Some jobs, such as Ainsley’s, means Christmas is hardly a time of rest; too much work and not enough play. Soon though, a rest and a return to the cabinet finds a Decadent Drinks Old Orkney and a return of the mojo.

It’s Dougie’s turn to step up with a box of the latest outturn from Decadent Drinks. Like this weekend deep-dive read, it’s no small undertaking. But it starts with an Ardnamurchan, so he’s in…

You’ve asked we do more of these, despite samples being a hot topic at Dramface. Well this time it’s sample-debutant Charlie’s turn with a set of minis from the Decadent Drinks June outturn. How will he get on?

Wally sets aside a day to sit with a line up of Decadent Drinks releases. He uncovers some show stoppers and - remarkably - he can even afford one of them.

Wally decides it’s his turn to try some outturn samples. This time it’s the Decadent Drinks Decadent Drams/Whiskyland April 2025 line up of Spirit of Yorkshire, Inchmurrin, Miltonduff & Imperial.

In trying to understand why Ben Nevis is such a ‘connoisseur’s malt’ Ainsley assembles a trio of indies and pours them alongside each other for a cosy night hiding from the Parisian rain.

As Elis gets to spend a little time with three “try before you buy” banger WhiskySponge releases, he’s prompted to cover the topic of trust and how it’s implicit in everything that works.

Broadening horizons

Two distillates showcase Ardmore

Quality over quantity if you please

The support act, then the main attraction: a true special release

Unknown pleasures from the north

A well-presented Speysider - but the floral sweetness is too much

Two decadent Springers, but we have a winner.

Raw power and more besides.

The lesser spotted Keith exponent

A ‘96 Ben Nevis?

Glenlivet in sherry - what’s not to like?