Whisky Reviews
Here you'll find honest opinions, thoughtful analysis and the occasional disagreement, because no two palates are quite the same. We review widely, score reluctantly and remain convinced that whisky is far more interesting than the numbers attached to it.
Agreement is optional; curiosity is encouraged.
Glenrothes - Official vs Indy
In Charlie’s distillery deep-dives and comparisons, the indies have always won out. However, could a naturally coloured official Glenrothes turn that around? He tries two of them alongside two Cadenhead’s releases..
Glen Scotia 18yo Single Cask
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.
Old Pulteney 18yo
It seems that Pulteney have never been fully forgiven for the brand update that happened all the way back in 2018. Drummond put the case forward for their often overlooked 18 year old.
Dràm Mòr Spring 2026 Outturn
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.
Longrow 18yo
It’s a popular bottle, the Longrow 18. So much so, it generates one of our famous Dramface pile-ons, with Earie, Mike, Drummond and Murdo all reviewing their own annual editions. Perfect.
Jura 18yo One For You
Browsing an auction, Earie spots something that has completely passed him by - an all-natural OB Jura, at cask strength. He’s left to wonder whether they were shy about it or was it that he just wasn’t looking hard enough?
Arran 18yo
Charlie has some agonising to do over his accumulated open bottles. He dives in to cull some off which, happily, brings this Arran 18yo to the fore, and he discovers it’s the first time we’ve reviewed it.
Cadenhead’s Tomatin 18yo
Ainsley had a forced whisky hiatus, but he rekindled his love for music while away. Over a tasty Cadenhead’s Tomatin 18yo, he realises keeping the passion might take a little thought and effort.
Bunnahabhain 18yo
Staring at ever more sagging and creaking shelves, Drummond admits he’s been on something of a bottle ban in 2025. But it does allow him to crack some long saved charmers, like this Bunnahabhain 18yo.
Highland Park 18yo
Who would’ve thought some dog-sitting would result in the ability to explore a bottle of whisky that you’d never buy yourself? Mason digs into this vintage Highland Park 18yo.
Dalmore 18yo
The plastic stag of Dalmore 18yo is in the crosshairs as Charlie revisits an old friend, one from a time before he was sullied by ‘informed’ opinions, community ‘consensus’ and, well, possibly much better whiskies.
Springbank 18yo 2024 Release
Today we learn the swap for yesterday’s review. Ainsley pushes the boat out for a pricey 18 year old and splits it with Dramface Jackie in a celebration of what whisky is all about - sharing. Hughie chips in too!
Bunnahabhain 18yo Old Particular
Being honest with himself, Earie accepts that he’s paying more per bottle today than ever. Where will this pattern go & did a splurge on this Douglas Laing 18yo Bunnahabhain work out well?
Glen Scotia 18yo
A buddy-up duo up to try out the Glen Scotia 18 year old. Broddy shares some of his frustrations with the business of life decisions while Wally shares frustrations over decisions in whisky business.
Clynelish 18yo 1992
Ainsley has tried enough decent Clynelish to know he loves that waxy character it can possess, so he determines to land a bottle. But that’s harder said than done. Did he manage with this 1992 18yo?
Living Souls Ninety-Nine & One
Wally enjoys thinking about whisky accidents as he manages to secure a bottle of the Living Souls ‘accident’ where, we’re told, a splash of grain accidentally made its way into a vat of aged malt. Oops.
Deanston 18yo
An annual treat for Fergie is to splash out on an indulgent treat. Despite a previous false start, he chose Deanston and their 18yo. What did he discover? It’s a Dramface pile on.
Ben Nevis 18yo
Warning. Nick will likely score this harshly. After a life-changing Ben Nevis epiphany, nothing has matched since. Tyree steps in to help on this Blackadder Ingelred 18yo.
Bruichladdich 18yo Re/Define
Wally talks himself in and out of liking this release as he struggles with the cost and the direction of things, all the while realising this is the best Bruichladdich he remembers tasting.
Tomatin 18yo
When is a finish a finish and not a secondary maturation? Does it matter if you discover an under-the-radar balanced banger? Broddy asks, and answers with Tomatin’s 18yo.