Murdo knows what to look out for while travelling. Some of the things he’s really keen to try just don’t make it to his native Hong Kong. Like these Wire Works souvenirs he grabbed from The Whisky Exchange.

In an attempt to get back to basics, Archie rekindles some fun in whisky with the assistance of the playful and bright fruit-punch from Compass Box: their Nectarosity release.

In railing against the addition of colour and chill-filtering, Mason is tripped up by a bargain-basement Glen Moray Classic. He’s forced to apply some pragmatism and just appreciate what it is.

Broddy has been squirrelling the releases from Arran in the Signature Series - so far. With a fourth edition imminent, he brings us his thoughts on the first three, and there’s a clear favourite.

In another of Charlies series, he looks at the exact opposite of Diageo’s so-called ‘workhorse’ distilleries. This time it’s the tiny Royal Lochnagar, a rare thing indeed, and finding an indy proves tricky.

After not insignificant conflict caused by a mighty customs bill, Earie is left reflecting on all of the positive connections and events brought by whisky. An exotic Overeem from a maple syrup cask is in the glass.

Once in a store, Ogilvie heartily recommended this Jack Daniels Barrel Proof to an acquaintance. When he returns to a bottle three years later, he realises some things change, if fact sometimes everything does.

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.

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.

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.

Archie takes a stroll down Memory Lane to share tales of his early attempts to ‘sell himself’; a pre-modern day influencer. He thinks of how things are so much different as the brand-new Aberargie arrives.

Some distilleries deserve a second chance, such as this Aber Falls Welsh single malt. Their clumsy start was arguably to aim too cheap. Others however, make a second chance a hard sell.

Archie happens upon a ‘distillery’ he’s never heard of. This ‘Shieldaig’ turns out to be a branded malt, which is fine. It has a purpose. Just like Dramface, which he also wants to discuss a little.

There aren’t many Irish whiskeys (or whiskies!) showing up in Murdo’s market, but he finds a Marsala Cask from Boann and pulls the trigger. Is it worth it? Is it any more transparent? Is it whisky or whiskey?

Once more, Wally’s weary brain is faced with a whisky he doesn’t understand. In the end he wonders if the odd presentation of The Borders’ Right As Rain release is all to do with it being too cheap.

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.

Despite enjoying his new home, Ogilvie continues to find frustration in his state-controlled ‘Whisky Desert’ of North Carolina. Then he happens upon not one, but two home-grown whiskies!

While sipping on a Springbank ‘hand-fill’ from the distillery, Murdo considers how it’s the antithesis of the rise in automation and AI we see today, and how those things may affect the drive to learn.

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.

The rise of NAS arguably came about due to cost, stock and price. But 2026 is different times. Fergus is as relaxed about the price prospects ahead, while enjoying a NAS classic from Glen Scotia.