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.
Ardnamurchan Golden Promise Duo
In a fit of rebellion, Mason rails against the wave of AI generated everything he finds in his life today. Whisky, especially good old-school style such as these Ardnamurchan Golden Promise releases, seems to help.
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.
Murray McDavid Duo
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.
7x SMOS Reserve Cask Series
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.
Torabhaig Taigh
Kindred spirits Archie and Charlie collab on one of their favourites: Torabhaig. This time it’s all about their new Taigh core release and the meaning of home, with summery pics of California and Scotland.
Official vs Indy: The Singletons
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.
Glen Garioch 12
Dougie discovers, for the first time, brown noise. He shares his thoughts. He also discovers, for the second time, Glen Garioch 12yo. He also shares his thoughts. And his photos? We hope you’re sitting down.
Balmenach 22yo Living Souls
On a trek, Archie is tempted into breaking his own rules when he uncovers a gem of a waterfall. It makes the prettiest of backdrops for a gem of a Balmenach from Living Souls.
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.
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.
Woodrow’s 2026 Trio
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.
Lunatic Asylum’s Only Ash Remains
Something completely different and interesting - a Brazilian Independent Bottling of a Brazilian Malt. Hughie dives in to tackle wine casks and Lunatic Asylum’s ‘Only Ash Remains’ from Union.
Glendullan 23yo Chorlton The Rare Malt
Murdo heads out into the rain to break a self-imposed bottle ban. So much for future indulgence space making. He’s weak. Aren’t we all? A Glendullan from Chorlton in the glass.
Decadent Drinks April 2026
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.
Isle of Raasay Duo
Archie feels there’s a fairly newborn distillery that deserves a little light shone on them and apologises for an almost three-year hiatus from Dramface. He makes up for it with a duo review.
Leopold Bros 8yo
Sad he no longer travels the US like he once did, Fletch is grateful once more for the sharing and caring of the whisky community. Especially the mules. A Leopold 8yo bourbon in the glass.
Turntable Track 07 - Born to be Wild
Once in a while, Mason gets genuinely excited about a new whisky release. This is one of those moments - and it’s a blend. Although one with a young and very different take on things; Turntable’s Born to be Wild.
The Teuchter 17yo
Archie shares his thoughts on the new Teuchter 17yo from Decadent Drinks, while admitting to getting down and dirty with his precious camera and the pursuit of better pictures.
North Star Sirius 31yo
Sometimes relationships take a little time. But when they gel, you need a back up. We’re speaking about whisky, and dogs, apparently. Broddy shares doggy tales over a 31yo North Star Sirius.
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.