Martijn van Opstal - Dram1 – Independent Whisky Reviews & Blog

Compass Box Hedonism 2026 anounces Muse

Compass Box Hedonism 2026 isn’t just another limited release — it’s a meditation on time. With Karen Gillan announced as the muse, this annual Hedonism edition brings together storytelling, ageing and the artistry of blending in a way that feels genuinely inspired. As a lifelong Doctor Who fan and devoted admirer of Compass Box, this one feels personal — because whisky, like time travel, is about bringing the past forward and shaping it into something unforgettable.

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Nikka Coffey Grain Review

Whisky Reviews, Japanese Whisky

This Nikka Coffey Grain review explores one of Japan’s most comforting and characterful whiskies. Distilled using historic Coffey stills and guided by Masataka Taketsuru’s philosophy of tradition over efficiency, Nikka Coffey Grain delivers a rich, creamy texture packed with vanilla, caramel, sweet corn, and gentle spice. It’s a whisky that challenges expectations of grain spirit and proves just how expressive it can be when done properly.

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Chichibu Distillery Spotlight

Drambling on

If we’re talking modern Japanese Whisky legends, it won’t be long before you’ll hear the names Ichiro Akuto and Chichibu Distillery. In today’s spotlight we’ll have a look at how this distillery reshaped modern Japanese Whisky.

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Aberargie Inaugural Release

Whisky News

The Aberargie Inaugural Release marks the Morrison family’s long-awaited return to hands-on distilling in Scotland. Crafted from estate-grown barley and matured in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, this 48.2% ABV single malt signals a serious new chapter in Scotch whisky. Here’s why the Aberargie Inaugural Release is one of the most significant launches of the year — and a brand whisky enthusiasts should be watching closely.

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Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Review (2025)

Whisky Reviews, Single Malt Scotch

The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak is one of Scotch whisky’s most recognisable names. This review looks beyond the prestige to assess flavour, balance, and whether the 2025 release still earns its reputation.

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How to Store Whisky

Whisky Academy

Knowing how to store whisky properly is the difference between a bottle that survives decades and one that quietly fades away. Once bottled, whisky no longer matures, but poor storage can still ruin it. From upright storage and light exposure to cork health and opened bottles, this Dram1 Academy guide cuts through the myths and explains how to keep your whisky tasting exactly as intended—whether you plan to drink it soon or save it for years to come.

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Compass Box Brûlée Royale Review

Whisky Reviews, Blended Whisky

Compass Box Brûlée Royale is a dessert-inspired blended malt built on transparency rather than gimmicks. This review explores its full recipe, flavour profile, and why sweetness, spice, and structure are so well balanced.

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Four Roses Distillery Spotlight

Drambling on

Four Roses Distillery is one of bourbon’s most quietly influential producers. With ten distinct recipes, proprietary yeast strains, and a focus on balance over hype, this Kentucky distillery helped define my own journey into bourbon—starting with a single glass of Four Roses Single Barrel.

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Caol Ila 8 Feis Ile 2025 vs Lagavulin 15 Feis Ile 2025

Fèis Ìle 2025 Caol Ila 8 vs Lagavulin 15

Whisky Reviews, Versus

Ahead of my trip to Fèis Ìle 2026, I opened two standout festival releases to get a taste of what Islay does best. This Caol Ila 8 Fèis Ìle 2025 review vs Lagavulin 15 Fèis Ìle 2025 review explores two very different interpretations of coastal peat, smoke, sweetness, and oak — offering a sneak preview of festival whisky at its most expressive.

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Lagavulin Sweet Peat Announced

Whisky News

Lagavulin Sweet Peat marks one of the most intriguing Islay releases in years. A new 11-year-old core expression from the legendary distillery, it promises to balance signature Lagavulin smoke with a sweeter, bourbon-cask influence. As anticipation builds, this could be the whisky that reshapes how drinkers experience peat — and I can’t wait to try it when it finally hits the shelves.

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