A more recent release from the Auchentoshan distillery, replacing the previous staple 10 year old, this 12 year old bottling launched at the same time Auchentoshan had a dramatic rebrand back in 2011

Tasting Notes :

Nose: Cereals, exotic fruits.

Palate: Tannins, a little sweet barley, vanilla.

Finish: Dry and very long, a little sweetness from the barley.

Country : Scotland (Lowland whisky)

Distillery : Auchentoshan

Alcohol by volume : 40%

www.auchentoshan.Com

Using the two Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland to Japan in 1963, Nikka have produced a number of single cask single grain whiskies from time to time over the years. This, however, is their larger release of wonderfully exotic single grain whisky. Now in a 70cl bottle! Hooray!

Tasting Notes :

Appearance: Tawny gold

Nose: Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes with a herbal hint of chamomile.

Palate: Sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit and thick syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuits and fresh vanilla.

Finish: The corn notes, sweet and vibrant, last on the finish.

Overall: Fans of grain whisky should be pretty happy with this, as well as bourbon lovers.

Country : Japan 

Distillery : Nikka 

Alcohol by volume : 45%

www.nikka.com

This 12 year old was released in late 2003 to replace the 10 year old. A medium-bodied single malt from the Tomatin distillery.

Tasting Notes :

Appearance: Rich and bright amber

Nose: Medium-bodied and well-balanced. There are notes of toasted cereals and barley. Hints of winter spice and buttery pepper emanating from the toasty oak. Hints of dark sugar and cut flowers with a note of malt extract, rum and apple peel.

Palate: Good body and quite sweet. There are notes of fudge and dark sugar, winter spice and a touch of vinosity, notes of toffee apple and Bramley peel with notes of dried herbs.

Finish: Good length with notes of boiled sweets and fruity sweetness.

Country : Scotland (Highland) 

Distillery : Tomatin

Alcohol by volume : 40%

www.tomatin.com