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.
Crolly Irish Single Malt
Hamish has re-evaluated things and set himself some mindful goals. He thinks whisky could do well to consider the same. He gets contemplative with a bottle of brand new Crolly Irish Single Malt.
Macallan Harmony Collection Edition 6
Somehow, Charlie ends up buying a bottle of Macallan’s Harmony Collection. As a Dramface regular, he should know better, but the story of why is an interesting one; we can all relate.
Hawaiian Bourbon Duo
Broddy recommends everyone gives in to holiday whisky-souvenir purchases, as he reaches for a summer pour that instantly transports him back in time to family fun in Hawaii.
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.
Clydeside 8yo Small Batch Oloroso
After travelling with a only few select picks, Charlie quickly became frustrated that he didn’t have his usual selection. He realises he needs the thrill of choice. Clydeside’s brand new 8yo in the glass. Wally joins in too.
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?
Official vs Indy: Aberfeldy
Vanilla. Some distilleries are just a bit like that. Charlie continues his Official vs Indy series with Aberfeldy and struggles to define what it’s all about. A Decadent Drinks is up against an official 21yo Madeira cask.
Glasgow 1770 8yo Peated Bourbon Cask
Mason isn’t a cat-lover. Nor, it seems, is he ready to be seduced by this young Glasgow 1770 8yo Peated. Maybe, however, with a little time, anyone’s mind can be changed.
Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tasting Blended Malt 17yo
Charlie falls in love with a blended malt. One that he loves so much he’s even tried to make a version of his own at home. With this Cadenhead’s Warehouse special, he’s wondering what’s in the char.
Benromach 12yo
Wally yearns for the 1990s. He thinks whisky was better and living was easier. But there are some glimmers of hope for our futures, in whisky at least. He counts this new Benromach 12yo as one of them.
Anohka Alberta Single Malt - Costco Exclusive
Despite being a fan of some of his local distilleries, Broddy missed the appearance of an official Alberta Whisky Act. Not slow to cash-in, Costco got together with some distilleries - including this tasty Anohka.
Official vs Indy: Balvenie
Continuing his series, this time Charlie visits Balvenie. While the outcome might be - for us - expected, it lights his interest in yet another distillate that is usually otherwise obscured from us. A bonus from Kininvie appears too.
Jackton’s RAER Inaugural
Looking back on a plethora of inaugural bottlings from all these new distilleries in recent years has Gilbert realising it’s hard to keep up. This time it’s Jackton’s turn with their RAER Inaugural.
Holyrood Pitch
After following in whisky’s footsteps for many years, Fergus is shocked when he stumbles over some early-days tasting notes. He’s come a long way, but is he up to Holyrood’s Pitch?
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.
Glenrothes - Official vs Indy
In Charlie’s distillery deep-dives and comparisons, the indies have always won out. However, could a naturally coloured official Glenrothes turn that around? He tries two of them alongside two Cadenhead’s releases..
Ardnamurchan Warehouse Release Cask 107
Toothache is a terrible thing at the best of times, but when you’re living on a remote island with no immediate care, Doog learns just how tough it can be. Can a magical Ardnamurchan help?
Nc’Nean Huntress Duo
Ogilvie leads as he, Archie and Eallair team up on a duo of special releases from Nc’Nean. Supplied through Nick, each of them have a go at Edition 4 ‘ Lemon Meadow’ and 5 “Malted Teacake”.
Glasgow 1770 7yo Port Cask Finish
Commenting on something of a modern phenomenon, Fletcher considers the official outlets that do their own ‘indie’ bottlings. A perfect example is Glasgow and their Port Cask 7yo.