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.
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 whoβll 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; Laphroaigβs Quarter Cask. Recognising itβs 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 heβs been searching for in whisky - that mysterious βeffervescenceβ. Perfect that it comes from his beloved Ardna.
Lagavulin Distillerβs 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 Distilllerβs Edition. The whiskyβs reviewed too, βcourse.
Nikka Coffey Malt
In a follow up to yesterdayβs serendipitous collaborative review, we interrogate the purpose and provenance of Nikkaβs Coffey Malt. Itβs 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: Nikkaβs Coffey Grain.
Kilkerran 13yo Cadenheadβs
Having learned from experience, Hughie checks himself when he realises he may be taking whisky, and its analysis, a little too seriously. The antidote? A Cadenheadβs Kilkerran 13yo thank you very much.
Glasgow 1770 7yo
In picking up a Distillery Exclusive from Glasgow Distillery to mark itβs new tour offering, Wally asks why so many other exclusives are so expensive for pilgrims buying direct from the source.
Uncle Nearest 1856 100ΒΊ Proof
Our cocktail shenanigans continue, but not without reviewing the whisky itself first. Ainsley brings us a Claret Snap, his own take on the Whisky Sour, using the acclaimed Uncle Nearest 100ΒΊ Proof.
Star Hill Farm Inaugural
Murdo considers the gamble each time we purchase a bottle of something new - the gamble of value. Even when he reaches out to a Dramface peer for this Star Hill Farm, he canβt be assured a good deal.
Torabhaig Duo
Facing challenges of keeping up, Charlie realises itβs all too easy to forget things youβd already discovered. Like how much you like peat, bourbon casks - and Torabhaig Batch Strength & Sound of Sleat
Glen Garioch 21yo 1990s
Are auctions coming back to the rational drinker? If so, that appeals to Nick who occasionally stumbles upon bonus bargains to assist the shipping costs, like this vintage Glen Garioch gem.
Cadenheadβs Blending Lab 2025
Dramface returns from the summer break with tales from Campbeltown and Dougieβs Whisky Dash 2025. This one reads like a tour of the town itself, with Doog reviewing his own creation.
Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 2
We take a break from our summer, erm, break, to bring an epic team Dramface pile-on for the Thompson Brothersβ Mystery Malt Series No.2. Letβs see if we all pay attention to the try-it-blind memo this time.
Deanston 12yo
Mason spots an omission in the Dramface archives - thereβs never been a review of the Deanston 12yo! In shock, a few of the team pile on to make reparations. Is it still as good as it always was?
Decadent Drinks June 2025 Outturn
Youβve asked we do more of these, despite samples being a hot topic at Dramface. Well this time itβs sample-debutant Charlieβs turn with a set of minis from the Decadent Drinks June outturn. How will he get on?
Talisker 11yo - 2022 Special Release
A summer penchant for craft beers led Fergus astray. He was tempted into buying himself a Diageo SR from 2022 based on a heavy discount. No oneβs immune to a bargain. How did it work out?