It’s like indulging in fruity pastries but in liquid form. Akashi conjures up memories of your favourite bakery in town. This Japanese whisky hits the palate just right with a good balance of a smooth body and unique character. A light, enjoyable blend that’s aged in mixed ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. 

A dram that’s made to be consumed daily, and it succeeded! The dram wasn’t just a trophy for the eponymous Arran distillery. It was also a testament to Harold Currie’s whisky-making ability. Currie was once a senior director of Chivas (one of the big players) and believed he could beat them at their game. He scored big time with the Arran Single Malt—a winner by a margin.

Ol’ Currie was a fan of the Isle of Arran, and it was there he built this dream distillery in 1994, reviving a part of the Firth of Clyde that once sheltered over 50 thriving bootleg distilleries. 1994 was an exciting year but the construction of the Arran distillery had to be put on hold, not without good reason! Two golden eagles had built their nest on the site, and Currie waited until their eaglets became fledgelings. Decent move, Mr Currie. Truly a hero.

Fast forward to today, the Arran Barrel Reserve is an upgraded version of the signature Single Malt. Aged exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, this improved daily dram makes a delightful cocktail. But first, drink it neat; if not for yourself, then as a respect to the legendary Harold Currie.

The Twelve is a rich and smooth expression of Benriach Single Malt. Benriach spirit is three cask matured for at least twelve years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and port casks. The whisky from each cask is then expertly married together to create a smooth, sherry-rich single malt, layered with baked fruit, maple honey and cocoa, perfectly balanced with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish. According to Dr. Rachel Barrie, The Twelve is a sherry rich maturation and layers of dark berry fruit that captures the flavours of Benriach in the autumn.