Merchant Testing

A very rare indepentently bottled expression of old style GlenDronach, this limited expression bottled by North Star is sure to impress. Distilled in 1991 before maturing in a single refil Oloroso Sherry Butt for 31 years. The nose is rather earthy, with notes of petrichor, (the smell asscoiated with the arrival of rain) and hot tar, accompained with freshly cracked black pepper. The finish takes a rich and deep turn, with elements of Black Forrest Gateau and rich hot chocolate.

Situated just outside of Huntly in the highlands of Scotland, the GlenDronach distillery has since 1826 produced a style of whisky that is renowned for its rich, heavy character. Notes of dried fruit (raisins, sultanas) followed by a big dollop of toffee and sherry lead into hints of dark chocolate/cocoa. The GlenDronach 12 is one of the best value for money whiskies that we stock, punching far above its weight.

Matured in a combination of ex-olorosso and ex-Pedro Xiniminez cask for a minimum of 21 years, the Parliament is a rich and decadent dram. Aromas of ripe Autumnal fruits, notably blackberries and red plums and toasted oak. Resolute flavours of fine Oloroso sherry open up on the palate and bitter chocolate sauce which has been spread liberally over homemade plum pudding. This is all infused with spicy notes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. A full bodied dram with a long lingering and spicy finish.

In stark contrast to the more well known style of whisky made at GlenDronach, this expression has been made from peated barley, paying tribute to the peat historically used to dry the barley in the early days of whisky making. The classic GlenDronach character is still there, with fruit, spice and toffee, and a subtle peat note smouldering throughout, adding dryness and a finish reminicent of an earthy campfire smoke. The use of peated barley has been used cleverly and carefully here, never dominanting but always present - an excellent new addition to the range.

From GlenDronach distillery this whisky has been maturing for ten years, with the last three years in port pipes from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The nose has notes of plums, bramble, strawberry jam and ginger. The palate has big fruit notes with blackberry and roasted apple, baked orange and freshly backed gingerbread. To finish the notes develop into orange peel, sultana and cherry cake.

GlenDronach's 'Revival' 15 years old has been matured in both Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez, giving it a rich, robust and mouth-filling palate and a complex and rewarding nose. Dense with flavours of heavy toffee, macerated dried fruits and a distinctive hint of dark chocolate. One of our most popular whiskies and an excellent example of the iconic Highland Scotch whisky style.

A rich, heavily fruity nose (Christmas cake, dates) and palate that has elements of dark chocolate and oak notes, in particular a clove & pepper spice. At 60% this is still a very drinkable dram, but it really opens up and excels with a couple of drops of water. A whisky to be played and experimented with, this is a brilliant introduction to the world of cask-strength whiskies.

Please note this is a 200ml bottle.

The renowned 'Family Cask' series from the Glenfarclas distillery celebrates the unique character and quality of individually selected casks. Each of these vintage releases were chosen by hand, and bottled at each casks optimum age. Once selected, the casks are emptied and bottled without the addition of water, leaving the whisky in its most natural state. The classic Glenfarclas style of of complex, rich dried fruit cake, chococlate, nuts and oak spices abound.

This 1999 vintage was filled on 28/07/2022 from a single ex-sherry butt, number #585 which yielded just 585 bottles at a strength of 55.3%

A rich, heavily fruity nose (Christmas cake, dates) and palate that has elements of dark chocolate and oak notes, in particular a clove & pepper spice. At 60% this is still a very drinkable dram, but it really opens up and excels with a generous splash of water. A whisky to be played and experimented with, this is a brilliant introduction to the world of cask-strength whiskies.

matured in 100% ex Oloroso Sherry Casks, the Glenfarclas 12 years old is an inviting amber-gold colored whisky that has notes of dried fruit, hints of chocolate, toffee and a lovely spiciness on the finish. A perfect introduction to a richer single malt Scotch whisky, and one that is beloved by fans of the classic Speyside style.

Bottled after 25 years of quiet maturation at the Glenfarclas distillery in Speyside, this whisky is hued amber with dark gold highlights, and has hints of sherry, honey, dark roasted coffee beans along with a distinct oaky spice and nuttiness. The finish is long lasting with a gentle touch of peat smoke in the background. An elegant and complex dram from one of the true greats of the Speyside region.

Considered by many as the benchmark of the Speyside single malt style, each sniff and sip conjures up images of old fashioned Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and a medley of dried fruits soaked in sherry. There is a complex buildup of spice and oak character that is carried by a soft mouthfeel into a long, enduring finish. 3 decades and generations of family craft and skill have gone into making this iconic Speyside Scotch whisky.

The Glenfarclas 40 is one of the most complex and sophisticated whiskies we have ever stocked - aromas and flavours of prunes, dates, leather armchairs, walnuts and chocolate covered raisins, with a heart of orange segments (chocolate dipped), brown sugar and a wonderful drying oakyness - a masterpiece of a dram from one of Scotland's most beloved distilleries.

Matured in the iconic red-doored warehouses of the Glenfarclas distillery of Scotland, this incredibly rare whisky represents half a century of the tireless work of the Grant family and their team at the distillery. Celebrating John Grant's 50 year tenure at Glenfarclas, just 836 bottles were yielded from a small selection of casks that were laid down in the early 1970's, watched over and waiting until fully matured in 2022. This is one of the rarest expressions currently available from Glenfarclas, and we are delighted to offer some of the scarce number of bottles that came to New Zealand. Bottled in a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter and hand-made wooden presentation case.

Please note: Shipping this whisky overseas will require additional packing and handling - contact us if you would like a quote.

The Glenfarclas distillery has been run by the same family for 6 generations, a proud heritage that has enabled them to become one of the most sought-after whiskies in the world. A soft and mellow dram offering hints of dried fruit, gentle baking spices and a heartening warmth of oak. An excellent introduction to the distillery style.

A fusion of peat whisky and malts matured in bourbon barrels, and then finished in Latin rum casks to create a great exquisite whisky with campfire smokiness and toffee sweetness On the nose there is soft peat notes with rich sweet toffee and caramel with zesty fruit notes and spiciness. Taste of light smoky peat with oak notes and toffee. Sharp green fruit, sweet baked apple. The finish lingers with both smokiness and sweetness.

Glenfiddich resurrects the lost tradition of maturing in rum casks with this Glenfiddich 21 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky. Rum distillers from Sancti Spiritus, near the Sierra del Escambray in the heart of Cuba, worked with Glenfiddich to develop this unique Cuban rum finish. Casks of Cuban rum are decanted at the distillery in Scotland and filled with 21 Year Old Glenfiddich to absorb the unique character lingering in the wood. Glenfiddich then wait for their Malt Master to give his blessing for bottling - at the precise moment when the unmistakable Glenfiddich flavour reveals a new and vibrant overtone. Silver Medal winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2007.

The Glenfiddich Solera system is unique amongst Scotch whisky distillers. Fifteen-year-old Glenfiddich matured in either Spanish Oak Ex-Sherry or new oak is married in a large Solera vat made of Oregon pine. The vat is always kept at least half full, ensuring a consistent quality of whisky is maintained whenever it is topped up. The result? A full and fruity nose, with delicate honey and vanilla notes. The taste is elegantly smooth, with a deep flavour that reveals fruit, gentle spice and a touch of oak. The finish is long and satisfying.

What first hits you about the fresh and fragrant Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the touch of pear in the nose, followed by a distinctive, well-balanced flavour of rich fruit, subtle pine and a hint of peatiness. Expect a satisfyingly long, lingering and rounded aftertaste. One of the most famous names in whisky and arguably the one that started it all.

Produced by the Grant family at the most famous distillery in the world, Glenfiddich, this whisky represents four decades of careful maturation and selection by their director, Peter Gordon. Released in batches of just 1,000 bottles a year, this is one of the rarest releases available from the distillery.

Official tasting notes from the Glenfiddich malt master:

Beautifully rich with layer upon layer of dried fruits, dark chocolate, roasted coffee and ripe black cherries. Waves of gentle wood smoke, polished leather and cloves.

Silky smooth and luxurious. Intense dried fruit notes are followed by rich fruitcake, dates, raisins and stewed apples. Over time slightly dry oak notes appear, with a hint of bitter chocolate and the faintest peat notes.

Incredibly long lasting and complex. Truly memorable.

This new expression from Kilchoman has seen their spirit fully matured in ex-Cognac casks from Tonellerie Bossuet (France). These casks impart a herbaceous, sweet and spicy character that balances against the robust peat smoke character of the whisky. The palate carries a toasted oakyness, with lush fruit laced with crystalised ginger warmth. A tang of citrus oil lifts through the smoke and sweet wood in the finish.

This is only the second time ex-Fino sherry casks have featured for Kilchoman, bringing about a crisp minerality and salt, offering contrast to the rich peaty tones of the distillery. The aroma of butterscotch sweetness and peated barley can be found to start, bringing a mouth-coating feeling that soon gives way to a nutty, meaty and salty combination - think of maple-syrup and salted, peat-smoked meats on a charcuterie board.

Fresh peat smoke mingles with a soft cooked stone fruit sweetness, with layers of smoke. On the palate there is a surge of tangy peat smoke and a vanilla pudding sweetness that leads to a sea-side, peppery smoke. The barley, oak and peat come together in harmony on the finish which is long and peaty. Consistently one of the best whiskies to come from Islay, made by the Wills family at Rockside farm.