I was recently gifted this vivid orange bottle of Loch Lomond 10-year-old. I went to do a little research online and was surprised, and a little confused, to find that it is not available in any of the usual specialist whisky retailers (in the UK at least). It is, however, available through all the major supermarkets (Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys, etc). I think this is the first time I’ve ever come across, what I would consider to be, a core range product that is only available through high street retailers. I am intrigued! And is it any good?

This may well be the strangest bottle of whisky I’ve come across so far on my journey. The Singleton brand is owned by Diageo and is actually made up of whiskies from three different distilleries: Glen Ord, Glendullan and Dufftown - confusing already! We’re tasting the Dufftown version here which is extremely widely available in the UK but confusingly, Diageo’s own website (Malts.com) says it only exists at 43% - I can’t find it available at anything other than 40%. Not a straightforward start - let’s take a look at the whisky though.

Aberlour is one of my favourite distilleries. It was where it all started for me; I fell in love with whisky following a tour of the quaint old distillery whilst on a road trip of Scotland many, many years ago. I love the bottle designs, the flavours, the distillery buildings themselves - I’m a fanboy. The most contemporary addition to the Aberlour core range is the Aberlour 14 which was added to the 12, 16 and 18 back in early 2021. I’m eager to find out how much I love it(!) and how it completes the family…

The last month of 2023 saw the release of this new, no-age-statement whisky from Glen Moray. The distillery is famed for its good value whisky available at very reasonable prices and this is no different - available (if you can find it) for around £30. The unique selling point of this expression is the ‘unusual’ way it is matured. The ‘Phoenix Rising’, a reference to the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, is a nod to the fact that the whisky is finished in new, heavily-charred oak barrels with the intention of adding spice to the classic Glen Moray whisky; let’s find out if it delivers…

Glenlivet — a cornerstone of Scottish whisky, boasting a legacy that spans centuries and with a brand that stands as a beacon for Scotch around the globe. Established in 1824, it holds the distinction of being Scotland's oldest legal distillery, a testament to its enduring presence in the industry, surviving even the tumult of World War II. Its prominence in the whisky world is undeniable, with millions of litres produced every year, sharing its spotlight only with Glenfiddich, the other titan of the industry. Yet, for all its fame, there's an air of detachment, a departure from the traditional image of Scottish whisky steeped in heritage.

There's something enchanting about Fettercairn's 12 year old whisky that has captivated me for as long as I can remember. It's like being drawn to a treasure, akin to Gollum's obsession in Lord of the Rings, albeit in a more wholesome manner! And speaking of magic, the distillery's unusual emblem — an elegant unicorn — proudly emblazoned on the bottle, adds to its allure. It is said to represent purity and strength, which bodes well for the whisky…

With a slight sense of trepidation tinged with a little nostalgia, I uncorked this bottle of Auchentoshan's American Oak whisky — a spirit that had been a steadfast companion during my early forays into the world of whisky. In those days, it was the epitome of convenience and affordability, readily available when options were limited (especially given my budget!). Returning to it now, after many years, I couldn't help but wonder if it would still hold the same allure as it once did.

The Balvenie 12 year old DoubleWood gets its name from the, now commonly used, process of ‘wood finishing’. This technique was pioneered by one of Balvenie’s former Malt Master in 1980s and is something the distillery has been perfecting for a number of decades. They are, obviously, by no means the only distillery using this technique but as you’ll find out below, they may well be doing it better than the others…

Nestled along the banks of the River Dee in the picturesque Highlands, the Royal Lochnagar distillery holds the title of the smallest distillery (by production volume) in Diageo’s extensive portfolio. Situated just a stone’s throw away from Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, Royal Lochnagar has a rich heritage dating back to the 1840s. Its proximity to Balmoral made it the favoured whisky of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, earning the distillery its regal moniker…

The Cragganmore distillery is part of the huge Diageo group. It is a widely believed that most of the whisky they produce is used in some of Diageo’s blended whiskies, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Old Parr and White Horse to name a few, for the export market. However they do have some single malt expressions sold under the Cragganmore name, including this 12 year aged one…

Macallan is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, quality and the luxury market, has created a whisky delivering a tasting experience that reflects the brand’s commitment to its values. While Macallan whiskies are often hailed as icons in the Scottish whisky industry, I find myself grappling with a sense of conflict. For me whisky is raw, sturdy and accessible, qualities that seem somewhat absent in this particular dram…

What better way to kick off this journey of rediscovery than by celebrating my everyday favourite? Since it replaced the 10 year old expression in 2020, Aberlour 12 year old has firmly established itself as one of the quintessential Speyside whiskies…