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.
Bowmore Devil’s Cask
Times are tough in whisky, unless you’re buying the stuff. Charlie makes a rare move by purchasing an officially bottled Bowmore - the return of the Devil’s Cask release for 2026 that tempts him in.
Caol Ila 8yo Tawny Port
In his debut piece, we get to know Kenzie a little through his quieter pursuits; walking on rainy days and meeting others who enjoy the same. In his flask today is a Tawny Port Cask Caol Ila from Murray McDavid.
Ardnahoe 6yo Chairman’s Selection
Due to recent fortunes, Archie has struggled to breathe. His work needs attention and whisky has suffered. It takes something as big and punchy as this Ardnahoe Chairman’s Selection to bring him up for air.
Laphroaig 15yo 2026
Earie lost an old flame, 25 years ago he fell for Laphroaig, only for things to inevitable change. Now, with this newly envisioned 15yo, can he renew the spark?
Thompson Bros Mystery Malt Series 6 x2
This time around it’s Charlie’s turn to armour up and attempt a game of whisky guesswork. It’s the Thompson Brothers’ Mystery Malts Series 6 in the glass this time - two of them. How does our Chic do?
Ardbeg 15yo Trudernish
Ardbeg seems to be doing things in a fair way these days, or is Wally just being his usual, far-too-generous, optimistic self? He’s got the 15yo Trudernish in the glass and he seems to like it.
Bruichladdich Greener Still 15yo
Wally has a new obsession, which is troubling because it was sold out in a day and he’s fast getting through the only bottle he has. Bruichladdich’s Greener Still hits the spot, just as he’d hoped.
Kilchoman Islay Series - The Vineyard
Ogilvie conducts a social experiment while visiting Martha’s Vineyard - how many polite Good Mornings are returned on his walkabout? He picks up his Vineyard exclusive Kilchoman too.
Cut Your Wolf Loose Sextet
Six - yes six - from Cut Your Wolf Loose today. In a remarkably candid piece, our LA resident Archie reflects on a tumultuous professional path to date, all to explain his love for art - and independence.
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?
Fragrant Drops Duo
North America hosts the World Cup and the USA finds itself once more distracted by this odd sport that fascinates the rest of planet Earth. CA based Archie drinks it all in with two recent bottles from Fragrant Drops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ardbeg 10yo Cask Strength
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.