The 2026 Paul Launois release from Ardnamurchan inspires a Dramface collab. Four of our writers gather at its side to ponder the trajectory of one of the coolest annual releases in whisky.

Retailers, apparently, are important. That is, if they’re good. Ex-retailer Ainsley explains why there’s more to it than budget-and done. He shares a Thompson Bros Good Spirits Co. Highland Malt to illustrate.

Mason has been ‘ enjoying’ his recent hiatus from alcohol. This year has been longer than most due to Europe’s ‘heat dome’ of 2026, which has had him reach for this Eagle Rare 10yo upon return.

Fletch remains distracted by other projects, but he’s had such a moment with a Glen Scotia special that he’s had to stop and check in, just to share the joy of what a special whisky can do.

As Dramface slows to its summer cadence, Archie reflects on the perspectives afforded to us via a slower pace to things. He chooses a bruiser of a Loch Lomond Croftengea to help.

When Ogilvie manages to snag a lesser-spotted Balcones Texas 1, he finds himself joined by another two who are just as excited to be sipping on the Texas Single Malt.

In his continued pursuit of everything he’s not yet tried, Charlie lands upon Glentauchers. In the absence of an interesting - or available - official release, he compares two indies from auction.

Archie takes a trip into some stunning landscape to appreciate what he has: friends and close family in a stunning landscape. He then joins Wally to celebrate a whisky that we, for now, still have.

Wally ‘forgets’ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.

After ignoring a distillery he once thought had long closed, Charlie dives in to a duo comparison on Ben Nevis. Both from Decadent Drinks, both 12yo - sherry vs bourbon. Fight!

A Dramface first - a donation from the community! Also a first for Ally Mann; reviewing an English single malt. He admits to a short hiatus from whisky too, and remarks on the positives of taking a break.

It’s Wally’s turn to tackle a brace of the formidable Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 6. As usual, he dives in completely blind, but this time he’s confident. Is it misplaced?

One of the team has been MIA in recent times, we discover why as life pops up with an unexpected curveball. He shares over a bottle of Strathenry from the Fragrant Drops affordable ‘Elevenses’ series.

Dougie attends the Inaurgural Ardnamurchan Open Day as part of the West Highland Whisky Festival. As well as a report of his participation on the day, he enjoys a 2016 single cask exclusive released for the event.

In another of Charlies series, he looks at the exact opposite of Diageo’s so-called ‘workhorse’ distilleries. This time it’s the tiny Royal Lochnagar, a rare thing indeed, and finding an indy proves tricky.

After not insignificant conflict caused by a mighty customs bill, Earie is left reflecting on all of the positive connections and events brought by whisky. An exotic Overeem from a maple syrup cask is in the glass.

Finding himself battling DIY and anxiety, two Mystery Malts arrive at Doog Towers for some fun relief. A welcome arrival as he’d had a twitching eye on a bottle for himself. Now he’s got two. How’d he do? Did he win?

North America hosts the World Cup and the USA finds itself once more distracted by this odd sport that fascinates the rest of planet Earth. CA based Archie drinks it all in with two recent bottles from Fragrant Drops.

Charlie manages to attend only the very last day of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival, but still feels like it was very worth while - especially after picking up two Little Brown Dog bangers!

Archie takes us back to his life as a musician as he reflects on the pre-digital era and missed connections. He’s helped along by a Connections release from North Star Spirits, this time the Islay edition.