Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Review
From Werther’s Originals on the nose to memories of my mother’s blackberry marmalade and my grandfather’s liquorice root tea, this Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique turned out to be a surprisingly personal dram.
Sherry Velvet
Tamnavulin Double Cask Review
Tamnavulin Double Cask may not be the most complex Speyside single malt on the market, but it delivers impressive quality for the price. In this DRAM1 review, I explore its fruity character, gentle sherry influence and whether this affordable Scotch deserves a place on your shelf.
Dam Dranken MacRothes Review
Dam Dranken MacRothes 11 Year Old Review | DRAM1 Indie Awards 2026 Some whiskies sell themselves with a story. This one certainly does. Dam Dranken MacRothes is a blended malt bringing together Macallan and Glenrothes before receiving its finishing period
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.
Macallan 12 Showdown
This Macallan 12 review compares the Double Cask and Sherry Oak side by side, exploring why modern Macallan divides whisky enthusiasts while continuing to dominate the luxury whisky world. From flavour and texture to pricing, prestige, and the distillery’s evolving identity, this is a deeper look at two of Speyside’s most talked-about single malts.
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood Review
This Balvenie 12 DoubleWood review explores whether the iconic Speyside single malt still deserves its reputation in 2026. Expect honest tasting notes, personal insights, strengths, weaknesses, and why this whisky continues to divide enthusiasts despite remaining one of Scotland’s most dependable drams.
Bunnahabhain 21 Review
This Bunnahabhain 21 Cask Strength 2025 Edition delivers a powerful sherry-driven profile, combining Oloroso maturation with a Pedro Ximénez finish. Expect deep layers of dark fruit, spice, and a long, evolving finish in this bold Islay single malt.
Bushmills 16 Review
Bushmills 16 is a whisky that reveals itself slowly. In this Bushmills 16 review, we explore how its unique combination of bourbon, sherry, and port cask maturation creates a layered, fruit-driven profile built on balance rather than intensity. From distillery history to detailed tasting notes, this is a closer look at one of Ireland’s most quietly compelling single malts.
Blair Athol 20 (2025) Review
This Blair Athol 20 Year Old review explores a 2025 limited release Highland whisky defined by rich sherry influence, dark fruit, viscous texture, and a maturity that drinks well beyond its age.
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Review (2025)
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.