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.
Clydeside 2026 Limited Edition 🏴
Charlie and Wally are nervous. Scotland appear at their first World Cup finals since 1998 this weekend. Will Clydeside’s unofficial/official distillery limited edition release be the one to pour if there’s something to celebrate?
Ardnamurchan Golden Promise Duo
In a fit of rebellion, Mason rails against the wave of AI generated everything he finds in his life today. Whisky, especially good old-school style such as these Ardnamurchan Golden Promise releases, seems to help.
Old Pulteney 18yo
It seems that Pulteney have never been fully forgiven for the brand update that happened all the way back in 2018. Drummond put the case forward for their often overlooked 18 year old.
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.
Arran 14yo (2026)
Sometimes we place unrealistic expectations on things, based on our own dreams and memories, building up inevitable ‘failure’. The return of Arran’s 14yo has Wally wondering if we’re all just after a ‘hot take’.
7x SMOS Reserve Cask Series
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Torabhaig Taigh
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.
Official vs Indy: The Singletons
Charlie continues his deep dive into new distilleries (to him), this time uncovering the two ‘Glens’ of Ord and ‘Dullan, then comparing two Special releases to indies from James Eadie and the Thompson Bros.
Glen Garioch 12
Dougie discovers, for the first time, brown noise. He shares his thoughts. He also discovers, for the second time, Glen Garioch 12yo. He also shares his thoughts. And his photos? We hope you’re sitting down.
Balmenach 22yo Living Souls
On a trek, Archie is tempted into breaking his own rules when he uncovers a gem of a waterfall. It makes the prettiest of backdrops for a gem of a Balmenach from Living Souls.
Macallan Night on Earth: First Light
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.
Old Rhosdhu 30yo
A nostalgic look back in time with Broddy. As he sips an ancient and lost style of Loch Lomond, perhaps never intended to reach 30yo, he thinks back to how things were once made differently.
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.
Dràm Mòr Spring 2026 Outturn
Earie uses some Big Words to describe reviewing decent, earnest whiskies in an independent way. This time it’s another flight of Dram Mòr releases from spring 2026. Including a sneaky malternative.
Woodrow’s 2026 Trio
Heading out to the beach once more, Archie talks about why it’s important to take our time. These three from Woodrow’s of Edinburgh encompass that perfectly, from Ben Nevis, Ledaig and Campbeltown.
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?
Glendullan 23yo Chorlton The Rare Malt
Murdo heads out into the rain to break a self-imposed bottle ban. So much for future indulgence space making. He’s weak. Aren’t we all? A Glendullan from Chorlton in the glass.
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.
Mannochmore 15yo Equinox & Solstice
As an advocate for bottle splits, Earie enjoys a souvenir from a pal - one of the Equinox & Solstice releases from Decadent Drinks - this time an under-the-radar Mannochmore.