I came across something new on the shelf this past weekend; the Label 5 Bourbon Barrel whisky. It immediately stood out among the usual Label 5 lineup. Sitting alongside the familiar Premium Black and 12 year old expressions, this release positions itself a little differently: a single-grain Scotch matured entirely in first-fill toasted bourbon barrels.Read More »Label 5 Bourbon Barrel: A Grain Whisky Worth Trying?
Few whisky regions inspire as much loyalty among enthusiasts as Islay. Known for its wild Atlantic weather, rugged coastline, and heavy peat influence, the island produces some of the most distinctive whiskies in the world. Among its most recognised drams are the iconic Ardbeg 10 year old and the elegant Caol Ila 12 year old.
Read More »Ardbeg 10 vs Caol Ila 12: Two Classic Islay Single Malts Compared
In the past year or two, major whisky brands have increasingly focused on releases designed for cocktails or to attract new drinkers entering the category. Johnnie Walker, for example, launched Johnnie Walker Black Ruby with a clear eye on mixability and contemporary flavour profiles. Jameson has responded in its own way with the Triple Triple series, and today the focus is specifically on the Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition Irish whiskey.
Read More »Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition Review
Ardbeg Day releases have always been a gamble. Over the years, some have been genuinely inspired, while others have leaned heavily on marketing hype rather than flavour delivery. In 2025, to mark 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, the distillery unveiled the Ardbeg Smokiverse single malt Scotch Islay whisky.
Read More »Ardbeg Smokiverse Review – High Gravity, Modest Impact
Another island-versus-island showdown; this time between two of the most characterful maritime single malts on the market. Today, I am deep-diving into Caol Ila 12 vs Talisker 10, two peated island whiskies that have earned cult followings for good reason.
Read More »Caol Ila 12 vs Talisker 10: Which Island Icon to Choose?
While travelling through OR Tambo International Airport, I stopped at the Duty Free where a Johnnie Walker stand offered tastings of Black Label and Double Black. I skipped straight past both and headed for something newer: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, Diageo’s fruit-forward twist on the iconic Black Label.