After being refused a visa, Murdo has to switch plans which severely restricts his whisky exploration. No matter, he finds a way to hide from freezing conditions and uncovers a brand new thing - Korean malt.

In the four years and 1400+ reviews on Dramface, we’ve only ever scored one 10/10. Until today. Murdo shares an under-the-radar old-school Signatory Glenturret which brought a tear, and full marks.

In a wonderfully warm and personal piece, Murdo shares what he was up to when this Chapter 7 Ledaig 1995 was distilled. For him it was a pivotal year and one that would set aspects of his life trajectory.

Murdo puts forward the case for flexibility; to be seduced by quality and value over brands. Which, ironically, has him visit a brand that’s often rudely referred to as Diageo’s Death Star - Roseisle.

A self-declared lover of anything Linkwood, even Murdo has to admit that sometimes it is possible to find something you don’t enjoy - despite expecting to. Case in point - a 10yo Signatory Linkwood.

With a rare glimpse into Murdo’s home life, he shares a tale with a bottle that has become something of a domestic icon for him. A vintage Glendronach 21yo(?) from 2021.

Murdo’s review of a Thompson Bros Mystery Malt Series 2 Clynelish is actually more a tale of sharing, generosity and community. With a little critical thought about the concept thrown in.

Continuing our Friday cocktail theme, Murdo bottle swaps to try a take on a somewhat famous whisky mixed drink: the Smokey Cokey with Lagavulin Distilller’s Edition. The whisky’s reviewed too, ‘course.

In a follow up to yesterday’s serendipitous collaborative review, we interrogate the purpose and provenance of Nikka’s Coffey Malt. It’s something of an odd fish that we seem to, oddly, appreciate.

The Colonials try to find a good bottle they can review as a collaboration. This is harder than you might imagine, given regional availability, but they settle on an enigma: Nikka’s Coffey Grain.

Murdo considers the gamble each time we purchase a bottle of something new - the gamble of value. Even when he reaches out to a Dramface peer for this Star Hill Farm, he can’t be assured a good deal.

Today Murdo reveals his milestone epiphanies and, specifically, how they led to appreciating more spirit-forward drams such as the classic Glencadam 15yo. Calder chips in from Oz too.

Nothing in life is free. Murdo has a think about this as he considers who is the ‘product’ in any of our modern whisky day transactions, while sharing another Linkwood banger from Signatory.

Murdo riffs off a recent Ainsley piece where he explored the concept of wax in whisky. After tracking down a bottle of Thompson Bros Dailuaine celebrated for ‘wax’, he feels ready to share.

Did our challenging times during Lockdown actually offer us a few silver linings? Murdo offers a few possible examples which endure for him today, including discovering this knockout Cadenhead’s Linkwood.

Whisky quest at Singapore’s Changi Airport.: The saleswoman leads Murdo down the Travel Retail isles and pulls out this Blended Scotch by Ardray. Is she a true whisky sage or a master of sales magic?

As a firm fan of Glenfarclas, Murdo is frustrated by weak and unreliable official bottles - despite good prices. In today’s comparison of two fully natural releases, he makes an enthusiast’s plea.

The last piece in the trilogy of Murdo’s trip to Scotland and the Highlands, touring Dornoch and Clynelish. Over a pricey distillery hand-fill Clynelish he reflects on what made it all so special.

Murdo’s Whisky Monday saga continues; a Tomatin trip then north to Dornoch Castle. Showing remarkable restraint, he returns home to his Thompson Bros 2009 Teaninich 12yo to reminisce.

It’s been weeks since Murdo joined the fun in Glasgow, but he’s still buzzing about all the fun; and the people who have become friends since. He reminisces over two Springbank Cage prizes.