The say distance makes the heart go fonder. Dougie returns to Ardnamurchan’s fair whisky shores after a long break and discovers what’s inside this 5 year old Unpeated Golden Promise Barley expression.

We all like intensity and focus, but what about when we just need something functional to ‘get it done’? Drummond makes the case for an under-the-radar Càrn Mòr bottling of Glenburgie he stole at auction.

On a trapse to the Big Smoke to explore some whisky in his favourite bar, Doog catches the lurgy. But not before he discovers a belter of a Ben Nevis form Woodrows - and the concept of a bloodtub.

When we love whisky so much, it’s hard to be brutal about some of the obvious negatives. Yet sometimes, when things are clearly wrong, we just have to call it out. This decision was not taken lightly.

As he settles into life in Dixie, Ogilvie meets up with a formidable local gent who declares if it isn’t bourbon, it isn’t whiskey. A dinner is the prize if a mind can be changed…

A recent awakening to another very interesting new distillery, in his own backyard no less, has Drummond realising we are bearing witness to a grand natural experiment, and it’s yielding great results.

Ramsay only really does two drinks; whisky and beer. This one should be right up his street, a golden beer finished whisky form Glasgow Distillery, cask strength and £64 too.

Earie reflects on his outlook coming in to 2024’s whisky space and, specifically, has to confess that he found it shocking he wasn’t shocked at paying £85 for a 14yo.

In something of a follow up to Earie’s Shelter Point piece, we hear about Broddy’s visit to what may be his desert island distillery -The Netherland’s Zuidam, makers of Millstone. Dougie chimes in too.

Earie takes a wander through the Dram Mòr Autumn/Winter releases 2023 and discovers a solid turnout, but one of them knocks him clean off his feet.

If you’re not going to visit during Islay’s annual Fèis Ìle, can you still pick up the special bottles? If so, for how much and - the big question - are they worth it? Drummond snags a bargain… sort of.

Discovering new things is one of the true delights of whisky exploration. It seems, in this Indri Indian Single Malt, Ogilvie, Earie and Wally have all found something very worthwhile.

Sherry depth is rare in budget bottlings, so while Ramsay is searching for some light ABV summer sippers he dodges the overpriced Glencadam 18yo in favour of two of their budget-friendly NAS sherry finished expressions, with surprising results.

Rich, oily and decadent – a wonderful winter warmer.

This may push you back to your scotch

This is from Campbeltown……isn’t it?

Good, natural malt, but…