Despite enjoying his new home, Ogilvie continues to find frustration in his state-controlled ‘Whisky Desert’ of North Carolina. Then he happens upon not one, but two home-grown whiskies!

Some jobs, such as Ainsley’s, means Christmas is hardly a time of rest; too much work and not enough play. Soon though, a rest and a return to the cabinet finds a Decadent Drinks Old Orkney and a return of the mojo.

Reading this would make you consider we have a recruitment academy. We don’t, but it’s nice to see enthusiastic learning, such as both Dramface & Ardnahoe Cask Strength inspiring our Archie.

While sipping on a Springbank ‘hand-fill’ from the distillery, Murdo considers how it’s the antithesis of the rise in automation and AI we see today, and how those things may affect the drive to learn.

Fletcher leans hard to compare indy bottling to music covers, but he has a point. He feels it’s nicer when the song is a legitimate original creation, like this Bittersweet Symphony from Turntable.

Mason has such a case of disappointed-ness. he can barely bring himself to review the bottle. At €140 though, he feels compelled to warn everyone that this - isn’t good. A 2007 Dalmore in the glass.

After being refused a visa, Murdo has to switch plans which severely restricts his whisky exploration. No matter, he finds a way to hide from freezing conditions and uncovers a brand new thing - Korean malt.

When aspects of life challenge, Archie has discovered the joy of a walk in the woods. But these are no ordinary woods, and this is tree therapy. He brings along the Glenallachie 10yo Cask Strength.

In the four years and 1400+ reviews on Dramface, we’ve only ever scored one 10/10. Until today. Murdo shares an under-the-radar old-school Signatory Glenturret which brought a tear, and full marks.

The rise of NAS arguably came about due to cost, stock and price. But 2026 is different times. Fergus is as relaxed about the price prospects ahead, while enjoying a NAS classic from Glen Scotia.

A new year, a new writer. Debutant Archie sips from Long Beach California and for his first Dramface piece he went for four from Woodrow’s. A Balvenie, Laphroaig, Dailuaine and an Ardna. Nice.

Sometimes, a whisky choice is much more about the moment than the liquid itself. When Ogilvie welcomes a friend of 53 years, he decides to drop the fancies. Inchmurrin 12yo is in the glass.

Broddy exposes everything anyone could want to know about Dramface scoring. In amongst the deep-dive, he shares a hidden gem of a blend, the OSWA nominated Cadenhead’s 7 Stars.

After a completely hectic close to the year, Charlie is really hoping for a very quiet January. Perhaps one where he’ll get the time to sit and ponder his nice finds, such as this Watt Whisky blend.

After a remarkable career, Ogilvie has decided to retire. Not from Dramface, but his real job. By pleasant coincidence he notes that the arrival and departure of his final chapter are marked by AnCnoc’s 12 year old.

A wee weekend bonus. Fletcher shares a recent ‘whisky-themed’ book that resonated. A story of two decades serving the global whisky industry as a brand ambassador by Mitch Bechard

It’s Dougie’s turn to step up with a box of the latest outturn from Decadent Drinks. Like this weekend deep-dive read, it’s no small undertaking. But it starts with an Ardnamurchan, so he’s in…

Once more we visit the ultimate humbling - blind tasting whisky. This time around Ainsley considers what the minimal details are required to legally sell whisky with a Thompson Bros Mystery Malt Series 3.

In revisiting an old favourite, Hughie puts the case forward for 40% ABV entry level offerings, as well as the dangers of applying the strategy to the rest of the range. AnCnoc 12 is in the glass.

In a wonderfully warm and personal piece, Murdo shares what he was up to when this Chapter 7 Ledaig 1995 was distilled. For him it was a pivotal year and one that would set aspects of his life trajectory.