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 8yo Small Batch Oloroso
After travelling with a only few select picks, Charlie quickly became frustrated that he didnβt have his usual selection. He realises he needs the thrill of choice. Clydesideβs brand new 8yo in the glass. Wally joins in too.
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.
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? Heβs 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 heβs fast getting through the only bottle he has. Bruichladdichβs Greener Still hits the spot, just as heβd hoped.
Thompson Bros TB/BSW The Final Release
Archie takes a trip into some stunning landscape to appreciate what he has: friends and close family in a stunning landscape. He then joins Wally to celebrate a whisky that we, for now, still have.
Decadent Drinks June 2026 Outturn
Wally βforgetsβ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.
Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt x2
Itβs Wallyβs turn to tackle a brace of the formidable Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 6. As usual, he dives in completely blind, but this time heβs confident. Is it misplaced?
Ben Nevis 11yo Tartan Army π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
Wally and Charlie are at it again; wallowing in their gleeful states simply because their team have made the World Cup finals for the first time in a generation. The SV Ben Nevis Tartan Army release in the glass this time.
Clydeside 2026 Limited Edition π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
Charlie and Wally are nervous. Scotland appear at their first World Cup finals since 1998 this weekend. Will Clydesideβs unofficial/official distillery limited edition release be the one to pour if thereβs something to celebrate?
Arran 14yo (2026)
Sometimes we place unrealistic expectations on things, based on our own dreams and memories, building up inevitable βfailureβ. The return of Arranβs 14yo has Wally wondering if weβre all just after a βhot takeβ.
Macallan Night on Earth: First Light
In a hurry to get to funner places, Wally phoned one in. This time itβs a limited edition Macallan, and thereβs nothing - yet somehow everything - wrong with it.
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.
Wire Works Heritage Chevallier
Reflecting on a wonderful Independent Spirits Festival in Leith, Wally considers what was missed, what could be better and whatβs under our noses, like this amazing Wire Works Heritage Chevallier.
The Borders Right As Rain
Once more, Wallyβs weary brain is faced with a whisky he doesnβt understand. In the end he wonders if the odd presentation of The Bordersβ Right As Rain release is all to do with it being too cheap.
The Cairn First Peek 3yo
Wally is surprised to see a release form The Cairn so soon. That itβs also only 1,000 bottles and only Β£50 for 57% ABV, he canβt help but pick it up. It makes him think about time, fairness and also Dramface.
Jane Street: The Smokey One
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 Woodrowβs.
Living Souls Kildalton 19yo
Wally returns to ask why there are so many silly protectionist rules around stating where a whisky is made - and to whoβs detriment when itβs so. He does so over a rather lovely Living Souls 19yo βKildaltonβ.
Strathisla 40yo
Wally finally cracks open a bottle thatβs been around for so long it became a burden of anxiety. Now that itβs open; howβs he feeling about having a 40yo Strathisla on the shelf?
Springbank 5yo 100ΒΊ Proof
A typically meandering Wally thought piece as he asks himself - based on his perspective and experience, is Springbankβs shiny new 5yo 100ΒΊ Proof worth the same price level as their 10yo?
Glen Scotia 12yo 2025
A brand-new, flagship core range release from a big brand is not as common as we might think, but the Dramface crew are genuinely excited by this new 12yo from Glen Scotia. Did they read the room?