1 of Cardhu 11 Year Old - Cardhu, the Queen of Speyside malts, has a generous spirit that is as well matched to that of the hard-working founder, Helen Cumming, as it is to that of the busy bees that pollinate the hillside heather through the long days of summer. Clean, elegant and perfectly poised, this Cardhu was made in small batches and matured in refill casks, as well as new and ex-bourbon American oak, drawing out tones of floral sweetness and spicy intensity in a playful exchange between wood and whisky. Notes of fresh orchard pear, green apple, grape and pineapple join a trace of lemon peel on the nose, with a gentle mossy base. The texture is creamy-smooth, the taste sweet then juicy, with a buttery richness. Of a good length, the finish is spicy, with lingering warmth.

1 of Cragganmore 20 Year Old - A Cragganmore of this age has never been released from the distillery, making this elusive malt a much-anticipated expression. In addition, sweet and mellow woody notes emerge from patient maturation over 20 years in refill casks. Cragganmore is a highly respected Speyside malt founded by a giant among distillers, John Smith. The ethereal aromas are among the most complex to be found in any malt, appearing and disappearing mysteriously like the ghostly flight of the Barn Owl as it quarters the wooded Speyside glens at twilight in search of its prey.