Over time, Ainsley thinks the Scotch whisky landscape builds into a mental whisky bell-curve where favourites lie to one side and lesser malts the other. But what about the in-betweeners, such as this Cadenhead’s Miltonduff?

We often mention ‘Spinal Tap’ whiskies, but it’s nice when we can talk about an official release where the seminal “eleven!” is actually reached. Ardbeg’s 10yo Cask Strength in Archie’s glass.

Things are a little quiet around Dramface HQ over Easter, but Ramsay spends a little time with the brand-new small batch from Glasgow, in another obscure - but tasty - dessert wine cask.

Facing an ever-expanding stash of samples, Archie decides to get torn into a pack of Tri Carragh samples he was sent last year, most of which are still available, and some of which are belters.

Through chasing whatever whiskies he can explore, Ogilvie notices a lost-in-translation scenario between bourbon and malt. He wonders why this lauded Penelope Wheated is so… simple.

Reflecting on a wonderful Independent Spirits Festival in Leith, Wally considers what was missed, what could be better and what’s under our noses, like this amazing Wire Works Heritage Chevallier.

An homage to the past from Bruichladdich; their unabashed, self-indulgent celebration of a twenty-five year long renaissance. Nick, Murdo and Ramsay step up to review the new 10yo Old Skool.

Remember the ‘good ole days’ as kids where we ranged far and wide fearlessly. Memories of those days in playgrounds bring a contrast to the newer playground designs where sharp edges are banned and children protected. Reflecting, Mason finds a tasty Peat Monster from the back of the cupboard which he has a soft spot for.

Archie takes a stroll down Memory Lane to share tales of his early attempts to ‘sell himself’; a pre-modern day influencer. He thinks of how things are so much different as the brand-new Aberargie arrives.

Despite finding frustrations with transparency (that thing again) and general presentation, Earie is pretty pleased to find a flavoursome value bomb from Teeling in their Douro Old Vines Sommelier Selection.

Some distilleries deserve a second chance, such as this Aber Falls Welsh single malt. Their clumsy start was arguably to aim too cheap. Others however, make a second chance a hard sell.

None of us realised how tenacious Gilbert was, until he went all out to get the best out of his 2026 Malts Festival Glen Scotia; with a food and sip diary. Too much information? We say not enough!

Remember that Dramface article where the writer took the bottle on a hike for pictures and almost stood on a big rattlesnake? Single Cask Nation Glendronach 14 to share the tale.

So much about a whisky purchase is founded in trust. Wondering where that comes from, Murdo shares a tale of treacherous ski slopes and a Bruichladdich Black Art Sapero.

Betraying his age as well as his sense of humour and movie preferences, Archie surprises himself with a low-expectations bottling from Lagavulin: their new 11 year old Sweet Peat.

Nick and Hamish team up for a dual review on a 10yo Glasgow released by RMW in 2025. Once more, we find ourselves appreciating a brilliant new spirit - and brilliant design too.

As a lapsed fan of Dungeons & Dragons, Hughie realises he’s using whisky as a way to continually re-write and relearn experiences. An independent duo of Aultmore illustrate a recent side-quest, and they’re tasty.

Ainsley has a few passions: whisky and music, sure, but he’s also a big fan of rugby. He chooses an opposing nation’s whisky output to mark the 6 Nations finale - a White Peak from Thompson Bros.

In true Gen X style, Ogilvie disconnects from the electronics, and the significant others, to set up a temporary escape with a pal and a LBD Drookit Dug for company.

What’s better than a single Springbank 12 Cask Strength review? Three reviews of course. After a short Dramface break, we return with batches 26 through 28 in Archie’s glass. He’s a happy man.