Hibiki Harmony encapsulates the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and people. Plum and roses on the nose backed up by a hint of mizunara oak and dark chocolate. Oily in texture and delightful in taste.
High West began with humble roots, opening a small, 250-gallon still and Saloon in an historic livery stable and garage. What was once a small operation in down-town Park City has grown to be an internationally-recognized, award winning brand.
Highland Park 12YO reflects the unique culture of their remote island home on Orkney. Part of Scotland, yes, but originally belonging to a vast Viking kingdom. At Highland Park, they honour the spirit of their Viking ancestors, sharing their pride, integrity and fierce independence. Predominantly aged in Sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, Highland Park 12YO boasts warm wintery spices that are engulfed in waves of smoky honey, fruitcake and heather.
This is a wonderfully rich and complex single malt. Opening with rich and spicy aromas of crème brulee, heather honey and crumbled cinnamon, intensely fruity notes follow - fresh pineapple dressed with a scattering of sun-kissed lemon zest. There's a hint of freshly-baked sponge cake too, warm from the oven, and you'll find cinnamon again, but toasted shards this time. Citrus and vanilla notes linger in the aromatic waves of peat smoke.
Named Best Spirit in the World in the Spirit Journal, on two separate occasions, the intense balance of the flavours found in Highland Park 18YO owes everything to the five traditional keystones of production, honoured for over 220 years. Slow-burning, aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor; hand-turned floor maltings, Sherry seasoned European oak casks, cool maturation in the temperate island climate and a long and unhurried harmonisation process. Highland Park 18YO is predominantly matured in 1st fill European oak Sherry-seasoned casks, delivering a remarkable complexity over time. It delivers lingering layers of sweet honeyed malt wrapped up in subtle floral peat smoke. Over 18 years, the cool Northern climate causes the whisky to age slowly and evenly, providing balanced maturation and depth of flavour.
For over two centuries, Jameson has perfected the art of whiskey-making, staying true to their heritage since 1780. With barley grown locally in Ireland and water sourced from the Dungourney river, their whiskey truly embodies the essence of Jameson's homeland. Jameson Black Barrel is a blend of small-batch grain and single-pot Irish whiskey. Matured in double-charred barrels, this whiskey boasts sweet and spicy characteristics. Time spent maturing in double-charred barrels leads to intensified aromas of butterscotch, fudge, and creamy toffee. On the palate nutty notes are in abundance alongside the smooth sweetness of spice and vanilla.
Johnnie Walker Black Label's iconic square bottle makes it one of the world's most recognisable Scotch whiskies - and it's also one of whisky critic Jim Murray's favourite blends: 'If there is a silkier delivery on the market today, I have not seen it: this is sublime stuff...one of the world's most masterful whiskies back in all its complex glory'
An interesting twist on Johnnie Walker Black Label, Double Black was rolled out for general release in 2011. Double Black adds to the normal Black Label profile by including more Islay whisky and casks that have been heavily charred, giving a more intense flavour with a greater emphasis on smoke while keeping true to the sophisticated Johnnie Walker style.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is known for its creamy smoothness. It opens with a luxurious burst of delicate nectar and gentle smokiness that develops into sweet fruits and deeper, velvety, honeyed tones before giving way to sublime, lingering whispers of smoke and oakiness in the finish.
Johnnie Walker Red Label was launched in its current form by brothers George and Alexander Walker in 1909, though it had existed as Walker's Special Old Highland Red Label for some years previously. Alexander blended a type of whisky which is more suited to mixing with soda than the heavier, more old-fashioned whiskies, and named it after his grandfather, who had started the family business in 1820. Today it is the world's most popular whisky and is sold in more than 200 markets world-wide.