The 2026 edition of the Kilkerran 16 YO from Glengyle Distillery is 100% matured in ex-sherry casks.

The Kilkerran 16 YO (2026) is available to buy in Norway starting tomorrow at NOK 1259 (21165101).

Nose: Apples and honey, accompanied by a mild, gentle smokiness. Hints of figs and chocolate add a richer, darker dimension. With time, soft spices and toasted oak emerge.

Taste: Medium-bodied. Dried fruits and demerara sugar provide a rich, mellow sweetness, nicely complemented by cinnamon and a hint of ginger. Softly spiced and pleasantly warming.

Finish: Medium-long. More dried fruits and cinnamon, with honey adding a gentle sweetness. The spiciness remains soft and well behaved, while a pinch of sea salt towards the end brings a subtle maritime twist.

Comment: Mellow.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled 2008-06-09, matured in a single 2nd fill ex-Oloroso sherry butt (cask #8), and bottled 2026-04-09. Limited to 679 bottles.

The Knockdhu 2008 17 YO (Signatory Vintage) is available to buy in Norway this week at NOK 1475 (21232801).

Nose: Refined and delicate, with mild notes of dried fruits providing a gentle sweetness. With time, pencil shavings and creamy vanilla emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Softly spiced and gently herbal, with toasted oak adding warmth and structure. Slightly burnt caramel brings a darker, bittersweet character.

Finish: Long finish. Dried fruits make a welcome return, adding depth and richness. The caramel grows darker and more concentrated now, lingering alongside the gentle oakiness and soft spices.

Comment: Delicate elegance.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled 2009-01-20, initially matured in unspecified casks, then finished in a single 1st fill ex-Madeira hogshead (cask #201). Bottled 2026-09-21 and limited to 309 bottles.

The Craigellachie 2009 17 YO (Signatory Vintage) is available in Norway this week for NOK 1475 (21232901).

Nose: Warm, relaxed and wonderfully soft. Gentle fruitiness mingles with vanilla and hints of creamy malt. With time, toasted oak emerges, bringing to mind a dusty old attic.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and juicy, with deep red wine notes and dried fruits taking center stage. An earthy undertone adds further depth.

Finish: Long. The rich fruitiness and earthy notes linger, now accompanied by a gentle spiciness. And is that a faint whiff of smoke emerging towards the end?

Comment: Mellow and quietly intriguing.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Maury is a sweet, fortified French wine (vin doux naturel) from the Roussillon region in southern France, primarily made from Grenache Noir grapes (thanks Internet).

The Kilchoman Maury Cask Matured is available to buy in Norway istarting tomorrow at NOK 1306 (21237101).

Nose: So rich, so full, so fruity, so sunny, and beautifully balanced. Wave after wave of pure loveliness. Wine-like aromas mix with figs, dates, honey and dark caramel to create a deep, luscious sweetness. Warm wood smoke and toasted oak add a gentle smoky dimension.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and deeply fruity, with a juicy, almost meaty character. The smokiness is more pronounced than on the nose, mingling beautifully with dark chocolate and a vibrant twist of orange.

Finish: Medium long. More of that lovely maltiness, juicy sweetness, dark chocolate, and honey, all wrapped in earthy peat smoke. Gradually drying in character, with hints of green herbs and tobacco emerging toward the end.

Comment: Liquid sunshine wrapped in earthy smoke.

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled 2009, matured in a single ex-Oloroso sherry hogshead (cask #806922), and bottled 2026. Limited to 235 bottles.

The Glen Elgin 2009 (Adelphi) is available to buy in Norway starting tomorrow at NOK 1499 (21225301).

Nose: Wine gums and dried fruits, rich and wonderfully creamy. Lovely, decadent vibes here, with a deep and inviting sweetness. With time, hints of toasted oak emerge, accompanied by cinnamon and creamy vanilla.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and sweet, with red berries taking centre stage. Rowan berries add a slightly tart, bitter edge. Semi-dry in character, despite all that richness.

Finish: Medium long finish. The character grows even darker now, with leather, cinnamon, toasted oak, and honey adding further depth. A soft, perfumed note emerges before white pepper brings a gentle spicy kick towards the end.

Comment: Decadent twist.

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled 2012 and bottled 2026. Fully matured in a single refill ex-Oloroso sherry butt (cask #300165). Limited to 542 bottles.

The Benrinnes 2012 (Adelphi) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1400 (21225401).

Nose: Rich and lovely. Deeply fruity, with dates, figs and ripe plums leading the way. With time, creamy vanilla and an assortment of orchard fruits emerge. Whispers of honey and cinnamon bring a gentle sweetness to the whole experience.

Taste: Full bodied. Fruity, rich and wonderfully appealing. A soft little alcohol nibble adds some liveliness, while generous notes of cinnamon bring a warming spiciness.

Finish: Medium long. The fruitiness stays firmly in charge throughout, with red berries and ripe orchard fruits making their presence felt towards the end.

Comment: Luscious fruit.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

We have reached batch 13 in this series of 10 YO cask strength releases from GlenAllachie. Time really does fly. Last time I reviewed a whisky in this series was back in 2021, when I reveiwed batch 5 (see review). The cask mix for this whisky is as follows: ex-PX sherry, ex-Oloroso sherry, ex-red wine, and virgin oak casks.

The GlenAllachie 10 YO Cask Strength Batch 13 is available to buy in Norway this week for NOK 1405 (21237001).

Nose: Sherry bomb warning! Rich dried fruits, cinnamon and honey come charging out of the glass. With time, ripe cherries and ginger join the party, adding another layer of fruity sweetness and warming spice.

Taste: Full-bodied. Troika chocolate served with a generous glass of rich sherry. Decadent and wonderfully indulgent. Then comes a lively burst of fizzy ginger, followed by red berries galore.

Finish: Medium long finish. Rich sherry and cherry notes linger, accompanied by soft leather. Hints of marzipan and pencil shavings emerge towards the end.

Comment: A playful sherry bomb.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is the 2025 edition of the Springbank 10 YO Fino Cask Matured. Distilled in July 2015, and bottled 2025-10-23. Initially matured for four years in refill ex-bourbon casks, then recasked for a second maturation for six years in fresh ex-Fino sherry casks. Limited to 11400 bottles.

The Springbank 10 YO Fino Cask Matured (2025) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1599 (21165001).

Nose: Big and fruity, with a slightly earthy character but no real funkiness to speak of. With time, tropical fruits emerge, particularly ripe pineapple, accompanied by gentle hints of citrus.

Taste: Full bodied. Rather sweet, with red berries and orchard fruits taking centre stage. White pepper adds a gentle spiciness, while a pinch of salt provides a nice contrast.

Finish: Medium long finish. The fruitiness becomes lighter and more playful now, with notes of fruity chewing gum and Tutti Frutti sweets.

Comment: Big fruit with a playful finish.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Here we have the 2025 edition of the Springbank 10 YO Local Barley. It was made using Bere barley from Clochkiel Farm (Peninsula, Kintyre). Distilled in July 2015, and bottled 2025-10-17. Matured in 60% ex-bourbon casks and 40% ex-sherry casks. Limited to 8000 bottles.

The Springbank 10 YO Local Barley (2025) is available to buy in Norway this week for NOK 1699 (21164901).

Nose: Deeply fruity, with rich malt, gentle wood smoke and a hint of farmyard funk. A lovely combination of sweetness, smoke and earthy character. With time, creamy vanilla, ginger and subtle citrus notes emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Sweet barley juice in abundance! Rich and wonderfully malty, with the smokiness more pronounced than on the nose. Caramel and creamy vanilla add a generous sweetness. Mild funkiness in the background.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Remains rich and fruity, with the wood smoke very much present but beautifully integrated. The malty sweetness continues to shine through, with that lovely barley character carrying the whole experience right to the end.

Comment: Rich malt with beautifully integrated smoke.

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

The Macallan 12 YO 110 Proof is available to buy in Norway this week at NOK 1500 (21227501).

Nose: A very classic sherry nose. Cool, mellow notes of dried fruits, with raisins and dates leading the way. All very well behaved and gentlemanly. With time, soft leather, pencil shavings and unsalted peanuts emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and wonderfully fruity, with dried fruits taking centre stage. Raisins dominate once again, accompanied by dates, figs and ripe plums. Nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger bring a lovely warming spiciness.

Finish: Long finish. Dark and sweet, with the rich dried fruits lingering beautifully. Towards the end, chocolate joins the mix.

Comment: Classic sherry matured whisky.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

The fourth and final installment in The Signature Series from Arran. This expression is nine years old and has been matured in a combination of ex-Oloroso, ex-Pedro Ximénez and ex-Amontillado sherry casks.

The Arran Sherry Serenade - The Signature Series Edition 4 is available to buy in Norway this week at NOK 1499 (20899101).

Nose: Ripe red apples baked in floral honey, with creamy vanilla and rich dried fruits. Wonderfully inviting and indulgent. With time, wave after wave of fruitiness and caramel sweetness emerges.

Taste: Full bodied. This comes across as more of a symphony than a serenade! Apples and dried fruits galore, with creamy vanilla, cinnamon and red berries joining the orchestra. Hints of citrus add a brighter, fresher dimension.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The fruity symphony continues, with apples, dried fruits and red berries still playing their parts. Dark chocolate and honey now join the ensemble, bringing a deeper, richer sweetness.

Comment: A rich and harmonious fruit symphony.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

An independent bottling from The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. Distilled August 2015, and matured for more than 10 years in a single ex-bourbon cask (cask #318521). Limited to 348 bottles.

The Caol Ila 2015 Bourbon Cask Matured - The Golden Cut (Cooper’s Choice) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 985 (21226701).

Nose: Artisan bread crust and soft wood smoke. Hardly any brininess at all, despite the smoky character. Over time, a faint hint of seaweed emerges, adding a subtle maritime touch to the otherwise warm, gently smoky nose.

Taste: Full bodied. Sweet, but with a distinctly dark and smoky character. Ashes, coal and rich peaty smoke take center stage. Rowan berries rolled in soot add a curious combination of tart fruitiness and dirty smoke.

Finish: Medium long. Remains decidedly sooty, with the smoke continuing to dominate. A restrained fruitiness lingers in the background.

Comment: Dirty, charming smoke.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

An independent bottling from The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. Distilled December 2014, and matured for more than 11 years in a single American oak cask (cask #0574) and finished for a few months in an ex-Madeira cask. Limited to 354 bottles.

The Balmenach 2014 Madeira Cask Finish - The Golden Cut (Cooper’s Choice) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1011 (21226901).

Nose: Unripe apples lead the way, quickly followed by richer, riper orchard fruits. A lovely contrast between fresh, tart fruitiness and deeper, sweeter notes. Then comes the barest hint of funkiness.

Taste: Full bodied. Sweeter than the nose might have suggested, with rich, appealing fruitiness taking center stage. The sweetness is generous, but nicely balanced by the lively fruit character.

Finish: Medium-long finish. The fruitiness takes a darker turn now, with chocolate and leather making their presence felt. Raisins and dates add further richness, before we end up with dark chocolate filled with red berry jam.

Comment: Fresh beginnings, decadently dark finish.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled in May 2009, initially matured in American oak cask, then finished in a single ex-Ruby Port wine butt (cask #0719). Bottled 2024, and limited to 570 bottles

The Braeval 2009 Port Wood Finish (Cooper’s Choice) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1000 (21226601).

Nose: Rich, fruity and wonderfully appealing. With time, creamy vanilla emerges, accompanied by notes of rhubarb and ripe oranges.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich, fruity, and creamy, with red berries most prominent. Soft peppery notes add a gentle spiciness.

Finish: Medium long. Gentle and fruity, with a slightly earthier character developing now. The rhubarb from the nose makes a welcome return.

Comment: Fruity with a twist.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Initially matured in ex-bourbon cask, then fin ished in a single ex-Sauternes wine cask (cask #802834). Limited to 318 bottles.

The Glen Spey 2011 Sauternes Cask Finish (Cooper's Choice) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 967 (21226801).

Nose: Rich, dark, and earthy fruitiness all the way. Deep, wine-like aromas add weight and richness, giving the nose a brooding character.

Taste: Full-bodied. Rich and deeply fruity, with a moderate sweetness that never becomes overpowering. The earthiness from the nose carries through nicely, adding depth to the dark fruit notes.

Finish: Medium long. Rich and dark throughout, with the earthy fruitiness continuing to dominate. The sweetness lingers gently, maintaining that deep, wine-like character to the end.

Comment: Dark, earthy, and deeply fruity.

Score 85/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Distilled 2012-04-18, and bottled 2026-05-20. Fully matured in 1st fill ex-bourbon casks (cask #198, 202-208, 212, 213), and limited to 2019 bottles.

The Edradour 2012 Natural Cask Strength is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1399 (21233001).

Nose: Orchard fruits lead the way, with a moderately dark character and a gentle sweetness. With time, the fruitiness takes on a more tropical dimension, with ripe mango in particular making its presence felt.

Taste: Full bodied. Leather and chocolate provide a rich, darker backdrop to red berries and ripe orchard fruits. The fruitiness gradually shifts towards more tropical notes.

Finish: Medium long. The fruitiness continues, with red berries and a splash of pineapple juice. A hint of ginger towards the end.

Comment: Darkness meets tropicalness.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Loch Lomond Distillery has bottled this single cask exclusively for the Norwegian market. Matured in a single ex-bourbon barrel (cask #2531), and limited to 188 bottles.

The Loch Lomond 2012 Tropical Storm will be available to buy in Norway in a few days for NOK 1404 (21171701).

Nose: Funky farmyard notes mingle with ripe apples, creating an intriguing combination of earthy funkiness and fresh fruit. With time, creamy vanilla emerges, accompanied by a whiff of tropical fruits.

Taste: Full bodied. A little funky here as well, with a slightly bitter edge. The fruitiness is more pronounced now, with tropical fruits taking centre stage.

Finish: Medium long. The tropical fruitiness continues, before giving way to the tart, slightly bitter character of rowan berries. A hint of aniseed emerges towards the end.

Comment: Funky tropics.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Matured in a single 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel (cask #310751).

The Blair Athol 2013 (Adelphi) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1399 (21225201).

Nose: Almond kernel pudding takes center stage, accompanied by mild caramel and creamy vanilla. Soft, sweet and wonderfully inviting.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and soft, with a delicate fruitiness that adds a lovely freshness to the creamy sweetness. Gentle and nicely balanced.

Finish: Medium long. A playful fizziness emerges, bringing a lively contrast to the otherwise soft and rich character. Caramel sweetness lingers, accompanied by a gentle hint of honey in the end.

Comment: Delightfully comforting.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Fully matured in a single 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel (cask #35430). Limited to 223 bottles.

The Glenlossie 2011 (Adelphi) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1459 (21225101).

Nose: Mild, fruity and clean. Soft and approachable, with a gentle herbal character emerging over time. Delicate and nicely balanced.

Taste: Full bodied. Big and bold, in surprising contrast to the restrained nose. Wonderfully lively, fizzy and spicy, with plenty of energy. Lots of rich tropical fruits, adding a juicy sweetness to the vibrant spices.

Finish: Medium long finish. Even more tropical fruits now. A touch of mint adds freshness, while the spices mellow out and become softer towards the end.

Comment: Gentle beginnings, bold tropical surprises.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

This is a single cask release from Adelphi. Glasgow Distillery distilled this back in 2016. It was matured in a single virgin oak hogshead (cask #845). Bottled 2026-05-27, and limited to 258 bottles.

The Glasgow Distillery 2016 (Adelphi) is available to buy in Norway in a few days at NOK 1389 (21225501).

Nose: Rich fruit and caramel, accompanied by soft vanilla. With time, the caramel takes on a darker, deeper character, while toasted oak adds a lovely warmth and richness.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and peppery, with toasted oak taking centre stage. The oakiness is particularly appealing here, adding depth and character without becoming overpowering. Frickin' great, actually!

Finish: Medium to long. That wonderful oakiness just keeps on giving, without a hint of astringency. Quite sweet, but beautifully well behaved. The alcohol is very well integrated, allowing the rich sweetness and toasted oak to linger in perfect harmony.

Comment: Beautiful!

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas