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.
Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tasting Blended Malt 17yo
Charlie falls in love with a blended malt. One that he loves so much he’s even tried to make a version of his own at home. With this Cadenhead’s Warehouse special, he’s wondering what’s in the char.
Good Spirits Co. 8yo North Highland
Retailers, apparently, are important. That is, if they’re good. Ex-retailer Ainsley explains why there’s more to it than budget-and done. He shares a Thompson Bros Good Spirits Co. Highland Malt to illustrate.
Islay Connection 10yo
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.
Thompson Bros Sutherland 5yo
Facing the challenges of restraint, Mason tackles the inevitable fallout of over-accumulation. We can all relate. That said, it doesn’t stop him from buying a backup of this Thompson Bros Sutherland.
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.
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.
Compass Box The Peat Monster
Remember the ‘good ole days’ as kids where we ranged far and wide fearlessly. Memories of those days in playgrounds bring a contrast to the newer playground designs where sharp edges are banned and children protected. Reflecting, Mason finds a tasty Peat Monster from the back of the cupboard which he has a soft spot for.
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.
Campbeltown Blended Malt 9yo
After a completely hectic close to the year, Charlie is really hoping for a very quiet January. Perhaps one where he’ll get the time to sit and ponder his nice finds, such as this Watt Whisky blend.
Living Souls Kildalton 19yo
Wally returns to ask why there are so many silly protectionist rules around stating where a whisky is made - and to who’s detriment when it’s so. He does so over a rather lovely Living Souls 19yo ‘Kildalton’.
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.
Hunter Laing’s Islay Journey
Ogilvie finds himself feeling anxious at the Doc’s office before a chance mention of Islay brings the conversation to much more jovial things. Such as this overlooked Hunter Laing Islay Journey.
Cadenhead’s Blending Lab 2025
Dramface returns from the summer break with tales from Campbeltown and Dougie’s Whisky Dash 2025. This one reads like a tour of the town itself, with Doog reviewing his own creation.
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.
North Star Campbeltown Connection 10yo
Charlie hops onboard for another circle around the whisky discovery track. This time, he’s recalling his six milestones as he journeys back into blends with a North Star Campbeltown creation.
Blendathon - Ten Reviews in One
Broddy tries to break Dramface with an epic assessment of ten banging modern blends. He recruits some local pals and covers them all - blind. Think you’re only into malt? This one’s a cracker.
Four Forgotten Blends
Charlie digs out four somewhat forgotten blends from his cupboard to revisit them, all the while realising they all have a story - and a good reason for being there.
Old Perth Cask Strength
In evangelising some friends, Hughie encounters all-too-common blend prejudice. To counter, he hunts for a good value, sherry cask sipper to help his pals embrace the B-word. Might this Old Perth be it?