A Thai Talisman

Prakaan Distillery, Thailand

Thailand invokes certain images. Scenes from the Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach come to mind. Bright sunshine, pristine white sand and turquoise seas and heat. This is the idle people expect to experience when they visit Thailand. Until this year I had never visited but always thought I would and experience the country as described above. My home country has certain similarities. On the west coast of Scotland are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Thailand the sands are white, and the seas turquoise and crystal clear. There is just one thing missing: the heat. However, there is something my home country makes which Thailand could not offer, and that’s whisky. Until now.

My primary motivation for visiting Thailand this year was to visit their first Single Malt Whisky distillery and taste the whisky it is producing. I did not see one beach on my week-long visit, and the beach wasn’t missed. Instead, I experienced a different side of Thailand. The un-talked about interior.

The company which built the distillery owns many businesses. From hotels and restaurants, a logistics company which operates all over Thailand, and their biggest operation, a beer company, and it is in the same town as a brewery that the whisky distillery is found. The company is called Thai Beverage and their move into making Single Malt Whisky might seem an unusual one for predominantly a beer company in the tropics, but they have form. International Beverage, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage owns four of the best and most traditional distilleries in Scotland. In the far north, they own Pulteney and Balblair, Speyburn and Balmenach in Speyside and just to the east of Speyside, Knockdhu distillery.

Although in Thailand Thai Beverage is known for beer, they have plenty of distilling experience. Some of the great Thai rum brands have been and are still produced by them. They have a rum distillery which they have owned since the 1970’s.

The whisky distillery, unlike their rum distillery is nowhere near Bangkok. It is in Kamphaeng Phet a lesser-known corner of Thailand not frequented by tourists in search of white sands or azure waters. Instead, it sits nestled within the Western Forest Complex, a vast and largely untouched tract of wilderness recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s rich in biodiversity and surprisingly, it’s perfect for whisky making.

The features in the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Mueang Chakangrao to the east of the Ping River and Mueang Nakhon Chum to the west. The whole site covers much of the town and is surrounded by a distinctly shaped wall. It is this heritage site and its surrounding wall which give the whisky its name, Prakaan. Prakaan translates as ‘wall’ or ‘fort’, a tribute to the ancient stonework that once encircled Kamphaeng Phet. Like the whisky, it stands as a symbol of strength, endurance and cultural identity. A section of this wall is the emblem on the whiskies label, and the bricks make up the texture of the bottle. It roots the whisky with a true sense of place.

The water for the distillery comes from deep underground, the source of which flows through the Western Forest Complex and includes Khlong Lan Waterfall. Not far from the distillery the waterfall is a spectacle sitting within the forest, which in itself is a magical place, the waterfall is elegant yet powerful, much like the whisky and well worth seeking out.

Beyond the sense of place in the landscape the whisky evokes, it also has a sense of place rooted in the people, and food. There is a great love for Thai food all over the world, from Khao soi fragrant noodle soup, river prawns, which are the size of small lobsters, an abundance of fresh vegetables and even sticky mango rice, the food in Thailand is incredibly diverse with different regions producing different style.

With all these influences it would be understandable if the whisky didn’t quite manage to encompass that whole sense of place, yet somehow it does, and this I think comes from a tradition rooted in Whisky’s home country of Scotland. All of the International Beverage distilleries are in the highlands, Speyside is in the greater highland region, so Speyburn is still highland. Highland whisky tends to be elegant and fruity. It’s this fruit forward character which Prakaan has in spades. The team at Prakaan, beyond having incredible backgrounds in biochemistry and distilling in Thailand, have spent two years with the teams in Scotland learning about and making single malt Scotch Whisky. The elegance of Scotch shines though in Prakaan, as does the fruit forward nature of the whisky. It is this fruit forward nature which also gives Prakaan its unique identity. Like some highland whiskies, there are a lot of tropical fruits found in Prakaan, and those fruits are diverse and range from light banana and touches of pineapple to guava, passion fruit and dragon fruit which is integral to Thailand. These tropical fruits are joined by honey, citrus peels and touches of ginger, and milk chocolate sit in the background. The back palate allows spice to develop which runs all the way through the finish. These flavours are added to in the Double Cask expression with typical Oloroso sherry cask character which are used for 18 to 30 months. These casks give raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and dates. Their final expression the Peated Malt has a ppm of 45 in the barley and is lightly peated at 3ppm in the resulting whiskey. The peat is imported from the highland of Scotland giving rich BBQ smoke and oily, earthy peat beyond the tropical fruit notes.

All this fruit flavour is rooted in fermentation which lasts for 72 hours giving fruity flavours and starts at 18- 20°C and is kept under 35°C with cooling jackets. All this flavour shines in their ex-bourbon cask expression. For me ex-bourbon cask maturation allows the spirit character to shine and shows its true character. The spirit from Prakaan is very characterful and this comes through in the whisky well. This character also allows for other types of maturation without losing that distinct character. There are two other expressions in the Prakaan line up. One which has ex-sherry cask maturation included, and a peated expression. Both of these show off their different flavours. The maturation has been deftly handled. In the heat of the tropical sun, it takes skill and care not to overcook the spirit. The warehouses have been built in such a way to help this. By being recessed into the ground by a few metres, the base of the warehouse is cool, and by having huge doors which can open for airflow, the ambient temperature in the warehouse is much cooler than the shade temperatures outside and can be temperature controlled. There is no humidity control, and the angels share reflects this with 13% being lost to the angels in year 1, and then 10% in year two, 9% in year three and 8.5% in year 4, so the volume of liquid loss over the years is considerable, but the abv only decreased 1-3% over the first 5 years. This is all normal for the tropics. Prakaan doesn’t have an age statement on their whisky, and nor should they, as with tropical aging, age is irrelevant, however some of the whisky is older than you would imagine. They first filled barrels in April 2018, so one can work it out from there.

Distillery manager Boyd

Prakaan isn’t trying to be like Scotch, it has its own identity, but the quality is formidable and the overall experience of visiting Prakaan is impressive. The distillery is state of the art and fully automated, yet the skill in their whisky making is rooted in tradition and culture, people and place. These characteristics will sound familiar to Scotch Whisky drinkers and show that Scotland and Thailand as well as having pristine beaches and pure blue seas, now have great whisky in common too.

Colin and Boyd at Prakaan in Thailand

Prakaan Select Cask
Full of tropical fruit and ex bourbon cask flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £49.96

Prakaan Double Cask
Rich with baking spice, chocolate and signature tropical fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £62.46

Prakaan Peated Cask
Tropical fruits, smoke and earthy flavours and aromas

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £54.13

If you’ve enjoyed discovering the first single Malt whisky from Thailand and your appetite has been peaked for something Thai, then how about booking a great Thai restaurant in London here.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Dalmore Unveils Second Annual Distillery Select Series

If there’s one thing whisky lovers know about The Dalmore, it’s that the Highland powerhouse doesn’t do things by halves. With a history stretching back to 1839 and a reputation for rich, chocolate-orange house style draped in luxury, each release has collectors and connoisseurs leaning in closer. Now, following the sell-out success of last year’s debut, The Dalmore has lifted the curtain on its second annual Distillery Select Series - and it’s a trio worth talking about.

The Distillery Select Series is all about uncovering hidden gems from the distillery’s famed warehouses. These are parcels of spirit chosen for their singular dimension of character, bottled at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and nurtured until The Dalmore’s master whisky makers declare them ready. Think of it as the inside track to some of the distillery’s most intriguing treasures.

Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish – 13 Years Old

First up is the Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish, a 13-year-old expression bottled at 51.3% ABV, priced at £350, with just 1,002 bottles released. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a two-year slumber in Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, it’s brimming with charm. On the nose, warm citrus fruits mingle with black toffee, sugared almonds, and ginger spice. The palate unfolds with poached peach, balsamic whispers, chocolate mocha, and soft liquorice, while the finish brings waves of tropical fruits, exotic spice, and lingering berry richness. A dram of finesse indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.3%
Price: £350

Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish – 17 Years Old

Ratcheting up the rarity, the Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish comes in at 17 years, 46.8% ABV, and a cool £1,000 - though with only 252 bottles available, blink and you’ll miss it. Finished in sweet wine barriques from Bouvet Ladubay in France’s Loire Valley, this whisky is a tapestry of flavour. Aromas of damson plums, marmalade, and Madagascan vanilla invite you in, before poaching spices, Demerara sugar, and bright orchard fruits take over the palate. The finish is an indulgent mix of Tahitian vanilla, caramel, and soft baking spice - a dram that dances between elegance and decadence.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Price: £1,000

Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish – 28 Years Old

The jewel of the collection, however, is the Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish, a venerable 28-year-old presented at 48.2% ABV, with a mere 49 bottles available worldwide. Price? £5,500. This extraordinary whisky spent its final four years in 1997 vintage Colheita casks from Graham’s Port, the very year it was distilled. The result is liquid velvet: aromas of exotic fruits and damson plums, a palate of roasted pineapple, raspberry coulis, coffee beans, and Seville orange, with a finish of star fruit, liquorice, dark cacao, and allspice. Quite simply, a deepened beauty.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.2%
Price: £5,500

The collection launches globally on 11 October 2025, available online at The Dalmore website and at select boutiques in Spain, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Members of The Dalmore Guild will get an exclusive two-day head start.

With the inaugural Distillery Select Series of 2024 snapped up by collectors in record time, expect this year’s trio to follow suit. Each bottle captures The Dalmore’s artistry in miniature, proving once again why the stag remains one of whisky’s most coveted emblems. Thirsty for more? Click here.

7 Unique Summer Drinks That Deserve a Spot in Your Glass

Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Summer has a way of slowing everything down. The heat makes you pause, and the sunshine draws you outside. The days stretch long, and the nights feel even longer - until they’re suddenly gone. So, it’s worth making the most of it. Sit in the garden with some ‘picky bits’ and enjoy drinks crafted with care. Not just another white wine or the same old gin and tonic - there’s nothing wrong with either - but there is a lot more out there to enjoy.

Think drinks with a story. Bottles that shine in the sun and are full of summer flavour. From English fine cider and French apéritifs to floral Cognacs and fruit-forward whiskies, these are summer-ready drinks full of character. They’re versatile, too - perfect for long drinks like Cognac and soda, a combination that will keep you cool in the warm weather. In fact, all of these drinks work beautifully with soda. And soda loves summer. 

Find & Foster Natura Pastorum 2020 Cider

Find & Foster Natura Pastorum 2020 Cider Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Find & Foster make fine cider in Devon, working to regenerate historic orchards and preserve traditional English cider-making. Natura Pastorum 2020 is a medium-dry sparkling cider crafted using the traditional Champagne method. It spends two years on lees, adding complexity and a soft, rounded mouthful.

Expect notes of fragrant apple, orange blossom, lemon and gentle honey. Elegant and expressive, it is the kind of bottle to have chilled and ready for long afternoons outside. Best served chilled in a wine glass, where it can open up in the sun.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 6%
Find Here: £21.00

Jean Luc Pasquet Marie-Framboise

Jean Luc Pasquet Marie-Framboise Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Jean-Luc Pasquet is an organic Cognac producer behind some of the region's most exciting expressions. Marie-Framboise is a raspberry apéritif made with locally grown organic berries - and it’s shaping up to be a modern classic. It bursts with vibrant raspberry character and carries layers of complexity.

Enjoy it over ice or with soda, but it really shines when splashed into sparkling wine or fine cider, such as Find & Foster. The raspberries are macerated for up to three months, developing notes of freshly picked raspberries, dates, blackcurrant leaf and mint, making it a real taste of summer.

Size: 750ml
ABV:
16%
Find Here: £24.50

Savoia Orancio

Savoia Orancio Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Savoia Orancio is an orange wine aperitivo blended with spice and citrus, making it perfect for a refreshing Spritz. It’s a fresh, modern take on the Italian aperitivo tradition. Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes on their skins, which adds complex aromatics to the glass.

Its bittersweet balance unfolds gradually with the orange wine and spices working together, as the flavours evolve over time. Notes of bitter orange, lime and bergamot meet ginger, pomegranate and a hint of saffron. It's made for sunny evenings, shared plates and great company.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17.2%
Find Here: £21.95

Bruichladdich Whisky: The Classic Laddie

Unique Summer Drinks Bruichladdich Whisky The Classic Laddie The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Bruichladdich’s (pronounced BROOK-Laddie) is a barley-forward single malt Scotch whisky with bright fruit notes and a deep connection to place. The distillery champions sustainability and, through its commitment to reconnecting ‘whisky and agriculture’, it uses 100% Scottish barley in its whiskies. They describe the colour of the whisky as ‘sunlight on early summer barley fields’ - and that is how it tastes too.

Bottled at 50% ABV, it carries plenty of fruity richness and lets the barley flavour shine through. Whisky and soda come into their own in summer, and this is one of the best whiskies to enjoy in that long serve. Expect notes of pear, honey, heather, lemon and a touch of salt.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find Here: £49.90

Four Roses Small Batch Whisky

Four Roses Small Batch Whisky Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Strawberries are a real summer treat and instantly bring to mind Four Roses Small Batch bourbon, thanks to its fruity profile. Four Roses uses ten different bourbon recipes to create whiskies with a wide range of flavour profiles, making their range an excellent way to explore bourbon and discover how different flavour combinations come together.

The Small batch delivers those classic bourbon notes of sweet vanilla oak, caramel, baking spices - cinnamon, nutmeg and clove alongside lashings of ripe strawberries. It is a firm favourite for an old-fashioned cocktail, but for something lighter, try their Kentucky Lemonade cocktail, which keeps things refreshing on a hot day whilst still letting that bourbon shine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45% ABV
Find Here: £30.50

Frapin VSOP Cognac

Frapin VSOP Cognac Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

The fruit-forward notes of cognac make it the perfect spirit for summer, and if you’re unsure where to start, Frapin VSOP is a great choice. It is fruit-forward, versatile, and made without compromising on quality. VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale and notes that the cognac is at least four years old, giving you greater depth and richness.

Remarkably, this cognac house dates back to 1270, yet the spirit feels modern and accessible. Notes of baked apple, flowers (roses), oak, vanilla, and ginger work wonderfully in a sidecar or with soda for a refreshing fruity-sweet alternative to gin.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £58.25

Grosperrin Extra Grande Champagne Cuvée Abel Mestreau

Grosperrin Extra Grande Champagne Cuvée Abel Mestreau Unique Summer Drinks The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Lewis Ashman

Some moments deserve a truly special spirit. This 45-year-old Grande Champagne Cognac comes from Grosperrin, highly regarded négociant-traders who buy and bottle Cognac. It has been bottled under the historic Abel Mestreau label, originally a broker from the early 1900s whose business closed after World War I.

Grande Champagne, which refers to the growing region (also known as cru), is the most prized region in Cognac, famed for long-aging potential and finesse. This bottle offers indulgent notes of old oak, tobacco, leather, plums and warming spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), with a lingering, contemplative finish. This is a rare chance to experience history in a glass.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43% 
Find Here: £136

For more summer-ready drinks, take a look at this article on English whisky, which highlights whisky that truly shines at this time of year.

Lewis Ashman DRINKLUSIVE Mentee The Three Drinkers 2025

No Longer a Curiosity: The 7 English Whiskies You need to try

Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman The Three Drinkers DRINKLUSIVE Mentee 2025

English whisky has been building momentum, with a focus on innovation that still pays tribute to tradition. Ever since The English Sherry Cask Matured was voted ‘best single malt in the world’ in the 2024 World Whisky Awards, English distilleries have been challenging the perception that English single malt whisky was here to merely make up the numbers. This is an exciting time to explore English whisky with a groundswell of passion and experimentation up and down the country. What unites them is their commitment to flavour and a curious mind. There is a sense of freedom: to innovate, to play and to reflect the place it is made. The seven whiskies below have been hand selected and tell a story of English whisky’s emergence as the whisky of the 21st century.

Filey Bay Flagship 

Filey Bay Flagship The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

If you’re a new whisky drinker and don’t know where to start, this is the whisky for you. This English single malt whisky from Yorkshire manages to be approachable whilst having enough complexity to interest experienced drinkers. Filey Bay has a real connection to place, which carries through every step of production and through the regenerative farming practices at the centre of their approach. Growing 100% of the barley in the carefully nurtured soil on their farm yields a flavoursome barley with hints of caramel. The Flagship bottle is the essence of their style, with notes of soft vanilla ice cream, fruity with peaches and gentle oak spice. It is wonderful in a highball.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £55.75

Fielden Rye Whisky

Fielden Rye Whisky The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

There is a real sense of England captured in this expressive rye whisky. Also based in Yorkshire and employing regenerative farming practices, they are able to extract abundant flavour from heritage grains that are selected for flavour over yield. This considered approach to whisky making supports English farmers and enhances the biodiversity of the English countryside more widely. These efforts happily translate into a uniquely English rye whisky, which is matured in a combination of American oak casks and a selection of ex-wine casks. This is rich and inviting with notes of buttery croissant, berries, caramel and cinnamon. It works exceptionally well in an old-fashioned cocktail.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £55.75

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

In terms of flavour profile, Cotswolds sits between the softer Filey Bay and the rich and full-bodied Fielden. Situated in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, this single malt whisky uses locally grown barley. It’s an everyday indulgence and a must-try for anyone exploring English whisky. They use a variety of barrels to include ex-Bourbon casks and STR ex-wine casks; shaved, toasted and recharred to remove a few millimetres of wine-soaked wood, toast the fresh surface, then flame-char it: the refreshed oak offers notes of raspberry and caramel that complement the malt forward creamy porridge notes. This whisky is well suited to enjoy after a Sunday stroll in the countryside.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.90

White Peak Wire Works Whisky Bourbon Barrel

White Peak Wire Works Whisky Bourbon Barrel The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

Located at the old Johnson & Nephew Wire Works on the banks of a river nestled in ancient woodland, White Peaks focus on flavour and place, using spent brewers yeast from a local brewery. This whisky follows the distillery’s fruit forward and lightly-peated style, with so-called ‘inactive’ Bourbon barrels imparting minimal flavour and allowing the true characteristics of the whisky to shine. This is a great starting point with Wire Works whisky and peated whisky generally. It offers notes of vanilla sponge, lemon rind, white chocolate, and wisps of gentle smoke. and pairs really well with chalky cheese and crackers.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 53.4%
Find here: £60.75

The Lakes Signature Single Malt

The Lakes Signature Single Malt The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

The Lakes Signature is the distillery's first permanent style of sherry-led whisky. It is equally approachable to newer whisky drinkers, offering a ‘treat yourself’ moment of the sublime, while also perfect for those who enjoy sherry-forward whisky. The Lakes know that “to prosper we cannot play safe” which inspires their curiosity. Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess (formerly of The Macallan) builds layers of richness and complexity by making careful adjustments to the location and climate of the cask throughout maturation. This technique is known as élevage, and is traditionally used in cognac production. The whisky has rich notes of leather, medjool dates, figs, sandalwood and gentle oak and is well suited to quiet contemplation accompanied by your favourite album. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £78.50

Circumstance Organic Single Grain Barley Whisky

Circumstance Organic Single Grain Barley Whisky The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

Circumstance Distillery challenges assumptions about how great whisky is made, and delivers exceptionally flavoursome results. This is authentic, experimental, and exciting whisky. Prioritising flavour, they don’t produce single malts. Instead, they layer flavour using multiple grains, various yeast strains, very long fermentations, and a range of cask types that add a warming texture to the whisky. Committed to sustainability, they’re certified organic and carbon neutral. The result is a velvety whisky that tastes like freshly baked rhubarb crumble, with toasted hazelnuts and lemon zest adding balance. It pairs beautifully with chilled hibiscus kombucha.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47.7 %
Find here: £45.25

Woven Experience N.22 Pastures New

Woven Experience N.22 Pastures New The Three Drinkers Best English Whisky 2025 Lewis Ashman

English whisky has its first English blended whisky thanks to the team at Woven. It represents yet another milestone, bringing together diverse approaches and styles that collectively contribute to a rich and thriving whisky scene. In doing so this bottle signifies that English whisky is here to stay. Blended whiskies are at times unfairly seen as lesser than single malts, but blending is a craft and offers the opportunity for greater complexity compared to single malts. Woven are a refreshingly modern whisky brand who are making whisky inclusive and fun. The blend comprises six whiskies, including Wire Works, Fielden, and Cotswolds. It offers notes of plums, spiced rye bread, wildflowers, and nutmeg. and pairs perfectly with a nice crisp, dry cider.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 49.1%
Find here: £54.95

Together, these whiskies represent a vibrant and thoughtful English whisky scene, deeply tied to place. Be curious. Pick up a bottle and start exploring! If you’d like to read more whisky content click here.

Lewis Ashman DRINKLUSIVE Mentee The Three Drinkers 2025

Bushmills Distillery: The Timeless Spirit of Irish Single Malt

Nestled on the rugged northern coast of Northern Ireland, Bushmills Distillery stands as a bastion of Irish whiskey heritage. With a license to distil granted in 1608, it is widely considered the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Over four centuries later, Bushmills remains a name synonymous with tradition, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality, especially when it comes to single malt Irish whiskey.

While many associate Irish whiskey with triple-distilled blends, Bushmills is unique in its focus on 100% malted barley whiskies, distilled in copper pot stills and matured in carefully selected casks. The distillery’s core range of single malts showcases the diversity and elegance that can be achieved in Irish whiskey when tradition is upheld with a modern touch. Only recently they have built a new still house with state of the art equipment to compliment the existing stills and double their capacity to make whiskey.

They make quite a few different whiskies at the distillery, but they have some expressions which will always be available.

The Core Range: A Journey Through Time

Bushmills’ core single malt lineup is anchored by three age-statement expressions: the 10 Year Old, 16 Year Old, and 21 Year Old.

Bushmills 10 Year Old is triple distilled and matured primarily in bourbon casks with a hint of sherry influence. It’s known for its light, honeyed character, with soft fruit notes, vanilla, and a smooth, clean finish. Perfect for those discovering Irish single malts for the first time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

Bushmills 16 Year Old introduces a more complex profile, being matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks before a final finish in port wine pipes. This creates layers of dried fruit, spice, and toasted nuts—a whiskey with depth and a velvet texture.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £87.95

Bushmills 21 Year Old, the pinnacle of the core range, is aged in both bourbon and sherry casks for 19 years, then finished for two years in Madeira casks. It’s rich, layered, and luxurious, with dark chocolate, tropical fruit, and a hint of smoke on the palate.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £198

These expressions together form a smooth progression of age, complexity, and influence from wood, reflecting Bushmills’ deep understanding of cask maturation.

They recently launched Bushmills 15 year old which is matured exclusively in ex bourbon barrels and was an expression aimed at the more affordable end of the Irish Whiskey category and can be found in supermarkets.

The Causeway Collection: A Collector’s Dream

For those seeking rarity and innovation, Bushmills offers the Causeway Collection, a limited series of rare single malt releases named after the nearby Giant’s Causeway. This collection celebrates bold maturation choices and exceptional age statements, often including cask-strength bottlings finished in rare casks like cognac, sauternes, and even Tokai.

Each release is non-chill filtered and bottled at natural strength, showcasing the distillery’s adventurous side without compromising its refined house style. The Causeway Collection has become a target for collectors and enthusiasts, representing some of the finest and most daring Irish whiskeys ever bottled.

Millennium Bottlings: A Time Capsule of Excellence

In the year 2000, Bushmills released a series of Millennium bottlings, single casks laid down in 1975 and bottled 25 years later to mark the turn of the century. These bottlings are revered today for their rarity and the pristine quality of the spirit. Collectors fortunate enough to own one prize them not only for their historical significance but for their incredible depth of flavour, drawn from long years in wood.

The 46-Year-Old: A New Benchmark

In 2023, Bushmills made headlines with the release of its 46-Year-Old Single Malt, the oldest expression ever bottled by the distillery. Matured in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels, this whiskey is a testament to the patience and care that define Bushmills. With only a few hundred bottles available globally, it’s not just a whiskey, it’s a celebration of Bushmills' past and future.

Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas with Bushmills 46 Year Old Whiskey

Master Blender Alex Thomas in the Bushmills still house with Bushmills 46 Year old

At 46 years, this whiskey displays deep mahogany hues, a nose of dried fig, rich oak, and old leather, and a palate bursting with dark chocolate, spiced fruitcake, and a long, warming finish. It’s a release that firmly places Bushmills among the top-tier luxury distilleries in the world.

Legacy and Innovation

What makes Bushmills remarkable is its ability to balance tradition with innovation. From the approachable sweetness of its 10 Year Old to the daring finishes in the Causeway Collection and the near-mythical prestige of its 46-Year-Old, the distillery has proven that Irish whiskey is far from a one-note category.

Bushmills continues to be a guardian of Irish whiskey history while pushing its boundaries. Whether you're a newcomer exploring the elegance of Irish single malts or a collector seeking rare treasures, Bushmills offers a spectrum of experiences, each one rooted in centuries of craftsmanship. And with fathers day fast approaching, a bottle of Bushmills would certainly show your appreciation.

 Words by Colin Hampden-White

Cutty Sark: The Whisky with Wind in its Sails

Cutty Sark Whisky

Cutty Sark was born in 1923 - and like all the best characters from that era, it came with a rebellious streak. Dreamed up by the esteemed wine and spirits merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd, this whisky wasn’t made for dusty cellars or tweed-clad tradition. It was created for Americans in the middle of Prohibition. The goal? A lighter, livelier Scotch that wouldn’t knock your socks off - perfect for cocktails, and perfect for bootleggers.

And who was the daring captain smuggling it in? None other than Bill McCoy - the man so honest they coined “The Real McCoy” after him. That yellow label (originally a printing accident) became a symbol of authenticity. By the time the ban was lifted, Cutty Sark was already a hit - roaring from 7,000 cases in 1934 to over a million in the '60s. From the outset, it wasn't just a Scotch. It was a pioneer, a rule-breaker, and a favourite of gangsters, gentry, and everyone in between.

Cutty Sark Today: Still Wild at Heart

Cutty Sark Master Blender Stephen Woodcock

Master Blender Stephen Woodcock

Fast forward a hundred years and Cutty Sark hasn’t lost its swagger. It’s still a whisky for adventurers - the type you’d spot behind a bar in a seafaring town or sipped by someone who prefers their dram with a story. It’s still inspired by the legendary three-mast tea clipper - a ship so fast, so elegant, and so Scottish it might as well have been born wearing tartan.

Under the careful eye of Master Blender Stephen Woodcock, today’s Cutty Sark stays true to its light, smooth style - blending single malts from Highland, Speyside, and Islay with top-quality grain whiskies. These are matured in American oak (hello vanilla and caramel) and a touch of ex-sherry casks (for a whisper of dried fruit and spice). A 21-day marrying process ensures a mellow, balanced finish. No burn, just bliss.

But the big trick? It’s born to be mixed. Not just sipped solo in a leather armchair, but shaken into a cocktail or poured long with soda. It’s always had one foot in cocktail culture - from the smoky speakeasies of the ‘20s to the sharp hotel bars of today. Whether you’re a neat sipper or a highball fanatic, Cutty’s got a dram with your name on it.

Also - film buffs, take note. From Goodfellas to Mad Men and Jessica Jones, this bottle’s had more screen time than some A-listers. Not bad for a Scotch with a schooner on the front.

Value Meets Vibe: Why Cutty Sark is a Smart Pick

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Best Scotch whisky

There’s a quiet kind of genius in finding a whisky that punches above its price tag. Cutty Sark is one of those gems — delivering proper Scotch heritage, quality blending, and versatility without giving your wallet heart palpitations.

It’s not trying to be the fanciest dram in the cabinet. Instead, it nails that sweet spot between laid-back drinkability and genuine craftsmanship. Whether you're stocking up for cocktail night, levelling up your whisky knowledge, or just want something that *tastes good* without the fuss, Cutty Sark ticks the boxes.

It’s ideal for whisky-curious newcomers or long-time dram devotees looking to rediscover a classic. Think of it as your reliable, go-anywhere friend — the one who’s equally at home at a garden party, a rooftop bar, or on the sofa watching The Sopranos (where, by the way, it makes a cameo).

The Line-Up: Cutty Sark Expressions Explained

Cutty Sark Original

Cutty Sark Original Blended Scotch Whisky The Three Drinkers

The OG. Light, crisp, and effortlessly drinkable. This blend balances mellow grain whisky with characterful Highland, Speyside, and Islay malts. Think citrus, soft vanilla, and a gentle spice that makes it perfect for highballs or whisky & soda. It’s bottled at 40% ABV and built for those who like their Scotch easy-going but full of personality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

Cutty Sark Prohibition Blended Scotch Whisky The Three Drinkers

This one wears darker boots. Bottled at 50% ABV and non-chill filtered, Prohibition Edition is a nod to the whisky smuggled during the 1920s. Richer, bolder, and with more grip, it has punchy spice, deep toffee notes, and a peppery kick. Designed for bartenders, it’s the perfect base for cocktails like the Old Fashioned or a bold Whisky Sour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £28.50

Cutty Sark 12 Year Old

Cutty Sark 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky The Three Drinkers

The smoothest sailor of the fleet. The 12YO ramps up the malt content and adds a subtle touch of peat. Mellowed for over a decade, it offers layers of honey, toasted nuts, soft smoke, and dried fruits — all brought together with that signature Cutty drinkability. It’s the one you sip when you’re showing off (but not too much).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.75

Five Outstanding Cutty Sark Cocktails

Cutty Sark Highball

Cutty Sark Highball Whisky Cocktail the three drinkers

Ingredients
30ml Cutty Sark Whisky
90ml sparkling water
30ml lemon juice
Lemon wheel
Ice cubes

Method
Perfect for Sunday brunch with mates who "don’t like whisky" (yet). Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, pour in the whisky and fresh lemon juice, and top up with sparkling water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and finally garnish with a fresh lemon wedge. It’s crisp, refreshing and simple!

Prohibition Old Fashioned

Prohibition Old Fashioned Cutty Sark Whisky The Three Drinkers

Ingredients
60ml Cutty Sark Prohibition
2 dashes of bitters
1 sugar cube
Orange zest

Method
Sending off late-night jazz bar vibes, this is a spicy, brooding version of the classic. Pour the bitters on the sugar cube in a rocks glass and mix, fill the glass with large ice cubes and add the whisky. For that final touch, twist the orange zest over the glass, then drop in

Cutty Smash

Cutty Sark Cutty Smash Whisky Cocktail The Three Drinkers

Ingredients
90ml Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp hot water
diced lemon
diced candid lemon for garnish

Method
Did someone call for Summer in a glass? Refreshing and oh, so, good, this cocktail screams chilled out backyard BBQ’s. Mix the honey and boiling water in a cocktail shaker, muddle the diced lemon with the honey mixture, add the whisky, and shake to combine. Strain into glass with ice and garnish with a few chunks of candied lemon on a cocktail stick . Voilà!

Sark Sour

Cutty Sark Sour Whisky Cocktail The Three Drinkers

Ingredients
45ml Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
60ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15ml maple syrup
1/2 egg white
Dash of cinnamon

Method
Deliciously creamy and zingy, this is one to make when you want to impress a date with “I totally know how to make cocktails.” Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice. Next, add the ice and shake for about 30 seconds until chilled. Strain into glass over ice, and enjoy!

The Captain’s Tea

Cutty Sark The Captain's Tea Whisky Cocktail Recipe The Three Drinkers

Ingredients
45ml Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
Peach iced tea
Lemon
Ice cubes

Method
Fill your highball glass with ice, add the whisky and top up with peach tea. Stir gently to combine the liquid and garnish with a lemon wedge. Simple. Perfection. The End!

If you are a whisky cocktail lover, why not check out these 5 stunning Glen Moray whisky cocktails?

Glen Moray: The Speyside Gem You Can't Miss

Glen Moray Distillery Scotch Whisky Speyside

Nestled in the heart of Speyside, along the tranquil banks of the River Lossie, lies a distillery that's been quietly crafting exceptional Scotch whisky for over a century—Glen Moray. Back in 2019, we had the absolute pleasure of filming The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky there, diving deep into their rich history, unwavering passion, and, most importantly, their delightful drams. But what sets Glen Moray apart from the rest? It's simple: they produce top-quality whisky that's ridiculously easy to enjoy, no matter your experience level.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Glen Moray's story begins in 1897 when the Elgin West Brewery, established in 1830, was transformed into the whisky distillery we know today. From the outset, they showcased a pioneering spirit by experimenting with various cask finishes, a practice that was ahead of its time and has since become a hallmark of their innovative approach.

What's Glen Moray Whisky Like?
To put it plainly - Glen Moray is a whisky for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just starting your whisky journey, there's something here for you. They use pure water from the River Lossie, locally sourced non-GM malted barley, and traditional copper stills to craft a lineup of whiskies that range from light and sweet to rich and complex. Their Classic Single Malt is smooth, balanced, and packed with vanilla, orchard fruits, and a zing of citrus - think of it as the gateway dram to their entire collection.

Glen Moray Explorer Range

Glen Moray Explorer Range Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky


Glen Moray has never been afraid to experiment. In fact, they've been playing with cask finishes since their inception in 1897 - well before it was the cool thing to do. They source top-quality American and European oak casks, using both first-fill and refill barrels to create a range of distinct flavour profiles. Their Explorer Range features six whiskies, each offering something unique:

Glen Moray Classic Single Malt

Glen Moray Our Classic Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This is the dram we keep coming back to, and for good reason. Matured in American oak, it’s a gentle, smooth sipper bursting with orchard fruits, vanilla, and a citrusy zing. It's basically sunshine in a glass, and at under £25, it might just be one of the best bargains in the single malt world. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or mixed into a whisky sour—it's endlessly versatile.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.40

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Double Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glen Moray’s take on this Speyside classic is indulgent, rich, and ridiculously sippable. Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, this one brings notes of sultanas, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and sticky toffee pudding. There's a real festive feel to it, like a whisky-sized hug. Mix it into a Moray Clan cocktail (whisky, cream, and amaretto) or just enjoy it by the fire with your slippers on.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.95

Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish

Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Double Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

If you like your whisky to come with a side of intrigue, this one’s for you. The Chardonnay casks bring out caramelised tropical fruit, nutty vanilla, and a warming spice that creeps up slowly. It’s rich, mellow, and has just the right amount of "ooh, what is that flavour?" Try it with ham and pineapple pizza. We know. Trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.35

Glen Moray Cabernet Cask Finish

Glen Moray Cabernet Cask Double Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Just when you think Glen Moray can't surprise you again, they hit you with this red wine-finished wonder. Matured in French Cabernet Sauvignon casks, it’s bold and full-bodied, packed with jammy red fruits, silky toffee, and a whisper of spice. It’s the whisky you reach for after dinner with a square of dark chocolate. Or three. No judgement here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.95

Glen Moray Port Cask Finish

Glen Moray Port Cask Finish Double Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A dram that feels like a dessert but drinks like a dream. This expression starts off in ex-bourbon barrels before spending eight months in Tawny Port casks, and the result is an explosion of red berries, raisins, vanilla, and warm baking spice. It’s perfect for mixing into a whisky-based Old Fashioned with a twist - or for just kicking back with on a lazy Sunday.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.95

Glen Moray Peated Malt

Glen Moray Peated Malt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Yes, Glen Moray does peat, and yes, it’s glorious. This one is smoky, but not in a "campfire just swallowed your face" way. Think gentle peat, subtle citrus, orchard fruits, and creamy vanilla all dancing together in one harmonious dram. If you're peat-curious, start here. If you're already a fan, you’ll find this a lighter, more playful take on your usual smoky suspects.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.95

Glen Moray's commitment to quality hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2024, their Head of Whisky Creation, Stephen Woodcock, was crowned Global Master Distiller of the Year at the Whisky Magazine Awards. Additionally, their Warehouse 1 "Phoenix Rising" expression received double accolades, further cementing Glen Moray's reputation for excellence.

If you ever find yourself in Elgin, a trip to Glen Moray's distillery is a must. Their visitor centre offers year-round tours and tastings, providing an intimate glimpse into their whisky-making process. Plus, being part of Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail, it's a perfect stop for any whisky enthusiast exploring Speyside.

Glen Moray is a whisky brand that keeps things fun, flavourful, and accessible. Whether you're dipping your toes into whisky for the first time or looking for a new favourite, their Explorer Range has a dram for every mood and moment. So go on - pour yourself a glass, kick back, and enjoy the adventure. Slàinte!

If you’re feeling thirsty for a Glen Moray cocktail, make sure you check out these 5 Stunning Glen Moray Classic Cocktails