Whisky Archive

Clynelish Distillery stands on the edge of the fishing port of Brora, overlooking what used to be called the German Ocean. It’s malt has long been esteemed. This example is the colour of old gold, probably from a first-fill ex-Bourbon cask, and has one of the heaviest beads we have ever encountered – an indication of thick texture, and it does not disappoint. SILVER MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2004

This Adelphi example of the 'King O'Malts' has wonderful beading (bubbles when shaken) giving a clue that the cask has been a benign influence on the spirit. The nose confirms this as it is very mellow with rum, toffee and orangery notes initially. SILVER MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2004

Described by Robert Louis Stevenson as 'the King O'Malts', The Glenlivet has enjoyed a high reputation since the 1820s. This stylish example is drawn from a hogshead and has a pale amber colour.

Glen Rothes Distillery stands in the village of Rothes on Speyside, and has nothing to do with the ghastly New Town of the same name. Proprietary bottlings are all done by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the London wine merchants, and most of the distillery’s output goes in their famous blend, Cutty Sark.

A famous blending whisky, Linkwood is not that well known as a single malt. The distillery stands close to Elgin (‘The Malt Whisky Capital’) and was founded in 1820.

We always find Tamdhu to be very ‘well made’. It epitomises the lighter style of Speysides – fresh and fragrant, and perfect for drinking at any time of day. This bottling is from a refill American oak hogshead, which has given the whisky a Chardonnay hue – polished gold in certain lights.

Tomintoul is famous for invariably being the first village to be cut off by snow in the UK and when this cask was distilled it was not available as a single.

Glen Spey Distillery was built at Mill of Rothes in 1884, and sold to Gilbey's, the gin people, two years later.

We defy anyone to guess correctly the age of this malt, or, indeed, its origin! The standard bottling at 10 years from Islay’s most northern distillery is pale and smooth and mild.

The Glen of Rothes reaches behind the village of the same name, and the distillery overlooks the village’s ancient cemetery.