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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

We often mention ‘Spinal Tap’ whiskies, but it’s nice when we can talk about an official release where the seminal “eleven!” is actually reached. Ardbeg’s 10yo Cask Strength in Archie’s glass.

Facing an ever-expanding stash of samples, Archie decides to get torn into a pack of Tri Carragh samples he was sent last year, most of which are still available, and some of which are belters.

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.

So much about a whisky purchase is founded in trust. Wondering where that comes from, Murdo shares a tale of treacherous ski slopes and a Bruichladdich Black Art Sapero.

Betraying his age as well as his sense of humour and movie preferences, Archie surprises himself with a low-expectations bottling from Lagavulin: their new 11 year old Sweet Peat.

Earie, like many of us, keeps Diageo on the naughty step until their insanely greedy and odd behaviours change. But gifts are gifts, so what’s he missing out on? Lagavulin 8 in the glass this time.

Drummond returns from a short hiatus with an insight into a trait that he’s come to accept; the need to pause and make time for self-care. A trio of Cadenhead’s Bunnahabhain helps of course.

All good things must end. Archie wraps up his Northern California trip & kills off one of his favourite ever from his beloved Caol Ila: a Woodrows in Palo Cortado.

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.

Wally tries to blow off the January blues and heads out to a festival; the National Whisky Festival in Glasgow. He unearths lots to be positive about but lands of a terrific and affordable Jane Street Single Malt from Woodrow’s.

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.

Reading this would make you consider we have a recruitment academy. We don’t, but it’s nice to see enthusiastic learning, such as both Dramface & Ardnahoe Cask Strength inspiring our Archie.

A new year, a new writer. Debutant Archie sips from Long Beach California and for his first Dramface piece he went for four from Woodrow’s. A Balvenie, Laphroaig, Dailuaine and an Ardna. Nice.

It’s Dougie’s turn to step up with a box of the latest outturn from Decadent Drinks. Like this weekend deep-dive read, it’s no small undertaking. But it starts with an Ardnamurchan, so he’s in…

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’.