In trying to understand why Ben Nevis is such a ‘connoisseur’s malt’ Ainsley assembles a trio of indies and pours them alongside each other for a cosy night hiding from the Parisian rain.

As Elis gets to spend a little time with three “try before you buy” banger WhiskySponge releases, he’s prompted to cover the topic of trust and how it’s implicit in everything that works.

Broadening horizons

Two distillates showcase Ardmore

Quality over quantity if you please

The support act, then the main attraction: a true special release

Unknown pleasures from the north

A well-presented Speysider - but the floral sweetness is too much

Two decadent Springers, but we have a winner.

Raw power and more besides.

The lesser spotted Keith exponent

A ‘96 Ben Nevis?

Glenlivet in sherry - what’s not to like?