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.
Arran Signature Series Trio
Broddy has been squirrelling the releases from Arran in the Signature Series - so far. With a fourth edition imminent, he brings us his thoughts on the first three, and there’s a clear favourite.
Strathenry 6yo - Inchdairnie
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.
Arran 10yo Arran Barley
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.
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie 10yo
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.
Bruichladdich 25th Anniversary Preview Trio
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.
Official vs Indy: Dalmore
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.
Bruichladdich Old Skool 10yo
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.
Waterford Good Vibrations
Sad to see the end of Waterford, Ainsley shares his personal ideas on where things went wrong. Ultimately, with the Good Vibrations Micro Cuvée in the glass, he thinks the ‘novelties’ wore off.
Living Souls Trio
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.
Ardnahoe 5yo Skerryvore XX
The second Ardnahoe in two weeks at Dramface. Maybe it’s going to be another good year for Islay’s newest malt. Charlie evaluates the Skerryvore XX special limited edition from 2025.
‘Whisky Desert’ Duo
Despite enjoying his new home, Ogilvie continues to find frustration in his state-controlled ‘Whisky Desert’ of North Carolina. Then he happens upon not one, but two home-grown whiskies!
Elevenses Linkwood 9yo
A solid and dependable dram is needed to help Mason come down after a whirlwind trip to Glasgow for the annual Whisky Festival. This Fragrant Drops Elevenses Linkwood does the trick nicely.
Bunnahabhain Cruach Mhòna
Every once in a while a Dramface writer will lament the poor selection available in one of whisky’s most potent retail spaces - GTR. Charlie uncovers a decent Bunnahabhain but he has an opinion.
Ardnamurchan Sauternes
Dougie has been out injured. All his own doing, of course. He’s now medicating in a bath of Sauternes-flavoured Ardnamurchan. Four of them, actually. He’s been missed.
Seven from Decadent Drinks
Ainsley is full of excuses: Brexit, holidays, distractions, work, being French. Eventually, he gets around to sharing some beauties from Decadent Drinks. The good news; they’re belters & mostly still about.
Meikle Tòir 5yo The Turbo
On his 3rd attempt, Felix manages to snag a Meikle Tòir - The Turbo; an annual peat bomb that has always intrigued him. However, with time to interrogate, it gives him the toughest of scoring quandaries.
Virginia Distilling Co. Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask
While giving a shout out to some domestic American Single Malt, Ogilvie reflects on his peers, parenting, tattoos and… Sexual Chocolate, with Virginia Distilling Co. Brewers coalition in the glass.
Uncle Nearest 1856 100º Proof
Our cocktail shenanigans continue, but not without reviewing the whisky itself first. Ainsley brings us a Claret Snap, his own take on the Whisky Sour, using the acclaimed Uncle Nearest 100º Proof.
Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond
As close as we get to comedy; Ogilvie shares a nightmare dinner evening with a ‘whiskey’ theme. An event so traumatic, he needed the salve of this Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond to right himself once more.
Westport 15yo Good Spirits Co.
Charlie finds himself on an exploratory road to uncover teaspoon mysteries. With an immensely distracting Westport from Good Spirits Co. he’s transported to traversing Scotland’s famous Bealach na Bà.