Reviews

German whisky is still a young discipline, but some distilleries are boldly venturing forward with creative cask maturations. HeiligenBergFeld is precisely one of these: Their latest bottling, the 2020/2024 Rum Barbados Cask, comes in at a whopping 60.2 % ABV and refuses to be pigeonholed into classic casks.

Once again, the new Diageo Special Releases are here – this time under the name Grand Crescendo. As always, expectations are high, especially given the hefty price tag that accompanies these limited editions year after year. This time, the spotlight is on a 21-years Benrinnes from Speyside – a distillery cherished by insiders but rarely highlighted in such a prominent way. A good reason to take a closer look at this single malt.

When it comes to Scotch whisky, Talisker is synonymous with strong flavours, maritime character and a pinch of smoke. But while the well-known Talisker 10 Years is considered a classic, the Talisker Skye offers a somewhat softer, more accessible alternative - at least on paper.

Islay without peat, but full of depth. Those familiar with older Bruichladdich expressions know this distillery offers not smoke, but structure, elegance, and a quiet strength. Independent bottler Malts of Scotland has secured a venerable bourbon barrel from 1993 – and with it, shows what time can do to a fine single malt. Matured for 30 years on the Isle of Islay, bottled at 45.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour.

Whiskies of this age are rare. Whiskies of this calibre are even rarer. The Benromach 40 Years Batch 2, bottled in 2022 at a bold 56.5% ABV, hails from Scotland's Speyside region and spent four decades in first fill sherry casks. This is not an everyday dram – it’s a sensorial time capsule, meticulously composed and highly limited.

Attention whisky nerds: If you think you've tasted everything - stop for a moment. The St. Kilian Exceptional Range Mizunara - Peated is not a standard bottling, but an aromatic border crosser that is anything but predictable. This limited single cask bottling from the renowned St. Kilian Distillery combines Japanese elegance with German innovative spirit.

The Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a real all-rounder that not only shines on its own, but also in cocktails. With an ABV of 45.0 % and an innovative production process that combines 80 % corn and 20 % barley, this whisky offers a pleasantly smooth texture - just the thing for anyone looking for a balanced and versatile whisky.

With the Cap à Pie, Michel Couvreur expands his portfolio with a bold new blend. This assemblage combines whiskies aged between 4 and 12 years, all of which spent an additional four years finishing in ex-sherry casks. Bottled at 45% ABV and without an age statement, this whisky keeps its origins a secret—but the influence of its maturation is unmistakable.

Located in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, Glen Moray is known for approachable, fruit-driven whiskies. Since the grand opening of its visitor centre on July 6th, 2004, the distillery has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. Interestingly, Glen Moray played a key role in the early days of wood finishing experiments — a technique that would later make Glenmorangie world-famous. With the Port Cask Finish, Glen Moray presents a no-age-statement single malt matured in ex-bourbon barrels before receiving a finishing period in port wine casks. Bottled at a friendly 40% ABV, it's an ideal choice for those new to whisky.

Every year, Woodford Reserve celebrates the Kentucky Derby with a limited edition release. The Kentucky Derby 148 bottle is not only visually striking—designed by renowned equine artist Jaime Corum—but also aims to capture the elegance and power of the iconic horse race in its flavor profile. But does this bourbon live up to the promise of its exclusive design?

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a Kentucky bourbon known for its classic yet full-bodied style. The Woodford Reserve Distillery produces a series of four straight whiskeys, each highlighting a primary grain. The Distiller’s Select is a bourbon, meaning it contains at least 51% corn, complemented by rye and malted barley. One standout feature is its pot still distillation – a rarity among Kentucky bourbons, adding depth and complexity to the final product.

Approachable but not boring – this Highland single malt shows what independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail can draw out of a distillery like Tomatin. The Discovery range is designed as an accessible entry point into different whisky styles – smoky, sherried, or fruity. This 2009 Tomatin clearly belongs to the fruity corner – and delivers just that.