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.
Bruichladdich Distillery Spotlight
Bruichladdich Distillery is one of Islay’s most compelling comeback stories. From its 1994 closure to its bold revival under Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier, Bruichladdich Distillery has redefined modern Scotch whisky through transparency, terroir-driven barley, and iconic releases like Port Charlotte, Octomore, and Black Art. Here’s why this Islay distillery still shapes the future of whisky.
50 Year Old Signatory Review
In this Signatory 50 Review, I dive into the Old School 50 Year Old Coastal Edition — an extraordinary half-century-old single malt released for under €400. With rich notes of molasses, cacao, espresso and a subtle maritime edge, this bottle challenges today’s ultra-premium pricing and proves that truly old whisky can still deliver both depth and value.
Gold Spot Review
In this Gold Spot Review, I take a closer look at the 13 Year Irish single pot still from Midleton Distillery, created to mark 135 years of Mitchell family bonding history. Bottled at 46% ABV and matured in bourbon, sherry and Bordeaux wine casks, Gold Spot delivers orchard fruit, baking spice and subtle tannic structure. Here’s my honest verdict after sitting down with a proper sample from my whisky club tasting.
Suntory Merges Operations at Laphroaig and Bowmore
Suntory Global Spirits is merging operations at Laphroaig and Bowmore on Islay as global whisky demand cools. The move signals a strategic correction after the post-Covid boom and raises bigger questions about premiumisation, overproduction, and the long-term future of Scotch whisky.
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Best Whisky Glass (And Why It Matters)
What is the best whisky glass for your dram? The answer depends on how you drink and what you value most — aroma concentration, comfort, design, or versatility. From tulip-shaped nosing glasses like the Glencairn and Copita to classic tumblers and specialised bourbon glasses, this guide breaks down the benefits and downsides of each style so you can choose the best whisky glass for your personal tasting experience.
Glen Keith 26 Signatory Review
This Glen Keith 26 Year Old Signatory Vintage review explores a cask-strength Speyside whisky defined by heavy sherry influence, syrupy texture, and old-cask authority. Distilled in 1996 and bottled after 26 years, it’s a bold, uncompromising dram built for experienced whisky drinkers who value intensity over elegance.
Talisker Distillery Spotlight
Talisker Distillery stands on the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye, producing one of Scotland’s most distinctive single malts. Defined by maritime smoke, cracked black pepper, and coastal intensity, Talisker is a whisky shaped by wind, sea, and fire. This Dram1 distillery spotlight explores Talisker’s history, house style, iconic 80-proof strength, five copper stills, and why it remains a benchmark for smoky Scotch whisky.
Living Souls Williamson 13 Review
This Living Souls Williamson 13 review explores a balanced Islay whisky sourced from Laphroaig. Bottled at 46% ABV, it delivers coastal salinity, gentle peat, salmiak, and malt-driven sweetness in a composed, drinkable style.
Whisky Cocktails
Whisky cocktails are not a modern trend — they are woven into the very history of whisky itself. From the earliest Old Fashioneds and Sours to modern classics like the Paper Plane, whisky has always thrived in balance with sugar, citrus, and bitters. This Dram1 Academy guide explores the history of whisky cocktails, the classics that defined cocktail culture, and how thoughtful whisky selection — including premium bottles — can elevate every drink.