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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

In something of a look-through-the-letterbox at the life of Broddy - including his sight challenges - we have him explain why he thinks the Arran Barley is a manifestation of emulation. In a good way.

In a wonderfully candid and personal piece, Archie shares his transition into trusting independent bottlers and how he decided to start with Murray McDavid. It’s not what you might think.

With the Classic Laddie displaying its 10yo label once more, Ramsay picks up what’s only his second ever Laddie and asks if our tendency for nostalgia is well-placed, or potentially harmful.

Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.

Charlie continues his deep dive into new distilleries (to him), this time uncovering the two ‘Glens’ of Ord and ‘Dullan, then comparing two Special releases to indies from James Eadie and the Thompson Bros.

A curious set of preview samples from Bruichladdich to review. These will be released in 2026 to celebrate their 25 years of revival. Wally is happy he kept them for himself this time.

Earie uses some Big Words to describe reviewing decent, earnest whiskies in an independent way. This time it’s another flight of Dram Mòr releases from spring 2026. Including a sneaky malternative.

Heading out to the beach once more, Archie talks about why it’s important to take our time. These three from Woodrow’s of Edinburgh encompass that perfectly, from Ben Nevis, Ledaig and Campbeltown.

Bowmore’s reputation has been sullied in recent years. Archie grabs a Douglas Laing Old Particular; one of the many new releases from indies. Can it complete an arc of redemption?

As well as sharing his thoughts on a selection of Decadent Drinks recent outturn, Ainsley also shares his thoughts on his latest visit to the Independent Spirits Festival in Leith.

The gateway dram for Charlie was a Dalmore 18 year old. We all start somewhere. In this instalment of his indy vs official series he tackles Dalmore once more. Four of them.

A stranger to Glenlossie until 2025, Charlie uncovered one of Diageo’s ‘blend houses’ in a Cadenhead’s tasting. Typically for him, a pleasant experience and a bottle purchase finds him exploring and comparing.

In the first of his series of “Official vs Indy” reviews, Charlie tees up one of our most evocative comparisons: Clynelish. The question is, will he uncover any of the W-word?

We often mention ‘Spinal Tap’ whiskies, but it’s nice when we can talk about an official release where the seminal “eleven!” is actually reached. Ardbeg’s 10yo Cask Strength in Archie’s glass.

Facing an ever-expanding stash of samples, Archie decides to get torn into a pack of Tri Carragh samples he was sent last year, most of which are still available, and some of which are belters.