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.
Decadent Drinks June 2026 Outturn
Wally ‘forgets’ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.
Ben Nevis Duo
After ignoring a distillery he once thought had long closed, Charlie dives in to a duo comparison on Ben Nevis. Both from Decadent Drinks, both 12yo - sherry vs bourbon. Fight!
Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt x2
It’s Wally’s turn to tackle a brace of the formidable Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 6. As usual, he dives in completely blind, but this time he’s confident. Is it misplaced?
Little Brown Dog Duo
Charlie manages to attend only the very last day of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival, but still feels like it was very worth while - especially after picking up two Little Brown Dog bangers!
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.
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.
Mortlach 11yo Signatory 100º Proof
Sometimes, we don’t get exactly what we expect. That’s when an open mind and patience can deliver a decent experience regardless, as Earie and Fergie discover on this Signatory Mortlach.
Bunnahabhain 6yo Peated SMoS
It turns out Fergie has a fear - of lightening strikes. His childhood story of why makes it understandable. But during a recent storm he found a distraction, an antidote; a Bunnahabhain from Single Malts of Scotland.
Kirkland 15yo Highland
Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst, Archie picks up a high-volume bottle for the masses - a Kirkland Highland Malt Whisky 15yo at 46% . On the face of it great value. But, is it?
Clydeside 2026 Limited Edition 🏴
Charlie and Wally are nervous. Scotland appear at their first World Cup finals since 1998 this weekend. Will Clydeside’s unofficial/official distillery limited edition release be the one to pour if there’s something to celebrate?
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.
Arran 14yo (2026)
Sometimes we place unrealistic expectations on things, based on our own dreams and memories, building up inevitable ‘failure’. The return of Arran’s 14yo has Wally wondering if we’re all just after a ‘hot take’.
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.
Macallan Night on Earth: First Light
In a hurry to get to funner places, Wally phoned one in. This time it’s a limited edition Macallan, and there’s nothing - yet somehow everything - wrong with it.
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.
Bowmore 10yo Old Particular
Bowmore’s reputation has been sullied in recent years. Archie grabs a Douglas Laing Old Particular; one of the many new releases from indies. Can it complete an arc of redemption?
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.