A favourite Gilbert pastime is chasing blends. Reluctant to splash out on the “Ultimate” scotch blend, Gilbert borrows a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and gives it a whirl for us all.

While shopping for bits and bobs, Mason is hit by nostalgia from a cute 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker Red. At only €7, he decides to have a little fun despite the inevitable disappointment of this modern blend.

In digging for obscure treasures, Innes unearths a bottle that’s been abused for 50 years. A Wine Society Mortlach from before most of us were born. Incredible liquid history. How does it taste?

A debut piece by our Friday First writer Mason Mack, who introduces us to his digital native generation and slow-living, through a glass of elegant Dailuaine from Fragrant Drops.

Never backward about coming forward, Fletcher shares his take on IBs, a popular 100º series as well as Woodrow’s recent reaction to it. All while savouring a cracking James Eadie Mannochmore.

The last piece in the trilogy of Murdo’s trip to Scotland and the Highlands, touring Dornoch and Clynelish. Over a pricey distillery hand-fill Clynelish he reflects on what made it all so special.

Murdo’s Whisky Monday saga continues; a Tomatin trip then north to Dornoch Castle. Showing remarkable restraint, he returns home to his Thompson Bros 2009 Teaninich 12yo to reminisce.

Nostalgic about his formative whisky days exploring supermarkets, Fergus arrives at the official 15yo Dalwhinnie. As a geek today, while he appreciates its value, we know where he goes from there…

Tyree returns with some deep thoughts on expertise, enthusiasts, ‘Big Whisky’ and black boxes. Fascinating. He finishes off with a flourish and a beautiful 1990s Benrinnes. Welcome back fella.

When you love something, sense doesn’t always prevail. Wally, not for the first time, naively pulls the trigger on a 2024 Talisker only to discover he’s chasing nostalgia, and he needs to move on.

Reflecting on the rise of modern blends; Fletcher thinks about the incidental rise of the amateur blender, and tries a few of these newer products up against the benchmark; Johnnie Black 12yo.

After conquering his recent FOMO, Ramsay tries to banish his HAMO; Have Already Missed Out. Reviewing Clynelish - one of whisky's legends - makes him consider what's gone before.

The weather isn't enough to dampen Paisley's desire to return to a favourite Linkwood. She thinks it's the canny use of a refill cask that's made this bargain North Star release perfect for any season.

Weekend sorted: exploring the idea you can't screw up a Caol Ila, Tav earns a gold star by lining up 5 indy bangers and comparing them all to the classic official 12yo.

Ainsley brings a Glen Ord banger to a 90+ points whisky night and ends up contemplating what’s different about ‘older’ whiskies that are, in whisky terms, actually pretty young.

Broddy feels, like most, that it’s hard to screw up Caol Ila, but this one comes close. Luckily, he regales us with tales and views of jaw dropping Canadian scenes along the way.

Our Linkwood exploration continues, this time heading back to the 1990s with a Signatory and a Cadenhead’s head-to-head, which also gives Ainsley pause to consider the role of ABV.

Prompted by the team, Wally reconnects with Linkwood, and this Thompson Bros 13yo makes Wally contemplate just how much trust revolves around the Whiskyverse, and why it’s vital.

Justifying his love of Linkwood, Murdo lines up four differently matured takes on its malt, all indies and all teenagers. One in particular has him demand this Speysider be celebrated more.

Murdo finds an ‘interesting’ whisky in this 20yo Inchgower but also shares an ‘interesting’ business model which understandably, prevents him from shopping local.