Scotch Single Malt A-Z

Scarabus is a single malt whisky selected by Hunter Laing & Co. While the origin of this whisky is a mystery, it is a big dram, offering an aroma of sweet syrupy pears, white raisins, freshly roasting peanuts and plumes of peaty smoke. A briny sea-salt and leathery note adds depth, again nutty then spiced with mace and vanilla on a very oily and viscous mouthfeel. A fantastic dram and a must try for fans of Islay's oily, coastal peat smoke.

This expression from That Boutiquey Whisky Company hails from an unknown Islay distillery.  Matured for eight years in a combination of ex Bourbon Hogsheads and ex Sherry Octaves, this expression carries the classic notes of Islay peat and coastal bonfires. along with notes of fresh peaches and apricot, alongside toasted malt and sweet fudge.

Ardbeg's latest addition to their lineup has finally arrived, the appropriately named 'Wee Beastie'. Selected from both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, this is Ardbeg at it's best - punchy, intense and smoky. The flavour carries an immediate kick of peppery, tarry and ashy peat smoke, along with smoked and salty meats. The surge of smoke gives way to a full mouthfeel and taste of chocolate, with hints of pine resin and herbal/medicinal notes that becomes sea-side salty dry and again the sweet, savoury & smoky contrast.

From the famous Laphroaig distillery on Islay, this peated whisky is a combination of casks that represent classic Laphroaig styles. The nose has initial notes of smoky peat and the develops into notes of red fruits. The palate has sweet notes and dry peat with ashy notes. The finish is long with floral and marzipan and a slight citrus note.

Situated on the beautiful north east coast of Islay, looking out over the paps of Jura, Bunnahabhain is described as the 'gentle Islay', a more approachable style compared to the classic peat smoke characteristic the island is so well known for. The nose is aromatic with a subtle glimmer of smoke and a faint hint of seashore that continues into the palate. Light fruit mingles with a savoury nutty character and rich malty caramel sweetness. A lingering gingery spice on the finish. A unique Islay malt which is a must-try for anyone exploring the diversity of west coast drams.

The nose on the Bunnahabhain 18 is truly incredible - huge notes of rich honey, nuts, old leather, dried fruits and a hint of sea-side smoke. A distinct umami (the Japanese word for 'savoury', think soy sauce and dried meat) character and a truly to-die-for rich dark chocolate flavour push this whisky in to a league far beyond what its age and price would suggest. Highly recommended.

Produced at the oldst distillery on Islay, their 15 year old combines the use of classic American-oak casks and a final maturation of 2 years in Oloroso sherry casks. A classic example of the rich, dark and tropical fruit flavours of the distillery, with a soft, mellow peatyness throughout.

Port Charlotte is the name given to heavily peated whisky from Bruichaddich distillery and this particular expression is the second batch of 10 year old they have released to date. First-fill bourbon, sherry, tempranillo and French wine casks were all utilised in maturing this exciting new release from hebridean distillers. Like its 10 year old unpeated brother, the cask influence has developed a deep hue and there is also hints of tropical fruit on the palate, this time though, intrigrating with the peat smoke character to form a full bodied and rich dram with a long peaty finish.

The Classic Laddie from Bruichladdich is made using unpeated barley, matured mostly in American Oak, ex-boubon barrels and french oak, bottled at 50%. A refreshing dram with a palate of green fruits, brown sugar and sweet oak along with those classic costal notes. Packaged in a very unusual aqua blue bottle to match a fresh and lively dram distilled by the sea.