strength at 51.8% abv, this is free from artificial colouring and chill filtration. A yield of 183 bottles, this is the fifth edition in The Kinship Collection, and though the Islay Festival may have been virtual, this is not a jot less exceptional for it.

Expect a rich, hearty dram, full of West Coast of Scotland character on the nose and palate. The finish is full of citric fruits, and bonfire smoke, that leaves with an unforgettable impression.

Notes from Ardnahoe Master Distiller Jim McEwan:

“Brilliant vibrant fresh fruit notes of gooseberry & grapefruit & green apple drizzled with butterscotch. Also you get that heather in bloom sensation, lots of mossy river beds, fresh linen dried on a sea breeze, lemon & lime marmalade all lead us to the marriage of malt & oak, culminating in a combo of digestive biscuits, warm scones, hot porridge together with lemon curd sprinkled with crushed almonds to pamper the taste buds. There are touches of lanolin & vanilla and it’s all held beautifully by a humble refill hogshead which highlights the debt we owe to the Ozark Mountains and its people. It’s an uncomplicated but flavourful whisky, outstanding in its honesty & harmony of flavour. No smoke and mirrors, it’s a reflection of a magical Island, its landscape & its people and we are blessed to have the pleasure of such an amazingly beautiful neighbour. I love it!”