Ichiro, Ardnamurchan 10 & Waterford Luna

Welcome back guys to this Christmas’ release of drams and have I have found 3 absolute corkers for this festive period. We are cracking open a £175 bottle of Ichiro’s Malt and Grain all the way from Japan; Waterford’s Luna Cuvée all the way from Ireland and Ardnamurchan’s 10th anniversary release: a Paul Launois cask finished 10yr old.

Ichiro Akuto’s vision shines brightly in this release. Drawing on his legendary warehouse of international stock, he skillfully marries Japanese malt with whiskies from across the globe, creating a harmonious yet adventurous profile. The higher ABV adds a layer of robustness, ensuring every sip is as bold as it is refined. When Ichiro Akuto crafts a whisky, he doesn’t just create a drink; he creates an experience. The Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky, is a special, limited-edition release that blends the best of Japanese malt from his Chichibu distillery with carefully selected malt and grain whiskies from around the world. Bottled at a bold 48.5%, this whisky celebrates the art of blending while delivering a complex and memorable tasting journey.

The aromas are like stepping into a cozy kitchen on a crisp winter day. A captivating blend of apple pie, sweet corn, honey, vanilla, and caramel creates an inviting sweetness, perfectly balanced by subtle spice from white pepper and a woody undertone of sawdust.

The whisky unfolds with layers of flavor. Baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with a touch of salt, white pepper, and fresh ginger, creating a warming spice profile. This is beautifully offset by fruity sweetness—think sweetened lemons, apple tart, banana, and raisins. Each sip is a delightful mix of spice and fruit, evolving on the palate with every taste. The finish is long, harmonious, and deeply satisfying. Fruity notes of banana and fresh apple linger, accompanied by the gentle woodiness of sawdust and a faint touch of white pepper that leaves a subtle spice on the tongue.

This limited-edition Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky isn’t just a bottle—it’s a story of global craftsmanship and Japanese artistry. From the inviting nose to the layered palate and the lingering finish, each element is carefully balanced, creating a whisky that’s both bold and elegant. Whether you’re an aficionado or a curious explorer, this release is a must-try, offering a sensory journey that’s as complex as it is rewarding. 95/100

Biodynamic agriculture: eccentric to some, regenerative to others. This ancient practice marries lunar lore and soil-centric alchemy, offering a philosophy as rooted in mysticism as it is in sustainability. For the most curious and visionary minds in whisky, it presents a tantalizing question: what could such a practice bring to the barley, and to the glass?

For Waterford, the intrigue was irresistible. The result? A whisky unlike any other—the latest in our Cuvée Concepts, a profound and poetic melding of biodynamic harvests from trailblazing farmers Trevor Harris, Alan Mooney, and John McDonnell. This is more than a single malt; it’s an exploration of complexity and creativity inspired by the legendary cuvées of Bordeaux châteaux and Champagne houses. The approach to crafting this whisky mirrors the sophistication of a millefeuille, with its intricate layering. Drawing on the 2018 and 2019 vintages—each distilled and matured separately—Waterford created a harmony greater than the sum of its parts. These biodynamic harvests deliver character and depth, whispering stories of their origins in every sip.

On the nose a bouquet that awakens the senses to verdant fields and rustic barns. Green apple, hay, and malted biscuits dance with notes of white pepper, peaches, and even an intriguing hint of cherry tomato. The earthy aroma of dry soil and birch rounds out the olfactory experience, inviting you deeper into its story. On the palate is a balance of spice and creaminess, offering layers of flavour that unfold like a breakfast symphony. Pepper spice and lemon curd meet the earthy richness. Porridge with cream and malted biscuits evoke comforting familiarity, while a refreshing touch of grapefruit lifts the experience. The finish is gentle, spices linger, transitioning to herbal dryness that fades slowly, like an Irish goodbye—a finish that whispers farewell without ever announcing it. This release stands as a testament to the artistry of our Head Distiller, Ned, who has transformed these biodynamic vintages into a singular expression of terroir and time. Much like the great cuvées of Bordeaux or Champagne, it’s a whisky that demands contemplation—an intricate puzzle of flavor and aroma awaiting discovery.

Biodynamic whisky is not just about the spirit in the glass; it’s about a deeper connection to the land, the farmers, and the principles that make it possible. It’s whisky as it should be: natural, alive, and profoundly evocative. Whether you're a connoisseur, a curious drinker, or someone drawn to the regenerative ethos of biodynamics, this Cuvée Concept invites you to embark on a sensory journey unlike any other. 94/100

A decade ago, nestled in the rugged beauty of Scotland’s westernmost peninsula, the Ardnamurchan Distillery fired up its stills for the very first time. Fast forward to summer 2024, and this remote yet innovative distillery has marked its 10th anniversary in style—with the release of its first-ever 10-year-old single malt.

This milestone whisky is a testament to Ardnamurchan’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. From its maturation process to its elegant flavour profile, the 10-Year-Old Anniversary Release offers a glimpse into a bright future for one of Scotland’s most exciting distilleries.

The story of this celebratory single malt begins in first-fill bourbon casks, where the spirit spent its formative years, developing a foundation of vanilla, honey, and soft oak. But what sets this release apart is its finishing touch. Half of the batch was transferred to Champagne Paul Lanais barriques for over a year, introducing a layer of opulence and complexity rarely seen in Scotch whisky.

Bottled unpeated at an impressive 50% ABV, the whisky captures Ardnamurchan’s pioneering spirit while honouring time-honoured traditions.

It starts with a bright tropical bouquet, with luscious candied pineapple and mango at the forefront. Notes of banana bread, runny honey, and toffee mingle with indulgent hints of dark brown sugar, vanilla fudge, and a playful touch of classic wine gums. The whisky’s waxy, oily texture sets the stage for a rich medley of flavours. Honey and ginger loaf deliver a warming sweetness, accented by fragrant woody spices. Tropical notes reappear in the form of pineapple, complemented by creamy waves of oaken vanilla. As the journey concludes, the oily texture lingers, bringing with it comforting notes of biscuity malt, caramel, and a delicate hint of cedar that whispers of the Champagne cask’s influence.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU ALL IN 2025!

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  Ichiro's Malt and Grain
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  Waterford Luna Cuvee
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  Ardnamurchan 10yr