Martijn van Opstal

Bottle of Copper Dog Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky standing on a copper bar inside a distillery

Copper Dog Review

Copper Dog may not receive the same attention as Monkey Shoulder, but after trying it at a whisky festival, I came away pleasantly surprised. In this Copper Dog Review, I explore whether this affordable Speyside blended malt deserves a place on your shelf and whether it’s one of the best entry-level whiskies available today.

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Watercolour illustration of the English whisky revival featuring an English distillery, the St George's Cross flag, a Glencairn of whisky and England's leading whisky producers.

English Whisky Explored

English whisky has gone from an overlooked curiosity to one of the most exciting categories in the whisky world. In this in-depth feature, I explore the history behind its remarkable revival, the distilleries leading the charge and why producers like Bimber, Fielden, White Peak, The Lakes and Cotswolds are proving England is no longer living in Scotland’s shadow.

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Cadenhead’s Ben Nevis 13 Review

This Cadenhead’s Ben Nevis 13 isn’t a bottle most people will ever get the chance to buy, but that’s exactly why it’s worth talking about. Bottled straight from the cask during the Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tasting in Campbeltown, this rich Oloroso-matured Ben Nevis delivers far more than its thirteen years suggest. More importantly, it carries the memories of an unforgettable Fèis Ìle trip and a thoughtful gift from friends who made the week one I’ll never forget.

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Turntable Bittersweet Symphony blended Scotch whisky bottle with a DRAM1 Indie Awards 2026 badge showing a score of 72.80 panel points.

Turntable Bittersweet Symphony Review

Turntable Bittersweet Symphony divided opinion during the DRAM1 Indie Awards 2026. Blind tasters discovered everything from raisins, prunes and European oak to lavender sweets, strawberries and grapefruit, creating one of the most debated drams of Set 1. While some panellists praised its rich sherry character and full-bodied texture, others felt its sweetness overshadowed the complexity beneath. The result was a memorable whisky that earned 72.80 points and proved far more difficult to define than its name might suggest.

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Daddy Rack Tennessee Straight Whiskey bottle standing on a wooden workbench in a workshop, showcasing the distinctive illustrated label and Tennessee whiskey branding.

Daddy Rack Review

A Father’s Day gift from my 16-month-old son (with a little help from mum) made Daddy Rack Tennessee Straight Whiskey a bottle I’ll always remember. Opened during a nostalgic weekend in Belgium spent revisiting childhood memories of my late father, this Tennessee whiskey had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, its sweet maple, brown sugar, and vanilla-forward profile makes it a pleasant and approachable sipper, even if it falls short of true enthusiast territory.

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Loch Lomond Distillery watercolour illustration featuring the Alexandria distillery buildings overlooking Loch Lomond, highlighting Scotland's most versatile whisky producer.

Loch Lomond Distillery Spotlight

Loch Lomond Distillery may be the most versatile whisky producer in Scotland. From tropical-fruit-driven Inchmurrin and heavily peated Croftengea to single grain whisky and rare Single Blended Scotch, the Alexandria distillery creates an astonishing range of spirit styles from a single site. Discover the unique stills, production techniques and whisky brands that make Loch Lomond one of Scotch whisky’s most fascinating and misunderstood distilleries.

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