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.

An homage to the past from Bruichladdich; their unabashed, self-indulgent celebration of a twenty-five year long renaissance. Nick, Murdo and Ramsay step up to review the new 10yo Old Skool.

Nick and Hamish team up for a dual review on a 10yo Glasgow released by RMW in 2025. Once more, we find ourselves appreciating a brilliant new spirit - and brilliant design too.

As a lapsed fan of Dungeons & Dragons, Hughie realises he’s using whisky as a way to continually re-write and relearn experiences. An independent duo of Aultmore illustrate a recent side-quest, and they’re tasty.

Palate fatigue. Mason is convinced it’s a thing. And so, he resolves to seek out things to switch up his sipping experiences. How about the stuff he likes less? Like full maturation PX? An Edradour 10 fits the bill.

All good things must end. Archie wraps up his Northern California trip & kills off one of his favourite ever from his beloved Caol Ila: a Woodrows in Palo Cortado.

Some much needed positivity from Gilbert as he shares why he thinks Scotch whisky is coming home, using Symington’s 10yo Blended Scotch as the perfect example of why.

Archie packs a few bottles on a long drive north for a short break to contemplate his decade of change. He soon realises he only needed to pack one - the latest 10 year old Ardnamurchan from 2025.

After discussions orbiting around the fact people actually read Dramface, Ainsley is forced to recognise it’s more than a pet project. He dials in on an under-the-radar peat alternative that’s everywhere for £45.

Even in far-flung California, Archie is landing decent indie bottlings. In a follow up to his Woodrows Foursome, we have a Living Souls Trio: Two Smoky Sevens and a Speyside, all crackers.

When aspects of life challenge, Archie has discovered the joy of a walk in the woods. But these are no ordinary woods, and this is tree therapy. He brings along the Glenallachie 10yo Cask Strength.

Ally’s already decided he’s won’t make any resolutions for 2026; last year’s didn’t work out as planned. He found his deep dive into wine woefully restrictive. He makes up for it with a 10yo Hazelburn.

As a stickler for justice, Fletcher gives a shout out to the 200 years old Edradour. As he sips this new, all natural 10yo, he wonders what would’ve happened if it hadn’t been saved.

In recent times Ramsay has started to shift his relationship with whisky - specifically his buying habits. But some things still force a joyful trigger-pull, such as a new Distillery Edition Loch Lomond.

A self-declared lover of anything Linkwood, even Murdo has to admit that sometimes it is possible to find something you don’t enjoy - despite expecting to. Case in point - a 10yo Signatory Linkwood.

Enjoying a cracking bottle of Dunville’s 10yo Palo Cortado has Hamish wondering why there isn’t more made of the rich whisky history in his homeland. Is it time for a Bushmills Belfast Experience?