Single Malt Scotch

Craigellachie 13 Review

Craigellachie 13 is one of the most distinctive single malts in Speyside. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and free from added colouring, it delivers tropical fruit, warming spice, citrus oils, and a wonderfully waxy texture wrapped around the slightly industrial character that has become the distillery’s trademark. While many Speyside whiskies aim for elegance and easy-going charm, Craigellachie feels more interested in personality.

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Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026 French Oak bottle standing on a sandy beach with ocean waves breaking in the background.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026 French Oak Review

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026 French Oak came home with me from an unforgettable week at Fèis Ìle aboard the Thalassa. Combining classic medicinal peat with notes of tar, seaweed crisps, Rockefeller oysters and dark fruit, this year’s festival release offers a fascinating new perspective on one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries. Here’s why it became one of my standout whiskies of Fèis Ìle 2026.

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SMWS 68.140 “Christmas Morning Fiësta” Review

SMWS 68.160 “Christmas Morning Fiesta” achieved something few whiskies ever do: it became the highest-rated bottle of the DRAM1 Indie Awards 2026. Tasted completely blind alongside 35 other independently bottled whiskies, this Scotch Malt Whisky Society release captivated the panel with layers of cherry, raisins, Christmas spices, leather and rich sherry sweetness. These tasting notes are drawn entirely from the DRAM1 tasting panel, offering a unique look at how experienced whisky enthusiasts reacted to the whisky without knowing what was in the glass.

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