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.
Strathisla 40yo
Wally finally cracks open a bottle that’s been around for so long it became a burden of anxiety. Now that it’s open; how’s he feeling about having a 40yo Strathisla on the shelf?
Springbank 12yo & Hazelburn 8yo 2025
When it comes to Springbank the spectre of visceral FOMO is never far away. However, Ramsay has been a little more fortunate recently and shares his thoughts on two recent ‘wins’.
Fragrant Drops Holyrood 5yo
Through adventures of European culture, Ainsley gives us an insight into taking a break from the intensity of Paris and whisky, before returning to some tasty Holyrood from Fragrant Drops.
Virginia Distilling Co. Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask
While giving a shout out to some domestic American Single Malt, Ogilvie reflects on his peers, parenting, tattoos and… Sexual Chocolate, with Virginia Distilling Co. Brewers coalition in the glass.
Highland Park 18yo
Who would’ve thought some dog-sitting would result in the ability to explore a bottle of whisky that you’d never buy yourself? Mason digs into this vintage Highland Park 18yo.
Springbank 5yo 100º Proof
A typically meandering Wally thought piece as he asks himself - based on his perspective and experience, is Springbank’s shiny new 5yo 100º Proof worth the same price level as their 10yo?
Decadent Drinks August 2025 Outturn
Fergus reflects on the solidifying of his whisky exploration through trips and sharing, but also the understanding of new concepts, such as independent bottling, like this month’s Decadent Drinks outturn.
Inchmurrin 12yo Thompson Bros
After a point, we all struggle to answer “What’s your favourite whisky?” But there’s a worse question. Charlie shares an Inchmurrin fruit bomb from the Thompson Bros & Glasgow’s Good Spirits Co.
Hunter Laing’s Islay Journey
Ogilvie finds himself feeling anxious at the Doc’s office before a chance mention of Islay brings the conversation to much more jovial things. Such as this overlooked Hunter Laing Islay Journey.
Nc’Nean Organic Single Malt
With so much to choose from, Mason is becoming more picky than ever. When it comes to replacing things he’s already tried, like this Nc’Nean Organic, he’s even pickier.
Millstone Peated PX
Broddy shares his thoughts on his three ‘R’ of Dramface: Resilience, Reliability and Relevance. He holds us to account on all three over his favourite world whisky - Millstone. And a tasty looking cocktail too.
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?
Loch Lomond Remarkable Alchemy
Earie is selective when it comes to pals. He likes to hang on to the good ones. like those who’ll pick up a bottle of Loch Lomond Remarkable Alchemy while heading through an airport.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Ogilvie and Charlie team up to tackle an omission in the Dramface archives; Laphroaig’s Quarter Cask. Recognising it’s reliable solidity, they use it to celebrate being smart about life & parenting.
Mortlach 11yo 2012
Mason brings a small batch release from Signatory to the table as he considers how something so beautiful can be presented in a vessel so ugly, that he loves it. This one calls for poetry.
Balblair Vintage Duo
Keeping special bottles for occasions that warrant them can become an unnecessary burden on the whisky. Fergus shares a moment where some precious vintage Balblair could be set free.
Ardnamurchan Quartet
Covering four Ardnamurchans in one sitting, Dougie eventually discovers something he’s been searching for in whisky - that mysterious ‘effervescence’. Perfect that it comes from his beloved Ardna.
Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition
Continuing our Friday cocktail theme, Murdo bottle swaps to try a take on a somewhat famous whisky mixed drink: the Smokey Cokey with Lagavulin Distilller’s Edition. The whisky’s reviewed too, ‘course.
Nikka Coffey Malt
In a follow up to yesterday’s serendipitous collaborative review, we interrogate the purpose and provenance of Nikka’s Coffey Malt. It’s something of an odd fish that we seem to, oddly, appreciate.
Nikka Coffey Grain
The Colonials try to find a good bottle they can review as a collaboration. This is harder than you might imagine, given regional availability, but they settle on an enigma: Nikka’s Coffey Grain.