When Cù Bòcan first released its limited-edition 15-year-old whisky in 2022, it was the first time the brand had released an age-stated whisky. The lightly peated brand is produced at Tomatin Distillery, which recently celebrated its master distiller and distillery manager of 34 years Graham Eunson on his retirement.

Cù Bòcan, 15 Years Old

Tomatin Distillery

ABV: 50% | Style: Single Malt | Country: Scotland | Region: Highland | Bottling: Distillery | Availability: Worldwide

Combined taster score: 16.3

Bradley says...

Straight away there’s a cherry sweetness that overwhelms the nose. Also hints of grape, apple, and plum. The fruit-forwardness continues on the mouth, with cherry Bakewell tart. An ideal whisky if you’re looking for something with a cherry on top.

Alwynne says...

Wood polish and freeze-dried raspberries to start, then some Honey Nut Cheerios and wax. On the palate, cooked strawberries in syrup, runny toffee, vanilla bean, dried hay, and red chillies. Robust yet playful — a delightfully rich Highland malt.

Read Bradley and Alwynne's full tasting notes here.

=3rd: Ardbeg — Eureka!

Ardbeg's Eureka! bottling was made with input from the distillery's fans in celebration of a milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee. Based on feedback from 100 Committee members, Eureka! is combination of spirit aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks with roasted malt spirit matured in bourbon casks.

Ardbeg, Eureka!

Moët Hennessey

ABV: 52.2% | Style: Single Malt | Country: Scotland | Region: Islay | Bottling: Distillery | Availability: Worldwide

Combined taster score: 16.4

Bradley says...

A burst of raisins, followed by the scent of sea salt. Reminiscent of walking along the coast on a blistering morning. Kiwi, and mango give this a surprising fruity burst. Then, seaweed and salted crisps. Chocolate biscuits. Certainly not your average dram.

Alwynne says...

A soft smokiness rolls out of the glass, with notes of iodine, icing sugar, and tinned pineapple to edge it along. There's a whack of heat without water which makes for a bold sip. With a drop of water, it becomes fresher and sweeter. Very appealing.

Read Bradley and Alwynne's full tasting notes here.

=3rd: The Lakes Distillery — Signature

Signature is the Lakes Distillery's first permanent sherry-led single malt whisky. Crafted by whisky maker Sarah Burgess, Signature uses the distillery's élevage system — a technique that adjusts the way whisky is aged in order to enhance certain characteristics.

The Lakes Distillery, Signature

Nyetimber Group

ABV: 47% | Style: Single Malt | Country: England | Region: N/A | Bottling: Distillery | Availability: Worldwide

Combined taster score: 16.4

Bradley says...

Delightfully fruity. Raspberries, cherries, strawberries. If it’s a red fruit, you’ve got it. On the palate, Cherry Pepsi. Hint of red grapes. Then, notes of raisins, fig. This is a thoroughly enjoyable fruity whisky, particularly for those with a sweet tooth.

Alwynne says...

Quite gentle for the ABV — there’s a nice amount of fleshy fruit here (apricots, tinned peaches), then sweet toffee and orange peel. As the palate progresses, some brambles and a bit of grass. A well-balanced whisky that gives more as the sip continues.

Read Bradley and Alwynne's full tasting notes here.

=2rd: Kilchoman — Batch Strength

Kilchoman launched Batch Strength in 2024 as a permanent addition to its core range. The whisky has been matured in a combination of re-charred red wine, oloroso sherry, and bourbon casks for what Kilchoman founder Anthony Wills described as a "giant of a dram".

Kilchoman, Batch Strength

Kilchoman Distillery

ABV: 57% | Style: Single Malt | Country: Scotland | Region: Islay | Bottling: Distillery | Availability: Worldwide

Combined taster score: 16.6

Bradley says...

The flavour profile has two distinct parts. The first is meaty. Hamburger, pork belly, well-done steak. The second has a soft citrus-forward subtlety. Apples, pears, lemonade. A powerful, assertive, smoky dram that reveals a softer side.

Alwynne says...

On the nose, there’s soft white sugar, the smell of the sea, and a hint of candle wax, some grassiness and iodine too. Punchier on the palate but, again, pleasantly so. Soft but really lingering peat smoke, lemon sponge and madeleines. A whisky that grabs your palate and wraps it all up.

Read Bradley and Alwynne's full tasting notes here.

=1st: The Glenlivet — 25 Years Old

Released as part of its Sample Room Collection, this 25-year-old single malt by The Glenlivet has been finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry and Tronçais oak Cognac casks. In 2024, the distillery reached a major milestone, marking its 200th anniversary alongside four other Speyside distilleries. 

The Glenlivet, 25 Years Old

Chivas Brothers

ABV: 43% | Style: Single Malt | Country: Scotland | Region: Speyside | Bottling: Distillery | Availability: UK

Combined taster score: 17

Bradley says...

Exceptionally smooth and well-rounded. There’s a stunning combination of fruits, with a sweetness of chocolate-coated raisins. Juicy oranges. Baked biscuits. Medium in length; pineapple and orange lingers. A very smooth, delightfully sippable Scotch. A dram for all seasons.

Alwynne says...

This one draws me in immediately: warm pineapple, grainy pears, maple syrup, and some red fruits — perhaps raspberry. It’s vibrant and enticing, with great fruit and spice across the whole palate. A luscious and frankly delicious whisky — the right balance of alcohol heat alongside the sweetness.

Read Bradley and Alwynne's full tasting notes here.

How does blind tasting work at Whisky Magazine?

• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV, country/region, and style the only information disclosed.
• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period.
• Tasters work to tasting and scoring guidelines in order to assess samples consistently.
• The top-scoring sample is awarded Editor’s Choice.
• Samples receiving scores of 16.5+ receive a Recommended award.