Aberlour a'bunadh
Single Malt - Scotland - 59.60% 8 A dark, luxurious, post-prandial whisky from a distillery that is producing an increasing, and impressive range.

Pittyvaich 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00% 6 Pittyvaich has always seemed a bit spirity to me, like a Scottish grappa. This version is softened slightly by the sherry.

Aberlour a'bunadh
Single Malt - Scotland - 59.60% 8 Darker, drier and more spicily assertive than the earlier version, despite only a slight difference in ages.

The Macallan 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 9 A lovely whisky in its own right, but not quite as layered as the best vintages.

The Balvenie 12 Years Old, Double Wood
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00% 8 Delicious.

Loch Lomond Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 7 Very sweet. Definitely a dessert whisky.

Private Collection Caol Ila 1988 Cognac Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 8 All the action is in that finish. A clear points victory for the whisky, with brandy going the distance.

Baker's 7 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 53.50% 8 With dessert, or after dinner. A lovely, soothing, whiskey.

Century Reserve 15 Years Old
Blended - Canada - 40.00% 7 Very light-tasting. Some delicacy.

Pikesville Supreme Straight Rye
Rye - U.S.A. - 40.00% 7 An old classic, originally from Maryland. Emphatically a rye, though in this instance that grain is in fruity mood, rather than being overtly spicy.

Cadenhead's Heaven Hill 15 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 62.40% 7 Fifteen years is quite old for a bourbon, but this is complex, rounded and a good example of Heaven Hill's style. Keeps the sweet notes dominant.

Yamazaki 1991 Sherry Cask
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 Can the elegant Yamazaki whisky stand up to heavy sherry? In this case, yes. A dexterously balanced malt.

Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1938, 60 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 8 A great age, but it has matured beautifully.

Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1980
Single Malt - Scotland - 63.80% 7 A lovely digestif whisky.

Hakushu 1982 Sherry Cask
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 I would love this whisky if it had a little less wood. I want to love it anyway, but in the end the wood defeats me.

Evermore 2004 Blend, 21 Years Old
Blended - Japan - 40.00% 7 Perfect blend of aromas and textures. Really appealing. Makes you feel romantic.

The Arran Malt Port Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.50% 7 Sinful. Bonus points for shamelessness.

Grand Old Parr 18 Years Old, Classic
Blended Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 7 Is this a vatted malt? Glendullan-plus?

The Glenlivet 15 Years Old French Oak Reserve
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 8 Complex. Entrancing.

Cadenhead's Classic Range, Highland
Blended Malt - Scotland - 50.00% 7 How nice this would be with one of those tasteful desserts that involves a ‘sugar nest' and some fresh fruit.

Single Malts of Scotland Linkwood 1993, Sherry Butt, Cask 3517
Single Malt - Scotland - 59.10% 7 Big cask character, with spirit style just poking through. The spirit seemed at odds with the cask perhaps.

Ichiro's Malt 1985 Ace of Spades
Single Malt - Japan - 55.00% 7 When oak is elegantly mastered, no problem. Same with the alcohol. A beautiful example of controlled maturation.

Yamazaki 1990 Sherry Butt
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 For the big sherried lovers.

Wemyss Vintage Malts Peat Chimney 5 Years Old
Blended Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 7 If it's a chimney it's one above a sweet shop.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask
Single Malt - Japan - 48.00% 8 Bold and rich, but with no signs of being overpowered.