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08/03/2025

On I would like to share a recent interview I did with Martha Dalton, the founder of . The interview is carried on in the comments.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a fantastic time to celebrate the incredible achievements of women everywhere. In the whisky industry, this day gives us a chance to shine a light on the women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of whisky. There are so many talented women in this field, from distillers to bartenders, journalists, and buyers. I’m particularly inspired by Marianne Barnes, who became the first female Kentucky Bourbon Master Distiller at just 28, and Dawn Davies from The Whisky Exchange, who’s an absolute powerhouse in the industry.

What can be done to encourage more women to work in the whisky industry?
Strong representation is key to encouraging more women to join the whisky industry. Seeing other women enjoying, crafting, and leading within the sector will inspire more to get involved. I’m a huge fan of the work of Our Whisky who play a crucial role in this effort, championing inclusive representation and highlighting women’s achievements across the industry.

Of all your releases, which would you recommend to someone who is starting their whisky journey?
I’d recommend our signature Small-Batch Bourbon as a great starting point for anyone new to whisk(e)y. Bourbon is typically a good introductory whiskey because it’s generally sweeter and smoother, with notes of vanilla and caramel making it more approachable than some other types of whiskey, which can be peatier or more robust. Our small-batch has an accessible ABV of 47.5%—lower than our barrel strength, which can go as high as 60%. It’s a carefully chosen blend of our most interesting barrels, crafted to complement each other and create a balanced and versatile bourbon that’s easy to sip.
For those who love cocktails, I’d suggest our Rye. Its spicy, bold flavours really stand out in a mixed drink, making it a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

06/03/2025

I spotted these bottles at last week. It is a distillery I am looking forward to learning a lot more about this year. I have a few single cask expressions but it occurred to me that I am not familiar enough with the core range, or these older bottles. I want to correct that.

28/02/2025

Twenty-five years ago, Ardbeg was on the brink of extinction. A few die-hard whisky lovers refused to let that happen. They formed the Ardbeg Committee, a global band of peat-heads sworn to keep the doors of this Islay icon open forever. Today, 200,000 members strong, they’re still arguing over what makes the perfect dram.

To mark the occasion, Ardbeg has unleashed Eureka! – a whisky born from the wild, wonderful, and sometimes heated debates of its most devoted fans. On Ardbeg Day 2023, a secret tasting mission (Operation Smokescreen) brought together 100 Committee members from 15 countries to sample extreme Ardbeg expressions. Their feedback led Dr Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald to craft a whisky that somehow captures all their preferences in one bottle.

The result? Ardbeg Eureka! It is said to be a paradox of flavours: briny seaweed, dark chocolate, cinnamon, bonfire smoke, cherries, and raisin fudge. It sounds great doesn’t it and takes us back to the Ardbeg we love, and at a price we can enjoy - £72.

24/02/2025

Which is the most northern whisky distillery you have visited in Scotland? For me it is Wolfburn in Thurso.

13/02/2025

Has anyone tasted this? Would love to know what it is like.

03/02/2025

are recommending their 14 year old Tawny Port expression as the perfect Valentines day dram. It does sound tasty from their tasting notes!!

Nose – Top notes of fresh peach, mandarin, watermelon and apple with deeper forest fruits like cherry and blackberry. There’s a touch of milk chocolate and a pop of honeycomb. Notes of clove and cardamom grow in intensity before another wave of fruit.

Palate – The freshness on the nose has been preserved into a raspberry and strawberry jam, apricot compote, glace cherry and crystallised ginger. Caramelised figs, prunes and nutty tones are indicative of the rich tawny port that once occupied these casks.

Finish – A silky texture coats the mouth with jammy fruits and Byzantium spice.

31/01/2025

I have not been to Islay for a couple of years now and really miss it. It will be hard to beat visiting there in the McLaren () 720S which certainly got some attention!!

There were a few distilleries I was unable to visit and want to tick those off soon. One of the ones I did get to was where I had a tremendous visit. I was hosted by Mary, who was so informative and entertaining, especially in the warehouse. It was a shame I couldn’t taste as driving, but bought home so minis instead to taste. Delicious of course!!

Do you have a trip planned there this year?

27/01/2025

I am currently in Chamonix with on a ski trip and writing about their cocktail competition. 10 country winners have come here to create their winning cocktail in the grand final tonight.

Last night however we did a tasting including this limited release. I loved it and wish I was US based to buy a bottle. I love a whiskey that excites me flavour wise, and this did in spades! Simply gorgeous!!

25/01/2025

I was invited by to attend a preview of the Bob Dylan bio “A Complete Unknown”, before general release. Naturally the cocktails flowed as did the delicious canapés (including sliders of course!), and a tasting before watching the film in a intimate cinema within the Soho Hotel. It was the perfect way to watch the movie, a glass of Double Barrel in hand…

The name “Heaven’s Door” is inspired by Dylan’s iconic song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Beyond music, Dylan’s interest in metalwork and design plays a significant role in the brand’s identity. The bottle labels feature imagery of iron gates designed by Dylan himself, highlighting his passion for welding and his hands-on artistic contributions.

Heaven’s Door produces several expressions, showcasing different whiskey styles and flavor profiles. These include:

Tennessee Straight Bourbon
Rich and balanced, with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spices.

Double Barrel Whiskey
More complex and robust, featuring dried fruit, toasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoke.

Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in charred oak cigar barrels from Vosges, giving it bold spice, orange peel, and a touch of mint.

17/01/2025

One of my latest additions is this Wormtub 10 from Speyside. With its natural colour, I’d guess the sherry cask was pretty wet when filled look at that colour! Given the name, I’m crossing my fingers for Craigellachie or Mortlach, though it could be from any Speyside distillery.

Wouldn’t it be great to see an independent bottler focus solely on whiskies from worm tub distilleries? Maybe they do - I need to go and do some research!

Have you tried this one? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

14/01/2025

Another recent buy was this Triumph 27 from Diageo, with a blend of 27 whiskies from their 27 distilleries (at the time). That must have been some blending session!! Have you tried it?

13/01/2025

I am determined to learn more about rum this year so picked this one up. It appeals having been aged in Orange wine casks. Have you tried it? What is it like?

09/01/2025

It is not often I get sent a set of whiskies that personally sing to me, and that I love each and every one. This is one such set and I hope is a precursor of what is to come. They are all extraordinary in their own way and spot on perfect for winter. The is always on-point but I feel these are particularly special. Go and buy one now!!!

Glenburgie 1996 28 year old Connoisseurs Choice 54.8% - £275
It is never not special to taste whisky of such an age statement, and especially so from a distillery I have only had younger expressions from. The nose is like a wet forest floor with mushroom, sweet chestnuts and caramel. The palette is medium bodied but really packs a punch and builds and builds in flavour. It is fragrant and far more tropical in the mouth with mango, lychee, papaya all present. This is seriously good!

Millstone 2010 12 year old 53.2% - £87.95
This is my first taste of Millstone which comes from the Netherlands. In a blind tasting I would have it as a Scotch. On the nose there is caramel, apple and maple. The palate is full, and rich with dried fruits, nuts and even bacon making an appearance. This is a brilliant PX cask sherry to add to your collection and serve blind to friends.

Continues in the comments.

06/01/2025

Throwback to last year and the launch of this incredible at the V&A Dundee. What a night that was with , .tee, and a bunch of others.

Can you tell me what the release is and how many bottles were released?

02/01/2025

Really hoping to get back to Islay this year. It has been too long!!

30/12/2024

I remember seeing this on the bar at but was a little out of my budget unfortunately. I would have loved to try it though! Who else would?

28/12/2024

- one of my favourite newish distilleries. Such exciting releases and so many interesting projects going on. I have written about them in detail on the website before, and hope to finally visit in 2025.

23/12/2024

Another purchase this year was this 17 year old, probably from the 1980’s. One day, this will be opened at a tasting or at my pop-up whisky bar. Can’t wait!

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Its the first of December and that means it is time for the @drinksbythedram calendar to finally be opened! Today was a lovely Wild Turkey Longbranch which I have never had before. This is exactly what I was hoping for! I am sure it isn’t too late to treat yourself to a calendar, head over to the lovely people at Drinks by the Dram and get yours ordered! #adventcalendar #whiskycalendar #whiskylover #bourbon #bourbonwhiskey

I visited the @glenmorangie boutique at Heathrow T2 on Friday. They had a competition on the next day giving out keys to a trunk in the boutique - if your key opened the lock, you won a surprise bottle of whisky inside. Nice. Sadly there were no samples available of any of the whiskies (a bit strange I thought) which is a shame. I was hoping to try the Tale of Ice Cream as not had a taste yet, and would most likely buy a bottle when I got back. Never mind. Can’t taste everything I guess! If you have had it, what is it like? #whisky #glenmorangie #heathrow #scotch #whiskygram #whiskylover

Who can guess where I was, and what this is? #whisky #whiskey #whiskyweek #whiskycompetition #whiskylover #whiskylove

Fortunately my son loves whisky so just going through some bottles he hasn’t tried, and may want to buy. I have lots more open of course, but this is a great start! What would you choose? #whisky #whiskyweek #whiskylover #whiskey #bourbon #bourbonwhiskey #bourbongram

I am at the airport looking at these @johnniewalker bottles, especially the xordinaire which I have never tried. Actually, I am very low on the amount of JW I have tasted. I think I need to get up to @johnniewalkerprincesstreet soon and do a deep dive into them. Then write a feature on them. If you have tasted the xordinaire let me know what you thought below. Otherwise, just write your favourite Johnnie Walker dram! #johnniewalker #johnniewalkerblue #drammer #scotch #johnniewalkerbluelabel #whiskylover #dramstagram #whiskyporn #worlddutyfree #dutyfree #gatwickairport

I really need to get back to @laphroaig and write a full feature on them this year. Such a magical place and a whisky I have been enjoying for over 30 years. #laphroaig #islay #whisky #whiskylover #scotland #whiskey

I loved visiting the @bowmore hotel in September 2022. I was on a work trip in a McLaren, lent to us by the factory. I was driving that night, so definitely need to stay and go deep into the whisky wall. The terrific owners were so welcoming and heard we were on Islay before we arrived. News travels fast there! #islay #whisky #bowmore

One of my goals in 2024 is to hold various themed whisky events, where I open up interesting bottles. One of the themes will be affordable whisky distilled or released in the 1990’s or before. This is just a small selection of what I have amassed so far… If this is the type of event you would like to attend let me know below. #oldwhisky #rarewhisky #1990s #whisky #whiskey #whiskylover

Which are you going to choose? I saw these at Fortnum and Mason the other day. Any take your fancy?

Have you read Issue 1 of our free whisky magazine yet? Link in bio and don’t forget to take out your free subscription whilst there! #whisky #whiskey #bourbon #scotch

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